The elite foreign university’s branch has opened in Almaty

The first 100 Kazakhstani students started studying at one of the best universities in the world: the grand opening of the CityU Institute of Research and Innovation (CIRI) took place on the basis of Satbayev University. This is the first scientific and educational institute in Kazakhstan, created jointly with City University of Hong Kong, as part of executing the instruction of State’s Head Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to increase the number of foreign universities’ branches. The new institute will become a platform for cross-border scientific cooperation and world-class personnel training. This is the first City branch established outside of China, which marks an important milestone for both China and Kazakhstan.

"The opening of the foreign university’s branch at Satbayev University is part of a large-scale program of RK Science and Higher Education Ministry, which is aimed at improving the education quality and scientific research in Kazakhstan. Thanks to the support of the state, Kazakhstani students will have the opportunity to receive world-class education in world-class research centers such as CityU," said Meiram Begentayev, Rector of Satbayev University.

The ceremony was attended by: Vice Minister of RK MSHE Dinara Shcheglova, Deputy Akim of Almaty Azamat Kaldybekov, Consul General of PRC Jiang Wei and other officials.

"Today we have opened not just a branch, we are creating a foundation for training global leaders and innovative scientists who are able to solve the fundamental problems of all mankind and contribute to the prosperity of both Kazakhstan and Hong Kong, as well as the entire global community," said Michael Ngai, Chairman of CityU Board of Directors.

On the same day, the memorandum was signed between Satbayev University and CityU on launching the joint dual PhD program. This is the first such agreement between the university in Kazakhstan and a leading foreign university among the TOP 100 universities in the world.

"Congratulations on the official opening of the reputable foreign university campus in our glorious city. I am convinced that this step will open up new opportunities for Kazakhstani students to receive world-class education at leading universities such as CityU and Satbayev University. I believe that CIRI will serve not only as a research and innovation center, but also stimulate the introduction of new resource-saving and innovative developments into the city's economy, as well as strengthen the position of the metropolis as a leading educational hub in the Central Asian region," said Deputy Akim of Almaty Azamat Kaldybekov.

CityU is one of the fastest growing young research universities in the world, which in a short time won 62^nd position in the QS ranking and 78^th place in Times Higher Education ranking. According to Stanford University, more than 170 CityU faculty are among the top 2% of the most cited scientists in the world.

According to the previously signed strategic partnership agreement between the two universities, two-degree educational programs in Material Science, Computer Science (computer science with the focus on artificial intelligence) and Civil Engineering were launched in the "2+2" format for bachelor's degree and "1+1" for master's degree.

Studying at the branch gives Satbayev University students the opportunity to study entirely in English as part of the state grant from Science and Higher Education Ministry. The first 2 years of bachelor's degree are held in Almaty, the remaining 2 years in Hong Kong, and PhD program participants will have a unique opportunity to train in the world's leading laboratories together with global research teams while studying in Hong Kong.

The opening of CityU Institute of Research and Innovation at Satbayev University is an important step in executing the instructions of State’s Head and Concept of higher education and science development. The establishment of the branch of one of the world's leading universities is aimed at developing the Kazakh higher education system, increasing its competitiveness through knowledge transfer, the introduction of world best practices and attracting international students.