Karaganda becomes a center of science and education: Buketov University has received national status

Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek, Akim of the Karaganda region Ermaganbet Bulekpayev, deputies of the Mazhilis of the Parliament met with the faculty of the Karaganda National Research University named after Academician E. A. Buketov. The reason was the assignment of the national status to the university.

By decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, on August 12, 2025, the university was awarded the status of a national university. This is the first university in the region to receive such a status. In total, there are 18 national universities in Kazakhstan. The new status of the university underlines the President's special attention to the development of science and education in the regions, including in the Karaganda region.

National status will give the university more academic and scientific autonomy, expand opportunities to attract funding and leading scientists, and strengthen its position in the international educational space.

– Awarding the university the status of a national university is a historic event. The status provides greater flexibility and academic freedom. This is an opportunity to shape their own curricula, attract leading teachers, create their own experimental laboratories and training programs, launch joint programs with industrial enterprises, and much more. This will be an incentive to attract strong students. The national status is always an additional bonus," said Sayasat Nurbek.

The Minister also said that on behalf of the President, the issue of opening a branch of the leading British research university Exeter is being worked out in Karaganda. He is in the top 200 of the world ranking. And this is the only foreign university where the school of mining has been preserved, which is important for our industrial region.

The Governor of the region congratulated the university staff on their important achievement, noting that it was the result of many years of work, high-quality education and strong scientific potential.

"Today, on behalf of the Head of State, the development of science and education in the regions is one of the priorities, — said Ermaganbet Bulekpayev. — In this regard, it is especially important that the achievements of Karaganda University are so highly appreciated. We are open for close cooperation with the university. Everything that is being created here in the scientific field is of great importance for the region. We see the university not only as a partner, but also as a like—minded person in a common cause - the development of the Karaganda region and improving the quality of life of its residents. Turning Karaganda into a center of education and science is our common goal.

The special status was awarded in the year of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the first rector of the university, academician Yevney Buketov, whose name the university bears.

— As a university graduate, as a deputy, and as a native of the region, I am happy about this event. These are the fruits of the work of the entire faculty. I once again congratulate the university on being awarded the national status," said Deputy of the Mazhilis of Parliament Askhat Aimagambetov.

The participants of the meeting laid flowers at the monument to Yevney Buketov.

The university has over 14,000 students, undergraduates and doctoral students.

About 200 educational programs are being implemented at 12 faculties. The university is one of the leading multidisciplinary educational institutions in the country.