Departments

The main tasks of the International Programs and Cooperation Department

• Coordinating the university's international activities and monitoring the implementation of agreements and memorandums with international partners.

• Establishing and developing partnerships with foreign universities and organizations.

• Implementing international educational and research projects, participating in grant programs.

• Organizing visits of foreign delegations and participating in international conferences, forums, and seminars.

• Planning, developing, and implementing international programs and areas of cooperation, as well as monitoring their quality    implementation.

• Providing information support to university faculties and departments on matters of international cooperation.

Section «International Cooperation»

The university currently has 178 joint agreements and memorandums of cooperation with universities, organizations, and research institutes from 30 countries near and far.

A full list of international agreements can be found at the link:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19mED_tzvm3qgcAo5ee5L70yxTlBNC5wz/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=113207462776413702309&rtpof=true&sd=true

Top-100 (1 university):

·        Zhejiang University – 49

Top-200 (2 universities):

·        Sapienza University of Rome – 128

·        Indian Institute of Technology Bombay – 129

Top-500 (5 universities):

·        École Normale Supérieure de Lyon  - 205

·        Kazan Federal University – 450

·        University of Tsukuba – 350

·        University of Turin – 408

·        Technische Universität Dresden – 218

Section «International Cooperation»

Abai University is actively developing international educational initiatives aimed at integrating into the global educational space and enhancing the competitiveness of its graduates. Participation in international programs offers students and faculty unique opportunities: studying and internships at leading international universities, expanding their academic and professional horizons, and learning foreign languages ​​and cultures.

Subsection «Double-diploma educational programs»

Subsection «Erasmus+ Program»

Erasmus+ is the European Union's international program in education, science, and youth policy, in which Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University actively participates. The program aims to support and develop academic mobility for students, faculty, and administrative staff, as well as implement joint educational and research projects with European universities.

How does the program work?

Abai University has bilateral agreements with a number of European universities, allowing our students to study abroad for one or two semesters, and faculty and staff to complete short internships or lecture at partner universities. All courses completed at the foreign university are fully credited toward the university's curriculum.

For students

• Study at European universities under approved educational programs.

• Duration of study: 6 to 12 months (depending on the agreement).

• Opportunity to study subjects in your specialty.

• All ECTS credits earned abroad can be credited toward the Abai University curriculum.

For faculty and staff

• Lectures and master classes at partner universities.

• Short-term internships lasting from 5 days to 2 months.

• Participation in international scientific and educational projects as part of joint teams.

Financial Support

Erasmus+ participants receive a grant from the European Commission, which covers basic travel and living expenses abroad. The grant amount depends on the country and the length of stay. Assistance with visas and supporting documents is also provided.

Why participate?

• Opportunity to study at leading European universities and gain international academic experience.

• Improve language skills and become familiar with new educational methods.

• Expand professional contacts and increase competitiveness in the labor market.

• Recognition of international credits and courses without losing time in the educational process.

How to apply?

Participants are selected on a competitive basis. Requirements:

• Being a student or employee of Abai University;

• A certificate confirming English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or a similar international certificate) is mandatory;

• Provide an academic transcript, a motivation letter, and pass an interview.

All current announcements regarding the Erasmus+ program competition is published on the website and social media of Abai University.

Subsection «Bolashak Program (Scientific Internships)»

The Bolashak Program is a state scholarship program of the Republic of Kazakhstan that provides opportunities for research internships at leading foreign universities and research centers.

Program focus areas

• Research internships for young scientists and faculty members at higher education institutions.

• Professional development through modern research and educational practices.

• Participation in joint research projects with international colleagues.

Participation Requirements

• Participants must work in the field of education or science.

• Professional and research achievements.

• Proficiency in the national and foreign languages ​​at a level consistent with the requirements established by the Working Body (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent / QAZAQ RESMI TEST).

• Successful completion of a competitive selection process, including testing and interviews.

Benefits of Participation

• Opportunity to intern at leading global universities and research centers.

• Acquire the latest knowledge and skills necessary for the implementation of advanced technologies and methodologies in Kazakhstan.

• Full funding of expenses: travel, accommodation, tuition and health insurance are covered by the state.

Section «International Projects»

In 2025, two Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility grants were awarded in cooperation with the Teacher Training College Tyrol (Austria) and Mykolas Romeris University (Lithuania).

In 2024, two projects were submitted as Erasmus+ CBHE grantholders:

1. Doctoral Studies and Vocational Education and Training (VETKZ) in Kazakhstan

The project builds on the Erasmus+ CBHE KazDual initiative, which established a dual system of vocational education and the KazDual Observatory of Excellence in Kazakhstan.

To address the shortage of research specialists, it is proposed to create doctoral programs. Kazakhstan has reformed its education sector to improve quality and align vocational training with economic diversification goals.

The dual system of vocational education, modeled on the German model, combines theory and practice, thereby expanding employment opportunities. Despite the growing demand for highly qualified specialists, including PhDs in vocational education, specific programs at this level have not yet been developed.

2.     Certification of Competencies for Non-Formal and Informal Learning in Kazakhstan (COMCERT KZ)

The COMCERT KZ project aims to address the growing need for official recognition of skills and competencies acquired outside traditional educational institutions. The project's main goals are to create a reliable system that validates and certifies competencies acquired through non-formal and informal learning through the development of a microcredit mechanism.

The project is being implemented by a consortium comprising universities from Kazakhstan and Europe, technical colleges, employer representatives, quality and accreditation agencies, and the Ministry of Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.