The University awarded bachelor’s and master’s degrees in law, economics, diplomacy, journalism, linguistics, and tourism. Among this year’s graduates are winners of prestigious national and international competitions, recipients of dual degrees offered in partnership with leading universities in the United States and Germany, as well as graduates who have already secured employment offers from Big Four companies, government agencies, public institutions, and major enterprises. Congratulating the graduates, MNU Chairman of the Board Talgat Narikbayev emphasized that the University’s doors will always remain open to them.

“During your years at the University, you gained much more than knowledge. You acquired experience, learned to overcome challenges, work as a team, make decisions, and take responsibility. These qualities will define your future success. We live in an era of profound change. Artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and global challenges are transforming the world faster than ever before. Yet there are values that remain timeless: integrity, professionalism, respect for others, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a willingness to contribute to society and our country,” Talgat Narikbayev said.

The Class of 2026 was also congratulated by Kazakhstan’s Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek and MNU Provost Anar Ibrayeva. More than 3,500 guests attended the ceremony, including members of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, representatives of the Government of Kazakhstan and the Astana City Administration, executives of leading national media holdings and international companies, as well as members of the diplomatic corps.

“MNU has become one of Kazakhstan’s leading private universities. The recently established International School of Journalism is already among the strongest journalism schools in the country. I am pleased to see many friends here whose children are graduating from this school today. The Higher School of Law is rightly recognized as one of the country’s finest law schools. The International School of Economics offers a comprehensive education entirely in English, an opportunity that remains rare in Kazakhstan’s higher education system. The University’s Business School, where I had the privilege of teaching several years ago, is also one of the best business schools in the country. In just one generation, Kazakhstan has created the conditions for world-class higher education to be available here at home. Value this opportunity,” Sayasat Nurbek told the graduates.

The graduates took an oath, pledging to uphold the ideals of patriotism, integrity, and justice, and to dedicate their knowledge and abilities to the prosperity of the country. During the ceremony, several graduates received special recognition for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the University. Among them was Higher School of Law graduate Anel Sapargaliyeva, whose MNU team made history by finishing 12th at the prestigious Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition—the highest result ever achieved by a team from Kazakhstan.

“For me, the University became a place where far more happened than I could ever have imagined when I first walked through its doors. Here, I became the Queen of the Presidential Ball despite having no dance experience at all. Here, I prepared for my trip to Washington, where I later had the opportunity to outperform Ivy League universities, and where we, MNU students, proudly raised the flag of our homeland. These are moments I will never forget. Here, I found like-minded people, and here I turned ideas into reality—ideas that transformed not only the world around me but also myself,” said Anel Sapargaliyeva.

The ceremony concluded with a performance by renowned Kazakh singer Aikyn Tolepbergen and a festive fireworks display.

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The Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings (formerly THE Impact Rankings) is the only global ranking that assesses universities’ contributions to sustainable development based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). MNU was evaluated across four Sustainable Development Goals and improved its performance in both the overall ranking and each assessed category.

A particularly notable achievement was the university’s progress in SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, where MNU advanced to the 101–200 band. The university also improved to the 201–300 band for SDG 5: Gender Equality, entered the 401–600 band for SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and was ranked in the 601–800 band for SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

“This is our third consecutive year participating in this ranking. It is important to us not only because it strengthens our international standing, but also because it closely reflects our university’s mission—to serve people by providing high-quality and accessible education. A modern university should be more than a center for education and research; it should also be an institution that creates tangible value for society through academic integrity, the promotion of legal culture, student support, partnerships, and social responsibility. That is why a ranking based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals is of particular significance to our university,” said Anar Ibrayeva, Provost of Maqsut Narikbayev University.

More than 1,600 universities from 116 countries and territories participated in this year’s ranking. The University of Manchester (United Kingdom) ranked first globally. Among the Kazakhstani universities included in the ranking, MNU placed among the top three.

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During the meeting, particular attention was given to the launch of joint research projects and academic exchange programs, the organization of summer schools and short-term courses, as well as the holding of seminars and thematic lectures. Rector of Hanoi Law University Hoang Xuan Chau highlighted the significant potential for cooperation with MNU. The Vietnamese side also proposed considering the signing of a memorandum of understanding and the development of joint postgraduate educational programs in the field of law.

In turn, MNU representatives introduced the delegation to the university’s activities and existing scholarship programs for international students. A separate item on the agenda was the presentation of the International Legathon MaxUP legal competition. Representatives of the Vietnamese university were invited to take part in the event, which will be held next year.

It is worth noting that Hanoi Law University is Vietnam’s leading state research institution in the field of law. The university plays an important role in educating highly qualified legal professionals for the development of the rule of law, judicial reform, and international integration.

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A total of 36 applications were submitted for the competition. The winners were selected based on their key performance indicators (KPI) for the academic year and their contribution to the university’s corporate culture, including mentoring and onboarding employees, participation in organizing events, volunteering and leadership activities, brand promotion, and adherence to ethical standards. All stages of the competition were conducted openly and transparently.

MNU Chairman of the Board Talgat Narikbayev congratulated the winners and presented them with certificates of recognition and vouchers for a one-week vacation for two at one of Vietnam’s leading hotels. Earlier, the university also announced the winners of the “Teacher of the Year” award. The purpose of these competitions is to motivate and recognize outstanding achievements of MNU faculty and staff, as well as to enhance the quality of teaching and administrative performance.

Anargul Yerezhepova was named Employee of the Year 2026 in the academic category. She serves as a Manager at the Practice, Career and Employment Center of the MNU Law School. Anargul Yerezhepova has been working at the university for more than 21 years and was previously recognized as the Faculty of International Law’s Teacher of the Year in 2009. She is also an MNU alumna, having completed her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees at the university.

Aigerim Bekova was recognized as Employee of the Year 2026 in the service category. She is a Student Affairs Coordinator in the Accounting Department at MNU. Aigerim Bekova is a professionally certified accountant and has been working at the university for nearly 18 years. She is also an MNU graduate, having earned degrees in Finance and Law.

The university plans to continue recognizing its best employees and teachers on an annual basis.

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The memorandum was signed by Talgat Narikbayev, Chairman of the Board of MNU, and Robert Taylor, Director of the British Council in Kazakhstan. The document aims to enhance the quality of the educational process, develop students’ language skills, and provide conditions for taking the IELTS international examination. The parties also intend to raise students’ awareness of international certification opportunities, exchange expertise, and support the development of competencies among both faculty members and students.

The British Council is the United Kingdom’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities, fostering cooperation in education, the arts, and English language learning between the UK and other countries. It operates in more than 110 countries worldwide. MNU has been actively cooperating with the organization for the past six years.

It is worth noting that the university’s cooperation with British partners also covers academic mobility, research collaboration, and institutional engagement. MNU has cooperation agreements with leading UK universities, including the University of Cambridge and Queen Mary University of London. In addition, the university annually hosts students from the United Kingdom who come to study Russian as a foreign language.

Earlier, MNU also hosted an educational seminar on preparation strategies for the TOEFL international examination.

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The training was organized jointly with the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) ahead of Media Workers’ Day. Participants learned about current trends in the development of Kazakhstan’s stock market, discussed the role of the media in promoting investment culture, and had the opportunity to ask questions to stock exchange experts.

Particular attention was paid to journalists’ work with financial information. The experts explained how to properly analyze stock market data, interpret financial indicators, and use official statistics when preparing media content. They also highlighted the most common mistakes made when covering economic topics and shared practical recommendations on working with information sources.

According to the experts, the accurate and reliable presentation of financial information contributes to improving public financial literacy and fostering an objective understanding of market developments and economic processes.

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The Montenegro leader is paying his first official visit to Kazakhstan at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The meeting brought together more than one hundred university students. Chairman of the Board of MNU Talgat Narikbayev expressed his gratitude to Jakov Milatović for the opportunity to engage in discussion and noted that the visit takes place in the year marking the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“Over the past two decades, our countries have developed friendly and constructive ties based on mutual respect and cooperation. Maqsut Narikbayev University also seeks to contribute to strengthening relations between Kazakhstan and Montenegro. This meeting is yet another example of the important role education plays in bringing people and nations closer together. Direct conversations with leaders of this caliber help students broaden their horizons, deepen their understanding of international relations, and appreciate the importance of dialogue in fostering mutual understanding between peoples,” said Talgat Narikbayev.

The event was also attended by the First Lady of Montenegro, Milena Milatović, Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Kazakhstan Assel Zhanassova, MNU Provost Anar Ibrayeva, members of the Montenegro government delegation, and media representatives. Jakov Milatović delivered a lecture titled “Foreign Policy in the Balkans and Central Asia: Navigating a Complex Geopolitical Landscape”. The President of Montenegro highlighted Kazakhstan’s emergence as a leading political and economic power in Central Asia.

“Thanks to its balanced and well-considered multi-vector foreign policy, Kazakhstan has established itself as a pillar of regional stability and a partner whose voice is heard in all major capitals. In an era of profound geopolitical changes, your country is increasingly becoming a decisive force and a genuine balancing factor in the evolving global distribution of influence. Furthermore, Kazakhstan serves as an inspiration for Montenegro due to its unwavering commitment to the principles and mission of the United Nations, which constitutes the third pillar of Montenegro’s foreign policy,” emphasized Jakov Milatović.

At the same time, the Montenegro leader supported President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s proposal for comprehensive UN reform. Jakov Milatović noted that both countries share the belief that a stable and prosperous international order should be based on multilateralism, international cooperation, respect for international law, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. He also answered a number of questions from students.

“Today’s meeting was a great opportunity for me as an International Law student to interact with distinguished personalities and leaders who shape global politics. The discussion was highly interactive, and we had the chance to ask all our questions. I asked the President of Montenegro how the effectiveness of the United Nations could be improved. According to him, only through the reform of the UN Security Council can cooperation among states be strengthened and global security enhanced,” said MNU student Shynar Baiton.

During the meeting, President Milatović shared his personal story of coming to power. Students also asked about the global consequences of climate change, brain drain, and the development of academic mobility programs. Participants were particularly interested in Montenegro’s prospects for joining the European Union.

“It was a memorable meeting, and the President of Montenegro’s answers were truly inspiring. Various topics were discussed, including education and relations between our two countries. Jakov Milatović also spoke about his country’s aspiration to become a member of the European Union and emphasized the importance of setting ambitious goals,” noted MNU student Dana Kumargazy.

The event concluded with the presentation of branded souvenirs to the distinguished guests and a commemorative group photo. It is worth noting that MNU has previously hosted meetings between students and the leaders of France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland.

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Participants explored opportunities for expanding cooperation between Central Asian countries and China. Discussions focused on artificial intelligence, security, trade, and regional policy in the context of ongoing global changes. Among the speakers was Ma Bin, Director of the Center for Russian and Central Asian Studies at the Institute of International Studies of Fudan University.

“Contemporary research on China–Central Asia relations requires a broader and more interdisciplinary approach. A deeper understanding of ongoing developments calls for diverse perspectives and the involvement of scholars with different research backgrounds and areas of expertise,” said Ma Bin.

Fudan University is one of China’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions and consistently ranks among the world’s top 100 universities. During the meeting, both sides expressed interest in developing joint research projects, expanding academic exchanges, and strengthening institutional partnerships.

“The roundtable served as an important platform for exchanging ideas and developing new approaches to understanding the processes shaping our region. We seek to bring together diverse perspectives and create a space for meaningful dialogue that can contribute to evidence-based decision-making through high-quality research and expert discussion,” noted Sergey Pen, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board for Research, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence at MNU.

It is worth noting that last year MNU became a member of the China–Central Asia Legal Education Alliance.

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The undergraduate program Artificial Intelligence and Frontier Systems: AI + X is set to welcome its first cohort of students. The curriculum covers intelligent systems engineering and provides fundamental knowledge and practical skills in programming, data analytics, machine learning, deep learning, and the design and deployment of AI systems. The program will be delivered in English.

A distinctive feature of the program is its AI+X model, under which students choose one of three specialization tracks as Finance, Economics, or Business Management, gaining in-depth expertise in their selected field alongside advanced AI competencies. Graduates will earn a bachelor’s degree in Information and Communication Technologies, becoming not only AI engineers but also professionals capable of applying artificial intelligence in economic and business contexts. The program is implemented in collaboration with Seoul Cyber University and Kazakhstan-based companies Shai.pro and Alpha.Tech.Edu.

For those seeking postgraduate education in AI, MNU has launched the AI Law master’s program. This innovative professional graduate program is designed to prepare specialists capable of working at the intersection of law, artificial intelligence, data governance, and digital transformation. The program will also be taught in English and has a duration of 1.5 years.

The curriculum combines a strong legal foundation with the study of artificial intelligence technologies, data analytics, algorithmic regulation, digital compliance, and AI governance. It includes courses on legal big data analytics, Python for legal applications, research and professional internships, as well as a capstone project focused on solving real-world challenges of the digital economy. The program is offered in partnership with the China University of Political Science and Law.

It is worth noting that MNU is currently transforming its academic programs to align with evolving labor market demands and the rapid development of artificial intelligence. Alongside the launch of new programs, the university will strengthen the integration of AI-related components across existing curricula. MNU also plans to implement a practice-oriented education model based on the regular alternation of academic study and real-world professional experience.

For more information about admission requirements and application procedures, prospective students may contact the University’s Admissions Office.

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The event brought together graduates working in a wide range of professional fields. Participants toured the renovated campus and highly praised the university’s infrastructure developments. MNU Chairman of the Board Talgat Narikbayev congratulated the alumni on the 10th anniversary of their graduation, emphasizing that they remain a source of pride for the university.

According to a survey conducted earlier, graduates of the Class of 2016 are primarily engaged in the fields of law, business, and public service. Most respondents currently hold positions as company directors, department heads, and senior specialists. Many also highlighted a direct connection between their university education and their current professional and social achievements.

During the reunion, alumni shared their personal success stories. They were also awarded certificates for free enrollment in MNU’s Artificial Intelligence course focused on vibe coding. In addition, a mini-football tournament was organized as part of the event.

MNU continues to maintain strong ties with its alumni community and actively implements a range of collaborative initiatives and projects with graduates.

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