BRI Stories | NPU Kazakhstan branch strengthens China-Kazakhstan educational exchange

This photo shows the Kazakhstan branch of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Almaty, Kazakhstan, June 26, 2024.

ALMATY, July 2 (Xinhua) -- A striking building in Almaty now displays the name "Kazakhstan Branch of Northwestern Polytechnical University" in Kazakh, Chinese and English. This marks a significant milestone in educational collaboration between China and Kazakhstan.

In May 2023, during the China-Central Asia Summit, Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) of China and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University signed a cooperation agreement to establish the Kazakhstan branch of NPU.

In October 2023, just before the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, the Kazakhstan branch of NPU officially opened and welcomed its first cohort of students. The branch focuses on graduate programs in materials science, computer science and technology, and information and communication engineering.

Students take a class at the Kazakhstan branch of NPU in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Oct. 12, 2023.

Professor Liu Zhe (L) from the School of Materials of NPU gives a class at the Kazakhstan branch of NPU in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

This photo shows the entrance of the Kazakhstan branch of NPU in Almaty, Kazakhstan, June 26, 2024.

One of the first students, 22-year-old Bolysbek Murat Yerzhanuly, is pursuing a master's degree in computer science and technology, specializing in the application of artificial intelligence in the medical field.

In early June, Murat and seven other students traveled to Xi'an, China, for their thesis proposal evaluations at NPU's main campus. During their stay, they explored the campus, visited the ancient city walls, and immersed themselves in the local culture. With the guidance of their professors, all eight students completed their thesis proposals.

Murat, a student of the Kazakhstan branch of NPU, borrows a book at the library of NPU in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 26, 2024.

Kazakhstan students Turegali Amir, Issayeva Gaukhar, Bolysbek Murat Yerzhanuly, Dautov Timur (from R to L) pose for a photo on the campus of NPU in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)

Dautov Timur (4th L), a student of the Kazakhstan Branch of NPU, participates in a proposal review meeting at NPU in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 24, 2024.

Murat (R) and Turegali Amir (L), students of the Kazakhstan Branch of NPU, are seen at the library of NPU in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 26, 2024.

Issayeva Gaukhar, a student of the Kazakhstan Branch of NPU, reads at the library of NPU in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 26, 2024.

Dautov Timur, a student of the Kazakhstan branch of NPU, reads a book at the library of NPU in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 26, 2024.

Students from the Kazakhstan Branch of NPU take part in cultural activities of the Dragon Boat Festival in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 8, 2024.

Starting in September, Murat and his classmates will embark on a one-year study program in Xi'an. "Xi'an is a beautiful city, and I feel very comfortable here," Murat said. "The collaboration between the two universities has deepened our understanding of each other's countries and provided us with more opportunities."

Students from the Kazakhstan branch of NPU talk on the campus of NPU in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 26, 2024.

Kazakhstan students Bolysbek Murat Yerzhanuly, Issayeva Gaukhar, Dautov Timur, Turegali Amir (from L to R) walk on the campus of NPU in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 26, 2024.

The Kazakhstan branch of NPU has already begun its recruitment for the new semester. A new group of young students will join the campus this September, continuing the tradition of mutual learning and cultural exchange, and becoming ambassadors of friendship between China and Kazakhstan.

Reporters：Xu Zuhua, Zhang Bowen, Bai Xueqi