Kazakhstan's Participation in the SPHERE Annual Conference and Bologna Process Symposium

On October 1–3, 2025, Kazakhstan’s delegation actively participated in the SPHERE Annual Conference and Bologna Process Symposium, a key event that brought together higher education reform experts, policymakers, and international stakeholders to exchange insights on the future of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

Organised by the SPHERE team (Support and Promotion for Higher Education Reform Experts) with support from the European Commission, the event welcomed 60–70 participants from over 20 countries, including representatives from HERE and NEO teams, the Bologna Follow-Up Group (BFUG), and experts from quality assurance agencies, universities, and international organisations.

Held on October 1–2 at the University Politehnica of Bucharest, the Bologna Process Symposium provided a forum for discussing both the foundations and future directions of the Bologna Process. Key topics included:

• Achievements and current challenges within the Bologna Process
• National-level reform experiences from HERE countries
• Engagement with non-EHEA countries and global collaboration
• Revisions of key European tools such as the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance (ESG) and the ECTS Users’ Guide

Representing Kazakhstan, NEO Coordinator Laura Paluanova and HERE experts Ainash Kudysheva, Dana Abdrasheva and Rauza Mendaliyeva made key contributions throughout the two-day Bologna Symposium.

On October 1, in the session “Experiences with the Bologna Process in HERE Countries,” Dana Abdrasheva presented Kazakhstan’s recent national initiatives aligned with the Bologna Process. She shared outcomes of national events, their impact on higher education institutions, and how Kazakhstan continues to adapt and implement Bologna principles.

On October 2, Rauza Mendaliyeva participated in the “EHEA in a Global Context” session, highlighting Kazakhstan’s role in global higher education cooperation and reflecting on lessons learned through engagement in the Bologna Process. Ainash Kudysheva also contributed to discussions on digital innovation by sharing Kazakhstan’s experience in integrating artificial intelligence into the higher education system—showcasing the country's forward-looking approach to academic transformation.

The symposium featured sessions with representatives from Eurydice, ENQA, UNESCO, and national ministries, fostering mutual learning among regions and institutions that are either part of or inspired by the Bologna framework.

Kazakhstan’s contributions throughout the event reflect its strong commitment to the goals of the Bologna Process and its role in supporting international dialogue on higher education reforms. As one of the countries aligning closely with EHEA principles, Kazakhstan continues to share its experience in quality assurance, internationalisation, and digital transformation—offering valuable perspectives for peer learning.