News

Astana International University student Ayazhan Yginbai Abaykyzy won 2nd place in the individual competition at the XIII Summer Universiade of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Togyzkumalak.

Ayazhan is a Master of Sports in Togyzkumalak and has an impressive list of achievements:

• 🥇 Asian Champion among girls under 19 (2023)

• 🥉 Bronze medalist of the Women’s World Cup (2024)

• 🥈 Silver medalist among girls under 21 in classic, rapid, and blitz (2025)

• 🥇 Champion of the Youth Team Championship (2023, 2024)

• 🥈 Runner-up in the Women’s Team Championship (2022, 2023, 2024)

• 🥇 1st place in blitz among girls under 21 (2024)

• 🥈 2nd place in rapid among girls under 21 (2024)

🟡 Once again, Ayazhan has proven her high level and dedication to intellectual sports. We are proud of her achievements and wish her continued success!

On May 14, 2025, Astana International University welcomed a delegation of international partners as part of the INT-KZ Universities Partnership Forum held in Kazakhstan from May 12 to 17. The visit was part of a large-scale initiative aimed at strengthening international academic cooperation and building new educational ties.

Representatives from universities in the United Kingdom, Croatia, Latvia, and other countries visited AIU. The guests held meetings with the university’s leadership and deans of higher schools, and explored AIU’s infrastructure and academic opportunities.

The delegation included representatives of nine foreign universities and organizations. Among them were Mislav Balkovic (Algebra Bernays University, Croatia), Joanne Leal (Birkbeck, University of London, UK), Nancy Cooke (University of Salford, UK), Dominic Greenfield (University of Hull, UK), Sarah Hillyear (Robert Gordon University, UK), Inese Romaņeca (Transport and Telecommunication Institute, Latvia), as well as Gintaras Steponavičius and Yerbol Suleimenov from Cormack Consultancy Group.

During the meeting, participants discussed both the strategic priorities of individual faculties and practical steps for collaboration. Topics included joint student programs, development of research partnerships, and opportunities for international funding — particularly through Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ initiatives. Special attention was given to new formats of digital education, including faculty training courses. The parties agreed to further analyze academic interests and collaboration opportunities to build sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership projects.

AIU expresses its gratitude to the guests for their visit and constructive exchange of ideas. The meeting marked an important step in expanding the university’s international academic network and opens new horizons for joint growth.

On May 12, 2025, Astana International University hosted a meeting between 4th-year students studying under the Local Executive Grant and representatives of the Astana Department of Education.

During the meeting, the department representatives provided detailed information about the graduate placement procedures, grant repayment requirements, and employment opportunities in schools. They also addressed the students’ questions.

The event helped students gain a clearer understanding of the grant obligations and explore potential pathways for professional development in the education sector.

We thank all participants for their active engagement and interest!

On May 12, 2025, Astana International University welcomed the Rector of Newton University (Prague, Czech Republic), Anna Plechatá Krausová, PhD, on an official visit. This meeting marked a significant milestone in the development of cooperation between the two institutions and opened up new opportunities for international academic collaboration.

During the visit, the parties discussed the prospects of implementing joint educational programs, developing academic mobility, involving students in international projects, and launching new formats of inter-university cooperation. Particular attention was given to the idea of a summer school in Oxford initiated by Newton University, as well as joint master classes and podcasts on university leadership.

Anna Krausová emphasized Newton University’s ambition to combine the best of Czech and Anglo-Saxon education systems and to integrate artificial intelligence into the learning process. She also highlighted the importance of building an innovative educational environment and expanding English-taught programs that are in high demand globally.

AIU, in turn, presented its achievements — including participation in international rankings, the development of academic exchange programs, and cooperation with universities from China, Turkey, Italy, Russia, and the United States. The university reaffirmed its openness to new partnerships, especially with young and flexible institutions that embrace educational innovation.

The visit culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between AIU and Newton University. The document outlines key areas of collaboration, including:

• Implementation of joint educational programs;

• Academic exchanges of students, faculty, and researchers;

• Joint scientific and practical events;

• Exchange of publications and educational materials;

• Development of professional growth and training programs.

This partnership is more than a formality — it's a real opportunity for students and educators on both sides to go beyond traditional academic boundaries, share ideas, gain experience, and shape the future of modern education together.

            In accordance with the Sustainable Development Goal, Senior Lecturer of the Higher School of Natural Sciences of Astana International University, Nurkuigan Srazhadinovna Auezova, held a master class on the topic of “Preparing Healthy Food” with 2nd-year students of the specialties 6B05101 “Biology” and 6B05203 “Recreational Geography and Tourism”.

            During the event, a presentation was delivered on health-beneficial products and their importance for the human body, followed by a practical master class on how to prepare them.

            The master class was attended by Daulet Akkozhin, an international judo competition medalist and Master of Sport, who shared his views on healthy eating. He also demonstrated how he prepares the healthy drinks he uses in his daily life and offered valuable advice to the students.

            The master class had great educational value for the students. The benefits of natural drinks that can be easily made from fruits and vegetables were clearly explained. This increased the students’ interest in proper nutrition and motivated them to lead a healthy lifestyle.

On April 24-25, 2025, the second stage of the Republican Subject Olympiad in the disciplines of the B031 Fashion and Design educational program group ("Architectural Design" and "Industrial Design") was held at the International Educational Corporation (KazGASA) in Almaty.

Based on the results of the first round of the Olympiad, held on April 1, 2025, at the "Astana International University" LLP, AIU nominated participants from VSHIGN as follows:

• Architectural Design: Adiya Makhambetova, Adema Sugirova (3rd year) and Zhanmerey Rakhymzhan, Dilnaz Yergaliyeva (4th year).
• Industrial Design: Fatima Kuspan, Dinara Tungyshbay (3rd year) and Tomiris Oral (4th year).

The team leaders were Candidate of Architecture T.A. Kiseleva and Senior Lecturer G.A. Imangaliyeva. The creative tasks for the Olympiad were structured as a practical project (blitz project) based on a specific theme. Students worked in a creative and positive atmosphere, demonstrating a high level of compositional and graphic culture.

Our results:

 Adema Sugirova – 2nd Degree Diploma of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Supervisor: Associate Professor T.A. Kiseleva)
 Tomiris Oral – 2nd Degree Diploma of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Supervisor: Master A.N. Aliyeva)
Dinara Tungyshbay – 2nd Degree Diploma of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Supervisor: Master E.T. Daumenova)
 Dilnaz Yergaliyeva – 3rd Degree Diploma of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Supervisor: Associate Professor Y.B. Fendt)
Fatima Kuspan – 3rd Degree Diploma of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Supervisor: Master G.A. Imangaliyeva)
Adiya Makhambetova – 1st Degree Diploma from "Vertex Studio" LLP (Supervisor: Associate Professor Y.B. Fendt)
 Zhanmerey Rakhymzhan – 3rd Degree Diploma from "Vertex Studio" LLP (Supervisor: Associate Professor T.A. Kiseleva)

Congratulations to the students! Wishing them continued professional growth and creative success!

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.

From April 29 to 30, 2025, one of the most significant events for youth entrepreneurial teams in Kazakhstan — the ENACTUS KAZAKHSTAN NATIONAL CUP – 2025 — took place at the Palace of Independence in Astana!

The ENACTUS_AIU team from the Business Incubator of Astana International University proudly represented the university, presenting two innovative projects:

1)    SabiTrack – a modern digital service designed for nannies and parents. The solution focuses on ensuring the child’s safety and enhancing trust between all participants in the caregiving process. The platform combines convenience, reliability, and genuine care for each child.

2)     Betula Organic – an eco-friendly project aimed at creating natural skincare products based on birch bark. The concept merges innovation in organic cosmetology with responsible use of natural resources, offering new opportunities for sustainable entrepreneurship.

As a result of the competition, the ENACTUS_AIU team was awarded the Early Stage League Semifinalist Cup — a meaningful achievement and a source of pride for the entire university! This success is more than just an award — it is a symbol of how persistence, team spirit, and belief in an idea can be transformed into real accomplishments.

ENACTUS_AIU continues to move forward — with ideas that change the world!

From April 17 to 25, 2025, Republican student subject Olympiads in various disciplines took place across Kazakhstan. Students of Astana International University (AIU) once again demonstrated a high level of preparation, commitment to academic growth, and creativity.

Mathematics Olympiad: AIU Among Top Teams

At the Republican Student Mathematics Olympiad held in the city of Qaskelen among 19 universities of Kazakhstan, the AIU team took 6th place in the team ranking.

Team members:

• Akerke Safin – 3rd-year student,
• Azhamat Serikbekov – 1st-year student, who also achieved a high personal result, ranking 8th out of 57 participants,
• Erdaulet Aliplovanov – 1st-year student.

Team leaders: A.A. Aniayrov and D.B. Nurakhmetov

We congratulate our students on their solid performance and wish them continued academic success!

Biology Olympiad: "Most Creative Team" Nomination

On April 24–25, 2025, the XVII Republican Student Biology Olympiad took place at Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University. Although the AIU team did not win prizes in the general ranking, they were honored with a special nomination — "Most Creative Team", which reflects their originality and initiative.

Team members:

• T.D. Mukambaev
• Y.E. Morozova

Team leader: Z.V. Likhobabin

All participants were awarded certificates and memorable gifts by the organizers.

We are proud of our students!

Based on the results of the XVII Republican Subject Olympiad among students studying under the educational program group "6B012 – Chemistry Teacher Training", held by the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Geography of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University from April 17–18, 2025:

1.     Astana International University (AIU) took 2nd place as a team (Diploma of II degree) among 18 universities in Kazakhstan. Team members: Amadei Vladimirovich Moiseenko (2nd year) and Nurlan Muradovich Kairov (4th year).

2.     Nurlan Muradovich Kairov won 2nd place in the individual ranking (Diploma of II degree) out of 36 participants and was awarded a silver medal.

Participants also received certificates and commemorative gifts.

Analyzing the results over the past three years (2022–2025), the following can be concluded:
The AIU chemistry team participated in 5 olympiads of various levels and won a total of 7 medals for the university:

• 3 times became prize-winners of Republican Olympiads, annually securing 2nd team and 2nd individual place, winning 3 silver medals!
• 2 times became winners of International Olympiads, earning 2 silver and 2 bronze medals!

Special recognition goes to Nurlan Muradovich Kairov, a 4th-year student, who is a three-time silver medalist of Republican Olympiads and a bronze medalist of the III International Student Chemistry Olympiad held in Ashgabat at Magtymguly Turkmen State University, consistently demonstrating high performance every year.

We express our sincere gratitude to the administration of Astana International University (AIU) for their support and the opportunity to participate in high-level olympiads.

Program Coordinator, PhD in Pedagogy, Associate Professor
PI – Nurgaliyeva D.A.

On April 25, as part of the international conference AIU-2025, a round table was held on the topic "Access to employment: global trends and prospects for an inclusive labor market in Kazakhstan". This topic is directly aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and focuses on addressing the issues of decent work and economic growth.

The goal of the round table was to bring together experts, government bodies, researchers, and practitioners to discuss barriers to employment for socially vulnerable groups and to identify potential solutions. The discussions focused on legislative initiatives, labor mobility, labor market adaptation, and international best practices from Sweden, South Korea, the USA, and the UAE that could be adapted for Kazakhstan.

Special attention was given to interim results of a scientific study aimed at developing a methodology for employing vulnerable groups. Distinguished guests included Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection A.M. Ertayev, Member of the Mazhilis D.R. Naumova, Executive Secretary of the AMANAT party Sh.T. Karinova, and Director of the Center for Labor Mobility O.Қ. Omar.

The moderator of the session was Emin Askerov, a social entrepreneur and founder of the Social Enterprise Hub. Speakers included PhD Saule Okutayeva, Dean of the Higher School of Economics Zubirash Smagulova, and Master's degree holder Dayana Kabdykeshova.

The open discussion laid the foundation for new initiatives and cross-sectoral dialogue.

On April 25, 2025, the Astana International University became a platform for an important dialogue on the future of education and logistics in the context of the global "Belt and Road" initiative. The round table, organized by the Research Institute of the New Eurasian Land-Sea Intermodal Transport Corridor and the Higher School of Economics of AIU, brought together leading experts from academia, government agencies, and industry organizations to discuss key issues of cooperation between Kazakhstan and China.

The round table's moderator, Doctor of Economics, Professor of the Higher School of Economics of AIU, Kazhiken Meiram Zekeshuly, set the tone of the discussion with his opening report on "The Middle Corridor in the Focus of Interests of Kazakhstan and China." He emphasized the growing strategic importance of this transport route and the need to consolidate efforts for its further development.

Leading experts presented diverse perspectives on cooperation within the "Belt and Road" initiative. Indira Aubakirova, Director of the Institute of Legislation and Legal Information of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan, emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy and academic exchanges. Manarbek Kabaziev, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Institute of Foreign Policy Studies under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, highlighted the prospects for the development of energy corridors between China and Central Asia. Zhaslan Zhagparov, Deputy General Director of the Kazakhstan Union of Transport Workers "KAZLOGISTICS," focused on the development prospects of transport corridors in the region. Kairat Abdrakhmanov, Vice President of Astana International University, spoke about Kazakhstan-China cooperation in education and culture.

Svetlana Kozhirova, Professor of the International University of Astana, analyzed the problems and prospects of the development of transport routes in Central Asia. Saule Koshanova, Director of the Beijing University of Language and Culture branch campus in Kazakhstan (BLCU Kazakhstan), highlighted the issues of cultural and humanitarian interaction between Kazakhstan and China. Zubirash Smagulova, Dean of the Higher School of Economics of the International University of Astana, presented the possibilities of dual degree education. Azamat Nurseitov, Chief Researcher of JSC "Institute of Economic Research," shared his vision of Kazakhstan-China relations.

A significant aspect of the event was the online participation of experts from China. Sun Jun, Dean of the Business Faculty of Jiangsu Ocean University and Executive Director of the New Eurasian Land-Sea Transport Corridor Research Institute (China), and Dong Shaozeng, Associate Professor of the Department of Logistics and Marketing of Jiangsu Ocean University, presented analysis on the role of the port of Lianyungang and the strategic importance of the Central Asian transport corridor within the initiative.

Nurlan Nurseitov, Professor of the Faculty of Economics and Entrepreneurship of the Deutsch-Kasachische Universität, also participated online with a report on "Freight Traffic Management along the Middle Transport Corridor: Current Status and Prospects," offering his recommendations for optimizing logistics processes.

The relevance of the round table is due to the increasing role of Kazakhstan in global logistics and the need to train a new generation of specialists capable of working effectively in a globalized environment. The theme of the event is directly related to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 (Quality Education) through discussions on personnel training and the development of educational programs, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through the training of specialists for the transport and logistics industry, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the development of transport corridors, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through international cooperation and dialogue. Following the fruitful discussion, a collection of reports and analytical materials will be prepared, which will become a valuable resource for the further development of scientific, educational, and logistical cooperation between Kazakhstan and China. The materials of the collection will be available on the official website of the Astana International University.

Astana International University expresses sincere gratitude to all speakers and participants for their valuable contribution, active participation, and willingness to further cooperation!