News

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First Graduation of the Foundation Program at BLCU Kazakhstan: A New Stage in Educational Cooperation Between Kazakhstan and China
Fri, Jul 4, 2025, 5:35 AM

On June 30, 2025, the branch campus of Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU Kazakhstan) in Astana hosted the official graduation ceremony for the first cohort of the Foundation program. This event marked the completion of the branch's first academic year and became an important milestone in the history of educational partnership between Kazakhstan and China.

BLCU Kazakhstan was opened on July 3, 2024, at the premises of Astana International University (AIU) and demonstrated significant results within just one year of active operation. Out of 100 students enrolled in the Foundation program, 85 successfully completed their studies, and 55 achieved excellent results in their final exams, earning the right to continue their education in the joint bachelor's degree programs:

·         6B01711 — English and Chinese Languages (Pedagogy)

·         6B02303 – Translation Studies: Chinese Language

The Foundation program has become not only an academic stepping stone for students but also a solid foundation for their professional and intercultural development. Throughout the year, students intensively studied Chinese language, explored Chinese culture and traditions, and developed leadership and academic skills essential for further studies and career advancement.

The following delivered congratulatory speeches to the graduates:

·         President of Astana International University, Serik Aztayevich Irsaliev, emphasized the importance of developing educational cooperation and preparing future specialists capable of building bridges between the two countries' cultures.

·         Chinese Director of the BLCU branch, Liu Xianqian, read a congratulatory message from the Rector of BLCU in Beijing, Mr. Duan Peng, expressing confidence that the branch graduates will become part of the large international BLCU family.

·         Vice President of Astana International University, Kairat Amangeldievich Abdrakhmanov, highlighted the importance of international cooperation and the role of graduates in strengthening ties between Kazakhstan and China.

·         Kazakh Director of BLCU Kazakhstan, Saule Erdenovna Koshanova, summarized the academic year, thanked the teaching staff for their high professionalism, and expressed gratitude to students for their determination and dedication to learning.

Special attention was given to outstanding students and active participants who contributed to the development of the student community and campus life. Among them was Nurtas Kamaliev, who demonstrated exceptional academic and leadership qualities and was awarded scholarships for studies at two of China's top universities.

An essential part of the event was the announcement of upcoming cultural and educational trips for students:

·         From July 4 to 10, three top-performing students will visit Qingdao to participate in a special Chinese culture program.

·         From July 11 to 17, the best students will travel to Xinjiang to explore the region’s unique culture and history with the support of the Embassy of China in Kazakhstan.

·         From July 27 to August 21, 30 students of BLCU Kazakhstan will undertake an intensive Chinese language course at BLCU’s campus on Hainan Island.

During the first academic year, the branch became an active platform for scientific, educational, and cultural events. Forums, seminars, career guidance meetings, visits of Chinese and Kazakh delegations, cultural festivals, and Chinese language competitions were successfully organized.

The first graduation of the Foundation program became a symbol of BLCU Kazakhstan’s successful beginning. Many graduates are now preparing to continue their education in the «3+1» bachelor’s program, which combines studies in Kazakhstan and at BLCU campuses in China.

The branch will continue expanding academic and international opportunities for students, contributing to the training of a new generation of translators, teachers, and international communication specialists who will play a key role in further strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and China.

We extend our sincere gratitude for the support provided in the establishment and development of BLCU Kazakhstan to the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbekuly, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kazakhstan to China, Shakhrat Shakizatovich Nuryshev, and the Embassy of China in Kazakhstan!

We congratulate all graduates and wish them success in the next stage of their educational journey!

 

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Summer School in China opens up new horizons for AIU students
Thu, Jul 3, 2025, 11:56 AM

Students of the educational program 6B04122 "International Business" of the Higher School of Economics of Astana International University take part in the annual International Summer School "New Eurasian Land Bridge International Talent Exchange Program". The program runs from June 27 to July 8, 2025 in the cities of Beijing and Lianyungang (China). Lianyungang is an important hub of the Belt and Road Initiative. The school is organized by UIBE and JOU universities.

This trip was a unique opportunity for our students to immerse themselves not only in the language environment, but also in the business culture of modern China. The summer school program is incredibly rich: it includes lectures on cross-border e-commerce, digital marketing and the specifics of doing business in Asia. Students receive valuable knowledge from leading experts and get acquainted with real business cases.

In addition to intensive training, the organizers have prepared an exciting cultural program. Students have already visited iconic historical sites, including the Forbidden City in Beijing and the Great Wall of China, and learned about national crafts at workshops on dyeing fabrics and making traditional fans. Daily practical Chinese classes help them communicate more confidently and better understand the culture of the country.

The summer school is also a great platform for international networking. Our students actively interact with participants from other countries, exchange experiences, develop intercultural communication skills and make new friends. Joint projects, cultural events, and even sports events such as dragon boat races help strengthen friendships and professional ties.

We wish the students successful studies and reaching new heights!!!

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WINNERS OF THE COMPETITION "GENESIS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP: FROM ORIGIN TO MODERNITY" AT THE FINANCIAL UNIVERSITY UNDER THE GOVERNMENT OF....
Sat, Jun 21, 2025, 4:41 AM

The Department of Industry Markets of the Faculty of Economics and Business of the Financial

University under the Government of the Russian Federation held the XI International

Competition of scientific papers of students, undergraduates and postgraduates «The Genesis of

Entrepreneurship: from origin to Modernity» from February 24 to May 30, 2025.

The competition was held in order to:

• Promoting the development of professional skills and competencies in the field of sustainable

development, entrepreneurship and digital technologies;

• creating conditions for the practical application of knowledge and the development of project

thinking;

• forming students' understanding of the importance of environmental and economic

transformation in the modern world;

• support initiatives that can form the basis for further careers or start-ups, etc.

According to the results of the competition of scientific papers, the winners and prize-winners

were students of the Higher School of Economics of Astana International University:

1. Nursultanova Karina Rashitovna – 1st year doctoral student in Management. The topic of the

scientific work: "Analysis and improvement of enterprise management methods as a means of

increasing competitiveness", scientific supervisor, Doctor of Economics, Professor G.T.

Lesbaeva;

2. Umutkanov Nurkeldi Nurdauletovich – 1st year master's student in Management. The topic of

the scientific work: "The role of globalization in the formation and development of

entrepreneurship", scientific supervisor, PhD, Associate Professor of the MUA Baibash G.K.

We sincerely congratulate the winners on their high achievements and wish them further success

and conquering new heights!

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ACADEMIC MOBILITY: EXPANDING INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AT THE HIGHER SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS
Sat, Jun 21, 2025, 4:38 AM

In the 2024–2025 academic year, students of the Higher School of Economics at Astana

International University successfully participated in academic mobility programs, gaining

valuable international experience at partner universities abroad. Within the program, Aytuar

Bolat and Dinara Kabaeva studied at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poland, while

Damel Magzayeva, Makhabbat Telyubayeva, Nurilya Sembay, Anastasiya Adamovich, Jasmin

Muratkhanova, and Dariya Barbasova spent a semester at the National Research University

Higher School of Economics in Moscow, Russia. These exchanges provided students with an

opportunity to broaden their academic horizons, enhance foreign language skills, and foster

cross-cultural understanding.

The program also included academic staff mobility. Renowned scholars from Russia and China

were invited to deliver lectures at the Higher School of Economics. Among them, Professor

Nedospasova Olga Pavlovna from Tomsk State University conducted a series of master classes

on organizational behavior and human resource management, sparking strong interest from

students and faculty alike. Meanwhile, Professor Krakovetskaya Inna Valentinovna (Tomsk

State University) led an intensive, practice-oriented course on strategic management and

marketing, which was met with great enthusiasm by the academic community. PhD T.Zh.

Akniyazov conducted a course on leadership and creative thinking for students of the

"International Business" program. Their contributions were highly praised by both students and

colleagues.

As part of outbound mobility, Dean of the Higher School of Economics, PhD, Professor

Smagulova Zubirash Kalibekovna, was invited as a guest lecturer to the Financial University

under the Government of the Russian Federation. These exchanges foster international

cooperation, enhance academic quality, and contribute to the university’s global reputation. The

Higher School of Economics at Astana International University continues to implement

academic mobility as a strategic priority in its development.

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AIU and ISS Astana brought together international experts to discuss the risks of floods and natural disasters
Wed, Jun 11, 2025, 6:58 AM

June 10-11, 2025

Astana, Astana International University


Astana International University (AIU) has become the host platform for the first day of the international scientific conference "methods and models of System Analysis for the study, forecasting and assessment of the risks of floods and other natural disasters". The event is organized by the international scientific complex" Astana "(ISS"Astana"). The conference was held with the support of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA, Austria), the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), the International Association for Systems Analysis (ISCA) and AIU.

The conference brought together leading scientists and representatives of public and private organizations from Kazakhstan, Russia, Austria, China, Pakistan, The Netherlands, Spain and France. The purpose of the event is to discuss modern scientific and practical approaches in the field of natural risk management and strengthen international cooperation.

AIU President Serik Irsaliyev delivered a welcoming speech to the participants, stressing the importance of System Analysis for Sustainable Development and protection against climate threats. Professor IIASA Wolfgan Lutz, representative of the RAS E. O. Luppov and other prominent scientific figures also spoke.

Particular attention was paid to Kazakhstan's experience – in particular, the analysis of spring floods in 2024 and the application of the TALSIM-NG model to risk assessment and management. This was reported by the chairman of the board of the information and Analytical Center for Water Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan K. S. Khairulla.

Professor N. L. Frolova, head of the Department of land hydrology of Moscow State University, made a report on the topic "assessment of flood risks at the global, regional and local levels" and drew attention to the importance of a multi-level approach.

Of particular interest were the reports of representatives of the International Organization. In particular, the coordinator of the OSCE projects to reduce the risk of natural disasters and ensure water safety N. Nurtaza, as well as the chairman of the Emergency Prevention Committee of the Ministry of emergencies S. T. Zhunisbekov noted that system analysis and accurate forecasting are the basis of an effective state response strategy. 

Within the framework of the scientific program, more than 20 reports were presented, which covered the topics of mathematical modeling, vulnerability assessment and development of adaptation strategies. During the discussion, the participants actively exchanged views and shared their experience.

On the second day, the participants visited the Astana counterregulator and got acquainted with the activities of the information and analytical center of the Ministry of Water Resources and irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

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HEADS OF THE GREEN ECONOMY SCHOOL AT HSE COMPLETED A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND GREEN GROWTH
Tue, Jun 10, 2025, 9:09 AM

From March to May 2025, Gulnara Lesbayeva and Gulnara Baibash, heads of the Green Economy School at the Higher School of Economics, successfully completed a professional development program focused on the formation of a green economy, sustainable development, and climate transformation.

The course covered a wide range of topics reflecting current challenges and priorities in the transition to sustainable development, including: the future of education and employment in the era of artificial intelligence; the history of the UN climate regime and the new climate economy; anti-corruption culture and the legal foundations of green transformation; the role of the energy sector and ecological tourism in socio-economic development; fostering environmental culture, emotional intelligence, and empathy; national legislation on the green economy and international best practices.

A special highlight of the program was the lectures and seminars by Mr. Rae Kwon Chung, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and international expert, who presented the concept of a new climate paradigm, strategies for achieving carbon neutrality, and the idea of L.O.V. (Locally Owned Voluntary contributions) to a sustainable future.

Upon completion of the training, participants completed individual assignments and took part in a final discussion. Participation in this course represents a significant step in enhancing professional expertise and contributes to strengthening the scientific and educational potential of the Higher School of Economics in the field of green economy and sustainable development.

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New Chapter of Kazakhstan–Finland Academic Cooperation
Mon, Jun 2, 2025, 7:50 AM

On June 2, Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK) from Finland paid an official visit to Astana International University (AIU). This meeting marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties and opened new opportunities for academic and research collaboration.

During the visit, both institutions discussed promising areas of cooperation, focusing on Information Technology, Business and Economics, Tourism, and Environmental Studies. Special attention was given to launching joint undergraduate and graduate programs, developing academic mobility, and implementing internships, exchanges, and joint practical initiatives.

AIU presented its achievements in the fields of internationalization, global university rankings, and extensive partnerships with universities across Europe, Asia, and the United States. KAMK representatives expressed their readiness to engage in practice-oriented formats of cooperation, including joint modules, project-based learning, and online programs.

Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK) is a renowned applied sciences university located in central Finland. Founded in 1992, KAMK is recognized nationally and regionally for its innovative approach to education. Today, it serves approximately 3,300 students, with more than 5,500 alumni.

KAMK offers:

  • 10 bachelor’s degree programs in Finnish and 4 in English;

  • 7 master’s degree programs in Finnish and 2 in English.

KAMK consistently ranks at the top for the quality of teaching and student support services in Finland. The Finnish Education Evaluation Centre (FINEEC) awarded KAMK a Quality Label, valid through spring 2027.

According to its KAMK’30 strategy, the university aims to be an attractive, safe, and healthy learning community; to provide outcome-driven education that meets societal needs; and to serve as a trusted national and international partner in key academic fields.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties agreed to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding, covering the following key areas:

  • Development of joint academic programs;

  • Exchange of students, faculty, and researchers;

  • Joint scientific events and exchange of publications;

  • Professional development and training programs.

Both AIU and KAMK expressed confidence that this partnership will serve as a practical platform for sharing knowledge, perspectives, and innovative educational approaches, contributing to the training of highly skilled professionals for the sustainable future of both countries.

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A New Chapter in Kazakhstan–Nigeria Educational Cooperation
Mon, Jun 2, 2025, 12:00 AM

Astana International University (AIU) had the honor of welcoming His Royal Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi — the Ooni of Ife and spiritual leader of the Yoruba people, the largest ethnic group in Nigeria with a population of around 40 million.

The visit took place as part of the monarch’s participation in the Astana International Forum, where he served as a speaker in a special session titled "Kazakhstan–Africa: Opening New Horizons of Cooperation", held for the first time in the forum’s history.

During the official meeting at AIU, His Majesty highlighted that Nigeria is currently the most populous country in Africa, with a population exceeding 235 million. With a median age of just 18.1 years, Nigeria is also one of the youngest nations in the world. This demographic feature creates a pressing need for large-scale solutions in the field of education. The Nigerian government is actively seeking international partners interested in providing educational opportunities for its youth. Key priorities include the development of academic mobility programs, the implementation of dual-degree initiatives, and the expansion of language education. In this context, the visit of His Majesty marked an important step toward discussing practical mechanisms of cooperation and potential agreements between Astana International University and Nigerian institutions.

During the meeting, the President of AIU presented the university’s history, provided detailed information about the faculty, international programs, and academic achievements. Special emphasis was placed on internationalization and multilingual education. According to the Rector, international students at AIU have access to instruction in Kazakh, English, Russian, and Chinese — both through traditional formats and modern digital tools.

AIU currently brings together students from 12 countries, and the agreement with Nigerian representatives will become the first step for Nigerian students to join the university’s global academic community.

"We sincerely believe that education is a bridge between cultures and continents. The visit of such a distinguished leader as His Royal Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi is a symbol of mutual respect and the beginning of a new partnership in the field of higher education," noted the Rector of Astana International University.

 

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Visit of the Spanish Embassy Representatives to Astana International University
Tue, May 6, 2025, 6:19 AM

Astana International University continues to expand its international cooperation. On May 6, 2025, representatives of the Embassy of Spain to the Republic of Kazakhstan visited AIU on a working visit: Deputy Head of Mission Beatriz Muñoz González, Advisor José Aurelio Llaneza, and Assistant Albert Vitriá.

During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for academic partnership between AIU and Spanish universities. Beatriz Muñoz noted the growing interest of the Spanish side in collaborating with Kazakhstani higher education institutions and emphasized that AIU has all the prerequisites for the successful development of Spanish-language academic programs.

Embassy Advisor José Aurelio Llaneza expressed his readiness to support AIU’s initiatives in establishing partnerships with Spanish universities. He outlined opportunities for cooperation through educational platforms and encouraged the university to submit specific proposals on areas of collaboration — which would help identify the most relevant partner institutions in Spain.

The discussion covered a wide range of topics — from student and faculty exchanges to joint research projects in fields such as ecology, international relations, IT, design, pedagogy, and inclusive education. The possibility of participating in European research grants, including Horizon Europe, was also mentioned.

The guests emphasized the importance of the Spanish language worldwide and its growing popularity among young people. They expressed confidence that cooperation with AIU can become a vivid example of productive dialogue between our countries.

AIU sincerely thanks the Spanish Embassy for the visit and expressed interest, looking forward to new opportunities in international collaboration with great enthusiasm.

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AIU Strengthens Academic Partnership with the Institute of Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia of the Chinese Academy of Social....
Thu, Apr 24, 2025, 11:56 AM

On April 24, 2025, Astana International University hosted a meeting with a delegation from the Institute of Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). The event was held in the format of an academic dialogue focused on developing cooperation in science and education.

The AIU side was represented by Vice President Kairat Abdrakhmanov, Doctor of Economic Sciences and Professor Meiram Qazhykен, Director of the Kazakhstan Branch of the Research Institute of the New Asia-Europe Land-Sea Corridor Nurali Irsaliev, and researcher Berik Tabynbayev.

The Chinese delegation included Deputy Director of the Institute Jin Zhe, Head of the Department for Multilateral and Regional Cooperation Li Yunhui, Deputy Head of the Department of the Russian Economy Gao Zixiang, and senior researchers Jiang Jin and Zhao Yumin.

The discussion centered around joint research, academic exchanges, and potential collaborative projects. Topics included the development of international transport routes such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Trans-Caspian corridor, digitalization, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, and partnerships within organizations such as the SCO, CICA, and BRICS.

Special attention was paid to the strategic role of Central Asia. As one participant noted, “Central Asia is at the crossroads of roads — and that brings great responsibility.” The importance of gradual, trust-based cooperation was also emphasized: “Small steps toward each other mark the beginning of a long journey.”

Culture and education were highlighted as key foundations for sustainable partnership and long-term dialogue.

AIU sees such meetings as valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, build new connections, and launch joint initiatives in science and education.