Universities of Kazakhstan
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Nazarbayev University
Nazarbayev University (NU) is a leading research university in Astana, Kazakhstan, founded in 2010. NU embodies the best global research and educational practices, ranking among the top 23% of universities worldwide (Times Higher Education 2026) and first in the Caucasus and Central Asia region.
KIMEP University
KIMEP University is Central Asia's leading English-language university, founded in 1992 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Offering 17 internationally accredited programs across business, law, economics, international relations, and journalism, KIMEP prepares students for careers on a global scale. With a faculty representing over 20 countries and a vibrant multicultural campus community, the university delivers a world-class education at the heart of Central Asia.
Maqsut Narikbayev University
Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU), formerly known as KAZGUU University, is one of Kazakhstan's leading private higher education institutions, founded in 1994 and headquartered in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. The university is named after Maqsut Narikbayev, a prominent Kazakhstani jurist and statesman, reflecting the institution's deep roots in legal education and public service. MNU is recognized as the leader among all educational institutions in Kazakhstan and ranks in the global Top 50 in its subject areas, outperforming a number of well-known American and European institutions. The university holds prestigious international accreditations and participates actively in global rankings, attracting students from across Kazakhstan and beyond through its diverse academic programs spanning law, economics, business, liberal arts, and journalism. The university is structured around five schools: MNU Law School, International School of Economics, School of Liberal Arts, International School of Journalism, and a Business School. It prides itself on a trilingual educational environment offering instruction in Kazakh, Russian, and English, with more than 100 international partner universities enabling academic mobility and dual-degree opportunities. With over 39,000 qualified professionals among its alumni and a 92% graduate employment rate, MNU continues to serve its mission of providing high-quality and affordable education to students from Kazakhstan and abroad.
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) is Kazakhstan’s flagship institution of higher education and one of the leading universities in Central Asia. Founded in 1934, it is named after Abu Nasr al-Farabi, a renowned medieval philosopher and scholar of Turkic origin. The university is located in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city and cultural capital, on a campus spanning over 100 hectares known as “Kazgugrad.”
Satbayev University
Satbayev University (officially: Kazakh National Research Technical University named after K.I. Satbayev) is the oldest and most prestigious technical university in Kazakhstan, founded in 1934. For over 90 years, it has been synonymous with technological progress and engineering leadership in the country, and is recognized as Kazakhstan's No. 1 Technical University according to national IQAA ratings. The university is ranked #331 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and ranks 50–101st in the QS Subject Rankings for Petroleum Engineering. It holds National Research University status, awarded in 2014, which enables collaboration with outstanding scientists worldwide. The university comprises 9 specialized institutes and serves more than 8,000 students, offering instruction in Kazakh, Russian, and English across engineering, architecture, IT, and management.
Kazakh-British Technical University
Kazakh-British Technical University (KBTU) is a leading research and educational institution located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, founded in 2001 by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan in partnership with the British Council. The university focuses its research and education on the key sectors of the Kazakhstani economy, including oil and gas, information technologies, banking and finance, management, and telecommunications. KBTU is the first and only Kazakhstani university with IT programs internationally accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, USA). The KBTU Business School holds ACBSP accreditation (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs). Since 2005, KBTU has partnered with the University of London to award double undergraduate degrees through its International School of Economics, with academic direction provided by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). The university offers education across 9 schools at the Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels, with all instruction conducted in English. KBTU is also affiliated with the Center for Strategy and Competitiveness at Harvard Business School (since 2011) and maintains partnerships with over 50 universities worldwide.
Narxoz University
Narxoz University is one of the leading private, non-profit universities in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, located in Almaty. Founded in 1963 as the Almaty Institute of National Economy, the university was renamed Narxoz University in 2016 and has since undergone significant modernization. The university offers education in three languages — English, Kazakh, and Russian — at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, specializing in economics, business, finance, law, digital technologies, social sciences, and public administration. Narxoz holds FIBAA (European) institutional accreditation as well as ACCA, CIM, and CIMA professional accreditations. In 2023, the university was awarded 4 QS Stars overall and 5 QS Stars for teaching quality, employability, and inclusiveness. It is ranked #1001–1200 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and was named Kazakhstan’s top private university by the Times Higher Education Impact Ranking in 2022. The university is guided by a Business Advisory Council of leading national and international employers and offers double-degree programs with Queen’s University Belfast (UK), La Rochelle School of Business (France), Mykolas Romeris University (Lithuania), and Illinois Institute of Technology (USA). With over 60 years of history, approximately 150,000 alumni, and a recently reconstructed campus, Narxoz provides a modern, internationally oriented educational experience.
Astana IT University
Astana IT University (AITU) is a leading educational and scientific institution in Central Asia, specializing in information technology, digital transformation, and the training of highly qualified specialists for the digital economy. Founded by the Nursultan Nazarbayev Educational Foundation, AITU’s mission is to promote the digital transformation of Kazakhstan. The university offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and College programs, with the Bachelor’s program taught entirely in English. AITU features modern research laboratories, partnerships with international IT vendors such as Huawei, Cisco, and Kaspersky, and a vibrant student community with over 25 student clubs. The university is located in the EXPO Business Center in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, and holds a License for Educational Activities (No. KZ26LAA00015835, issued April 2, 2019).
L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University
Founded in 1996 in the heart of Astana, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (ENU) is a premier, top-ranked research institution ranked #317 globally (QS 2025) and recognized among the world's top young universities. ENU offers over 170 Bachelor, Master, and PhD programs across 13 faculties, with instruction available in multiple languages including English, Kazakh, and Russian. As a highly international hub, it hosts students from over 25 countries and partners with 460+ global universities to provide exceptional study-abroad and double-degree opportunities. Beyond academics, applicants can look forward to a vibrant capital-city campus complete with modern dormitories, excellent sports facilities like a swimming pool, and over 60 active student organizations.
International Information Technology University
International Information Technology University (IITU) is a public university established in 2009 by order of the President of Kazakhstan, founded in close collaboration with iCarnegie, the educational arm of Carnegie Mellon University. Located in Almaty, IITU specializes in training a new generation of ICT specialists, with an emphasis on industry technologies, advanced management, economics, and communication skills. IITU is the only university in Kazakhstan to have received ASIIN institutional international accreditation (Germany), and according to the rating of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs "Atameken" it has entered the TOP 3 universities of Kazakhstan, ranking 1st in fields such as Information Systems and Electronic Journalism. The university partners with over 70 universities worldwide (including Carnegie Mellon, KAIST, and several Malaysian universities) and offers double-degree and exchange programs. Today more than 5,000 students study at IITU across Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, and MBA programs, with English as the main language of instruction.
Almaty Management University
Almaty Management University (AlmaU) is one of the leading private universities in Kazakhstan and the first business school in the CIS, founded in 1988 in Almaty. Holding prestigious accreditations including AMBA, FIBAA, and CEEMAN IQA, AlmaU offers undergraduate programs across business, law, digital technologies, and health sciences, equipping students with an entrepreneurial mindset to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
University of International Business
UIB (University of International Business) is a modern private university located in the center of Almaty, founded in 1992. It prepares specialists for business and the global economy, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in business, finance, IT, marketing, and international relations. Classes are taught in Kazakh, Russian, and English, and students have access to international exchange programs and internships. A practice-oriented approach, strong faculty, and an active student life help students realize their potential and build successful careers.
Sh. Yessenov Caspian University of Technology and Engineering (Yessenov University)
Yessenov University, officially the Caspian University of Technology and Engineering named after Sh. Yessenov, is the flagship higher education institution of the Mangystau Region and the leading technical university on the Kazakhstani coast of the Caspian Sea. Founded in 1976 as a branch of the Kazakh Polytechnic Institute to train engineers for the Mangystau industrial complex, it has since grown into a modern, fully accredited university offering programs across engineering, IT, business, law, education, philology, tourism, and maritime studies. The university has strong ties to the oil, gas, and maritime industries of the Caspian region, around 150 corporate partners, and over 110 partner universities worldwide. Yessenov University is home to the unique Maritime Academy, a Military Department, the German-Kazakh Institute of Sustainable Engineering Sciences, and Yessenov College.
Caspian University
Private university offering diverse programs in technology, business, and humanities
Turan University
Turan University is one of the first and largest private universities in Kazakhstan, established in 1992 in Almaty. It is a full-cycle educational institution encompassing a lyceum, college, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral (PhD) programs. The university is part of the Turan Educational Corporation, which also includes Turan-Astana University, two colleges, a lyceum, and the Tau-Turan recreational complex. In 2020, it received the “Altyn Sapa” national award as the best service provider. It is ranked #1001–1100 in the QS Asian University Rankings 2026. The university has 5 faculties: Economics, Humanities and Law, Graduate School of Business, Digital Technologies and Arts, and the Foundation Faculty. It operates 15 departments and 5 research institutes. The campus covers 35,000 m² in central Almaty and features a Digital Innovation Lab, Apple Digital Laboratory, Business Intelligence Center, a courtroom, and the White Hall. Turan was the first Kazakhstani university to join the Eduroam project. Education is offered in three languages: Kazakh, Russian, and English.
Coventry University Kazakhstan
Coventry University is a global modern university founded in 1843, rated Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023 for its outstanding teaching, effective learning, and strong graduate outcomes. Working closely with businesses, the university ensures its graduates are job-ready with the skills and creative thinking to make a real impact.
Cardiff University Kazakhstan
Cardiff University brings over 140 years of academic excellence, world-class research, and a commitment to shaping the future. As Kazakhstan’s only member of the prestigious Russell Group of UK research universities, Cardiff University Kazakhstan is proud to offer students a world-leading education that is both rooted in tradition and future-focused. With a rich history of cutting-edge research and impactful social change, Cardiff University fosters a collaborative, dynamic learning environment where students from Kazakhstan and beyond will thrive. Our campus in Astana will provide students with access to the best in global academic expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and a curriculum that equips them for success in rapidly emerging fields. At Cardiff University Kazakhstan we are committed to developing a global community of leaders, thinkers, and innovators who will tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
Kazakh-German University
The Kazakh-German University (DKU) is an international university located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, established under a bilateral intergovernmental agreement between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Federal Republic of Germany. Founded over 25 years ago, DKU operates on the principles of German university autonomy and the Humboldt tradition, combining education, research, and societal engagement in a unique bi-national academic environment. DKU consistently ranks among the Top 5 universities in Kazakhstan according to the trade chamber ATAMEKEN, and offers internationally accredited programs in engineering, economics, and social sciences. The university maintains active partnerships with over 10 German partner universities and provides students with access to Double Diploma programs, enabling them to receive degrees recognized in both Kazakhstan and Germany.
Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University
Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University (KazNMU) is a prestigious institution located in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Founded in 1930, it is renowned for providing high-quality medical education and cutting-edge research opportunities. KazNMU offers a variety of medical programs, including MBBS, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing, all conducted by experienced faculty members. The university's modern infrastructure and commitment to excellence make it a top choice for aspiring medical professionals worldwide.
Astana Medical University
Astana Medical University (AMU) is one of the leading medical universities in Kazakhstan. Founded in 1964, the university offers educational programs in medicine, dentistry, pediatrics, pharmacy, nursing, and public health. AMU provides bachelor’s, internship, residency, master’s, and doctoral programs and actively develops international cooperation. Several educational programs have received international specialized accreditation, confirming compliance with international quality standards in medical education. The university uses clinical training bases and modern educational infrastructure to support professional medical training.
Karaganda Medical University
Karaganda Medical University is a leading medical higher education institution in Kazakhstan, offering quality education, scientific research, and medical practice across all levels of professional training
Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University
Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University (Abai KazNPU), founded on September 1, 1928, is Kazakhstan's oldest and most prestigious teacher-training institution, ranked #1 among pedagogical universities in the country and #=628 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. With over 16,000 students, more than 150 educational programs, and a network of 100+ international partner universities, Abai University is a leading center for education science, humanities, natural sciences, and the arts, committed to nurturing highly qualified specialists for Kazakhstan's knowledge economy. The university has been a signatory of the Magna Charta Universitatum, underscoring its alignment with European academic values and standards. It is home to the internationally acclaimed Sorbonne–Kazakhstan Institute and the Branch of the University of Lorraine (France), offering unique dual-degree programs. Abai University operates the Scientific and Innovation Park "Abai LABS," a psychological support service, and a digital education platform (Univer 2.0), reflecting its commitment to blending tradition with modern, technology-driven pedagogy. In QS subject rankings, the university stands out globally — ranked #=41 in Education & Training, #=93 in English Language & Literature, and in the top 200 in Philosophy — solidifying its reputation as a world-class center for teacher education and humanistic research.
Buketov Karaganda University
Buketov Karaganda University is a national research university focused on maintaining leadership in classical education, introducing innovations in training highly qualified specialists, and strengthening research capacity. The university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs and cooperates with local and international quality assurance agencies, embassies, professional associations, universities, and colleges.
M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University
M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University (Auezov University / SKU, formerly South Kazakhstan State University) is one of the oldest and largest multidisciplinary universities in Kazakhstan, founded in 1943 in Shymkent and named after the renowned Kazakh writer Mukhtar Omarkhanuli Auezov. It is the largest university in Kazakhstan by student count, with more than 25,000 students across Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs, and 1,500+ faculty including doctors of science, PhDs, and academicians. Auezov University ranked 2nd in the 2024 National Rating of Kazakhstan's leading multidisciplinary universities, and entered the QS World University Rankings 2026 in the #731–740 band. The university holds ASIIN institutional accreditation, with several programs bearing the European quality marks Eurobachelor, Euro-Inf, and Euro-ACE. SKU maintains over 200 international cooperation agreements and runs 26 joint and double-degree programs with foreign universities.
Shakarim University
Shakarim University is a modern educational, scientific, and cultural center of the northeastern region of Kazakhstan.
Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University
Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University is a multidisciplinary international university located in Turkestan, Kazakhstan. Established in 1991 and reorganized under an intergovernmental agreement between Kazakhstan and Türkiye, the university was the first higher education institution in Kazakhstan to receive international university status. AYU offers programs across medicine, dentistry, engineering, natural sciences, economics, law, education, humanities, theology, sports, arts, media and design, and plays an important role in training specialists from Kazakhstan, Türkiye and the wider Turkic world.
Saginov Karaganda Technical University
Saginov Karaganda Technical University is one of Kazakhstan’s leading engineering and technical universities, located in Karaganda. The university prepares specialists for the mining and metallurgy, mechanical engineering, construction, IT, energy, transport and industrial sectors. Students can gain practical skills through laboratories, research projects and cooperation with industrial enterprises. The university is suitable for applicants who want to study engineering and applied technical specialties in one of Kazakhstan’s key industrial regions.
D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University
D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University (EKTU) is a public technical university located in Oskemen, Kazakhstan. Founded in 1958, it is one of the leading technical universities in the country. EKTU offers more than 80 educational programs at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels across engineering, information technology, natural sciences, business, and related fields. Several engineering programs hold the EUR-ACE® Label awarded through the European Network for Accreditation of Engineering Education (ENAEE). The university maintains international partnerships with institutions including the Technical University of Munich (Germany), Akita University (Japan), Hoseo University (South Korea), and the University of Wroclaw (Poland). In the QS World University Rankings 2026, EKTU was ranked #1001–1200 globally, =309 in Asia, and #21 in Central Asia. The university also holds a QS Stars 5-Star rating and reports a graduate employment rate of 96%.
Atyrau Oil and Gas University
Atyrau University of Oil and Gas named after Safi Utebayev (AOGU) is a specialized state university focused on the oil and gas industry in Kazakhstan. Its origins date back to 1959, when an educational center of the All-Union Correspondence Polytechnic Institute was established in Guryev (now Atyrau). Today, the university offers bachelor's, master's, MBA, and doctoral programs through four faculties and the N.K. Nadirov Institute of Petrochemical Engineering and Ecology. AOGU integrates dual education, industrial internships, and applied research into its academic programs. The university operates an industrial training ground developed with the support of KazMunayGas and EmbaMunayGas and serves as the Ministry of Energy's Center for Sectoral Technological Competencies. AOGU maintains international partnerships with universities and organizations in countries including China, Poland, Indonesia, and Turkey. In the QS Asian University Rankings 2026, the university was placed in the 1401–1500 band and ranked 73rd in Central Asia.
S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical University
Saken Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University is the largest agricultural university in Central and Northern Kazakhstan, located in Astana. The university offers bachelor’s programs in agriculture, engineering, veterinary science, IT, energy, land management, architecture, economics and related fields across 9 faculties. Students can gain practical experience through modern laboratories, research centers, experimental fields and cooperation with more than 2,600 partner organizations. The university also develops academic mobility through international partnerships with institutions in 35 countries and is ranked among leading universities in Kazakhstan and Asia.
Kazakh National Agrarian Research University
The Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU) is Kazakhstan's leading agrarian research institution, established in 1996 through the merger of the Alma-Ata Zoo-Veterinary Institute and the Kazakh Agricultural Institute. In 2020, it was elevated to national research university status. KazNARU is home to approximately 7,000 students across 6 faculties and operates 4 research institutes and 9 laboratories through its International Agrotechnological Hub. The university developed two COVID-19 vaccine candidates (NARUVAX-C19) and maintains partnerships with 140 universities worldwide, benchmarking its development against Wageningen University. KazNARU provides 100% dormitory coverage for students and is ranked 697th in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
Almaty Technological University
Almaty Technological University (ATU) is one of the leading technical universities in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, located in Almaty — the cultural and economic center of the country. Founded in 1957, the university has a long history of training highly qualified specialists for the food and processing industries, textile and light industries, engineering and IT, economics and business, tourism, service and hospitality sectors. The university includes 6 faculties and 21 academic departments, as well as the Kazakhstan-Swiss Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (HTMI). ATU also operates 3 research institutes, 8 research laboratories, and 13 educational and scientific centers, providing students with strong academic and research opportunities. ATU offers a wide range of educational programs: 34 Bachelor's degree programs, 31 Master's degree programs, and 15 PhD programs. All programs are developed in accordance with international educational standards and combine strong theoretical knowledge with practical training aimed at preparing competitive specialists for the international labor market.
Semey Medical University
Semey Medical University is one of the largest medical universities in Kazakhstan, located in Semey. The university trains specialists in healthcare and medicine and has its own university hospital, as well as branches in Pavlodar and Ust-Kamenogorsk. Students can receive theoretical education and practical clinical training through the university’s medical facilities and partner healthcare organizations.
South Kazakhstan Medical Academy
South Kazakhstan Medical Academy (SKMA), founded in 1979 in Shymkent, is one of the leading medical universities in Kazakhstan. The academy offers bachelor’s, internship, residency, master’s, and doctoral programs in medicine, pharmacy, public health, and nursing. SKMA combines modern medical education, scientific research, and international cooperation, focusing on the training of highly qualified professionals who meet international quality standards.
Ospanov West Kazakhstan Medical University
Ospanov West Kazakhstan Medical University is a medical university in Aktobe that prepares specialists in healthcare and medicine. The university offers programs in medicine, dentistry, public health, pharmacy, nursing and other medical fields. It is ranked as the No. 1 medical university in Kazakhstan in the field of Healthcare and Social Security. Students receive both theoretical education and practical clinical training through university hospitals and partner medical institutions.
Toraigyrov University
Toraighyrov University (TOU) is one of the largest universities in Kazakhstan. TOU is the center of education, science and culture not only in the Pavlodar region, but also in the Republic.
Innovative Eurasian University
Innovative University of Eurasia (InEU) is a private multidisciplinary university located in Pavlodar, Kazakhstan. The university offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA/EMBA, and PhD programs in business, law, education, engineering, information technologies, and natural sciences. InEU includes the Faculty of Business, Education and Law, the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, colleges, a School of Business and Business Administration, and language and research centers. The university holds national institutional accreditation and offers accredited educational programs. InEU actively participates in international cooperation projects, including Erasmus+, and maintains partnerships with universities across Europe and Asia. Several of its educational programs have been recognized among the Top 10 educational programs in Kazakhstan according to national rankings.
Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University
Founded in 1937, Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University (formerly Kyzylorda Pedagogical Institute) is a leading multidisciplinary higher education and research institution in the Pre-Aral Sea region of Kazakhstan. It provides bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs to over 10,000 students across various fields including education, law, engineering, and IT.
A. Baitursynov Kostanay Regional University
A. Baitursynov Kostanay State University is a leading higher education institution in Northern Kazakhstan, as well as a scientific and cultural center of the region. The university’s mission is to build an integrated educational and research ecosystem aimed at training competitive specialists in line with the region’s development priorities. Its vision is to become a regional university leading in the use of artificial intelligence technologies among universities in Kazakhstan, with a modern material and technical base in priority areas such as mechanical engineering, agriculture, teacher education, and ecology. The university’s goal is to become a leading scientific and educational center of Kazakhstan.
M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University
North Kazakhstan University named after Manash Kozybayev is the largest higher educational institution in the region, playing a key role in the training of qualified personnel in the field of education, science and economics.
M.Kh. Dulaty Taraz Regional University
Taraz Regional University named after M.Kh. Dulati is a leading educational center in South Kazakhstan, providing training of specialists in the field of humanitarian, social, technical and natural sciences. The university offers programs in the following areas: philology, history, law, economics, pedagogy, engineering and ecology. Particular attention is paid to research activities, the development of creative and critical skills among students. The educational process is based on the integration of theory and practice, which allows graduates to successfully realize themselves in the labor market. The university supports international relations and academic mobility, providing students with opportunities to participate in exchange programs, conferences and internships. Taraz Regional University named after M.Kh. Dulati strives to form competitive, socially responsible and creative specialists ready for the challenges of the modern world.
Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University
Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University is one of the leading public universities in western Kazakhstan, founded on June 14, 1950, as a teachers’ institute. Named after the prominent Kazakh educator and scientist Khalel Dosmukhamedov, the university is the only state university in the Atyrau Region, providing education in natural sciences, humanities, economics, law, engineering, fine arts, music, and pedagogical specialties. The university is home to over 8,000 students across 6 faculties, offering more than 55 bachelor’s specialties and 27 master’s programs. It employs approximately 500 teaching staff, including over 200 doctors and candidates of sciences, professors, associate professors, and PhDs. The university was ranked 69th in the Kazakh National H-index Ranking in 2023. In 2010, the university became a full participant in the Bologna Process. It maintains international partnerships with over 150 universities worldwide and offers academic mobility through Erasmus+, Mevlana, and ORHUN exchange programs. The university’s infrastructure includes 5 academic buildings, 2 student dormitories, the “Zhaiyk” sports and cultural complex, and a medical center.
S. Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University
Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University (EKU) is a major public multidisciplinary university located in Ust-Kamenogorsk (Oskemen), the capital of the East Kazakhstan Region. Founded on July 5, 1952, as a pedagogical institute, it was transformed into a full university in 1991 and named after the prominent linguist and Turkologist Sarsen Amanzholov in 2003. The university is organized into four Higher Schools: Pedagogy; Humanities; Business and Law; IT and Natural Sciences, plus a Higher College. It offers over 60 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs spanning education, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, IT, engineering, agriculture, and law. EKU is an active member of the Eurasian Association of Universities and was included in the list of 600 world university leaders under the Magna Charta Universitatum in 2009. The university has international partnerships and participates in Erasmus+, Bolashak, and ORHUN academic mobility programs. It has an enrollment of approximately 5,000–7,000 students and holds institutional accreditation from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan.
M. Zhansugurov Zhetysu University
Zhetysu University named after Ilyas Zhansugurov is a regional Smart university that trains specialists in the fields of education, economics, law and technical sciences. According to the "National Rating of the Best Multidisciplinary Universities of Kazakhstan", conducted by the Independent Agency for Quality Assurance in Education, Zhetysu University is consistently among the top ten multidisciplinary universities in Kazakhstan. The structure of the university has 7 faculties, 22 departments, a college, a research institute of biotechnology problems, StartUp Academy ZhU, the scientific and educational center "Rukhani zhangyru", the scientific and practical center "Ilyastanu", an IT laboratory. Today, the university trains specialists of a new formation, adapted to modern and changing conditions of production and labor market.
Zhangir Khan West Kazakhstan Agrarian-Technical University
Zhangir Khan University, officially known as the West Kazakhstan Agrarian and Technical University (WKATU) named after Zhangir Khan, is one of the oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions in the West Kazakhstan region. The university is a Non-Profit Joint-Stock Company (NJSC) and carries the motto "Tradition, Quality, Success." It offers education across 103 educational programs in 17 areas of preparation, organized under 4 institutes and 1 faculty center.
Kazakh Academy of Transport and Communications named after M. Tynyshpayev
Mukhametzhan Tynyshbayev ALT University is a leading transport and engineering university in Kazakhstan, located in Almaty. The university specializes in training professionals for the railway, road transport, logistics, IT, communications, engineering, business and management sectors. ALT University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs and focuses on practical, industry-oriented education, research, and cooperation with the transport and logistics sector.
Kazakh Leading Academy of Architecture and Civil Engineering
The Kazakh Leading Academy of Architecture and Civil Engineering (KazGASA) is a leading private higher education institution in Kazakhstan, specializing in architecture, design, construction, and engineering. Founded in 1980 as the Almaty Architectural and Construction Institute (AASI), it was reorganized and renamed KazGASA in 1992. The academy is located in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, and has an enrollment of approximately 5,000–6,000 students. KazGASA is part of the International Educational Corporation (IEC), formed in 2007 by merging KazGASA with the Kazakh-American University (KAU). It was the first university in Central Asia and Southeast Asia to receive UNESCO–UIA accreditation for its Architecture program in 2007. The university maintains partnerships with 117 universities across 32 countries and offers programs in Kazakh, Russian, and English. Today, KazGASA offers 39 bachelor’s, 16 master’s, and 6 doctoral programs. In the 2025 Atameken National Ranking, two of its educational programs ranked first nationwide, and the university was included in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings in 2025.