Kazakhstan and China Strengthen Cooperation in Agricultural Education and Research

Fourteen students from Northwest A&F University (China) began their studies at the Faculty of Agrotechnology at Kozybayev University in the autumn semester of the 2026–2027 academic year. They are enrolled in the Animal Production Technology degree program, studying specialized subjects and preparing to undertake practical training at partner enterprises of the faculty.

The program includes not only university classes but also an introduction to the specific features of livestock farming in Northern Kazakhstan. The students will have the opportunity to observe production processes at local farms and compare their newly acquired knowledge with practices in their home country.

In November 2026, a further seven master's students from China specializing in animal science are expected to arrive.

“In agricultural education, it is important not only to study technologies but also to understand how they work in real production environments. Academic mobility enables students to compare the experience of two countries, expand their professional knowledge, and explore new approaches to addressing industry challenges,” notes Altyn Shayakhmetova, Dean of the Faculty of Agrotechnology.

Cooperation between Kozybayev University and Northwest A&F University has continued for ten years. During this time, academic mobility has become an established area of the partnership. Around 100 Chinese students, including bachelor's and master's students, have studied at the Faculty of Agrotechnology of M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University.

In turn, over the past few years, 60 Kozybayev University students have studied in China in the fields of Agronomy, Animal Production Technology, Forest Resources and Forestry, Food Technology, and Plant Science and Technology. In 2025, a group of 35 students travelled to China. Of these, two master's students were enrolled in a dual-degree program, while 33 students specialized in animal science and agronomy.

Every year, faculty members undertake internships in the innovative laboratories of the partner university, while expert researchers from China visit Kozybayev University as guest lecturers to teach our students.

Joint projects, professional development internships for faculty members, and research publications create opportunities to exchange research experience, strengthen research competencies, and expand collaboration between scientists from the two countries.

For the Faculty of Agrotechnology at M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University, this partnership provides an opportunity to integrate international experience into the educational process, improve the practical training of future specialists, and advance research addressing current challenges in the agro-industrial sector.

Through these efforts, Kozybayev University and Northwest A&F University continue to strengthen their partnership by bringing together agricultural education, academic mobility, and scientific research.