MP Proposes Equal Status with Nazarbayev University for Kazakhstan's Leading Universities

A major "revolution" may be brewing in Kazakhstan's higher education system. Senator Galiaskar Sarybayev has proposed granting the country's leading universities the special status currently exclusive to Nazarbayev University (NU). According to the MP, the current management model "ties the hands" of universities and hinders their development.

Senator Sarybayev spoke openly about the "injustice" in the education market. While Nazarbayev University enjoys expanded autonomy and makes rapid decisions, other national research universities remain trapped by bureaucracy and outdated administrative systems.

"The current model prevents universities from attracting investment, developing international cooperation, and commercializing scientific projects," the senator noted.

The deputy did not just propose a change in status, but outlined 7 steps (with key highlights below) to fundamentally transform the system:

1. Legal Transformation: Granting national research universities autonomy on par with NU.

2. Financial Independence: Developing endowment funds and introducing a special procurement regime.

3. Eliminating Bureaucracy: Strengthening the work of boards of directors and leaving personnel and financial decisions to the universities themselves.

4. Monetizing Science: Creating conditions for scientists to turn their projects into businesses.

According to Sarybayev, modern universities should not just be educational institutions, but drivers of economic growth. If the country's leading universities gain freedom, they will be able to adapt quickly to global technological changes and compete with Nazarbayev University in international rankings.

If this initiative finds support, the quality of education in Kazakhstan could rise to a completely new level, expanding the boundaries of "elite" education.