Hong Kong emerges as leading Asian study destination for Kazakhstani students
Kazakhstan has recorded the largest student population and fastest enrolment growth at Hong Kong’s public universities among Central Asian countries in recent years, according to official data, while students from the country said the city was the most preferred regional higher education destination in Asia among their peers. Among local institutions, City University (CityU) enrolled the largest…
Kazakhstan has seen a significant increase in student enrolment at Hong Kong's public universities, with the number of Kazakhstani students rising from just 97 in 2017-18 to 493 in 2025-26, marking a 408% growth rate. This surge has made Hong Kong the preferred study destination for Kazakhstani students among their peers in Asia, with City University (CityU) enrolling the largest share, with 203 students this year, a 49% increase from the previous year.
Assem Kanabek, a third-year chemistry undergraduate at CityU, cited Hong Kong's proximity, Asian culture, and the quality of universities as reasons for her choice, adding that Hong Kong was the most popular Asian destination for her high school peers. The growing Kazakhstani community in Hong Kong has further bolstered the city's appeal.
CityU council chairman Michael Ngai Ming-tak attributed the rise in student admissions to the university's memorandum of understanding with Kazakhstan in 2023, which led to various partnerships and collaborations aimed at promoting academic exchanges, talent development, and research.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post - Hong Kong's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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