Kazakh National University of Sports and the University of Stirling explore new partnership models

Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek discussed with representatives of the University of Stirling (Scotland) the prospects for developing international cooperation in the field of sports education and science.

The meeting took place at the Kazakh National University of Sports, where the foreign delegation was introduced to the university's modern educational, sports, and scientific infrastructure.

The negotiations were attended by the Rector of the Kazakh National University of Sports Tursynzada Kuangalieva, Senior Deputy Principal for Internationalization at the University of Stirling Neville Wylie, and Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport at the University of Stirling Dr. Robert Morris.

Sayasat Nurbek informed the representatives of the British university about the development of international cooperation in Kazakhstan's higher education system and the projects already being implemented with foreign universities. The Minister noted that Kazakhstan is open to new partnership formats aimed at attracting international academic expertise and developing joint educational programs and scientific research.

"Today, Kazakhstan is creating conditions for leading foreign universities to implement modern educational and research projects here. We are open to various models of cooperation: from joint programs and scientific projects to deeper institutional partnerships. It is important that such projects create real added value for the Kazakhstani higher education system," noted Sayasat Nurbek.

During the meeting, special attention was paid to potential cooperation in areas where the Kazakh National University of Sports possesses specialized expertise and modern infrastructure. These include sports psychology, sports medicine and physiology, sports performance, data analysis, artificial intelligence in sports, and sports management.

Representatives of the University of Stirling emphasized that a potential partnership with the sports university should be based primarily on the university's strong sports expertise.

"We want to work with the world's leading sports universities and see the Kazakh National University of Sports as a strong potential partner in the region. It is important for us to understand how our expertise can complement what your university is already doing," noted Neville Wylie.

During the meeting, various models of international cooperation were also discussed: from joint educational programs and academic exchanges to deeper forms of partnership. At the same time, representatives of the University of Stirling emphasized the importance of maintaining high academic standards, the quality of educational programs, and the development of the scientific component.

Separately, the parties discussed the prospects for training athletes using an integrated model that combines sports training, sports science, and academic education. This approach allows for the development of not only high-level athletes but also professionals capable of continuing their careers after their sports career ends: in coaching, sports management, research, and other fields.

It should be noted that today the Kazakh National University of Sports is forming a modern ecosystem of sports education and science, combining personnel training, scientific research, sports medicine, digital technologies, and practical athlete training. In September 2026, the university also joined the global network of academic Olympic research centers of the International Olympic Committee, becoming the first university in Central Asia to hold such status.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to work out the most promising areas and possible formats of cooperation in detail.

https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/sci/press/news/details/1297388?lang=kk