The Swiss International Institute Lausanne (SIIL) has signed a cooperation agreement with the West Kazakhstan University of Innovation and Technology (ZKITU).
Under the agreement, students can concurrently enroll in two universities to pursue bachelor’s degree programs in “Economics” and “Psychology.” Upon fulfilling the academic requirements of each institution, graduates of the programs receive two separate diplomas.
The West Kazakhstan Innovation and Technology University (ZKITU) is a higher education institution located in Uralsk, Republic of Kazakhstan. The university is listed in the international DEQAR database, which contains data on external quality assurance in higher education. The university also ranks 15th in the national IAAR ranking.
Students are enrolled in two separate programs: at SIIL and at ZKITU. The curriculum is structured in accordance with the course catalogs, academic requirements, and final assessment policies of each institution. SIIL recognizes courses completed by students at ZKITU, provided they align with the program’s course catalog and academic requirements.
Upon successfully fulfilling all requirements, the student receives two different diplomas: one from the Swiss institute SIIL and one from the West Kazakhstan University of Innovation and Technology.
This is not a dual degree program, but rather a parallel study program that offers the opportunity to earn two separate academic credentials.
The advantage of this path lies in the combination of two strengths. Through SIIL, students receive a diploma from a Swiss institute, which adds an international dimension to their educational profile and enhances the perception of their qualifications among employers. Through ZKITU, students receive a diploma from a university operating within Kazakhstan’s national higher education system. This is important for the subsequent recognition of educational credentials in other countries: such procedures often take into account whether the institution is recognized and whether the degree was awarded in the country of origin (home recognition test). This factor increases the chances of subsequent state nostrification in accordance with the regulations of the specific country.
What Does This Model of Collaboration Offer Students?
- receive two separate diplomas;
- complete an academic program at a university that is part of Kazakhstan’s national higher education system;
- enhance your academic and professional portfolio by combining a diploma from the Swiss institute SIIL with a diploma from ZKITU;
- choose a more flexible educational path and career path.
For SIIL, the agreement with ZKITU marked another step forward in the development of international academic cooperation and the expansion of educational opportunities for students.
