South Korean Model Sparks Innovation in Kazakhstan’s Tech University
Kazakhstan to Launch Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in Almaty
ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN — A significant milestone in Kazakhstan’s educational landscape is on the horizon with the establishment of the Qazaqstan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (QAIST), set to open in Almaty next year. Modeled after the prestigious Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), which ranks among the world’s top 100 universities, QAIST aims to emulate South Korea’s success in technology and innovation.
KAIST is renowned for its groundbreaking academic achievements, notably a recent method to revert cancer cells to their healthy state. The institution’s impressive record includes 176 patents registered in 2024, placing KAIST 10th globally according to the National Academy of Inventors.
The establishment of QAIST represents an opportunity to transform Kazakhstan’s scientific and technological landscape. It will focus on addressing critical challenges in fields such as engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, and materials science.
Currently, a feasibility study for each new department is underway, following an agreement signed in 2024. This initiative was born during the pandemic in 2020 when project managers Dana Moldakulova and Daniyar Anuaruly approached KAIST with the ambition of creating a leading research university in Kazakhstan.
“By creating QAIST based on the KAIST model, we are not just adopting the educational system, but the entire philosophy that enabled South Korea to achieve a technological breakthrough,” Moldakulova stated.
The university’s location in Almaty was strategically chosen due to the city’s robust industrial infrastructure and the presence of numerous manufacturing enterprises. This choice aligns with KAIST’s collaborative approach with industry.
“A more detailed location will be determined based on the ongoing feasibility study, which leading professors from KAIST are currently conducting. This study will cover research areas, infrastructure needs, space requirements, and other crucial aspects,” the QAIST team explained to The Astana Times.
QAIST plans to welcome its first cohort of approximately 500 students in 2026, although this number will be finalized based on the feasibility study findings. As a private institution, QAIST will be funded through private investment, with the total estimated project cost around $30 million.
The establishment of QAIST marks a significant step forward in scientific cooperation between Kazakhstan and South Korea. This new research university is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing high technology and nurturing a new generation of specialists equipped to tackle future challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
