A Bridge to Professional Growth: Auezov University Branch in Chirchik

Cross-border initiatives that create new opportunities for young people and the regional economy are becoming an important part of Central Asia’s educational landscape. A striking example of such a partnership is the opening of a branch of M. Auezov South Kazakhstan Research University in the city of Chirchik, the Republic of Uzbekistan. The initiative, enshrined in intergovernmental agreements between the two countries, is gradually taking shape as a dynamic scientific and educational centre.

The history of the project began back in 2017, amid growing interest among the applicants from Uzbekistan in studying at South Kazakhstan University. A year later, the university’s educational and consulting centre began operating in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, but over time the rapid growth in the number of students called for a larger-scale format. In August 2024, the branch, established on a parity basis, officially opened its doors to its first students in Chirchik, and the participation of the presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in the opening ceremony confirmed the importance of the project.

FIRST RESULTS AND THE DYNAMICS OF DEVELOPMENT

Over the past two academic years, the branch has successfully completed the stage of organisational development: the educational process has been established, a structure of academic and administrative units has been formed, and additional master’s programmes have been launched.

The branch’s academic and extracurricular life is already marked by achievements. A student team took second place at an international hackathon in Shymkent, and on 7 August 2026 the students won silver at a major esports competition. The research side is making itself known as well: Sh. Atabayev’s became the branch’s first publication in a first-quartile (Q1) journal indexed in the international Scopus database.

A landmark event in the life of the branch was Sayasat Nurbek’s visit in 2025, the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who familiarised himself with how studies are organised, spoke with students and gave them a lecture.

The branch currently educates 560 students. The programme has attracted young people from across the country: most come from Tashkent Region, and applicants have also arrived from the Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan, Samarkand Region and other regions of Uzbekistan.

The branch’s educational portfolio includes 18 accredited fields of study, designed to meet the needs of industry. 

Engineering and chemistry: chemical technology of inorganic and organic substances, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, mechanics, oil and gas engineering.

Technologies of the future and ecology: information systems, automation and control, electric power engineering, ecology, biotechnology, life safety.

Applied industries: food engineering, textile materials technology.

Humanities: economics, law and international law.

The branch’s academic map continues to expand with new content:

the bachelor’s range has expanded with “Primary Teacher Training” and “Tourism” fields and since 2025 master’s programmes in economics, law, ecology and information systems have opened.

In addition, the branch is developing a system of continuing professional education, retraining and professional development.

The educational process relies on modern information and educational technologies and is inseparably linked with fundamental and applied scientific research. To help students adapt to real-world production, departmental branches will be set up at enterprises in the region and a dual form of education will be organised.

The branch is open to cooperation with government and public organisations and to active participation in socially significant projects in Tashkent Region. Auezov University sees its graduate as a well-rounded person with a high level of professional and civic culture.

STRATEGIC LOCATION AND ACADEMIC TIES

The branch’s location on the territory of the Chirchik Industrial and Chemical Technopark, next to the Advanced Engineering School of the Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology, opens up additional opportunities for students: laboratory and practical classes in core subjects are held in the engineering school’s modern laboratories. This ensures a high level of visual clarity and practical training while the branch builds its own laboratory capacity and expands its research resources. In the future, the construction of a dedicated campus of Auezov University branch in Uzbekistan is planned.

The branch’s development relies actively on academic cooperation.

. Under a memorandum of cooperation with Chirchik State Pedagogical University, leading CSPU teachers are involved in teaching general education disciplines.

In August this year, an agreement on mutual cooperation was concluded with Tashkent branch of D. I. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia. Meetings are being held and possible areas of cooperation are being discussed with the National University of Uzbekistan and the Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology.

The branch’s staff is formed on the principle of synergy between the experience of two countries, with about 40% of the teaching staff from Auezov University. This makes it possible to combine the academic experience of specialists from different countries with knowledge of the local educational environment and the specifics of students’ language preparation, while the geographic proximity of Chirchik and Shymkent makes it possible to maintain direct interaction with the parent university.

The combination of a diploma of international standard, the academic traditions of the two states and a practice-oriented approach to teaching opens up the widest professional horizons for students of the Chirchik branch.

OUR STUDENTS SPEAK

Azamatov Abzal, “Economics” degree programme, group ЧФ-25-1р:

– The main reason I decided to enrol in Auezov University branch in Chirchik is an opportunity to receive a quality education and a diploma from a Kazakhstan’s university while staying in Uzbekistan. For me this is a good option: I can study close to home and at the same time gain a different educational experience. The admission process and interview went calmly and in a friendly manner; all the stages were clear and well organised.

What interests me most here is the professional subjects related to economics, and projects where knowledge can be applied in practice. I like working with specific examples and tasks, analysing real economic situations. This helps not just to memorise the material but to understand how it can be useful in my future profession.

To those who are now thinking about how they will study at university, I would advise not to be afraid to try new things and to use every opportunity that studying offers. It is not worth limiting yourself to classes alone: you can take part in events, talk with teachers and other students, and develop in different directions. The more active the student is, the more interesting student life is and the more experience they gain.

Egamberdieva Nafosat, “Law” degree programme, group ЧФ-24-2у1:

– What I like most is the practical format of the classes. When we analyse specific cases and complete practical assignments, the material is more understandable and memorable. It seems to me that this format is especially useful for a future profession, because it gradually teaches you to apply the knowledge you gain rather than simply reproduce theory.

We learn from teachers from the two countries, each with their own professional and academic experience. You can see different approaches to the same topic, compare them and ask questions. This broadens your horizons and makes studying more varied. I think this experience will be useful after graduation as well.

The atmosphere at the branch is friendly and active. It was fairly easy for me to adapt to studying, get to know other students and find like-minded people. We communicate not only in class, but also take part in various events together. Gradually you get a sense that you are part of a shared student community.

Khayriddinov Parvizbek, “Law” degree programme, group ЧФ-24-2у1:

– Studying at the branch offers additional opportunities for the professional development and employment. From the very beginning I wanted to link my career with law, so the availability of this field played an important role in choosing the branch. I am interested in studying at a Kazakhstan’s university without leaving my own country and in listening to lectures by teachers from different countries. After receiving my diploma, I want to work in my field, develop as a lawyer, and be engaged in legal analysis and consulting. In the future I am also interested in continuing my studies.

During our studies we become familiar with different approaches and learn to analyse and compare. I would like to use the knowledge I have gained in my professional work, including work that may involve cooperation between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

I also try to take an active part in the branch’s public life, intellectual events and various student projects. For me this is an opportunity to develop not only in terms of studies. It helps me learn to work in a team, communicate with different people, argue my position and speak to an audience with more confidence. I believe this experience will also be useful in my future profession.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree programmes

• 6B04110 Economics

• 6B04210 Law

• 6B01301 Primary Education (IP)

• 6B05120 Biotechnology

• 6B05210 Ecology

• 6B06120 Information Systems

• 6B07110 Automation and Control

• 6B07130 Transport, Transport Engineering and Technology

• 6B07150 Electric Power Engineering

• 6B11110 Tourism

Master’s degree programmes

• 7M04110 Economics

• 7M04210 Law

• 7M05210 Ecology

• 7M06120 Information Systems

* The list of educational programmes may be expanded next year.

Languages of instruction: Uzbek, Russian, Kazakh, English.

Admission

Documents are accepted from 1 June to 24 August. Selection is carried out through an interview with representatives of Auezov University and teachers from the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Fees and grants

Studies are organised on a fee-paying contractual basis; however, substantial support is provided for talented applicants from families in need of social protection – at least 5% of the annual intake is allocated to grants for this category of applicants.

Diploma

Graduates receive an Auezov University diploma, which is recognised in the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Zulfiya KONARBAYEVA,

Deputy Director for Academic Affairs,

Branch of NJSC “Mukhtar Auezov South Kazakhstan University”,

Chirchik (Republic of Uzbekistan) 

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ABSTRACT

The branch of the Kazakhstan’s university M. Auezov SKRU in the city of Chirchik, the Republic of Uzbekistan, opened two years ago, offers bachelor’s and master’s programmes. The educational and research experience of two friendly countries helps broaden students’ professional prospects. The branch cooperates with Uzbek and Russian universities, expanding these ties year by year, and is also developing a system of continuing professional education, retraining and professional development.