Astana, Kazakhstan — October 18, 2024 — Coventry University, in collaboration with Primus Education, celebrated a groundbreaking milestone with the grand opening of the first British university campus in Astana. The prestigious event, attended by key figures from the government, business, education, and media sectors, marked the beginning of a new era for British higher education in Kazakhstan.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by distinguished guests, officially unveiled the university’s cutting-edge campus. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the modern facilities, designed to deliver a world-class educational experience. The day also featured stimulating discussions on the future of international education and highlighted Coventry University Kazakhstan’s role in supporting Kazakhstan’s growing economy.
 

A standout moment of the event was the announcement of strategic partnerships with Air Astana, AIFC Court and the International Arbitration Centre (IAC). These partnerships will provide Coventry University Kazakhstan’s students with valuable global exposure and hands-on experiences in key industries. As a special gesture to mark the occasion, Air Astana awarded roundtrip tickets to London to two fortunate students, underscoring the university's commitment to offering international opportunities.

In addition, Coventry University Kazakhstan, in partnership with the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, presented a full scholarship to a talented student, recognizing outstanding achievement in chess and fostering academic excellence.

In a unique tribute to the university's opening, a draft design for a commemorative stamp, created in collaboration with Kazpost, was revealed. This symbolic stamp celebrates the arrival of the first British university in Astana, further solidifying Coventry University Kazakhstan’s place in the country’s educational landscape.

“The opening of Coventry University Kazakhstan, the first campus in collaboration with a British university in Astana, is a historic event. The new, modern campus launched following an order by the Head of State, by funding from private investors, lays a solid foundation for the formation of the Astana Educational Hub. I am confident that the opening of Coventry University Kazakhstan will provide new impetus for the development of higher education and research, attracting the best foreign academics and practitioners, talented students, and creating new jobs in the capital. For Kazakhstani and international students, Coventry University Kazakhstan will offer a unique opportunity to gain advanced knowledge and a British degree, making them competitive in the global market," said Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

“Coventry University Kazakhstan’s Astana campus is another major step forward for UK/Kazakhstan education links. We’re delighted that a British education will be offered to a whole new group of students right here in Kazakhstan. Coventry is a specialist in supporting students from all around the world realise their dreams across many different subjects. As Ambassador, I want to do all I can to help bring more of the UK’s world leading educational institutions to Kazakhstan,” said Ms. Kathy Leach, British Ambassador to Kazakhstan.

“Coventry University Kazakhstan was founded to support the brightest minds of our country through high-quality British education. We offer a British diploma that is recognized internationally, without the need for students to leave their home. As a research-driven university, we are committed to creating a brighter future through groundbreaking scientific research. Coventry University has become a dynamic and innovative institution, with its educational programmes ranked among the best in the world. These programmes are now accessible to students in Kazakhstan, and Coventry is included in the top 200 young universities list. Likewise, Coventry University has been awarded the "University of the Year for Student Experience" by the Times and Sunday Times University Guide. Today, we are delighted to open our first campus in the heart of the Kazakhstani capital, bringing one of the UK's leading universities to Kazakhstan. We are planning to open a new campus in Astana that will be able to accommodate more students. This will be a greenfield campus, meaning that it will be built from scratch,” said Miras Daulenov, President of Coventry University Kazakhstan.

Professor John Latham CBE, Vice-Chancellor of Coventry University and Group CEO, said: “Students across the globe deserve the chance to access top-quality higher education and our presence in Kazakhstan means that opportunity is opening up to thousands more with the benefits to be felt far and wide for years to come.”

“The new campus in Astana, Kazakhstan, is a fantastic location and a brilliant building to house a campus filled with enthusiastic staff and students. It's been a fantastic experience to open this campus and see the group gain its fifth branded campus,” noted Professor Richard Wells, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International).

With this opening, Coventry University Kazakhstan strengthened the educational ties between the UK and Kazakhstan, offering students the opportunity to earn a prestigious British degree without leaving their home country.

About Coventry University

Coventry University is ranked among the top 10 modern universities in the UK, according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025. It is also ranked 46th in the Guardian University Guide 2024, with several subjects listed in the top 10. Known for its world-leading research and innovative teaching methods, Coventry University continues to be a global leader in higher education.

About Coventry University Kazakhstan

Coventry University Kazakhstan is a unique partnership between Coventry University and Primus Education LLP. This exciting venture, set to launch in September 2024, is a significant milestone in Kazakhstan’s international education strategy. It proudly stands as the first British university campus in the heart of Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. Campus operated by "Coventry Kazakhstan" Foreign Educational Institution" LLP.  Operated by "Coventry Kazakhstan Foreign Educational Institution" LLP, the campus will initially offer undergraduate degrees in business and computing, alongside an MBA programme, with plans to broaden the course offerings each year.

Official website: https://coventry.edu.kz/