Visually-impaired version 
Maqsut Narikbayev University in Kazakhstan has successfully completed its International Quality Review (IQR) and been awarded global quality accreditation by QAA.
IQR is a rigorous process which benchmarks global higher education institutions against international quality assurance standards set out in Part 1 of the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG).
The review was performed between 11 and 13 December 2023 by three independent reviewers appointed by QAA. In making their conclusions, the review team confirmed that the University meets all 10 of the internal quality assurance standards in the ESG.
The review team found eight examples of good practice and was able to make eight recommendations for enhancement. The recommendations are of a desirable rather than essential nature and are proposed to enable the University to build on existing practice which is operating satisfactorily but which could be improved or enhanced. The team did not set any conditions. Overall, the team concluded that Maqsut Narikbayev University meets all standards for International Quality Review.
In general, the team came to the conclusion that Maksut Narikbayev University meets all international quality assessment standards.
The QAA analysis team has identified the following areas in which practice at Maksut Narikbayev University is particularly effective:
- – The variability and realistic nature of assessments to support students’ preparation for employment.
- – The flexibility given to students in choosing their own schedule, and therefore the opportunity to access a wider range of internships.
- – The university’s links with relevant industries and professional organizations that assist in learning, teaching and assessment.
- – The quality and reliability of certificates and transcripts, as well as the use of multiple languages in certificates, allowing graduates to use them internationally.
- – Providing facilities to support the physical and mental health and wellbeing of staff.
- – Where students self-report a need for additional support or face significant health barriers to participation, support is comprehensive and personalised.
- – A robust system of data analysis used to inform decision making.
- – The university’s pursuit of international institutional and programme accreditation has resulted in the university maturing to international accreditation standards.
Talgat Narikbayev, Chairman of the Board of Maqsut Narikbayev University, said: ‘I would like to express our deep appreciation to the QAA experts for their exceptional professionalism and insightful recommendations. The advice provided by the QAA team is invaluable and we endeavour to implement their recommendations to further improve our academic processes and practices.’
Chris Bland, QAA’s Head of Accreditation and Consultancy, said: ‘QAA is delighted to congratulate Maqsut Narikbayev University on the completion of its international quality assurance inspection. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with our colleagues in Kazakhstan and look forward to working with them in the future.’
Maqsut Narikbaev University is the first university in the CIS and Central Asia to receive this accreditation. Its IQR accreditation will be valid for five years subject to a satisfactory mid-cycle inspection. Maksut Narikbayev University can now display the QAA IQR accreditation badge, demonstrating that their quality assurance processes are comparable to international best practice.
By obtaining IQR accreditation from QAA, international institutions can clearly present their quality standards internationally and more easily initiate dialogue with institutions outside their home country.
You can read about Maqsut Narikbayev University’s IQR report on our website, where you can also find out more about the IQR process and international membership of the QAA. If you are interested in your institution pursuing accreditation or international membership and would like to discuss this further, please contact the global QAA team at accreditation@qaa.ac.uk.