STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT OF NICHE SUBJECTS TO ENHANCE THE COMPETITIVENESS OF KAZAKHSTAN'S UNIVERSITIES IN QS SUBJECT RANKINGS

Abstract

The integration of Kazakhstan’s higher education system into the global academic space requires a strategic re-evaluation of curriculum development and research prioritization. While general metrics of competitiveness have been analyzed in regional contexts, there is a lack of frameworks specifically designed to leverage Kazakhstan's unique cultural, linguistic, and industrial resources for International university rankings, such as QS. By synthesizing approaches from principal component analysis of competitiveness, educational informatization, and specific case studies in natural language processing and thermal physics, we outline a dual-track strategy for curriculum innovation. This approach aims to transform local challenges into global research opportunities, thereby improving the bibliometric and reputational indicators required for higher QS ranking positions.