This article discusses the intellectual migration of Kazakhstanis who completed their studies at foreign universities.
Based on the results of in-depth interviews with 22 Kazakh graduates of foreign universities living abroad, the motives and reasons for their moving to other countries are analyzed, the process of transforming educational migration into intellectual migration is studied, and the factors affecting the willingness of Kazakhstanis to return to their homeland are considered.
The results of the study showed that the main reasons for migrating abroad are: family circumstances, the possibility of fully applying competencies and acquired knowledge, gaining professional experience, as well as a high level of economic development, comfort and security, transparency in employment process and satisfactory wages in recipient countries.
Meanwhile, according to the study, the factors that push out highly qualified specialists from Kazakhstan are: lack of career prospects, low wages, disagreement with the current political system and climatic conditions.
