Visually-impaired version 
You are applying to International School of Economics Maqsut Narikbayev University, but you are unsure what program to choose, what to expect and what are possible career opportunities of each program. Here is the guide for you.
ISE offers seven undergraduate programs; six business-related programs leading to a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree and one International Relations program awarding a Bachelor of Arts (BA). All programs are fully accredited and taught entirely in English. The majority of the faculty hold Master’s and PhD degrees from renowned international universities, prestigious professional certifications, and have extensive work experience in leading international and Kazakhstani companies.
Studying in English is the first challenge freshmen face. However, you have the opportunity to improve your English during the first year before taking advanced courses, but it should be an ongoing process as English is a significant factor affecting both academic performance and career opportunities.
BBA in Economics and Data Science
The first program launched at ISE giving its name upon its founding in 2005. Nowadays, it has the largest community of our graduates. Several years ago, the program was redesigned and reintroduced to combine economics and data science as these areas are interrelated. It is no coincidence that many top data scientists have an economic background: Susan Athey, an economist and data scientist at Microsoft is a prime example. The program is consistently ranked top in Atameken NCE Rating securing the first place among 53 programs in 2025.
Benefits
| • Gaining solid theoretical knowledge on how the economy works at the country level (macroeconomics) and the company level (microeconomics). • Taking required courses in Data Science to master data collection and data management skills, coding, data visualisation and data analysis, machine learning skills. You will deeply study R and Phyton programming languages. • Wide range of career opportunities: business, government organizations (National Bank, Ministry of National Economy, Ministry of Finance, Development Bank of Kazakhstan, etc.), research centers and institutes. • Currently, data science is a dynamically developing field where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used. Data scientists can more easily find remote work in local and foreign companies and have a competitive advantage in the job market. The average salary of a data scientist in Kazakhstan is roughly 1 million tenge. The combination of data science and economics further enhances competitive benefits in the labor market. • Academic prospectives to further pursue gradute degrees in Kazakhstan and abroad. Master’s and PhD programs in Economics are highly prestigious and widely available internationally, and ISE also offers them. • MNU Center for Economic Research provides opportunities for best students to actively engage in joint research with the Center team and work as Research Assistants (RA). |
Possible challenges
| • Economics is a complex social science, and at ISE, the Economics and Data Science program is one of the most challenging. It requires strong math skills, analytical thinking, and the ability to assess information critically. This program is best suited for students who enjoy working with data and problem-solving, as it is aimed to prepare them to become skilled analysts and researchers with advanced quantitative expertise. • The program curriculum substantially differs from the Economics that your parents studied. In the Soviet times, economics was a mix of accounting, management, finance, and enterprise economics; yet, in the rest of the world, it is something completely different. We do not offer such courses as Enterprise Economics or History of Economic Thought; our program corresponds to the academic principles of international universities. • The following required courses may be the most challenging for students: • Mathematics 1 and Mathematics 2 • Microeconomics 1 and Microeconomics 2 • Macroeconomics 1 and Macroeconomics 2 • Statistics • Econometircs • Time Series Econometrics • Cross Sectional and Panel Data • Econometrics • Data Science 1 and Data Science 2 • Data Visualisation • Along with passion to math, it is required to have advanced English. |
BBA in Finance
Our BBA in Finance program is currently the only one in Kazakhstan officially recognized by the CFA University Affiliation Program confirming that it covers at least 70% of the CFA Level I exam content. CFA is the most prestigious international certification for specialists in finance. International affiliation with the CFA Institute enhances the degree value and boosts employment opportunities. The program is consistently ranked top in Atameken NCE Rating securing the second place among 64 programs in 2025.
Benefits
| • Advanced training in finance, investment, and asset management, endowing you with competitive advantages in the job market. • Opportunity to prepare for the CFA Level 1 exam along with taking a degree. Faculty with professional experience and CFA charterholders. • A strong community of alumni working in large international and local financial institutions. • CFA Scholarships to take the exam and access to online CFA events on career opportunities, the latest trends in financial markets and the development of professional skills. • Opportunity to complete a minor in Accounting taking ACCA-courses. This allows receiving ACCA exam exemptions within ACCA accreditation (if successfully completed – all benefits of the BBA in Accounting are a bonus). |
Possible challenges
| • The program entails a high academic workload, which requires strong self-organization skills and diligence. High requirements for mathematical and analytical skills. • Advanced proficiency in English is required since a significant part of the handouts and and CFA exams are conducted in English. • The program demands advanced critical thinking and the ability to think outside the box when analyzing financial cases, which can be challenging for students unfamiliar with this approach. We offer courses designed to develop these skills, but mastering them requires dedication and effort. • Effective time management and self-discipline are required during studies, and the ability to independently organize the work process and adhere to strict professional standards in future work. |
BBA in Accounting
The program is accredited by ACCA (The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), the global professional accounting body offering the Chartered Certified Accountant qualification, a prestigious international qualification for professionals in accounting and finance. Upon successful completion of the program, you can get an exemption from 9 out of 13 ACCA exams (this is the maximum possible number of exemptions for universities). The program traditionally occupies top positions in the Atameken NCE Ranking – in 2025, number 2 among 58 programs country-wide.
Benefits
| • The program is very practice-oriented. Upon successful completion, you will receive an applied profession for your whole life. More than a third of graduates of this program receive an offer from one of the Big 4 companies in Kazakhstan. • Successful completion of the program equips you with deep knowledge of IFRS and accounting. • All our instructors are ACCA holders with extensive experience in various companies in Kazakhstan and abroad. • The program is fully accredited by ACCA until 2029. • The ACCA is recognized in more than 120 countries. It dates back to the 1900s and has been proven by time and people. The ACCA certificate opens the doors to international companies both in Kazakhstan and abroad. If you dream of becoming a CFO in the future, this program seems to be a very good starting point to achieve this goal. • High social status and prestige. • Decent salary, even for entry-level positions. are a bonus). |
Possible challenges
| • The program is challenging and requires a lot of effort. Big amount of material that you must memorize and learn to apply in practice. • Each of the 9 compulsory ACCA courses requires a huge investment in terms of time and effort. • A substantial risk of failing the courses on the first attempt due to their complexity: ACCA subjects at the ISE traditionally have a high fail rate. • Along with this, the program courses are less demanding in terms of mathematical background than Economics and Finance. Good basic mathematics is enough. Everything depends on your desire to learn and diligence. • After successful completion of your degree at MNU, you will have to complete and take four ACCA strategic courses independently, but passing them means receiving the very prestigious status of the ACCA holder. • ACCA holders have to pay a membership fee annually. |
BBA in IT
The program was designed in partnership with Hof University of Applied Sciences (Germany), and it corresponds to the German Business Informatics program providing a double degree option with Hof. Combining IT and business administration skills it creates unique competitive benefits in the labor market at the intersection of technology and management. The program is suitable for applicants interested in understanding how technologies work in business rather than programming per se. We are keen to train future IT managers, analysts, startuppers and digital entrepreneurs.
The program participates in the Atameken NCE rating as part of the BBA in Management.
Benefits
| • Developing analytical and programming skills—students learn programming, data analysis, digital transformation, and web and mobile development. • Modern technologies – focus on digital ecosystems, machine learning, and IT project management. • Professionals with business IT skills are in high demand in startups, corporations, and consulting. • Practice-oriented learning—case studies, real projects, and internships at IT companies. • Career flexibility – graduates can work in the tech business, IT startups, data analytics, digital marketing and software development. • Specialization opportunities – a wide choice of electives and minors, including graphic design, entrepreneurship, project management, software development, etc. • Global level – the opportunity to participate in international exchange and double degree programs. |
Possible challenges
| • High workload – the program combines both technical and business administration courses, which require a flexible mindset and developed analytical skills. • A strong mathematical background is required – graduates are expected to be proficient in discrete mathematics, statistics and algorithms. • Programming is not for everyone – if you are not interested in IT development and technical courses, the program may seem too complicated. • Continuous self-development—the IT industry evolves rapidly, and staying competitive in the job market requires constant learning and skill updates. • High competition – the IT field is dynamic, and only the best professionals get to the top. |
BBA in Management
Business Management, one of the world’s most popular programs, offers a universal, comprehensive, and flexible education that equips graduates for a career in business. Our program offers one of three mandatory concentrations (specializations): “Human Resource Management (HR)”, “Entrepreneurship and Innovation (E&I)”, “Supply Chain and Industrial Management (SCM)”. In addition, BBA in Management is the most flexible program at ISE: by mastering your concentration and minors, you can tailor your own unique career profile like a constructor.
Over the past several years, the program has been steadily growing in the NCE Atameken eventually reaching 1st place in 2025 among 45 universities offering management programs.
Benefits
| • A broad business profile of a graduate, including an understanding of all areas of business and business environment: the basics of economics, finance and accounting, marketing, entrepreneurship, project management, business analytics, business ethics, and business communications, as well as an in-depth learning of the chosen concentration (HR, SCM, E&I). • Wide opportunities and good employment prospectives in three attractive and cutting-edge specializations. Graduates can work in private companies, government agencies, or found their own businesses. • The opportunity to obtain a double degree in one of our partner universities or study abroad on an exchange program. Most of the ISE’s partner universities abroad are focused on business management and business administration. • A highly qualified faculty, with a significant number of industry practitioners. • The program is designed based on international standards for management programs. Two of the proposed concentrations fully comply with international professional certifications in the relevant field. • English is the only language of instruction, expanding your career opportunities, including those abroad. |
Possible challenges
| • One of the most dynamic programs at ISE, which is constantly improving. Each year we welcome stronger and stronger applicants, so you need to be prepared for competition and an intensive learning process. • You are expected to actively use English, for example, oral presentations and writing papers in English are must-do. The Management program places a lot of emphasis on classroom presentations, you must learn to present and communicate your work. If your level of English is insufficient, you will need to invest time and effort in improving it. • The program includes courses that require a solid foundation in mathematics. Depending on your background, you may find the following courses particularly challenging: Mathematics I, Microeconomics I, Macroeconomics I, and Statistics I & II. • Many courses incorporate group projects and presentations, as effective collaboration is a key skill for both academic success and a career in management. You should be ready to work closely with classmates and develop strong teamwork skills. • Since the program is quite flexible, it requires self-study and time management skills.ork. |
BBA in Marketing
Marketing is a rapidly evolving field with a growing number of job opportunities both globally and in Kazakhstan. However, this program goes beyond SMM training—it focuses on a deep understanding of marketing theory and the development of strong analytical skills. Students gain a well-rounded business education alongside specialized marketing training, equipping them with broad career opportunities and a comprehensive understanding of various business functions. Adding a minor in Data Science further enhances graduates’ competitiveness in the labor market.
Benefits
| • The Marketing program is a part of Business Administration, providing students with a strong foundation in finance, management, economics, and other essential business areas. It blends data analysis, market research, strategy development, and trend forecasting with creative aspects like branding, communications, and content marketing. • The program also emphasizes working with English-language sources, giving students a competitive edge in the global labor market. • At the same time, despite its strong analytical focus, marketing also demands creativity—thinking outside the box, developing innovative advertising campaigns, and building distinctive branding. • The curriculum includes analysis of real business cases, group projects, and work with real brands, which help students develop practical skills. • Companies are looking for marketers with an analytical mindset and a strategic approach, which open up many career opportunities in various industries. Graduates can work in digital marketing, brand management, marketing analytics, PR, advertising, and many other areas. • In part, this program may be suitable for those who are thinking about opening their own business – the program provides an understanding of how to promote your own business, attract clients, and manage a brand. |
Possible challenges
| • Marketing demands strong data analysis, research, forecasting, and competitive analysis skills. A solid foundation in mathematics and analytical thinking will give students a significant advantage. A common misconception is that marketing is limited to content creation, advertising, and social media. In reality, it involves developing complex strategies, managing budgets, and evaluating the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. Students should be prepared to work with data, read academic and business articles, analyze trends, and write reports in English. While marketing professionals are in high demand, securing strong positions requires a solid portfolio, relevant experience, and proficiency in data analysis. • As in the Management program, strong presentation and communication skills are essential for studying marketing. You should be comfortable speaking in front of an audience and be prepared to do so in clear, professional English. If your English proficiency is not yet at the required level, you will need to put in extra effort to improve it. • The ability and willingness to work in a team are very important to succeed. |
BA in International Relations
The newest but very popular program at ISE, the interdisciplinary BA in International Relations includes political science, economics, social sciences in a broad sense, diplomacy, and business. The program structure substantially changes for the 2025-2026 entrants. The updated program will introduce three mandatory concentrations:
- • Public and Government Relations (PR &GR)
- • International Business (IB)
- • Data Analytics in IR (DA in IR).
These changes are aimed at increasing the competitiveness of graduates by equipping them with contemporary knowledge and practical skills that meet the current requirements of the global and national labor market.
Benefits
| • The program is taught by a highly qualified faculty with specialized education and expertise across various fields. A significant number of instructors hold PhDs. Teaching in English in accordance with international standards ensures a high-quality education. • Professional knowledge and analytical skills to develop a deep understanding of modern political, social, and economic dynamics, as well as global trends and phenomena. • Increased chances of admission to a graduate-level program, including those abroad, thanks to the modern content of the program, strict academic standards and academic performance requirements. Mastering a second foreign language, as well as in-depth knowledge and skills obtained within the new concentrations and existing minors – all this can significantly improve your competitive position in the labor market. • Internships in specialized government agencies (for example, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, departments of international relations, etc.), local offices of international organizations (for example, CICA), as well as in companies and institutions corresponding to the chosen concentration and minor. • Employment opportunities in national and international organizations upon successful completion of the program with a high GPA. • Strong opportunities for academic growth and involvement in research projects and initiatives, such as those at the MNU Research Center. |
Possible challenges
| • High academic standards and performance expectations come with a demanding workload. Students will need to master large volumes of material (including extensive reading) and work effectively both independently and in teams on group projects. • Strict requirements for academic writing and oral presentation skills exclusively in English. You must be ready to consistently improve your English. • Newly introduced requirement for mathematical literacy. The ability to work with quantitative data is now required for this program as well as for other ISE programs. • To date, BA in IR is the only ISE program in which there are risks associated with employment for objective reasons: a limited number of vacancies in the major-related areas and tough competition for jobs. Most applicants consider the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its subordinate organizations as the “dream employer”; however, there are few vacancies in the MFA, and the competition for them is extremely high. The same is relevant for international organizations and diplomatic missions. You should understand that if you want to work in these organizations, you will need to significantly enhance your competitive advantages by having a high GPA, mastering a second foreign language, pursuing a Master’s or even a PhD, and completing plenty of unpaid and highly competitive internships. • Career opportunities in related areas are possible by mastering additional competencies within concentrations and minors. |
What do all applicants need to know, regardless of their chosen program?
- • Academic integrity is a core principle of the university. Each exam is invigilated by at least two proctors and recorded on video. Violations of integrity rules result in the cancellation of the exam grade, and in cases of serious breaches, expulsion from the university may be considered.
- • Studying at university requires more independence and time management skills than at school. You must learn to plan your time, set priorities and learn to work independently.
- • Attendance, even active, in the classroom is not enough for most students to study successfully; self-study is a must-do: preparation for classes (reading textbooks, analyzing lecture notes, cases); doing homework and term papers; solving problems; writing essays; preparing for presentations, exams and tests.
- • There is a simple rule: for every hour of in-class work, you are expected to self-study for two hours, i.e. you should be prepared to allocate 4-6 hours a day to study. These numbers are average, they depend on your background, time management and the complexity of the courses you are taking.
Looking forward to seeing you at ISE!
