The British Council strengthens partnership with Kazakhstan in the field of education and culture

The Chief Executive of the British Council, Scott McDonald, visited Kazakhstan to hold strategic meetings with the Minister of Science and Higher Education, as well as key partners in the fields of education, English language teaching and the arts. Among the main topics of discussion were improving the quality and internationalisation of Kazakhstani higher education, supporting local creative industries and further modernising the English language teacher training system.

The next stages of reforming the English language teacher training system in Kazakhstan, the sustainable development of the rapidly expanding transnational education sector, and the prospects for deepening cooperation between the UK and Kazakhstan in the fields of education, English language and the arts were the key topics of the official visit to Kazakhstan by British Council Chief Executive Scott McDonald, which took place from 11 to 13 November.

One of the key areas of the programme was discussion of the next stage in the development of transnational education in Kazakhstan. The main focus was on building a comprehensive system based on the principles of quality, sustainable development, practical relevance and sector-wide transformation. The discussion was attended by representatives of nine British universities operating in Kazakhstan, including Cardiff University, Coventry University and Queen's University Belfast.

Participants also considered the possibility of establishing a Community of Practice in Kazakhstan, which would coordinate joint activities, develop the exchange of professional experience, share research findings and strengthen interaction between participants in the sector.

Commenting on the outcome of the meeting, Scott McDonald noted:

"This new model of cooperation is closely linked to the wider mission of the British Council – to build connections, develop mutual understanding and trust through long-term partnerships that bring mutual benefit. Our Transnational Education Strategy for 2025–2027 sets an ambitious goal: to ensure high-quality transnational education that is strategically focused, partnership-driven, student-centred and inclusive. Kazakhstan offers particularly promising opportunities for achieving this goal, given the pace of development already achieved in this area. We are committed to building on the results achieved to create long-term value for both the UK and Kazakhstan."

Another important area of the visit was the improvement of the pre-service teacher education and training (PRESETT) system for future English language teachers in Kazakhstan.

During a working session with representatives of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, higher education institutions, teacher training specialists and experts, the British Council and its partners presented research findings and related recommendations. Participants discussed how to move from developing the proposed recommendations to piloting them, followed by large-scale implementation and ensuring long-term sustainable results.

The visit programme also included meetings at the residence of the British Ambassador to Kazakhstan, which provided further opportunities to shape the future of UK–Kazakhstan relations through cooperation in the arts, English language teaching and education.

Commenting on the visit, Director of the British Council in Kazakhstan Robert Taylor noted: "Kazakhstan and Central Asia as a whole offer significant opportunities for the development of international education, reform of the education system and deepening cultural cooperation.