As part of the implementation of the instruction of the Head of State to establish branches of foreign universities in Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan has reached an agreement with one of France’s leading engineering schools – Grenoble INP – Phelma, UGA – to open a branch of the French technical university in 2026 on the basis of Satbayev University.

The signing ceremony took place with the participation of Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek and the Ambassador of the French Republic to Kazakhstan Sylvain Guiauge. The agreement was signed by the Vice Presidents of the two universities – Gülgün Alpan (Grenoble INP – Phelma, UGA) and Samgat Yermekbayev (Satbayev University).

Grenoble INP – Phelma, UGA is one of Europe's largest research and industrial clusters in the field of nuclear technology. The university offers cutting-edge knowledge in nuclear physics, electronics, and materials science. Its engineering programs are highly ranked by international rating agencies such as THE and QS.

The branch of Grenoble INP – Phelma, UGA at Satbayev University will launch dual degree educational programs in a 3+1 format in high-demand fields such as Nuclear Engineering, Renewable Engineering, and Advanced Studies. These programs aim to train highly qualified specialists in nuclear engineering and renewable energy.

The relevance of these programs is particularly high in the context of the upcoming construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plants. Students enrolled in the programs will have the opportunity to undergo practical training at French nuclear power plants, whose 56 reactors supply over 70% of France’s energy mix. As a result, graduates will become qualified, practice-oriented specialists, well-prepared to work at Kazakhstan’s domestic energy facilities.