Summary
Cardiff University has opened its first international campus in Kazakhstan. Despite concerns from a university union about Kazakhstan's human rights record and the speed of the campus opening, the university's leaders say they followed proper procedures and see overseas campuses as a chance to grow their educational reach. The project is part of Cardiff's plan to address financial issues by expanding transnational education.
Key Facts
- Cardiff University has opened a new campus in Astana, Kazakhstan.
- Over 300 students have started classes at the Kazakhstan campus.
- The University and College Union (UCU) is concerned about Kazakhstan’s human rights reputation and how fast the campus was set up.
- Cardiff University's Vice Chancellor stated that careful checks were made before opening the campus.
- Earlier in the year, Cardiff University announced job cuts to deal with budget problems.
- The new campus is part of a strategy to expand education across countries.
- Cardiff University also explores other international ventures in Singapore and China.
- A deal with the Kazakhstani government was signed in November 2024.
