The First Successful Defense of KAFU Master’s Students in Germany: the Double Degree Program in “Management and Information Technology” is Gaining Momentum

From June 10 to 13, 2024, representatives of the Kazakh-American Free University took part in the International Academic Week held at the West Saxon University of Applied Sciences (WHZ, Germany) as part of the E-CANDEE project supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

KAFU was represented at the event by First Vice President, PhD Zhassulan Baikenov and Director of the International Cooperation Department Serik Abilov. The delegations included participants from 11 universities in Central Asia, Transcaucasia and Europe.

The program of the week included:

• academic lectures and workshops on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, sustainable development and strategic management in universities;

• visits to research laboratories and campuses of WHZ;

• presentation of a new stage of the E-CANDEE project, designed for 2025-2027;

• discussion of the expansion of the dual degree program, the introduction of microcredits, digital educational solutions and professional training of teachers.

During the meetings, agreements were reached on expanding cooperation, launching new educational initiatives, and strengthening academic mobility.

An important event of the week was the first successful defense of master’s theses by KAFU students studying under the dual degree master’s program “Management with Computer Science”, launched in 2023 jointly with WHZ (Germany).

About the program

The international master’s program “Management with Computer Science” was launched in 2023 in partnership with the West Saxon University of Applied Sciences (Germany) with the Kazakh-American Free University, as well as universities from Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Georgia.

The program has been accredited by the ASIIN agency (Germany) and is aimed at training new generation managers who combine knowledge in management, computer science, business information systems and digital technologies.

Advantages of the program:

• Education is conducted entirely in English

• Two diplomas: from KAFU and WHZ (Germany)

• Joint supervision of master’s theses (Kazakhstani and German supervisors)

• Unified curriculum and recognition of all ECTS credits between universities

Study structure:

• 1st semester — WHZ (Germany)

• 2nd semester — WHZ or partner university

• 3rd and 4th semesters — KAFU (Kazakhstan)

Education at WHZ is free, only an administrative fee is paid

Admission requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in the following areas: “Management”, “Information Systems”