The QS World University Rankings 2026 have been published, with 20 Kazakhstani universities featured – a testament to the rising quality of higher education in the country. New entrants include Shakhmardan Yessenov Caspian University of Technology and Engineering, M.Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University, and Shakarim University of Semey.
For the first time, L.N.Gumilyov Eurasian National University entered the global top 100 for Employer Reputation. Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and five others ranked in the top 100 for Faculty-to-Student Ratio, highlighting strong academic support and a personalized learning environment.
In the latest edition of the ranking, Abai University is placed 628th, climbing 43 positions compared to last year (671–680 range). This result places the university among the TOP 650 universities globally, and further strengthens its standing among the TOP five universities in Kazakhstan.
QS experts highlight the importance of advancing scientific research, participating in international academic projects, and creating long-term career opportunities for graduates. According to QS Senior Vice President Ben Sowter, Kazakhstani universities are showing positive momentum across key metrics, underscoring their commitment to reaching international standards.
QS Regional Director Sergey Khristolyubov notes a growing divide between two groups of universities: one-third are successfully implementing strategies to become world-class institutions, while others are struggling to maintain their positions amid rising competition. In this context, academic staff capacity, research engagement, and international collaboration play a critical role.
Kazakhstan now ranks 10th in Asia by number of universities included, following China (72), India (54), and Japan (47).
The Technical Assistance Mission (TAM) Seminar titled «Development of Inclusive Higher Education» took place on June 12-13, 2025, at Astana IT University. The event brought together over 50 participants, including vice-rectors, deans, faculty members, representatives of inclusion centers and PhD students from around 30 universities across Kazakhstan. The seminar was organized by the National Erasmus+ Office in Kazakhstan in collaboration with the Higher Education Reform Experts of Kazakhstan (HERE) and the Committee for Higher and Postgraduate Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan with the support of the European Education and Culture Executive Agency.
The event opened with welcoming speeches from Serik Omirbayev, First Vice-Rector of Astana IT University and Chairman of the national HERE team, Johannes Baur, Head of Cooperation Section of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Rysgul Kudretullayeva, Head of Unit of the Content of Higher and Postgraduate Education of the Committee for Higher and Postgraduate Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Leading experts from Croatia – Ninoslav Šćukanec Schmidt and Ana Skledar Matijević from the Institute for the Development of Education – provided deep insight into the EHEA policy frameworks, inclusive education practices, and institutional strategies. Their contributions served as a catalyst for reflection and action among Kazakh higher education institutions. Over two days, participants engaged in interactive discussions with practical group work and working sessions focused on understanding key terms and concepts related to equity, inclusion, and diversity in higher education, identifying challenges and policy gaps in Kazakh and European contexts and exploring successful practices and support mechanisms. The seminar concluded with a forward-looking session summarizing key takeaways and drafting initial action points for institutions and policymakers. Participants also provided feedback and contributed to the development of a national roadmap to strengthen inclusion and equity in higher education. This seminar reflects the continued commitment of Kazakhstan to align with the EHEA priorities and ensure inclusive, accessible, and equitable higher education for all.
Besides, during the seminar, a cooperation agreement was signed between Salymbekov University of Kyrgyzstan whose President, Amangeldi Zhumadilov was one of the participants of the event as the HERE member from Kyrgyzstan and Astana IT university represented by Andrii Biloshchytskyi, Vice-Rector for Science and Innovations. Both sides agreed on a long-term sustainable partnership.
On June 4, 2025, the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Sayasat Nurbek, held an official meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mohamed Rachid Maaninou.
The meeting focused on a broad range of issues pertaining to bilateral cooperation in the fields of higher education and scientific research. The parties underscored their shared commitment to deepening academic collaboration and fostering institutional partnerships between universities of both countries.
A key point of discussion was the mutual intention to implement a reciprocal exchange of 20 government scholarships for citizens of Kazakhstan and Morocco. This initiative is designed to enhance educational and cultural ties, as well as to promote greater international student mobility and academic exchange.
The parties also deliberated on joint outreach and awareness-raising efforts aimed at promoting Kazakhstani higher education opportunities among Moroccan youth. In this context, a series of collaborative events and campaigns are planned to strengthen Kazakhstan’s visibility as a destination for quality education. Furthermore, potential avenues for academic cooperation with the Polytechnic University of the Kingdom of Morocco were explored.
The meeting reaffirmed the mutual interest in advancing bilateral academic engagement and expanding the strategic partnership between the two nations in the realm of education and science.
Medications derived from biomass, smart polymers for flexible electronics, and fuels of the future – these were just a few of the ambitious scientific topics explored at the IV International Symposium on Emerging Materials and Devices (ISEMD 2025), held from May 28 to 30 at Nazarbayev University (NU) in Astana.
The symposium brought together more than 180 researchers from Spain, the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Finland, Ecuador, Uzbekistan, Russia, and Kazakhstan. Local participants included scientists from KazNU, Satbayev University, Abai University, Astana IT University, and other institutions.
«As the world faces the growing challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, the need for sustainable energy solutions is critical,» said NU President Dr. Waqar Ahmad in his opening remarks. «At Nazarbayev University, research and education in renewable energy are central to our mission. We are preparing future leaders who can develop and implement innovative technologies in solar, wind, and other clean energy sectors».
The program featured more than 46 presentations, covering topics such as solar cells, biomass conversion, hydrogen production and storage, and topological materials for quantum applications.
Several Kazakhstani innovations sparked a lively discussion. NU’s Renewable Energy Laboratory showcased a porous polymer designed for flexible electronics and biosensors. Resistant to mechanical deformation, it improves the performance of wearable devices and is already being applied in other environmental and energy-related projects by the team.
Meanwhile, a biomass research group led by senior researcher Minawar Shaimardan presented a pioneering study for Kazakhstan – a hypertension medication based on Furfural, an organic compound extracted from corn husks, recognized as one of the most promising bio-based chemicals for future applications.
«Our primary goal is to bring strong scientists from around the world here to Kazakhstan», said Professor Nurxat Nuraje, head of the Renewable Energy Laboratory at NU National Laboratory Astana. «These kinds of meetings help foster collaboration, launch joint research projects, and elevate Kazakhstan’s contributions to global science».
«I am genuinely impressed by the rapid development of science in Kazakhstan and the remarkable progress in your university system. Your talented students have completed internships in my lab in Scotland and at Oxford, consistently delivering outstanding results», said Mojtaba Mirzaeian, Professor at the University of the West of Scotland.
The symposium reaffirmed NU’s growing role as a regional research hub and an active participant in the global movement toward a sustainable future.
On May 29, the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Sayasat Nurbek, held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Amandeep Singh Gill, the Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies.
The parties discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in the areas of digitalization, artificial intelligence, scientific research, and human capital development. Particular emphasis was placed on the integration of advanced digital technologies into the higher education system, the support of young researchers, and the creation of an inclusive digital ecosystem.
Minister Nurbek emphasized that Kazakhstan is consistently pursuing a strategy of digital transformation in the fields of education and science. In accordance with the instructions of the Head of State, the innovative AI-Sana program has been launched, aimed at training highly qualified specialists in the field of artificial intelligence. The program is designed to build an ecosystem that equips students not only with academic knowledge but also with practical skills necessary for developing their own DeepTech startups. It covers a wide range of sectors – from agriculture to energy – and has already reached tens of thousands of students nationwide.
«Our objective is to transform Kazakhstani universities into centers of innovation and talent attraction at both the regional and global levels», the Minister stated.
He also noted that, with the support of leading international partners such as Huawei, Coursera, and Astana Hub, Kazakhstani students now have access to world-class educational resources and cutting-edge technologies. In addition, the Ministry has introduced amendments to the national educational standard, making the inclusion of artificial intelligence courses mandatory across all academic programs. To date, this initiative has been implemented in more than 90 higher education institutions throughout the country.
In conclusion, the parties discussed opportunities for further strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and the Republic of Kazakhstan in the fields of higher education, science, and advanced technologies.
The Republican Strategic Session «Artificial Intelligence in the Training of Language and Archival Specialists» was held at «Kazakh Ablai Khan University of International Relations and World Languages» JSC with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
G.I.Kobenova – Chairman of the Committee for Higher and Postgraduate Education, Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, A.M.Dyusekova – Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Archives, Documentation and Book Affairs, Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, K.K.Seitova – Head of the National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan, S.B.Kenzhebayeva – Head of the Project Management Center, Sh. Shayakhmetov National Scientific and Practical Center «Til-Kazyna», E.B.Absalyamov – Executive Director of the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI), Nazarbayev University, as well as more than 80 participants representing national and state-level archives and higher education institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Acting Rector D.A.Kunanbayeva addressed the participants with a welcoming speech, thanking the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the supervising ministries for the opportunity provided to the University to become a discussion platform for solving problems in training specialists in the linguistic and archival profile. D.A.Kunanbayeva also noted that Kazakh Ablai Khan UIR&WL, as one of the leading foreign-language universities in the country, is responsible for training qualified personnel in demand by the Kazakh and global economies.
Overall, the speakers’ presentations focused on the development of AI in archival work, the steps being taken to ensure that electronic archives become not just storage facilities but fully functional intelligent systems for document analysis, the measures required for the large-scale implementation of the applications presented today in the electronic document management system, and ways to ensure the quality translation of regulatory and educational documents into the state and English languages.
Following the results of the Republican Strategic Session, a final document will be presented, outlining the key decisions, development directions, and priority measures on the stated topic.
As part of the celebration of the Day of Science Workers, the International Information Technology University held a grand opening of two new laboratories in the areas of «Digital Circuitry» and «Artificial Intelligence».
The International Information Technology University (IITU) officially inaugurated two new laboratories:
– The Advanced cognitive and Artificial Intelligence Research lab (ACAI Lab) – a research lab focused on cognitive technologies and artificial intelligence;
– The Digital Circuitry Laboratory under the Department of Computer Engineering.
This event marks a significant milestone in IITU’s strategic commitment to developing a robust scientific ecosystem, fostering interdisciplinary research, and integrating advanced technologies into the educational process.
ACAI Lab – the intelligent technologies of the future
The «ACAI Lab» was established as part of the development of the scientific field «Cognitive Technologies and Artificial Intelligence» and is focused on creating innovative solutions at the intersection of cognitive science, machine learning, and intelligent systems. Research at the lab will focus on neural network architectures, deep learning, cognitive modeling, human-machine interaction, and intelligent interfaces.
The ACAI Lab brings together researchers, faculty members, and students, forming a dynamic platform for training the next generation of scientists and developers. It is envisioned as a hub for talented youth interested in high technology and a foundation for integrating IITU into the AI research community.
Digital Circuitry Lab – Bridging Theory and Practice
The Digital Circuitry Laboratory serves as a vital link between the theoretical training of students and the practical implementation of engineering solutions. This educational and research laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art workstations, including personal computers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, microcontrollers, and programmable logic integrated circuits (FPGAs). Within the framework of the lab’s activities, students gain not only fundamental knowledge but also hands-on experience in developing digital systems using hardware description languages (such as Verilog) and simulation tools.
The lab’s research themes span a wide range of areas – from logic circuits and data transmission interfaces to analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion, as well as the synthesis and design of digital devices. Beyond its educational mission, the laboratory also conducts scientific projects supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, contributing to the advancement of domestic innovations on the international scientific and technological stage.
Innovation and Partnerships in the Spotlight
The opening ceremony of the laboratories was attended by representatives of Almaty’s academic and business communities, including Yergen Marat, Deputy Director for Retail Business at the Almaty branch of Halyk Bank; Nurzhan Saduev, Deputy Director General for Science at the Institute of Nuclear Physics; and Gulzat Beknazarova, Chief Project Manager of the «QazPostDigital».
Rector of IITU, Assylbek Issakhov, noted that these laboratories symbolize the university’s dedication to meeting international standards in education and research, laying a strong foundation for training the in-demand professionals of tomorrow.
As part of the Global Education Exhibition held in Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a significant opportunity emerged to enhance cooperation between Kazakhstan and Middle Eastern countries in the fields of education and science. In this context, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ozbekali Zhanibekov South Kazakhstan University and King Khalid University, aimed at strengthening academic and scientific collaboration.
The signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Madiyar Menilbekov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Dr. Falleh R.M. Al-Salami, President of King Khalid University; and Ms. Gulzhan Sugirbayeva, Acting Chair of the Board – Rector of Zhanibekov University.
The agreement provides for the implementation of joint scientific research, academic exchange of faculty and students, enhancement of educational programs, and the development of international projects. During the constructive discussions, the parties reached agreements on the launch of dual-degree programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels in the fields of history and religious studies, the organization of mutual internships for faculty members, and the undertaking of collaborative scientific research in the area of the history of religions.
This partnership is expected to evolve into a strategic collaboration, contributing to the development of intercultural exchange between the Middle East and Central Asia and opening new avenues for cooperation.
King Khalid University is one of the leading institutions of higher education and research not only in Saudi Arabia but throughout the Middle East. With approximately 70,000 students, the university boasts a well-developed infrastructure and modern research centers. It ranks among the top five universities in the country according to national rankings and holds the 601st position in the QS World University Rankings (QS WUR).
International Conference on the Future of School Education Held in Almaty: Mentorship, Technology, and Equal Opportunities
The International Information Technology University (IITU) hosted the international scientific-practical conference titled «Effective School Education: Mentorship, Technologies, and Equal Opportunities».
The event was organized with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and in partnership with the International Information Technology University (IITU), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Kazakhstan and the Akelius Foundation.
Held in a hybrid format, the conference brought together experts, educators, researchers, and representatives of educational institutions both in person and online. The event served as a key platform for discussing the pressing challenges and emerging opportunities facing modern school education in the context of digitalization, migration, and inclusive approaches.
During the sessions, participants explored practical and strategic topics related to language literacy, digital solutions, and effective mentorship practices. Special attention was given to the Akelius project, implemented by IITU in collaboration with UNICEF in Kazakhstan since 2021. The initiative aims to enhance digital skills and language literacy among children affected by migration and has already proven to be an innovative and effective learning model.
In his welcoming remarks, IITU Rector Professor Assylbek Issakhov emphasized:
«Modern education is not merely about transferring knowledge – it is a powerful tool that brings cultures together and creates equal opportunities. The Akelius project is a clear example of how technology can transform educational environments, making them more accessible and inclusive».
The conference marked an important step toward strengthening collaboration between universities, schools, and international organizations in the development of new methodologies and digital solutions that support every child, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Organizers expressed confidence that the outcomes of the conference would lay the foundation for new partnerships, projects, and educational initiatives that will foster international cooperation and enhance the quality of school education in Kazakhstan and beyond.