BRIDGING CULTURES, BUILDING FUTURES: THE BRITISH COUNCIL
IN KAZAKHSTAN

For over three decades, the British Council has played a key role in strengthening the relationship between the United Kingdom and Kazakhstan. As the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, it connects people and institutions, promotes mutual understanding, and contributes to Kazakhstan’s aspirations. Its work across English language, arts, higher education, and exams is designed to deliver long-term impact at multiple levels.

Kazakhstan’s goal to be among the world’s top 30 economies by 2050 places human capital at the centre of its development. The British Council aligns with this ambition, working alongside government bodies, educational institutions, and the creative sector to enhance learning, innovation, and international collaboration.

ENGLISH FOR A GLOBAL FUTURE

English is a vital skill for international cooperation, business, and education. Recognising its strategic importance, Kazakhstan has placed a strong emphasis on English language learning across its education system. The British Council contributes to this goal through policy advice, training, and a wide range of initiatives that strengthen the quality of English teaching and learning across the country.

One key initiative is the collaboration with the Ministry of Education of Kazakhstan to enhance English teacher training. A specialist expert working group of Educators from across Kazakhstan has been researching and producing recommendations to bolster high-quality Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes, to help equip teachers with ongoing training and adapted systems. Ultimately this aims to improve teaching and learning at large scale.

TeachingEnglish is the British Council’s platform for English teachers and teacher educators. It offers free lesson plans, professional development courses, webinars, podcasts, and research insights. For teachers at all career stages, this huge resource helps teachers build skills and connect with peers worldwide. It is accessed by tens of thousands of English teachers in Kazakhstan every year.

The British Council also delivers internationally recognised English assessments. IELTS, one of the most trusted qualifications for academic and professional mobility, is offered in 12 cities, with plans for further expansion in 2025–26. Tens of thousands of exams are delivered annually, supported by a growing network of registration and delivery partners. Other exams include APTIS, which is used by institutions for benchmarking English levels, and a range of professional exams, such as ACCA qualifications.

Supporting growth and quality in Higher Education
With transnational education a national priority, the British Council has helped establish over 30 partnerships between Kazakhstani and UK universities since 2022. These collaborations are enabling the development of dual degrees, joint research projects, and new approaches to inclusive education.

A further key initiative is to work alongside the Ministry of Science and Higher Education to build a strong framework for Quality Assurance for UK – Kazakhstan international partnerships. A framework which is shared across Higher Education in both countries will facilitate the implementation of university partnership working in future, making systems, processes and standards clear for all.

The British Council also promotes opportunities for individual learners. Since 2022, sixteen Kazakhstani women have received prestigious Women in STEM scholarships, enabling them to complete Masters degrees in the UK in fields such as engineering, energy, and information technology. A further important strand of work is connecting and supporting UK Alumni, through the annual Study UK Alumni Awards and alumni events held through the year.

The Creative Economy: A platform for exchange
Culture and creativity are powerful drivers of connection and innovation. In Kazakhstan, the British Council works with artists, institutions, creative entrepreneurs, and decision-makers to enhance skills, build professional networks, and encourage international exchange.
Through festivals, exhibitions, exchange programmes and conferences, British and Kazakhstani creatives are brought together, enabling dialogue and shared skills and experiences.

The Creative Economy programme in 2025–26 also aims to strengthen the capacity of Kazakhstan’s cultural sector by offering training and networking opportunities for creative entrepreneurs. The creative industries are a growing driver of economic development, and the British Council supports initiatives that enable entrepreneurship in this sector. Through training, conferences and international exposure, Kazakhstani artists and cultural professionals are empowered to develop sustainable careers while contributing to the national creative economy.

A PARTNERSHIP FOR THE FUTURE

As Kazakhstan continues its journey of growth and transformation, the British Council remains a key partner, ensuring its work aligns with national priorities, contributing meaningfully to education, economic growth, and cultural enrichment.

By investing in people – from teachers, academics and education leaders to creative professionals and entrepreneurs, the organisation plays a role in building a future where knowledge, creativity, and collaboration are key drivers of success. Through education and culture, the ties between Kazakhstan and the UK continue to grow.

Kazakhstan’s potential is vast, and its aspirations are bold. The British Council’s commitment to this dynamic nation is a testament to the enduring power of international cooperation and cultural exchange in shaping a shared and prosperous future.

by Robert Taylor,
Country Director of the British Council Kazakhstan,
MSc. in Organizational Psychology, member of the British Psychological Society, the European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology, and the International Society for Coaching Psychology