International cooperation opens the way to new opportunities
A meeting with the delegation of the General Consulate of the People's Republic of China in Almaty was held at Shakarim University. During the meeting, the issues of further development of relations between the two countries in the field of education and science, expansion of joint educational programs and increase of academic mobility of students and teachers were discussed.
The delegation included Su Fanqiu, Consul General of the PRC in Almaty, Li Cui, wife of the Consul General, consular attachés Wang Shujie and Liu Zixi.
Students studying Chinese, Foreign and Russian languages at Shakarim University attended the meeting. The lecturers of the department and the university management took part.
The vice-rector for digitization of the university, Beyimbet Darbayev, informed the guests about the educational and scientific potential of Shakarim University, international relations, and highlighted the main directions of cooperation with Chinese higher educational institutions.
Today, China is considered one of the directions of international cooperation of Shakarim University. The university has established relations with China's Northwest Forestry and Agriculture University, Lanzhou University, Jilin University, and Ankang University.
A double degree program on the "Livestock Production Technology" educational program is being implemented with the Northwest Forestry and Agriculture University. At the same time, work is underway to develop double degree programs with Jilin University of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies in the areas of "Food Technology", "Digital Technologies in Machine Building" and "Artificial Intelligence Informatics".
Academic and scientific exchange is also becoming an important part of cooperation. In 2026, seven scientists from China will return to Shakarim University, and nine teachers of the university will go to the People's Republic of China and exchange experience. In the academic year 2025-2026, five students of Shakarim University studied at Xinjiang Agricultural University in Urumqi. At the same time, students are increasingly participating in grant and scholarship programs that allow them to study at leading Chinese higher education institutions. Last year, one student received a study scholarship from Jilin University, and this year another student won a grant from this university.
The Chinese language teaching and language competence development were also discussed at the meeting with the Consul General. In the "Foreign and Russian Languages" department of the educational institution, students learn Chinese as a second foreign language. Fan Li Jun, a volunteer teacher who teaches Chinese, works at the university.
As a legal continuation of the work in this direction, the HSK Test Center was opened in 2025 on the basis of Shakarim University. Since the center began its work, more than 350 people have passed the HSK exam, which determines the level of Chinese language proficiency.
“China is one of our main areas of international cooperation. We will continue to work in the direction of joint implementation of educational programs, development of academic mobility, expansion of scientific exchange and teaching of the Chinese language. These contacts open the way to new knowledge, experience and professional opportunities for our students and teachers", said Beyimbet Daryabaev.
In turn, Consul General Su Fanqiu gave a positive assessment of the relationship established by Shakarim University with Chinese higher educational institutions and expressed his support for the further development of joint educational programs.
"Kazakhstan and China are not only friendly neighbors, but also strategic partners. Today, relations between the two countries are rapidly developing in all directions. Education and science have a special place in this process. Interconnection of universities will open up new opportunities for young people and strengthen friendly relations between the two countries"- said Su Fanqiu.
Consul General noted that new opportunities are being formed thanks to the expansion of business and academic ties between Kazakhstan and China.
"Learning the Chinese language is an important opportunity for today's youth. By knowing the language, you will be able to study at Chinese higher education institutions, participate in international programs, and contribute to the development of relations between the two countries," he told the students.
At the end of the meeting, students asked the guests their questions in Chinese and received answers to their questions about education in China, participation in academic exchange programs, language learning and professional development opportunities.
