Hong Kong emerges as leading Asian study destination for Kazakhstani students

Kazakhstan has emerged as the leading Central Asian country in terms of student enrollment at Hong Kong's public universities, with a staggering 408% increase in numbers between 2017-18 and 2025-26, according to official data. City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has been the primary destination for the largest share of Kazakhstani students, with 203 undergraduates enrolling this year - a 49% rise from the previous academic year.

The Kazakhstani government has expressed commitment to educating its young people, and the University Grants Committee (UGC) figures show Kazakhstan has the highest number of students among the five Central Asian countries studying in Hong Kong's public universities. Many Kazakhstani students are drawn to Hong Kong due to its proximity to their homes, the cultural similarity, and the city's reputation for having top-tier universities, particularly for STEM fields.

A significant factor for choosing Hong Kong is the availability of scholarships and career opportunities in Asia's rapidly growing city and financial center. The university's collaboration with Kazakhstan in promoting academic exchanges has contributed to the surge in Kazakhstani student enrollment.