On April 17–18, 2026, the delegation of the Kazakh Ablai Khan University of International Relations and World Languages took part in the International Education Promotion Conference “Study in Chongqing – 2026,” held at the partner institution — Southwest University (PRC). Participation in this event marked an important step in strengthening academic and inter-university cooperation between Kazakhstan and China.
During the opening ceremony, Vice-Rector for Social Affairs and Educational Work T.V. Seryozhkina delivered a welcoming speech on behalf of Acting Chairperson of the Board – Rector D.A. Kunanbayeva, emphasizing the importance of expanding educational ties and developing international partnership initiatives. In her speech, she noted that education has always played a significant role in shaping diplomatic relations, strategic partnerships, and mutual trust between universities of China. Addressing the international audience, she also highlighted the importance of historical and cultural ties between the two countries, stating: “We are especially proud that the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, once studied at Beijing Language and Culture University, which serves as a powerful symbol of the deep and strong ties between our nations.”
One of the key indicators of cooperation development is the growing number of Kazakhstani students choosing Chongqing as their study destination. According to available data, in 2025, 327 students from Kazakhstan were studying at 16 universities in the city. This figure demonstrates the increasing attractiveness of Chongqing’s educational environment for students from Central Asia and strengthens its position in the international academic arena.
A significant role in bilateral relations is played by the partnership with Southwest University, which has been successfully developing for nearly a decade. Within this cooperation, the Confucius Institute was established, becoming an important platform for cultural and educational exchange. The annual student exchange program, involving up to 10 participants from each side, ensures a stable and effective mechanism for academic interaction.
An additional milestone in deepening cooperation was the signing of an agreement to implement a joint educational program under the “1+2+1” model, which предусматривает обучение студентов в вузах-партнерах с получением международного академического опыта. This initiative is expected to become a new stage in institutional partnership development and expand opportunities for training highly qualified specialists.
The prospects for further cooperation are assessed as highly favorable. Special attention will be given to expanding academic mobility programs, developing joint educational projects, exchanging faculty members, and strengthening cooperation in vocational education. University representatives emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership, noting that Chongqing is viewed not only as an academic partner but also as a reliable ally open to new initiatives and joint achievements.
In the context of the globalization of education, further development of Kazakhstan–China cooperation will contribute to training a new generation of specialists with international competencies capable of making a significant contribution to the sustainable development of both countries.
Particular attention during the opening ceremony was paid to the meeting between the Vice-Rector and students studying at Southwest University under academic mobility programs, which allowed for a discussion of their academic experience and study conditions. Issues of student adaptation to the international educational environment, the quality of the learning process, and future academic and professional prospects were addressed. Students shared their impressions, noting the high level of teaching, developed infrastructure, and favorable conditions for intercultural interaction.
The participation of the Ablaikhan University delegation in the “Study in Chongqing – 2026” conference confirmed the university’s commitment to actively developing international cooperation and strengthening its position in the global educational space. The established contacts and agreements provide a solid foundation for further joint initiatives and the expansion of the university’s partnership network.
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