Defense of the dissertation of Konuratova Ainur for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the specialty «6D050500 - Аймақтану»

L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, a dissertation defense for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by Konuratova Ainur on the topic «Educational Policy of European Union Countries: Experience for Kazakhstan» by specialty «6D050500 – Аймақтану».

The dissertation was carried out at the «Regional Studies education department» of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University.

The language of defense is russian

Official reviewers:

Zarina Mukasheva – PhD, Assistant to the Head of the Diplomatic Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan);

Zhansaule Zharmakhanova– PhD, Senior Lecturer at the Department of International Relations, Sh. Yessenov Caspian University of Technology and Engineering (Aktau, Republic of Kazakhstan).

Temporary members of the Dissertation Committee:

Zhuldyz Sayrambaeva – Candidate of Legal Sciences, Professor, Dean of the Faculty of International Relations, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan);

Iskren Ivanov – PhD, Associate Professor at St. Kliment Ohridski Sofia University (Sofia, Republic of Bulgaria);

Assel Myrzakhmetova – Candidate of Historical Sciences, Assistant Professor at the Department of Archaeology, Ethnology and National History, Academician E.A. Buketov Karaganda National Research University (Karaganda, Republic of Kazakhstan).

Scientific advisors:

Zholdasbekova Akbota Niyazovna – Candidate of Political Sciences, Professor of the Department of Regional Studies, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan);

Dronzina Tatyana Aleksandrovna – Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” (Sofia, Republic of Bulgaria).

The defense will take place on July 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the Dissertation Council for the training direction «8D031 – Social sciences» in the specialty «6D050500 – Аймақтану» of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. The defense meeting is planned to be held online.

Link: https://clc.li/McDhS 

Address: Астана қ., Қ. Сәтбаев көшесі, 2, Бас ғимарат, №302 аудитория.

Abstract (English): The aim of the study is to analyze educational policy, existing practices, and innovations in the field of higher education in European Union countries in the context of the implementation of the Bologna Process, as well as the results of its application in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Research objectives: 1. To examine interdisciplinary approaches to the study of educational policy in regional studies within the context of foreign and domestic research. 2. To identify the place and role of higher education in the integration process of European Union countries. 3. To determine contemporary challenges in educational policy and examine its conceptual aspects. 4. To analyze strategic documents in the field of education of EU countries through the prism of existing national programs and models. 5. To analyze European Union educational programs as a key factor in shaping the European dimension in education. 6. To characterize national education models in EU countries. 7. To show the evolution of cooperation between the EU and Kazakhstan in the field of education from the period of independence to the present day. 8. To identify priority directions for the development of educational policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan at the present stage. 9. To assess the implementation of European promising directions in the field of education in Kazakhstan, identifying both positive and negative aspects. Research Methods The methodological framework of the dissertation is based on both general scientific and specialized research methods, ensuring a comprehensive examination of the processes of formation and development of educational policy in the countries of the European Union, as well as the possibilities for adapting and applying this experience within the education system of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The theoretical and methodological foundation of the study is grounded in educational policy concepts, theories of regional integration, institutional transfer, and the concept of soft power, which make it possible to examine the educational policy of the European Union as an instrument for the development of a common educational area and the enhancement of international influence. The research employs comparative political and institutional methods, enabling a comparison of educational policy models in the European Union and the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as the identification of the specific features of their institutional development and the potential for the transfer of European experience. The application of structural-functional analysis made it possible to determine the role of educational institutions, programs, and initiatives within the system of international cooperation, as well as their significance for the modernization of national education systems. Comparative analysis of legal and regulatory frameworks, strategic documents, and educational programs of the European Union and the Republic of Kazakhstan was used to identify similarities and differences in approaches to educational policy development and to assess the possibilities for implementing European practices in Kazakhstan. In addition, secondary analysis of statistical and analytical data was conducted. The empirical basis of the research consists of materials from international educational programs, including Erasmus+ and Erasmus Mundus, reports of relevant international and national organizations, and expert assessments in the field of higher education. Humanitarian and educational cooperation in contemporary international relations is regarded as an important component of soft power. In the context of increasing global interdependence, a state's influence is determined not only by its political and economic capabilities but also by its cultural and educational resources, as well as the level of intercultural and academic cooperation it maintains. Consequently, states actively employ instruments of educational and cultural diplomacy to promote their values, knowledge, and development models. These instruments serve as significant resources of soft power, contributing to the achievement of foreign policy and socio-economic objectives, as well as fostering closer cooperation among states on key issues of the international agenda. Based on an analysis of the legislation and policy documents of the European Union and the Republic of Kazakhstan, this dissertation provides a comprehensive study of EU educational policy and identifies mechanisms for adapting and applying its best practices within Kazakhstan’s national education system. Main Provisions Submitted for Defense. For the first time, the educational policy of the European Union is examined not merely as a collection of borrowed initiatives, regulatory models, and academic mobility programs, but through the lens of comprehensive institutional implementation mechanisms within the higher education system of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The study shifts the focus from the formal description of European educational practices to the analysis of their adaptation, transformation, and integration into the national educational environment, taking into account the political, legal, socio-economic, and cultural characteristics of Kazakhstan. The research identifies the institutional mechanisms that facilitate the implementation of European educational standards, principles, and governance models within Kazakhstan’s higher education system. The implementation process is conceptualized not as a linear transfer or replication of foreign experience, but as a complex multi-level interaction between international educational norms, national education policy, university autonomy, and the internal academic environment. The study demonstrates that the institutional transformation of Kazakhstani universities has been significantly influenced by the Bologna Process, principles of internationalization, quality assurance mechanisms, academic mobility, the credit-based education system, and qualification recognition frameworks. It reveals how European educational approaches have been adapted to the national model of higher education governance and identifies the factors that facilitate or hinder the effective integration of European standards into Kazakhstan’s educational system. The dissertation proposes an original conceptual framework for understanding the implementation of European educational experience as a process encompassing legal-regulatory, institutional, managerial, and socio-cultural dimensions of transformation within Kazakhstan’s higher education system. Unlike traditional approaches that view implementation primarily as the mechanical adoption of foreign educational models, this study interprets it as a comprehensive and dynamic process of adapting international standards to national conditions and institutional realities. Description of the Main Results and Scientific Novelty of the Research For the first time, the educational policy of the European Union is examined not merely as a collection of borrowed initiatives, regulatory frameworks, and academic mobility programs, but through the prism of comprehensive institutional implementation mechanisms within the higher education system of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The study shifts the focus from the formal description of European educational practices toward an analysis of the processes of their adaptation, transformation, and integration into the national educational environment, taking into account the political, legal, socio-economic, and cultural characteristics of Kazakhstan. The scientific novelty of the research lies in identifying the institutional mechanisms that facilitate the implementation of European educational standards, principles, and governance models within Kazakhstan’s higher education system. The study conceptualizes implementation not as a linear process of policy transfer or replication of foreign experience, but as a complex multi-level mechanism involving the interaction of international educational norms, national education policy, university autonomy, and the internal academic environment. Particular attention is devoted to examining the impact of the Bologna Process, internationalization principles, quality assurance systems, academic mobility, the credit-based education system, and qualification recognition mechanisms on the institutional transformation of Kazakhstani universities. The research demonstrates how European educational approaches have been adapted to the national model of higher education governance and identifies the factors that facilitate or hinder the effective integration of European standards into Kazakhstan’s educational system. The dissertation proposes an original conceptualization of the implementation of European educational experience as a process encompassing legal-regulatory, institutional, managerial, and socio-cultural dimensions of transformation within Kazakhstan’s higher education system. Unlike traditional approaches that interpret implementation primarily as the mechanical adoption of foreign educational models, this study views it as a comprehensive and dynamic process of adapting international standards to the national conditions and institutional realities of the educational system. Justification of the Significance of the Results Obtained The practical significance of the research lies in the potential application of its findings and recommendations to the further development and improvement of the educational policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The conclusions and proposals formulated in the dissertation may contribute to the modernization of the higher education system, the development of academic mobility programs, the expansion of international cooperation between Kazakhstani universities and European higher education institutions, and the formulation of strategies aimed at integrating Kazakhstan into the global educational space. The results of the study may be of interest to relevant governmental bodies of the Republic of Kazakhstan, educational institutions, and research organizations involved in the development and implementation of educational policy. Furthermore, the findings can be utilized in teaching and training programs for specialists in the fields of international relations, education, European studies, and public administration. The research also provides a conceptual and analytical framework for assessing the effectiveness of the adaptation of international educational standards within national higher education systems, thereby contributing to the advancement of evidence-based educational policy and institutional development. Compliance with Research Priorities and State Programs The dissertation research is aligned with the priority directions of scientific development in the Republic of Kazakhstan and with national state programs in the fields of education and science. The issues examined in this study, including the modernization of the higher education system, the development of academic mobility, the expansion of international cooperation, and Kazakhstan’s integration into the global educational space, are consistent with the objectives of the Kazakhstan–2050 Strategy, the Concept for the Development of Higher Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the state policy aimed at enhancing the quality and competitiveness of the national education system.The dissertation research corresponds to the priority area of scientific development approved by the Higher Scientific and Technical Commission under the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, namely “Research in the Field of Social Sciences and Humanities,” since it addresses the influence of the digital environment and information security on the political stability of modern society. The key results of the study are consistent with the provisions of the Concept of Digital Transformation, Development of the Information and Communication Technology Sector, and Cybersecurity for 2023–2029, the concept of cybersecurity “Cyber Shield of Kazakhstan”, and the Information Doctrine of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Certain conclusions of the dissertation also correspond to the objectives of the National Project “Technological Breakthrough through Digitalization, Science and Innovation” and are consistent with contemporary approaches to artificial intelligence regulation established in the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Artificial Intelligence,” particularly in terms of ensuring the ethical use of technologies, algorithmic transparency, and protecting society from manipulative information influence, including the spread of deepfake content. A description of the applicant's contribution to the preparation of each publication. The main results and conclusions of the dissertation research are reflected in 15 publications: 1 publication in international scientific journals indexed in the Scopus database 1 article in an international peer-reviewed scientific journal; 9 articles published in journals recommended by the Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the dissemination of the main results of scientific activity; 6 papers published in the proceedings of international scientific and practical conferences. The author made a significant contribution to all publications, including the development of the research concept, data collection and analysis, interpretation of results, and formulation of conclusions and recommendations. The dissertation comprises 142 pages and consists of an introduction, three chapters, a conclusion, a list of references, and 2 appendices.

Dissertation

List of Scientific Works

Consultant's Review

Foreign Consultant's Review

Conclusion of the Research Ethics Committee