The most outstanding business project developed by students of Maqsut Narikbayev University was selected upon the completion of the Principles of Management course. The winning team was presented with a monetary award in the form of a certificate. First place was conferred upon students of the International School of Economics — Symbat Anuarbek, Kunayim Balseitova, […]
Most of the academic programmes at Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU) are offered through the International School of Economics (ISE). The School’s degree programmes continue to receive prestigious accreditations, its students achieve success in various competitions, and a new master’s programme has recently been launched. On the occasion of the School’s upcoming 20th anniversary, the Dean […]
On 15 May 2025, the Center for Global and Regional Governance (CEGREG) at Maqsut Narikbayev University held its inaugural Student Conference on International Relations, Foreign Policy and Diplomacy — a significant milestone in CEGREG’s mission to promote student research and academic engagement. Under the theme “Navigating Global Uncertainties: Central Asia and the Future of International […]
The III ISE MNU Student Research Conference – 2025 took place at Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU). This annual event was held in honour of the 85th anniversary of Maqsut Narikbayev, the university’s honorary rector, respected statesman, and public figure. The conference brought together undergraduate and graduate students from Maqsut Narikbayev University, Astana IT University, Almaty […]
• by enabling synergy of research and industry expertise,
• by promoting a culture of excellence in teaching, research, and management,
• by empowering students from diverse backgrounds.
Values: • Professionalism • Accountability & Transparency • Growth mindset
Through commitment to these values, we help each member of our community to grow.
The International School of Economics was established in 2005 by the decision of the MNU University Board of Directors. The ISE is structured as follows:
Business Council is a formal body within the ISE organizational structure responsible for the ISE’s strategy and further development. The members of the Business Council are senior managers of public and quasi-public sectors, as well as private companies. Through the annual meetings, ISE Business Council translates the industry agenda to the ISE decision-makers helping to shape the content of education in line with the industry expectations.
The Center for Global and Regional Governance (CEGREG) was established in 2024 within the International School of Economics at Maqsut Narikbayev University in Astana, Kazakhstan. The Center is dedicated to advancing research in international relations, with a specific focus on global and regional governance. It seeks to integrate the study of international relations with the exploration of governance systems that influence global and regional order, emphasizing perspectives from Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
The Center for Economic Research is a leading institute at Maqsut Narikbayev University, committed to developing innovative solutions to the most pressing economic challenges at both the local and global levels. Its mission is to advance economic knowledge and deliver evidence-based insights that inform policy, guide business practices, and contribute to societal well-being.
ISE Committees are the faculty self-governance bodies. They have their established compositions consisting of the faculty members (voting members) and all ISE administrators (non-voting members).
The academic quality of the ISE undergraduate and graduate programs is managed by the Academic Quality Committee (AQC). It considers and approves academic programs, curricula, course syllabi, exam assignments and thesis topics. In addition to elected faculty members, it includes all program coordinators and ISE student representatives. In Fall 2014, the newly established ISE Performance Appraisal and Promotion Committee has introduced a new merit-based faculty performance evaluation system and its first results were reviewed at the end of Spring 2015. The Committee has regular meetings for conducting the faculty evaluation (twice a year) and hiring process (when applicable). Additionally, it is regularly involved in the discussion of policies and issues related to the academic staff appraisal and promotion. ISE Ethics Committee considers disciplinary and ethical issues, particularly complaints from the ISE students and faculty, violation of the Code of Conduct by students, staff and faculty, research-related ethical issues, etc. The Committee consists of five voting faculty members and non-voting administrators.
The goal of the ISE Committee for Scientific Research is to evaluate research projects conducted by students and faculty and to provide ethical clearance. The Committee is also responsible for approving thesis topics.
Dean, Vice Deans, Students Advisers, ISE Internship, Career and Employment Centre officers and Tutor Manager for Graduate Studies represent the ISE administration.
ISE offers seven undergraduate (Bachelor) programs, three Master’s programs and one PhD program (more information in the section Admission).
Maqsut Narikbayev University values analytical thinking, creativity, practical problem-solving, and broad, new ideas that encourage the MNU community to serve the society.
The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing is designed to provide students with the analytical and practical skills necessary to excel as marketing professionals. The program places an emphasis on training students to make strategic decisions in the field of marketing. This enables them to explore the market, evaluate consumer behavior, and develop strategies that are essential for success in competitive business environments across diverse industries and fields of activity. The curriculum is developed in accordance with government regulations, labor market demands, and the needs of external stakeholders.
View detailsThe Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program in Management is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of management, equipping them with the skills necessary to succeed in both international and local businesses. Upon completion of this program, graduates will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of management theories, proficiency in analysis and decision-making skills, a clear understanding of a company’s strategic and operational practices, and the manager’s role in these aspects.
View detailsThe Business Administration (BBA) program in Information Technology is aimed at training professionals with advanced knowledge and skills in information technology, programming, data science, mobile and web technologies, economics and business, with the ability to apply this knowledge and skills to solve efficiently a variety of business problems. Graduates of this program will be prepared to work in international and local companies as IT specialists with a deep understanding of business objectives, economic and business environment, operational and strategic processes.
View detailsBA in International Relations prepares students for careers in government, international organizations, global NGOs, corporate business, and think - tanks. Students will acquire advanced analytical, linguistic and intercultural communication skills as well as in - depth understanding of decision - making processes in foreign policy and global governance. Undergraduate degree in International Relations also builds a strong foundation to pursue graduate studies in top foreign Universities. Within this program, students will have the opportunity to specialize in one of three elective concentrations, each designed to provide in-depth expertise and competencies.
View detailsThe Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program in Finance is aimed to prepare students for successful careers in investment banking, financial planning, corporate finance, and financial market institutions.
View detailsThe Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) program in Economics and Data Science is aimed at training professionals with theoretical knowledge of the modern business and comprehensive skills both in Economics and in IT including data management, coding, visualization and analysis skills. Graduates of the program can utilize their skills in any business field that require advanced analytical skills: economics, product management, business analytics, IT, marketing, and sales.
View detailsThe Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) programme in Accounting is aimed at training professionals with theoretical knowledge in accounting and finance, proficiency in international financial and reporting standards, equipped with professional competencies and technical skills sufficient to succeed in the international and local labor market. Strong alignment with the recognized international professional accreditations and certified teaching practitioners brings in a practical approach to our programme ensuring a high level of graduate employment.
View detailsThe programme is designed to train highly qualified specialists in the field of international relations, equipping them with advanced analytical and research competencies.
View detailsThe Master’s Programme in Economics adheres to international educational standards while emphasizing local content. The program is designed to develop students’ knowledge and skills in analyzing business micro and macro environments, which are highly demanded by the regional labor market. Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, national and international research organizations, financial institutions, and corporate organizations.
View detailsThe Master’s program is recognized for incorporating at least 70 percent of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) and emphasizing the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. This positions students well to obtain the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) designation, the most respected and recognized investment credential globally. Additionally, the program integrates the content of the certified GARP Financial Risk Manager (FRM®) program.
View detailsThe PhD program in Economics is aimed to develop rigorous theoretical knowledge and practical research skills to shape future professional researchers with a focus on empirical research in Economics for both academic and research career.
View detailsEach year, in September and October (for spring semester applications) and March and April (for autumn semester applications), the University's International Office helps students with enrollment to one of our partner universities for 1-2 semesters through bilateral agreements and memorandums.
ISE Academic Quality Committee (AQC) is responsible for the programmes’ academic quality at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The functions of the Committee include but are not limited to approvals of academic programs, curricula, course syllabi, and exam assignments. Its voting members include voting faculty members, heads of the programs, and ISE student representatives, along with non-voting school administration.
ISE Performance Appraisal and Promotion Committee conducts faculty evaluation (twice a year) and hiring process (when applicable). Additionally, it is regularly involved in the discussion of policies and issues related to academic staff appraisal and promotion.
ISE Ethics Committee considers disciplinary and ethical issues, particularly complaints from the ISE students and faculty, violation of the Code of Conduct by students, staff and faculty, research-related ethical issues, etc. The Committee consists of voting faculty members and non-voting administrators.
The ISE Committee for Scientific Research oversees compliance with Research Ethics Policy, outlining the principles and norms of ethical scientific research for ISE employees and students, the process for ethical review of research projects, a list of violations of research ethics, types of sanctions for violations and procedures for their enforcement.
Students at the International School of Economics (ISE) have the opportunity to earn a second academic degree from an international partner university, alongside their degree from Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU) – all within the standard 4-year undergraduate program.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for a dual degree program, students must meet the following requirements:
· Successful completion of a required number of credits at MNU;
· A minimum GPA of 3.0* (GPA of 2.67 Hof University);
· English language proficiency at B2 level or higher.
Program Structure and Conditions
· Students complete their studies at MNU and the partner university according to a jointly designed curriculum and program format (e.g., 3+1, 2+2, 1+3);
· Admission interviews are conducted in line with MNU’s internal selection procedures;
· The mode of study is full-time at both institutions;
Upon graduation, students receive two diplomas:
· A bachelor’s degree from MNU;
· A recognized international degree from the partner university.
PARTNER UNIVERSITIES AND MAJORS
HOF UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES (GERMANY)
A modern university located in Bavaria, offering practice-oriented programs in Business, IT, and Engineering.
Program Format: 3+1 (1 academic year: 2nd semester of Year 3+1st semester of Year 4) Tuition: Free
Administration fee ~€100 Eligible Majors: All BBA (Finance, Accounting, Management, Marketing, Economics & Data Science, IT)
Requirements:
· IELTS ≥ 5.0
· GPA ≥ 2.67
· 120 ECTS credits
· Interview & motivation letter
· Blocked account: €11,904/year
Living Expenses:
· Dormitory: €350-400/month + €500 deposit
· Food & other: from €30/week
Annual Quota: 4 students (Business), 4 students (IT)
SOLBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUSINESS (SOUTH KOREA)
A top-tier English-medium business school in Daejeon with AACSB accreditation.
Program Formats:
· 3+1: 4th year at SolBridge
· 2+2: 3rd & 4th years at SolBridge
Tuition: ~USD 12,000/year Scholarships: 30-90% for the first semester based on GPA and IELTS at the time of application; continued scholarship depends on academic performance at SolBridge (GPA-based). Eligible Majors: All BBA
Requirements:
· IELTS ≥ 6.0
· GPA ≥ 3.0
· 120 credits (2+2), 180 credits (3+1)
· Interview & motivation letter
Living Expenses:
· Dormitory: USD 1,500–2,000/year
· Food: USD 1,500–2,000/year
· Insurance: USD 600–1,000/year
EXCELIA GROUP (FRANCE)
A triple-accredited French business school with campuses in La Rochelle, Tours, and Paris.
Program Format: 3+1 Tuition: ~€12,400/year Administration Fee: €400–500 Eligible Majors: BBA in Finance, Accounting, Management, Marketing, Economics & Data Science
Requirements:
· IELTS ≥ 6.0
· GPA ≥ 3.0
· 120 ECTS credits
· Interview & motivation letter
Living Expenses:
· Housing: €400–500/month
· Food: €400–500/month
MONTPELLIER BUSINESS SCHOOL (FRANCE)
Montpellier Business School (MBS) is one of France’s leading business schools, renowned for its academic excellence, international outlook, and triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS).
According to the Financial Times 2024, its Master in Management program ranks 47th globally and 11th in France. In Le Figaro 2024, MBS was ranked 12th among French business schools.
Located in the vibrant and culturally rich city of Montpellier, on the Mediterranean coast, the school offers access to a wide range of internship and career opportunities. Paris and Barcelona are just 3 hours away by train.
Program Formats:
· 3+2: MNU Bachelor’s + 2-year MBS Master in Management
· 4+1: MNU Bachelor’s + 1-year MBS MSc
Master’s Programs Offered (for 4+1 MSc route):
· MSc Global Finance
· MSc Digital Marketing & Omnichannel Strategy
· MSc Luxury Marketing in a Sustainable World
· MSc International Business
· MSc Complex Project Management
· MSc Digital Transformation & Business Consulting
· MSc Supply Chain Management
· MSc Big Data & Artificial Intelligence for Business
Tuition Fees:
· MSc (4+1): €16,900/year
· Master in Management (3+2): €14,400/year
· Application fee: €3,000
Eligible Majors: All BBA programs and BA in International Relations (with International Business minor)
Entry Requirements:
· Interview
· English language proficiency test
· Logic test
· CV and motivation letter
Living Expenses:
· Housing: €400–600/month
· Food: €200–300/month
* All costs are approximate and based on 2025 estimates.
Visually-Impaired Version 
