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University of Arizona marks historic Kazakhstan commencement, expands national partnership

July 16, 2026
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Students and officials at Northern Kazakhstan University pose in graduation regalia with University of Arizona president Suresh Garimella in a lit auditorium

University of Arizona and Republic of Kazakhstan leaders pose with inaugural graduates of the dual degree program with North Kazakhstan University on July 11, 2026.

President Suresh Garimella recently led a delegation to Kazakhstan, cementing the university's role as the country’s flagship strategic partner in higher education and research. The historic visit coincided with the graduation of the first cohort of 31 students from the U of A-North Kazakhstan University dual degree program.

With a newly signed memorandum of understanding, this growing partnership will expand collaborative research in agricultural productivity, sustainable water management and arid-land resilience. On the horizon are plans to launch a new dual business degree in fall 2026 and bring additional top-achieving Kazakhstan scholars to Tucson.

Read the full story at UA News