Visually-Impaired Version 
Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU) has graduated more than 1,000 qualified professionals. The University’s 31st graduation ceremony took place at the Themis Square on campus.
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 Law School 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.
