Visually-Impaired Version 
The new academic year at Maqsut Narikbayev University has been marked by a significant expansion of its faculty. The university has attracted highly qualified industry professionals from diverse sectors – from the judiciary and public administration to international consulting, finance, and media.
MNU Law School has made a strong commitment to integrating real-world practice into the educational process. The team has welcomed prominent experts including Shynggys Temir (Head of Arbitration at LIBRAN and an experienced legal practitioner with a background in the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs and the private sector), Aizhan Kulbayeva (Chairperson of the Specialised Interdistrict Criminal Court of Astana), Darkhan Igembayev (Head of the Legal Support Department at the Financial Monitoring Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan), and Nurbol Shamiev (former judge of the Interdistrict Civil Court of Astana).
The International School of Economics has strengthened its faculty with internationally recognised experts. A key priority has been enhancing the CFA track and the Business Administration in Finance programme. Undergraduate students will now be taught by active market professionals who hold the prestigious CFA certification. Among the new faculty members are Olzhas Igsatov (CFA, with 19 years of experience at the National Bank of Kazakhstan), Aziz Aznabakiyev (CFA, expert in M&A transactions and financial strategy), Yerzhan Seilbek (CFA, with experience at the London Stock Exchange Group), Bakyt Tolegenov (University of Glasgow graduate and PhD in Management), and Sagit Bakirov (Master of Arts at Harvard Kennedy School with extensive experience in public policy and strategy consulting).
The return of MNU graduates who have built successful careers and are now ready to share their expertise with the next generation has been another source of pride. The Law School has welcomed Bauyrzhan Zhanadilov (Chief Specialist at Qazpatent), Veronika Kim (Managing Partner at New Legal Century Partners), Nurgazy Anuarbekov (Head of Department at the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan), and Viktoriya Nochevnaya (Deputy Director for Compliance at Orion Central Asia Limited). Gulsaya Tatikova (with over seven years of experience in tax consulting and digital product development) has joined the International School of Economics, while the International School of Journalism has welcomed Aigerim Argimbayeva (Chief Specialist of the PR Department at ForteBank).
The School of Liberal Arts has also significantly expanded its faculty. The Psychology programme has been reinforced by five new experts who will teach both fundamental and cutting-edge courses: Sanzhar Kalkanbai (Data Analysis in HR), Nazym Bozymbayeva (Decision-Making), Yerzhan Myrzabayev (Systemic Family Psychotherapy), Zhamilya Kaparova (Transactional Analysis), and Natalia Abramova (Artificial Intelligence in Psychology). Students of the Translation Studies and Applied Linguistics programmes will be taught by native speakers and specialists with international experience, including Polina Kulneva (Chinese), Jung Yoo Jin (Korean), Kristina Veselskaya (Simultaneous Interpreting), Dayana Amanbayeva (French), and Assel Baidildinova (Spanish). Many of them have completed internships abroad and participated in international projects. In addition, courses in the Tourism programme will be delivered by practitioners – Nursultan Asemzhar (Investment Management and Sustainable Tourism) and Zharaskhan Temirkhanov (Accounting).
Meanwhile, the International School of Journalism has also focused on attracting industry practitioners. Among its new faculty members are Aibyn Shagalakov (Editor-in-Chief of National Geographic Kazakhstan), Makhabbat Sadvakassova (Manager at Euronews Academy), Aigul Tulekbayeva (Managing Editor at the national newspaper Kazakhstanskaya Pravda), Yerlan Omarov (Photographer at the national newspaper Egemen Qazaqstan), and other leading media professionals. Students will have the opportunity to study cutting-edge courses, including Digital Media Marketing, Conflict Sensitive Journalism, and SMM Distribution.
Through these efforts, Maqsut Narikbayev University continues to implement a consistent strategy of engaging both leading Kazakhstani and international practitioners as well as promising young educators. This large-scale expansion of the faculty significantly strengthens the practical component of education and provides students with unprecedented access to the most up-to-date knowledge, technologies, and real-world case studies. The university’s mission remains unchanged: We serve society by providing high-quality and accessible education.
