Coventry University eyeing Kazakhstan branch campus

Coventry University has announced that it is exploring the possibility of opening an international campus in Kazakhstan.

The proposed campus in Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital, would offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to be introduced in phases over the coming years.

A Kazakhstan government minister told Times Higher Education last year how the country was angling to tap into the expertise of Western universities in its bid to become a regional higher education hub, with international universities that set up joint campuses receiving financial support from the government.

Coventry is collaborating with a subsidiary of Primus Education to open the campus, and will also discuss a collaboration for teacher training and education programmes to be delivered at the campus.

These programmes include the International Postgraduate Certificate in Education with International Qualified Teacher Status (iPGCE with iQTS), aimed at contributing to capacity building and enhancing professional development for schoolteachers in Kazakhstan.

John Latham, vice-chancellor of Coventry, said the move was a wonderful opportunity to help Kazakhstan address a need identified within its education system.

“We have established collaborations with more than 70 universities and colleges worldwide and currently offer transnational education to more than 21,000 students globally,” added Professor Latham.

“Our network spans across all continents and our hopes for Kazakhstan demonstrate Coventry University’s commitment to learners in Asia.”

The Midlands institution recently announced the opening of a new global hub in New Delhi. It also already has partnerships with bases in London, Scarborough, Belgium, Poland, Egypt, Dubai, Singapore and Morocco.

The proposed new development was an exciting opportunity for both students and Kazakhstan, according to Alister Bartholomew, president of Primus Education.

“This step aligns with Kazakhstan’s strategic vision to become a regional educational hub, enhancing access to UK degrees and making world-class learning more attainable,” he added.

“The government’s progressive policies are essential to this success, fostering an environment that supports academic excellence and embraces best educational practices.”

Coventry University Kazakhstan is the latest sign that the country’s higher education sector is internationalising, with three universities opening outposts there between 2021 and 2022, including the UK’s De Montfort University.

Another six were due to open last year, and there are plans for more before the end of the decade.

patrick.jack@timeshighereducation.com