Transformation of Internal Educational Migration in Kazakhstan Under the Influence of the Development of Branches of Foreign Universities

This study examines branches and partnership programs of foreign universities as an instrument of state’s regional policy in Kazakhstan and analyzes their relationship with internal educational migration. The empirical basis comprises (1) data from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan on 40 international projects (33 currently operating and 7 scheduled to open in 2026), including branches, campuses of foreign universities, double-degree programs and Lu Ban workshops, and data on the regions of origin of 9,418 students as of May 2026; (2) an expert survey of 151 representatives of local executive bodies, universities, colleges and schools from 14 regions of the country, conducted in April-July 2026. Institutional, comparative and systems approaches were applied. The study identifies four international models for using foreign university branches in public policy. Enrolment data reveal two patterns: predominantly local enrolment, consistent with a potential retention function, and interregional recruitment, in which a notable share of students come from other regions. The data confirm interregional student mobility but do not allow causal conclusions about a reduction in youth outmigration; expert assessments reflect expectations rather than measured effects. The findings can inform state policy on the geographical distribution of international university projects and the design of their monitoring.