The Effectiveness of the Application of the Professional Knowledge and Competencies of Graduates of Foreign Universities: The Case of Kazakhstan

This paper analyzes the effectiveness of the application of the professional knowledge and competencies of Kazakhstanis who have graduated from foreign universities. Based on the results of a survey of 1,111 Kazakhstanis who completed their studies abroad and in-depth interviews with 44 graduates of foreign universities, the authors consider how effectively Kazakhstani graduates of foreign universities apply their knowledge and competencies in Kazakhstan and abroad. At the same time, this research analyses the main motives of Kazakhstanis for studying abroad, the factors preventing the use of intellectual potential in Kazakhstan, as well as the reasons that prompted them to stay abroad or return to Kazakhstan. According to the results of the study, the use of the intellectual potential of graduates is influenced by: the high degree of bureaucracy in the country (34.5%); low wages (28.3%); and the absence of the conditions necessary for effective work (26.8%). Only 21.3% of the survey participants fully apply their acquired knowledge and skills at work. This research was funded by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Grant No. AP13067766).