On September 2, 2025, the delegation of Astana International University paid an official visit to Beijing. During the visit, a meeting was held with the leadership of the Beijing University of Language and Culture (BLCU).
At the Kazakh–Chinese Business Council, which was held in Beijing these days, and in the presence of the Minister of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek, AIU President Serik Irsaliyev and BLCU President Duan Peng signed an Additional agreement on the launch of master's degree programs at the BLCU branch in Astana (based on AIU).
The agreement provides for the opening of two master's degree programs:
• "International Chinese Language Education";
• «International Affairs».
The implementation of these programs will allow the branch to form an end-to–end training system "foundation - bachelor's degree - master's degree" and significantly strengthen its position in the educational space of Central Asia. Currently, the issue of launching doctoral programs is also being considered, which will ensure the branch's status as a full-fledged scientific and educational center.
This academic year, the BLCU branch in Astana (based on the AIU) has accepted:
• 150 students in Chinese language learning programs;
• 80 undergraduate students in the fields of "International Chinese Language Education" and "International Affairs".
The signing of the Supplementary Agreement was a significant milestone in the development of Kazakh-Chinese educational cooperation and a vivid confirmation of the successful activities of the branch.
On the same day, the grand opening of the Kazakh-Chinese Cultural Center took place in Beijing, which was attended by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. In his address, the Head of State noted the BLCU branch in Astana (based on the AIU), highly appreciating the results achieved and its contribution to strengthening bilateral ties.
The President of AIU, Serik Aztayevich Irsaliev, emphasized:
"The signing of the agreement opens a new stage of strategic cooperation with the Beijing University of Language and Culture. I am confident that joint work on the development of master's and doctoral programs will be an important contribution to strengthening educational and cultural ties between Kazakhstan and China."