Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) and Narxoz University in Almaty, Kazakhstan, have announced a partnership to offer a dual degree program. This initiative allows students to earn two bachelor's degrees in information technology from both institutions.
The collaboration is part of Narxoz Global-2030, a strategic plan aimed at improving IT specialist training according to international standards. This strategy involves partnerships with global universities like Illinois Tech, Queen’s University Belfast, and Penn State University.
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the U.S., Yerzhan Ashikbayev, stated, “The partnership between Kazakhstani universities and top U.S. universities like Penn State, the University of Arizona, and the University of Minnesota allows for strengthening the training of Kazakhstani specialists through dual degree programs based on the best international standards.” He added that this agreement with Illinois Tech would create new educational opportunities for Kazakhstanis.
Students will complete their four-year education in Kazakhstan at Narxoz University but have the option to spend time at Illinois Tech in Chicago. Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek emphasized that this program provides students with knowledge and skills meeting international standards.
Narxoz University President Kanat Kozhakhmet expressed confidence in the partnership's potential: “We carefully selected a partner for the School of Digital Technologies, and Illinois Institute of Technology is a perfect fit for realizing our plans.”
Mallik Sundharam from Illinois Tech noted that this agreement reinforces their global educational mission by expanding their impact internationally. “Together, we aim to shape the next generation of IT professionals,” he said.
An official visit by an Illinois Tech delegation to Kazakhstan is planned for March 2025. The dual degree program will commence in September 2025 with support from Catalina Global.
Illinois Tech is recognized for its STEM programs and innovative education approach. It ranks highly for economic mobility and starting salaries according to various rankings. The School of Digital Technologies at Narxoz offers practice-oriented education aligned with labor market needs.
For more information about this initiative or other programs offered by Illinois Tech or Narxoz University, interested parties can contact Petra Kelly or Kevin Dollear from Illinois Tech's communications team.