News

On May 12, 2025, President of Astana International University Serik Aztaevich Irsaliev was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Joint Stock Company “Taldau” – National Center for Educational Research and Evaluation named after Akhmet Baitursynuly.

“Taldau” is the leading national analytical and evaluation center in the field of education under the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The center provides comprehensive analytical support for state educational policy, prepares annual National Reports on the state and development of the education system, and coordinates Kazakhstan’s participation in international comparative studies, including:
🔹 OECD programs — PISA, PIAAC, TALIS, PISA for Schools
🔹 IEA programs — TIMSS, PIRLS, ICILS

Key areas of Taldau’s work also include maintaining and developing the National Educational Database (NEDB), conducting country reviews in cooperation with international organizations, carrying out scientific research in the field of education, and providing expert support for the digital transformation of the educational environment.

Since its establishment in 2011 and especially after expanding its functions in 2014, Taldau has played a crucial role in forming an evidence base for strategic decision-making in education. The center is accredited as a scientific institution and actively cooperates with international bodies, including the OECD and the World Bank.

The appointment of our University President, Serik A. Irsaliev, reflects a high level of trust in his professional expertise and leadership experience. He was one of the founding figures behind the center, contributed to its institutionalization in 2010, and led Taldau as its President from 2013 to 2017. During this period, strong analytical and organizational foundations were laid.

The team at Astana International University congratulates our President on his new appointment and expresses confidence that under his leadership, Taldau will continue to make a significant contribution to the development of high-quality, transparent, and results-oriented education in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

On 13.05.25, the Higher School of Economics hosted a guest lecture on "Peculiarities of entering the civil service using the example of the Bureau of National Statistics ASPiR RK".

The speaker was Arsen Abzalovich Zhakupov, Director of the Human Resources Development Department of the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who told students about the specifics of the civil service and the activities of civil servants in the performance of official duties in government agencies, Young specialist Amantai Arman Askaruly, who is an expert at the Department of Population Statistics and Demographic Dawns of the Department of Population Statistics in Astana, shared his experience of going through the stages of entering the civil service, the students filled in questions that received answers. The meeting was very interesting and informative!

👨‍⚖️ Temirlan Tulegenov, PhD, a legal expert with 24 years of experience and a lecturer in copyright law, will clearly explain — using real-life examples:

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• What is copyright and how it differs from related rights

• Why copyright is the foundation of the creative industry

• The difference between economic and moral rights

• Why creative professionals have the right to monetize their work

• How to effectively secure your copyright or related rights

• How the transfer of economic rights for using a work should be handled

• How long authors or rightsholders can monetize their rights

• The difference between a copyright society and a music publishing company

• How copyright is protected in Kazakhstan
  ⠀
  📅 When: May 24 at 11:30
  📍 Where: Astana, 46/1 Mukhtar Auezov Street, Astana International University
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  📩 Want to join? Register via the link in bio!  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNpf0GWDMY80yy0Ai0a1sxIZGPDHue7PL3RnqPbOqzFgIziQ/viewform?usp=dialog

On May 16, 2025, a Republican Scientific Seminar titled “Education System Based on National Values: Differentiation, Systematization, Justification” was held at Astana International University, organized by the AIU Pedagogical Institute. The event was dedicated to the outstanding educator, Professor Seysekul Aitzhankyzy Koshimbetova, and her 45 years of devoted service to education.

The seminar was opened by Zhanna Kuanyshkyzy Akhmadieva, Director of the Pedagogical Institute, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences and Associate Professor. Among those who delivered congratulatory speeches were: Senator of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nurtore Zhusip, AIU Vice President and Doctor of Biological Sciences Anar Myrzagalieva, founder of the “Senimen Bolashak” Republican Parents’ Association Asan Nurkenov, Director of the NGO “Qara Shańyraq”, ethnologist and member of the Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan Turar Sattarkyzy, Professor of L.N. Gumilyov ENU and Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences Abdimazhit Saipov, AIU Professor of Pedagogy Kadisha Shalgynbayeva, and Professor Zaida Zhumabayeva, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences.

The seminar featured insightful presentations on integrating national values into the education system, the educator’s personal role and moral mission, and the pedagogical legacy and philosophy of Seysekul Aitzhankyzy. Her former students also shared heartfelt memories, reflecting on the continuity of mentorship and educational tradition.

A key highlight of the event was the launch of Seysekul Koshimbetova’s book “Parasat Zholy” (“The Path of Wisdom”). This work reflects the author’s professional journey, educational principles, and philosophy rooted in ethics and humanity. In her closing remarks, Seysekul Aitzhankyzy expressed sincere gratitude to her colleagues, students, and the AIU community for their support throughout her career.

A traditional festive gathering for guests and participants followed in a warm and heartfelt atmosphere. The ideas and recommendations shared during the seminar are expected to contribute to the modernization of education through national values. The AIU team extends deep appreciation to Seysekul Aitzhankyzy Koshimbetova for her invaluable contribution to national pedagogy. A letter of gratitude on behalf of the Chairman of the Council of Veterans of Zhambyl Region, Erkinbek Soltybayev, was presented to her during the event.

AIU also expresses sincere thanks to all speakers and participants for their contributions to the scholarly and methodological exchange. Events like these serve as valuable platforms for knowledge sharing and play a vital role in preparing future educators.

On April 10, 2025, the Higher School of Economics held a meeting of the Academic Council with partner companies, heads of academic programs, and faculty members. Over the following days, the discussions on strategic cooperation continued.

As part of the agenda, each head of an academic program delivered a presentation to the Academic Council participants. Together with employers, they discussed the workforce needs of businesses and government institutions, the preparation of qualified specialists, and the adaptation of academic programs to meet labor market demands.

As a result of the Academic Council’s work, employers provided recommendations on course content and structure, along with reviews and expert feedback on modular academic programs and elective course catalogs. Letters of appreciation were presented to the most engaged partners, with whom the Higher School of Economics has maintained long-standing collaboration.

On May 15, 2025, Associate Professor of the Department of Physics at AIU, PhD, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Serik Amangeldinovich Nurkenov took part in the Republican Scientific and Methodological Seminar on the topic “Modern Approaches to Organizing Olympiads in Physics and Informatics,” organized by the Arkalyk Pedagogical University named after I. Altynsarin with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Within the framework of the seminar, Serik Amangeldinovich delivered a presentation entitled “Effective Ways of Preparing Students for Physics Olympiads,” where he shared advanced training methods aimed at developing students’ intellectual potential, as well as his experience in international educational programs and national projects.

The seminar served as an effective platform for discussing modern approaches to organizing intellectual competitions, integrating digital technologies into the educational process, and increasing students’ interest in science.

AIU is proud of its faculty members who contribute to the development of science and education in Kazakhstan.

On May 15, 2025, Astana International University hosted a working meeting with Sergey Khristolyubov, Regional Director of QS for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The meeting was attended by AIU leadership, including the President, Vice President, and Deans of the higher schools.

The discussion covered key aspects of QS ranking methodology, approaches to analytics, publication activity, academic reputation, international cooperation, digital transformation of the educational environment, and other indicators considered in global rankings.

Sergey Khristolyubov noted:
"Participation in rankings is not a one-time campaign or formality. It is a systematic process that must involve all levels of the university — from faculty to administrative analysts."

Special attention was given to the role of the reporter status as a transitional phase of integration into the global academic space.

“Rankings are not just numbers. They reflect a university’s strategy, openness, reputation, the quality of graduate education, and scientific contribution,” the speaker emphasized.

For AIU, as a young and dynamically developing university, applying for participation in international rankings is an important step toward institutional growth. This process reflects the university’s commitment to enhancing its academic reputation, implementing principles of sustainable development, and actively expanding international cooperation.For AIU, as a young and dynamically developing university, applying for participation in international rankings is an important step toward institutional growth. This process reflects the university’s commitment to enhancing its academic reputation, implementing principles of sustainable development, and actively expanding international cooperation. 

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties discussed opportunities to expand collaboration, upcoming QS events, and future steps to further strengthen AIU’s academic standing on the global stage.

On May 12, 2025, the international scientific-practical conference titled “Artificial Intelligence in Natural and Mathematical Sciences: Innovations and Future Opportunities” was held at Secondary School No. 101, organized by the Department of Education of Astana city.

The aim of the seminar was to explore modern applications of artificial intelligence technologies in various fields of natural and mathematical sciences, to promote experience exchange among the scientific community, young researchers, and practitioners, to strengthen collaboration, and to pave the way for new scientific projects.

Participants included educators and researchers from Russia, Uzbekistan, the cities of Almaty and Semey, as well as from Akmola, Karaganda, Kostanay, and Mangystau regions, along with teachers of mathematics, physics, and informatics from Astana schools.

Astana International University was represented by two distinguished speakers:

🔹 Almir Askaryevich Aniyarov, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Associate Professor, with a presentation titled “Methodology of Applying Artificial Intelligence in Mathematics Teacher Education”;

🔹 Serik Amangeldinovich Nurkenov, PhD, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the “6B01505 – Physics” educational program, with a presentation titled “Artificial Intelligence in Quantum Mechanics.”

The presentations by AIU faculty members sparked significant interest and highlighted new opportunities for integrating AI into education and scientific research.

We express our sincere gratitude to our colleagues for their scientific engagement and contribution to the development of AIU’s academic presence!

On April 25, 2025, students of Astana International University took part in the National Subject Olympiad among students of higher education institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of educational programs “B011 - Training of Informatics Teachers,” organized by H. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University.

Representing the university were Zhaksylyk Daryabayev, a student of Informatics-21A, and Eldar Kadyrzhan, a student of Informatics-24A. The team was supervised by Ms. Samal Zhamalova, senior lecturer of the Pedagogical Institute and holder of a master’s degree.

For their subject knowledge and professional readiness, the AIU team was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation and a Participation Certificate from the organizers.

We warmly congratulate our students and their supervisor! Thank you for proudly representing AIU at the national academic level!

On May 12, 2025, an open guest lecture was held by Evgenia Aleksandrovna Popova, Candidate of Economic Sciences, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Sectoral Markets of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, and Project Manager at the consulting company "Implementa." Evgenia Aleksandrovna conducts research in the fields of economic, financial, and tax aspects of the Russian and global oil and gas industry, evaluates the efficiency of investment projects, and forecasts sectoral development.

A lecture on the topic «Decarbonization Trends in Oil and Gas: Theory and Practice» was delivered for undergraduate students of the Higher School of Economics. The lecturer noted that oil and gas companies are increasingly integrating decarbonization into their production systems. The pace of decision-making on decarbonization for each company depends on both the scale and complexity of their technological systems and their ability to undergo rapid transformation.

We would like to thank our partners—the Department of Sectoral Markets of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation for their collaboration!

On May 14 and 15, 2025, Astana International University hosted seminars on the recognition of qualifications, digital transformation in education, and the implementation of the National Qualifications System (NQF) tools in the activities of universities.

On May 14, a seminar was held on the topic "Recognition of qualifications and key digital tools of CIMEA for higher education institutions". The organizers were the National Center for Higher Education Development of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and international partners. The event was attended by vice-rectors for academic affairs of universities in Kazakhstan, researchers, and experts. Director of the NCHD Farhad Kuanganov and President of Astana International University Serik Irsaliev delivered welcoming remarks.

CIMEA Director General and President of the Lisbon Recognition Convention Luca Lantero, as well as CIMEA Senior Expert Luca Ferranti, presented modern digital tools for the assessment and recognition of qualifications: the CIMEA Diplome platform with blockchain capabilities, the CIMEA Wiki knowledge management system and the ARDI database for the automatic recognition of qualifications. Particular attention was paid to the role of universities in international recognition processes and the digitalization of qualification procedures.

In the afternoon, a seminar on “Recognition of qualifications and key digital tools in the social and labor sphere” was held. The new National Qualifications Framework, digital platforms for the assessment and certification of professional skills, such as Skills.enbek.kz, CAREER.enbek.kz, the digital skills bank and ENBEK.kz were presented. Issues of career guidance, employment support and certification of student qualifications on a voluntary basis were also discussed. The event ended with a question and answer session, an exchange of practical cases and a summary.

On May 15, 2025, a closed round table for university leaders was held, where the results of the past seminars were summed up, mechanisms for integrating digital platforms into educational practice were discussed, and further steps to strengthen the role of higher education institutions in the development of the National Qualifications System were identified. During the discussion, special attention was paid to issues of sustainable interaction between universities and industry councils, the introduction of external assessment of student qualifications, as well as the development of joint projects within the framework of the digital transformation of higher education.