International School for Students of Harbin Institute of Technology Held at Al-Farabi KazNU

From October 2 to 6, 2026, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) hosted an international educational school for students of Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), People's Republic of China. The event was organized by the Faculty of Physics and Technology in cooperation with the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, with the participation of the Innovation Scientific and Educational Center of the Faculty of Physics and Technology.

The international school was implemented in collaboration with the Sino-Singaporean Talents Exchange Center (SSTECSG), based in Singapore, which served as the international organizational partner of the program. This cooperation contributes to the development of new formats of international educational collaboration and creates opportunities to attract international students to short-term academic programs at KazNU.

The educational program brought together 22 students from Harbin Institute of Technology and two accompanying representatives. The participants represented various fields of study in natural sciences, technology, and engineering. The interdisciplinary composition of the group facilitated knowledge exchange, broadened participants' academic perspectives, and introduced them to contemporary approaches to conducting scientific research.

The primary objective of the international school was to strengthen academic cooperation between universities in Kazakhstan and China, introduce international students to KazNU's scientific and educational potential, and expand opportunities for international academic mobility and intercultural exchange.

The educational program addressed current developments in the application of artificial intelligence in scientific research and engineering, advanced materials characterization methods, non-destructive testing technologies, and fundamental aspects of mechanics. Particular attention was given to interdisciplinary approaches, the digital transformation of science, and the prospects for the practical application of innovative technologies.

The academic sessions were delivered by Svetlana Peshaya, Vice Dean for Research, Innovation and International Relations at the Faculty of Physics and Technology, and Yerzhan Belyayev, PhD, Associate Professor and Research Professor at the Department of Mechanics, Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics.

An important component of the program was a campus tour, during which the Chinese students explored the university's infrastructure, visited the university library, and toured educational and research laboratories. The participants had the opportunity to learn about the academic environment at KazNU, the faculties' research priorities, and the university's scientific infrastructure. The program also provided international participants with insights into the organization of higher education in Kazakhstan and potential areas for future academic cooperation.

Organizational support for the international school was provided through the Innovation Scientific and Educational Center. The implementation of such initiatives contributes to the development of international educational services, the expansion of institutional partnerships, and the strengthening of the university's capacity for the internationalization of higher education.

Upon successful completion of the educational program, participants were awarded certificates of participation in the international school.

The initiative aligns with the priorities of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. International educational initiatives contribute to improving the quality of specialist training, advancing scientific and technological capacity, and strengthening cross-border partnerships in education and research.

The international school made a meaningful contribution to strengthening academic cooperation between Kazakhstan and China, expanding educational opportunities for students, and enhancing Al-Farabi KazNU's position within the international scientific and educational community. The experience gained provides a foundation for further joint educational programs, academic exchanges, and collaborative research initiatives with international universities and research organizations.