News

Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor, and Head of the School of Green Economy at our university, Gulnara Tenelbayevna Lesbayeva, took part in a key event in the field of clean technologies – the evaluation of the finalists of the GCIP Kazakhstan acceleration program (GCIP - Global Cleantech Innovation Programme is a project implemented with the support of international partners and aimed at stimulating innovation in clean technologies).

The most crucial 3rd stage took place within the framework of the large-scale project "Global Cleantech Innovation Programme in Kazakhstan (GCIP Kazakhstan)," aimed at promoting green innovation and entrepreneurship in SMEs. Professor Lesbayeva G.T. was invited to join the Jury for the National Competition for the Acceleration of Green Startups, GCIP Accelerator 2025.

A Pitch Session of 10 finalists was held, where participants presented their innovative solutions in the field of clean technologies (renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management, etc.). The culmination of the Jury's work was the responsible mission of determining the best 3 startups (projects) that will become prizewinners of the GCIP Kazakhstan acceleration program final. These projects will receive not only recognition but also substantial support for further development and market entry.

Participation in the GCIP evaluation is not only an honour but also an opportunity to see how the future of our economy is being shaped. The presented projects demonstrate the high potential of young entrepreneurs in the field of sustainable development and the creation of 'green' jobs. Our School of Green Economy attaches great importance to supporting such initiatives, - commented Professor Lesbayeva G.T. on her participation.

As part of this event, the Higher School of Economics is implementing SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, aimed at developing international and regional cooperation to support initiatives in the field of sustainable development.

On December 9, 2025, the Astana International University (AIU) hosted the grand opening of the International School of Student Tourism (ISST)  a joint educational initiative organized by the North-Caucasus Federal University (NCFU) with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, «Россотрудничество», the Program for Youth and Student Tourism (StudTurizm), and Astana International University.

The opening ceremony took place in the university’s assembly hall and brought together representatives of universities from Russia and Kazakhstan, heads of educational institutions, as well as representatives of the StudTurizm program and «Россотрудничество». Among the speakers addressing the participants were Serik Aztaevich Irsaliyev, President of Astana International University; Konstantin Dmitrievich Malyshev, Head of the Department for International Youth Cooperation and Tourism of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia; Anna Gennadievna Etko, Head of the Center for International Cooperation Development at NCFU; and representatives of the university administration and the StudTurizm program.

President Irsaliyev emphasized that one of the key goals of the project is to strengthen partnership and friendly relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation. Cooperation between the two countries is developing primarily among young people, and such initiatives make a significant contribution to the growth of international academic exchange and the tourism industry.

The main goal of the International School is to develop youth competencies in the fields of tourism and hospitality, as well as to promote the exchange of best practices between student communities of Russia and Kazakhstan. The focus of the school is project-based learning and tourism management. Throughout the week, students will work in mixed teams, developing joint projects aimed at fostering intercultural dialogue, promoting ethno-tourism, and creating educational and cultural routes.

The International School of Student Tourism serves not only as an educational platform but also as a space for friendship, cultural exchange, and professional growth. During the program, participants expanded their understanding of opportunities in the modern tourism industry, strengthened teamwork skills, and gained inspiration to develop their own projects. The organizers are confident that the knowledge and connections acquired during the event will become a solid foundation for new collaborative initiatives and professional achievements in the future.

The International School is held in Astana from December 8 to 14, 2025. The ISST program includes a rich combination of educational, cultural, and project-based activities. Among the key events are lectures, master classes, project sessions, excursions, and creative workshops. The School will conclude on December 13 with the presentation of team projects and a ceremonial awarding of certificates to all participants.

From December 2 to 5, 2025, first-year students of the educational program 6B11101 “Tourism” - Amanbai Zh.E., Zhanabai Zh.A., Yesimbayev T.T., and Tulegenova M.I. - together with the group curator, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Economics, Erniyazov R.A., took part in the International Forum “Student Tourism–2025” held in Moscow.

The forum opened at the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) named after Patrice Lumumba, bringing together the heads of organizing committees of partner universities, leading representatives of the special project “Ambassadors of Student Tourism”, leaders of student tourism clubs from 230 universities, international students, and guests of the plenary program -representatives of federal and regional authorities, rectors of leading universities, and young professionals aged 18 to 35.

The North-Caucasus Federal University ensured the participation of the international delegation  students from Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan - in the International Forum-Festival “Student Tourism: The Fifth Anniversary”, which continued the next day at the MSU Innovation Science and Technology Center “Vorobyovy Gory.”

Over three days, participants actively engaged in discussions on scientific and popular tourism (SPT), exchanged experiences with industry leaders, presented research projects, and explored approaches to the development of SPT in various regions. They also presented tourist routes and discussed the growth of domestic and international student tourism.

Participants learned from the experiences of their peers, practiced teamwork, and took part in collaborative sessions. The main highlight of the event was the award ceremony for the best participants and partner universities. The forum concluded with a large Festival of Student Tourism  a celebration of ideas and discoveries.

From November 24 to December 8, 2024, master’s students of the 7M01510 - “Preparation of Physics Teachers” program at Eurasian National University successfully completed a scientific internship at the International University Astana.

During the internship, students participated in scientific lectures and discussions, where leading scholars and professors of the Department of Physics-Mathematics and Informatics of the Pedagogical Institute shared modern approaches to teaching physics and research methodologies. The internship allowed the students to deepen their professional knowledge, develop research competencies, and exchange experiences with faculty members and colleagues.

In addition to professional growth, the internship served as an important step in strengthening cooperation between the universities. Collaborative work opened new opportunities for academic exchange and joint scientific initiatives, contributing to the development of the educational and research environment.

The knowledge and experience gained provide a solid foundation for the future pedagogical and scientific activities of the master’s students, as well as for the successful implementation of their professional and research projects.

Scientific Supervisor: PhD, Assoc. Professor, Head of Department, Serik Nurkenov.

             On December 5, at Astana International University, students of the InYaz TIPO-23 group, under the guidance of Chinese language instructor Kaharaman Dinara Nurzhanqyzy, organized a festive event dedicated to welcoming the New Year according to Chinese traditions.

On the eve of the Eastern festival 春节 (Spring Festival), the students created an atmosphere of an authentic Chinese celebration. Guests of the event enjoyed vibrant performances in traditional Chinese costumes, took part in dance and vocal numbers in Chinese, and happily joined the students in karaoke singing and prize contests.

Special attention was given to the cultural and educational part of the celebration. The students held a mini lesson on Chinese calligraphy, where everyone interested could try writing simple characters and get acquainted with the art of brushwork. In addition, participants were offered an engaging interactive activity on learning Chinese numerals, which sparked great interest among the guests.

An integral element of the evening was the tradition of Chinese tea drinking. Guests were told about the features of tea culture, brewing methods, and the significance of tea in Chinese philosophy, after which everyone had the opportunity to taste fragrant varieties of tea.

The celebration concluded with friendly communication and photos, as well as with the strengthening of intercultural interaction at the university. The event became another step in developing students’ interest in learning the Chinese language and broadening their cultural horizons.

On December 5, a meaningful meeting was held at the Higher School of Natural Sciences of Astana International University for students with Serikgul Sälim, a renowned psychologist widely recognized in the professional community. Students from study groups RGiT-23 and RGiT-25 participated in the event, and the meeting was moderated by instructor N. S. Auezova.

The main goal of the event was to improve young people's psychological awareness, foster a culture of stress management, develop self-improvement skills, and strengthen academic motivation. Modern students need not only professional knowledge but also emotional stability, the ability to maintain inner balance, and personal growth. The meeting proved to be a significant and useful event, providing participants with important information in this area. In her presentation, Serikgul Sälüm discussed in detail the role of self-knowledge in personality development, effective stress management techniques, goal-setting, and ways to address the psychological challenges faced by modern students. She shared recommendations based on her own practical experience.

The meeting also focused on the issue of gambling addiction, which is actively discussed in society. The psychologist noted that gambling addiction is a form of psychological dependence and poses a serious threat to academic performance, professional development, and the personal lives of young people. The speaker explained how to recognize the early signs of addiction and what measures can help prevent its development.

The questions posed by the students confirmed the relevance of the topics discussed.

On December 8, 2025, Astana International University hosted a meeting between fourth-year students studying on a grant from the local executive authority (LEA) and representatives of the Astana Department of Education. The event aimed to explain the mechanisms for assigning young specialists and the conditions for mandatory grant completion.

During the meeting, representatives of the education department detailed the current procedure for assigning teaching staff to secondary education institutions in the capital, discussed the list of vacancies, employment requirements, and career advancement opportunities for young teachers. Particular attention was paid to the regulatory conditions for completing the LEA grant, the deadlines, possible grounds for postponement or extension, and liability for failure to fulfill obligations.

Graduates had the opportunity to ask questions regarding school placement, the choice of educational institution, working conditions, salaries, and professional development prospects. Representatives of the Education Department emphasized that the capital's schools are experiencing a high demand for qualified teaching staff and are interested in collaborating with the university.

Following the meeting, students noted the importance of such events, which allow them to plan their future careers in advance and receive reliable information directly from employers. The university emphasized that interaction with government agencies is a crucial element in training personnel for the education system.

Astana International University expresses its gratitude to representatives of the Astana Education Department for the constructive dialogue and to the graduates for their active participation and commitment to professional development.

Today, at the Higher School of Arts and Humanities of Astana International University, as part of the "Kazakh Nomadic Civilization" module, Professor Ulan Umitkaliyev, PhD in History, delivered a lecture on "Saka Civilization: An Archaeological Analysis."

During the event, attendees were introduced to the latest scientific research on the Saka era, as well as modern methods for analyzing archaeological sources. In his lecture, the professor covered in detail the social structure of Saka society, its material culture, mythological worldview, and its influence on the formation of the Eurasian cultural space. Particular attention was paid to archaeological discoveries of recent years.

Faculty and students from the Design program at the Higher School of Arts and Humanities participated in the lecture, providing the opportunity to discuss current issues in the study of the history of civilizations and exchange opinions on the materials presented.Throughout the lecture, the scholar presented new scientific perspectives on the social structure of Saka society, burial traditions, stylistic and symbolic features of artifacts, and the interconnectedness of nomadic cultures across the Eurasian steppe. Drawing upon recent archaeological studies, Ulan Umitkaliuly provided concrete evidence supporting the scientific basis of the concept of nomadic civilization and offered a comprehensive explanation of the achievements and current directions of modern Kazakhstani archaeology.

As the professor highlighted, the eight “Golden Man” complexes discovered in various regions of Kazakhstan serve as clear evidence of the high artistic level and complex ideological system of Saka-era culture. He also emphasized that nearly 20,000 burial mounds and settlements from the Early Iron Age in the Kazakh steppe remain insufficiently researched, making this field a significant scientific arena for future young archaeologists.

Every slide presented during the lecture was supported with concrete scientific data based on archaeological materials, radiocarbon analyses, petrographic studies, and comparative cultural research. This new information broadened the academic perspective of students and master’s candidates and further strengthened their interest in research.

On November 25, students of the “TаVT” educational program visited the exhibition at the “Kulanshy Forte” art space dedicated to the work of Abdrashit Sydykhanov. The exhibition, titled “TANBA” (translated as “SIGNS”), reveals the artist’s unique visual language.

Abdrashit Sydykhanov is one of the few artists capable of speaking through symbols while preserving remarkable sincerity and depth. His works breathe with the spirit of the earth, the vastness of the steppe, and a light in which time and distance seem to dissolve. He possessed a rare gift - the ability to see the eternal in the ordinary and to hear the melody of the world hidden within signs and symbols.

The artist often emphasized that true art does not merely depict, but revives. This is exactly the sensation one experiences when standing before his paintings: they open up as a living space, inviting the viewer into dialogue and making them a witness to something far greater than painting alone.

The visit to the exhibition became an important and inspiring experience for the students, allowing them to immerse themselves in the artist’s profound symbolic world and feel the power of art that continues to resonate even beyond the life of its creator.

On November 13 of this year, the HasSanat Gallery in the capital hosted the opening of the exhibition “Eternal Love” by the legendary Kazakh sculptor Vagif Rakhmon and applied arts artist Gulshat Dzhuraeva. As per tradition, faculty members, master’s students, and undergraduate students of the Higher School of Art and Humanities were invited to the vernissage. The official opening ceremony was also attended by representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Astana, renowned Kazakhstani artists, art historians, and guests of the capital.

The exhibition sparked great interest and active discussion among the master’s and bachelor’s students of the “Graphic Design” educational program and their instructors. The analysis of the works of V. Rakhmon and G. Dzhuraeva, carried out in direct interaction with their artistic content, became part of the new academic course “Cultural Context and Artistic Traditions of Contemporary Art of Kazakhstan.” The exhibition also drew notable attention from second-year students as part of their coursework in “Cultural Studies.”

Associate Professor, PhD in Architecture T. A.Kiseleva
Associate Professor, PhD in Philosophy, Art Historian G. N. Povaliashko

At the art space “Kulanshy Forte”, Serzhan Bashirov, a lecturer at the Higher School of Art and Design of Astana International University, has been selected as the Artist of the Month. His unique exhibition has become a significant event in the cultural life of the capital.

Serzhan Bashirov is an artist, jeweler, and master of decorative and applied arts who has assembled a rare collection of artifacts revealing the richness and multilayered nature of the nomadic civilization. The exhibited pieces demonstrate how harmoniously and skillfully nomadic culture combined practicality, utility, and profound symbolism.

The antique objects featured in the exhibition are valuable examples of material culture. They serve as an important tool for understanding Kazakh identity, its origins, and evolution. Through these items, visitors can connect with the world of their ancestors, where every sign, ornament, and shape carried sacred meaning and reflected the worldview of the people.

The exhibition, presented at the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, has made a significant contribution to the preservation and study of national heritage. It highlights the cultural importance of Kazakh civilization in a global context and strengthens young people's interest in exploring their own roots.

The Astana International University community takes pride in having among its faculty a master whose work not only preserves history but also inspires a new generation of researchers and artists.

Lecturer Tlekbay Laura