Hof University of Applied Sciences is further expanding its international cooperation with Kazakhstan: As part of a Kazakh-German meeting of university presidents, another agreement was reached with Satbayev University in Almaty. The agreement aims to establish a joint double-degree program in mechanical engineering, taught in English, within the “Engineering Science” (B.Eng.) degree program. This will provide students with additional opportunities to gain international study experience and acquire academic and practical skills in Germany.
The meeting of university presidents, which was also attended by Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Jürgen Lehmann, President of Hof University of Applied Sciences, took place as part of the state visit to Germany by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Meiram Begentayev, President of Satbayev University, represented his institution as part of the Kazakh government delegation. Hof University itself now maintains partnerships with a total of nine Kazakh universities and colleges.
Dual Degree Opens International Prospects
The agreement between Hof University of Applied Sciences and Satbayev University focuses on the further development of their joint degree program in Engineering Science. Students will have the opportunity to earn an academic degree from both partner institutions. In addition to their technical training, they will benefit from international study experiences and the opportunity to gain practical insights in both Germany and Kazakhstan.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anke Müller, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Hof University of Applied Sciences, has been involved in the collaboration since its inception. She sees great potential in the partnership for the further internationalization of engineering education:
Satbayev University has a very broad engineering profile and particular expertise in mechanical engineering, among other fields. With the double degree program, we are creating an attractive opportunity for our students to gain international experience while expanding both their professional qualifications and their language skills. “I am very pleased that we can now take this collaboration to the next level. We hope to build on the successes we have already achieved together in the Computer Science program.”
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anke Müller
International Partnerships with Tangible Added Value
University President Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Jürgen Lehmann sees the agreement as an important step toward the further internationalization of Hof University:
“International collaborations are particularly valuable when they open up very concrete opportunities for our students. A dual degree connects different academic cultures, broadens students’ professional horizons, and improves their prospects for a career in an increasingly globalized job market. I am therefore very pleased that we can further deepen our collaboration with Satbayev University.”
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Jürgen Lehmann
University Cooperation Between Germany and Kazakhstan Grows
The agreement with Hof University of Applied Sciences was one of several collaborations agreed upon during the rectors’ meeting with Kazakhstani participation. Other agreements include partnerships with Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, focusing on areas such as automation, robotics, and digital manufacturing, as well as Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, with collaborations in the fields of energy and future technologies.
For Hof University of Applied Sciences, the collaboration with Kazakhstan is part of its international network. As early as 2024, the university had signed a Memorandum of Understanding and a double-degree agreement for the Computer Science program with Satbayev University. At that time, the goals of the collaboration included, among other things, exchange opportunities for students, joint activities in research and teaching, and the prospect of another dual-degree program.
Hof University of Applied Sciences also has partnerships with the following institutions in Kazakhstan:
- Almaty Management University
- International Information Technology University JSC
- L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University
- M. Auezov South Kazakhstan State University
- Maqsut Narikbayev University
- Narxos University
- SDU
- Taraz State University named after M.Kh. Dulaty
- Kazakh-German Institute for Sustainable Engineering (DKU, Yessenov University)
Currently, about 50 students from Kazakhstan are taking advantage of these opportunities.
