Academic mobility of KazNMU School of Pharmacy students at Saint Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical University
Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University (KazNMU), one of the leading medical universities in the Republic of Kazakhstan, consistently implements a strategy of internationalization in education and research by expanding cooperation with leading foreign universities. One of the key priorities of this strategy is the development of academic mobility, which contributes to the training of highly qualified specialists equipped with modern professional competencies and competitive in the international labor market.
One of KazNMU’s most significant and long-standing strategic partners is Saint Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical University (SPCPU), a leading specialized university in the Russian Federation in the fields of pharmaceutical education, research, and innovation. Since 2011, cooperation between the two universities has encompassed student and staff academic mobility, joint educational programs, collaborative research, participation in international scientific conferences, and the implementation of joint projects in pharmaceutical science and manufacturing.
From February 2 to July 11, 2026, a student academic mobility program was successfully implemented within the framework of the joint educational program for second- and third-year students enrolled in the B072 – Pharmaceutical Production Technology educational program of the School of Pharmacy at KazNMU. The training was conducted at Saint Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical University, one of the leading institutions for pharmaceutical education and workforce training in the CIS countries and Eastern Europe.
Following a competitive selection process conducted in accordance with the Academic Policy of KazNMU, the best-performing students were selected to study at the partner university, demonstrating outstanding academic performance, research potential, and strong motivation for professional development.
During the mobility program, students completed advanced courses in pharmaceutical technology, industrial pharmacy, quality control, standardization, and pharmaceutical quality assurance. They attended lectures delivered by leading professors and researchers of SPCPU and acquired practical skills in modern educational and research laboratories as well as pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities equipped with state-of-the-art analytical instruments and software. The acquired knowledge enabled students to become familiar with contemporary approaches to the development, manufacturing, and quality control of medicinal products in accordance with international standards and Good Practices (GxP).
Particular emphasis was placed on developing research competencies, strengthening practical skills, designing individual educational pathways, and actively engaging students in scientific research. Participation in the academic environment of one of the leading pharmaceutical universities significantly broadened students’ professional perspectives, provided valuable experience in an international academic setting, and enhanced their intercultural communication skills.
In addition to their academic training, KazNMU students actively participated in scientific, professional, and cultural activities organized by the host university, successfully representing Kazakhstan on the international academic stage.
The high level of students’ professional training is evidenced by their successful participation in prestigious international competitions and academic Olympiads. Students of the School of Pharmacy at KazNMU annually participate in such events as the GxP-Fest International Student Festival, the XI All-Russian Olympiad in Organic Chemistry with International Participation, and specialized competitions in pharmaceutical quality control and pharmaceutical technologies.
The students achieved the following outstanding results:
- Bekzad Omargaliyev (2nd year, WSP-1) – Second Prize in the Oriental Poetry Competition;
- Galamnur Mamirova (2nd year, WSP-1) – Audience Choice Award in the Oriental Poetry Competition;
- Rashida Sangilbay – First Prize in the All-Russian Olympiad “Quality Control of Medicinal Products”;
- Dias Viktorov – Laureate of the International Student Festival GxP-Fest;
- Asem Sarsenbay – First Prize, Adelya Minikeyeva – Third Prize, and Zhasmin Shukurova – Third Prize in the Chemical Olympiad Games.
These achievements are the result of the high quality of the educational program, systematic student training, and the effective long-term international cooperation between KazNMU and Saint Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical University.
An important advantage of the B072 – Pharmaceutical Production Technology educational program is its integration into the educational framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), ensuring harmonization of educational standards, academic comparability of curricula, mutual recognition of learning outcomes, and the preparation of specialists who meet the current requirements of the international pharmaceutical industry.
The academic mobility program between Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University and Saint Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical University clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of a strategic partnership between two leading institutions in pharmaceutical education, combining their educational, scientific, and innovative potential to prepare the next generation of pharmaceutical professionals. The joint implementation of educational programs promotes the exchange of advanced knowledge, the introduction of modern teaching technologies, the development of students’ research competencies, and the strengthening of international cooperation in pharmaceutical education.
Today, the partnership between KazNMU and SPCPU serves as a successful example of the integration of educational and scientific resources of two leading universities dedicated to training highly competitive professionals for the modern pharmaceutical industry. The continuous expansion of academic mobility, implementation of joint research projects, and adoption of international best educational practices provide a solid foundation for the further development of pharmaceutical education, enhancement of the international reputation of both universities, and preparation of highly qualified specialists capable of succeeding in the global professional environment.
