Baku became a meeting point for the international education community, bringing together universities, education experts, and prospective students from around the world. Representatives of educational institutions from Azerbaijan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Malta, Georgia, Germany, and other countries gathered at a single venue to showcase their educational opportunities, exchange experiences, and lay the foundations for new international partnerships.
Among the participants in this major event was the International Engineering and Technological University (METU), representing Kazakhstan at International Education Fair 2026, held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
The METU delegation was led by Karlygash N. Shokhayeva, Director of the Department of International Cooperation. The delegation also included Laura K. Demeubayeva, Lecturer at the Department of Software Engineering. The university representatives actively participated in the exhibition, presenting METU`s educational and research potential to an international audience. Their key priorities included promoting Kazakhstan`s higher education system, attracting international applicants, and establishing promising academic connections with leading universities worldwide.
One of the most significant outcomes of METU`s participation was the establishment of direct contacts with The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and the University of Malta. During the meetings, representatives discussed opportunities for academic and research cooperation, expressed mutual interest in developing partnerships, and identified potential areas for future collaboration. These include joint research projects, academic mobility programmes for students and academic staff, collaborative scientific events, and new educational initiatives. The newly established contacts provide a promising foundation for strengthening METU`s international partnerships with universities in Hong Kong and Malta.
Special attention was also given to developing cooperation with higher education institutions in Azerbaijan. The METU delegation held bilateral discussions with representatives of several universities, focusing on expanding academic cooperation, facilitating student and faculty exchanges, and exploring opportunities for joint educational and research projects. These meetings marked an important step towards strengthening educational ties between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.
A particularly meaningful aspect of METU`s participation was the involvement of Emil Talybov, a student from the Department of Software Engineering, who is currently studying at Baku State University under the academic mobility programme during the autumn semester of the 2026–2027 academic year.
Upon learning that his home university would be represented at the international education fair, Emil enthusiastically joined the METU delegation and took an active role in the event. He engaged with visitors, provided guidance to prospective students, and shared information about METU`s academic programmes, admission requirements, student life, and international study opportunities.
His participation demonstrated how academic mobility programmes enable students not only to gain valuable knowledge and international experience but also to serve as ambassadors for their home universities abroad. Through direct conversations with Emil, prospective applicants had the opportunity to learn about the advantages of studying at METU from a student who is personally benefiting from international academic mobility.
Another important focus of the exhibition was educational guidance and outreach to prospective international students. The event attracted approximately 3,000 school students, graduates, and prospective applicants interested in pursuing quality higher education. METU representatives introduced visitors to the university`s academic programmes, admission procedures, scholarship opportunities, career development prospects, and the advantages of studying in Kazakhstan.
Visitors showed particular interest in opportunities to pursue modern engineering and technological education, participate in international academic mobility programmes, and develop practical skills relevant to today`s labour market. Direct engagement with prospective students helped showcase METU`s educational strengths to a broad international audience and increase the university`s visibility beyond Kazakhstan.
For METU, International Education Fair 2026 was more than an opportunity to showcase its academic programmes; it was a platform for meaningful international dialogue and new opportunities. Meetings with international partners, newly established academic contacts, and growing interest from prospective students have created additional opportunities for expanding the university`s international activities.
Following the exhibition, promising areas for further cooperation with universities in Hong Kong and Malta were identified, while discussions with higher education institutions in Azerbaijan are expected to continue. The development of these connections will support future joint academic and research initiatives, broaden the geographical scope of student mobility, and strengthen METU`s international presence.
Participation in the international education fair in Baku marked another important step in strengthening the International Engineering and Technological University`s position within the global higher education community. It reflects METU`s continued commitment to creating new opportunities for students, faculty members, and researchers, building strong inter-university relationships, and fostering collaboration across borders.
METU — Connecting Kazakhstan to the Global Education Community!