Constructor University Welcomes Bolashak International Scholars
Constructor University is honored to welcome 23 Fellows from Kazakhstan, funded by the prestigious Bolashak International Scholarship program of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This partnership marks a significant step in international academic collaboration, promoting global knowledge transfer and professional development.
The Bolashak International Scholarship, established in 1993 by the President of Kazakhstan, provides full-time training for Kazakh citizens at leading foreign universities. It offers funding for master’s, PhD and doctoral degrees, as well as residency training, while professionals in specific sectors can take on internships abroad. The scholarship has long been recognized for its role in fostering career success and supporting Kazakhstan’s long-term development goals.
We are excited to welcome 23 new scholars from Kazakhstan to our campus. We believe these years will be life-changing, giving them both unique knowledge and a global network they can use to benefit their country,” said Oznur Bell, Constructor University Chancellor. “In a short time, the cooperation between the Government of Kazakhstan and Constructor University has shown great results. We appreciate the government’s openness, effectiveness, and commitment to global academic exchange.”
In the academic year 2024, Constructor University is proud to host 23 Bolashak Fellows in the Bolashak Research Program for Scientists and the Bolashak Professional Development Program. The former aims to enhance academic and research practices, expanding the fellows’ academic knowledge, peer learning and their understanding and use of research methodology in relevant fields. The latter, on the other hand, seeks to enhance the Fellows’ overall skills, knowledge, and competencies, fostering both personal and professional development in relevant fields.
"The Bolashak program is extremely innovative and ambitious, and makes an impactful contribution to two crucial aspects,” said Prof. Thomas Auf der Heyde, Managing Director and VP of International Outreach. “It helps participants deepen and extend their international networks, granting Kazakhstan more direct access to global knowledge resources and new markets, while also raising Kazakhstan's geopolitical stature.”
The first group of 13 Bolashak Fellows arrived in March 2024 and will continue their research at the university through February 2025. A second group of 8 researchers arrived in October 2024, and will stay until September 2025, with two more Fellows expected by the end of October. Program participants focus on a variety of fields, including science, engineering, IT, society, media, logistics, finance, physics and politics.
“This exchange is mutually enriching for both the Fellows and our university,” Dr. Irada Hageg, Head of International Outreach and Director for the Bolashak Program. “We are delighted to be part of this program and look forward to expanding it even further in the coming year.”
Moving forward, Constructor University will welcome an even larger group of Bolashak Fellows in March 2025 and receive interns for both the research and professional programs.
“This program taught me a lot and I discovered new horizons in science by meeting scientists from Germany, as well as other countries,” said Kulzira Mamyrbayeva, Bolashak Alumna.
The presence of the Bolashak Fellows on campus contributes to Constructor University’s diverse and dynamic academic environment, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and innovation across a broad range of disciplines.
For current Bolashak intern Bakhtygul Tastanbekova, the Bolashak Program is a family affair. “My daughter came with me, as she is also pursuing her studies at Constructor University, majoring in Integrated Social and Cognitive Psychology,” said Tastanbekova. “My internship through the Bolashak program allows me to gain valuable experience in a global context, enhancing both my professional skills and my daughter's educational journey.”
Questions answered by:
Irada Hageg | Head of International Outreach & Director for Bolashak Program
ihageg@constructor.university | +49 173 7150925