Kazakhstan cracks down on poor universities to boost degree value
Kazakhstan's Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek has addressed the widespread belief that a university degree in Kazakhstan offers no advantage in the job market. The official made the remarks during a government briefing today, as reported by our correspondent.
According to the minister, this perception is outdated.
"We're still stuck in an outdated understanding of how universities work—somewhere back in the early 2000s," Nurbek said. "There's a stereotype that everything here is poor quality, that our universities are subpar, that there's no standard. But how would the economy grow if we didn't have an educated population?"
The minister acknowledged that some universities do fall short of requirements.
"There are institutions that simply don't hold up to scrutiny—the education they provide is substandard," he admitted. "We continue to revoke licenses and shut down such universities. It's a complex process."
At the same time, Nurbek noted that in recent years, the higher education system has undergone significant changes, with a strong focus on improving quality.
"Visit just three or four universities and see for yourselves. (...) Talk to the students—you'll see a different level of quality now," he said.
Nurbek also urged attention to the branches of foreign universities operating in Kazakhstan.
"Look at the infrastructure there, the faculty, how the process is structured. It's an entirely different standard," he emphasized.
The minister reassured that the government will continue increasing investment in education and raising its quality.
"The stereotype that a degree gives no advantage needs to change. Education here is already at a different level," he concluded.
