Kazakhstan is strengthening its presence in the global academic landscape. The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Belgium, Roman Vassilenko, held talks with Professor Philippe Dubois, Rector of Université de Mons (UMONS), focusing on the expansion of cooperation in higher education, academic mobility, and applied scientific research, DKNews.kz reports.
The discussion went beyond traditional student exchanges. Both sides emphasized the importance of building practical partnerships - from joint research projects to technology-oriented collaboration that delivers real-world results.
A research-driven university in the heart of Belgium
UMONS is widely regarded as one of Belgium’s leading research-focused universities. It educates around 12,000 students, offers a broad range of international programs, and maintains active research partnerships with institutions in more than 50 countries. The university is regularly featured in global academic rankings and is recognized for the quality of its scientific publications, citation impact, and international research cooperation.
Kazakhstan as an open academic hub
During the meeting, Ambassador Vassilenko highlighted Kazakhstan’s commitment to building an open and internationally connected academic environment. He noted that today the country hosts around 40 foreign and joint universities, as well as numerous dual-degree programs, creating strong opportunities for international student and faculty mobility.
“Kazakhstan is interested in practical cooperation - from academic mobility to applied research and technological collaboration. We see growing interest from Belgian students and faculty, and we view this momentum as highly promising,” the Ambassador said.
Cooperation already underway
Academic cooperation between UMONS and Kazakh universities is already moving from dialogue to action. UMONS has established partnerships with institutions in Kazakhstan through academic mobility programs. Starting in February 2026, five UMONS students will spend a semester at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, where they will study languages and culture and take part in inter-university educational programs.
At the same time, Kazakh students are currently studying at UMONS within the Faculty of Languages, gaining first-hand experience of the European higher education system and an international academic environment.
Professor Philippe Dubois also expressed strong interest in deepening scientific cooperation with Kazakhstan.
“We are keen to develop collaboration with Kazakh universities not only in exchange programs but also in research. UMONS has extensive experience in international research projects, and we see clear potential to expand such cooperation with Kazakhstan,” he said.
Innovation and applied research
Following the talks, the Kazakh delegation visited Materia Nova, a research center affiliated with UMONS. The center specializes in the development of innovative materials, coatings, and polymers, as well as in transferring technologies to industry.
Materia Nova brings together nearly 100 researchers and works with more than 300 external experts, making it one of Europe’s notable players in the field of materials science and applied innovation.
What comes next
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides confirmed their interest in further expanding cooperation in academic mobility and applied research. They also discussed the possibility of a future visit by the UMONS leadership to Kazakhstan to hold in-depth meetings with local universities and research centers.
Experts note that partnerships of this kind not only strengthen Kazakhstan’s position in the international academic community but also open new pathways for scientific development, innovation, and long-term technological cooperation.
