News

Astana International University continues its tradition of hosting high-level diplomatic meetings and expert discussions. On March 16, 2026, AIU will welcome Mr. Oleg Kopylov, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) from the Russian Federation. This distinguished visit is dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the founding of the SCO.

The visit will commence at 3:00 PM with an official meeting between Mr. Kopylov and the university leadership to discuss educational cooperation and the role of academia in supporting SCO initiatives. The highlight of the day will be a guest lecture for students starting at 3:20 PM in Building 6, Room 1206.

The lecture will focus on the SCO's 25-year journey, highlighting key milestones in its development and its strategic role in maintaining regional security. Mr. Kopylov will also elaborate on economic cooperation and the vital importance of cultural exchange between member states in today’s changing global landscape. Students of "International Relations" and "Translation Studies" are highly encouraged to attend. This event offers an exceptional opportunity for future diplomats and linguists to gain first-hand insights into the inner workings of a major international organization and engage in direct dialogue with a senior official involved in shaping Eurasian policy.

The international system is currently undergoing a period of profound transformation. The intensification of geopolitical competition and shifts in the global economic architecture are bringing the role of "middle powers" to the forefront. In these circumstances, a state's capacity for internal renewal and institutional resilience becomes the key to its successful positioning on the world stage.

The CFive analytical platform at Astana International University hosted an international expert discussion titled "Kazakhstan in a Changing World Order: Political Reforms and Institutional Transformation." The discussion invited foreign experts and journalists who arrived as international observers for the national referendum on the draft of the new Constitution. The event was opened with a welcoming speech by the President of AIU, Serik Aztaevich Irsaliyev, who emphasized the importance of expert dialogue in understanding the country's strategic development vector.

Foreign experts focused on the modernization of the public administration system and the strengthening of Kazakhstan's political institutions. Leading international analysts shared their insights: Alberto Turkstra (Diplomatic World), Dr. Domenico Palmieri (ISIA), Dr. Małgorzata Samojedny (OIFA), Wesley Alexander Hill (ITIC), and Ralph Winnie(American-Eurasian Center). The discussion was moderated by the Chairman of CFive, Iskander Akylbayev.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the CFive analytical platform and the Italian Institute for Asia (ISIA). The document, which solidifies a partnership in research and academic fields, was signed by CFive President Sapargali Shalgimbayev and ISIA Secretary General Domenico Palmieri.

Following the official segment, the discussion continued in an informal setting. Participants had the opportunity to engage personally with the speakers and discuss the topics raised in a live dialogue format.

On March 2, 2026, debates on the topic “Gender Equality as a Key Driver of

Decent Work” were held at the Higher School of Economics (within the

framework of SDGs 5 and 8). Questions were prepared for three rounds of the

debate. Among them were the following: whether gender equality is the key to

reducing the income gap between men and women, whether companies with

gender equality are more successful, and what is more important for decent work

— professional skills or equal opportunities.

The debate was organized by Associate Professor A.K. Butkenova. The

panel of judges included PhD, Associate Professor S.T. Okutaeva, PhD, Associate

Professor of MUA A.M. Nasyrova, as well as third-year students Alim Ailina

(Economics 23B) and Alkeev Nadir (Marketing 23B).

According to the results of the debate, two teams shared first place. The first

team consisted of Vadim Wegner (Finance 25B) and Alua Turganbay (Marketing

25B). The second team that also took first place included Almaz Nurkeev

(Marketing 23B) and Symbat Zhumatayeva (Finance 24B). The third team,

consisting of Kamaliya Berikova (Finance 24B) and Aruna Kassymkan (Finance

24B), took second place. We congratulate our students and wish them further

success!

Second- and third-year students of the educational programs “Management”

(23B), “Marketing” (24A), “Finance” (24A) and “Economics” (23B) participated

in the 21st International Specialized Agricultural Exhibition

AGRITEK/FARMTEK ASTANA 2026.

The event was organized within the framework of the courses taught by

Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor G.A. Kadyrova and PhD,

Associate Professor P.D. Beisekova: “Innovation Management”, “Business Process

Management”, “Sales Technologies”, and “Research Methodology in Economics

and Finance” (SDG 4: Quality Education. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and

Infrastructure).

The visit to the exhibition became an important part of practice-oriented

learning, enabling students to become familiar with modern trends in the

development of the agro-industrial complex, innovative technologies, and new

solutions in the agricultural sector. During the exhibition, students explored

advanced developments in agricultural machinery, digital technologies for

agribusiness, automation systems for production processes, and modern methods

for improving the efficiency of agricultural production. Participants also had the

opportunity to communicate with company representatives, industry specialists,

and experts, which helped expand their professional knowledge and understanding

of the prospects for the development of the agricultural sector. Participation in the

international exhibition became a valuable educational experience that contributes

to the development of students’ professional competencies, research skills, and

understanding of practical aspects of innovation and business process management

in the real sector of the economy.

On March 13, 2026, Astana International University (AIU) hosted a guest lecture by the prominent scholar and Associate Professor at Nazarbayev University, Manat Mustafa. The event was organized to foster the university's academic environment and enhance the intellectual potential of its students.

During the lecture, the speaker elaborated on his extensive scientific research and the fundamental pillars of modern mathematics. He provided insightful information regarding the significance and practical application of complex fields such as mathematical logic, computability theory, and number theory. Professor Mustafa analyzed current scientific trends and global research directions, highlighting the vital role of mathematical education in shaping the technologies and algorithms of the future.

The meeting also covered experiences within the international scientific community and the specifics of implementing large-scale research projects. Students and young researchers had the opportunity to engage in a dialogue, asking questions and receiving professional guidance from the scholar. The discussion focused on contemporary challenges in computational mathematics and essential milestones in the journey of scientific inquiry.

The event was attended by faculty members, graduate, and undergraduate students, serving as an open platform for exchanging views on pressing scientific topics. Such meetings contribute to inspiring scientific curiosity among the youth, strengthening the exchange of expertise within the academic community, and supporting the professional growth of future domestic researchers.

The AIU Psychology Service held an Open Day for students of the School

of Information Technology and Engineering. The event's main goal was to improve

students' psychological literacy, create a safe and supportive student environment,

and provide information about psychological support.

During the event, students participated in informative meetings. During the

webinar "Personal Boundaries and Safety: Stalking Prevention," led by

psychologist Venera Eleu, Head of the AIU Psychology Service, participants

received important information about the concept of personal boundaries, how to

protect them, the signs of stalking, and how to prevent such situations.

Furthermore, safety skills and ways to seek help were explained.

During a meeting with AIU psychologist Botagoz Zhasulankyzy on the topic

"Culture of Communication and Psychological Safety in the Student

Environment," the topics discussed included respectful communication among

students, maintaining personal boundaries, preventing bullying, and creating a

psychologically safe environment.

During the event, students had the opportunity to engage in open dialogue

with psychologists and discuss topics of interest to them.

Astana International University announces a student selection competition for

studying abroad in the Fall Semester 2026, funded by the republican budget.

Within the framework of “Mathematics Week”, Astana International University hosted a

roundtable discussion entitled “Current Issues of School Mathematics: Education, Research

Activities, and Methodology.” The event aimed to strengthen professional cooperation between

schools and the university, as well as to improve the quality of teacher training.

The roundtable brought together experienced teachers from schools №54, 56, 66, 83, 102, and

107 of the Astana, as well as from Y. Altynsarin and A. Bokeikhan BINOM schools. The

meeting was also attended by members of the university’s faculty, young researchers, and

stakeholders of the pedagogical educational programs, creating a platform for professional

dialogue between schools and higher education institutions.

During the discussion, participants addressed current challenges in teaching school

mathematics, ways to foster students’ interest in research activities, preparation for mathematics

olympiads, and improving the quality of training for future mathematics teachers.

Particular attention was given to updating pedagogical educational programs, improving their

content in accordance with modern educational requirements and the practical needs of schools.

School teachers and university faculty members exchanged experiences and presented proposals

aimed at enhancing the content and relevance of the educational programs.

The roundtable served as an important platform for developing cooperation with stakeholders,

discussing the renewal of educational programs, and strengthening collaboration between

schools and the university.

From November 17 to 21, 2025, Turan University hosted the International Forum

of Psychological Research "Psycho." On November 20, as part of the forum, the

"PSYGLOBAL" Psychology Week event took place. Astana International University

was represented by psychology lecturer and psychologist Gulnur Saparova

Tanyskabaykyzy, who was invited as a speaker, and 4th-year students of the

"Psychology" program, who attended as guests.

The university warmly welcomed the participants; the organization and atmosphere

were of a high standard. Five speakers shared their professional experiences, insights,

and key topics in psychology. Each presentation was meaningful, in-depth, and

practice-oriented.

One of the highlights was the active engagement of students: they asked numerous

questions, exchanged opinions, and sought advice on real-life cases. At the end of the

event, all participants were awarded certificates.

"PSYGLOBAL" was a wonderful event that provided new knowledge, emotions, and

inspiration. We extend our sincere gratitude to the team at Turan University for this

valuable opportunity!

On March 7, 2026, the international computer-based Chinese language

proficiency test - HSK and HSKK - was held at the branch of Beijing Language

and Culture University in Astana, which operates on the basis of Astana

International University.

Currently, this center is the only official test center in Astana where

international Chinese language exams can be taken in a computer-based format.

A total of 144 participants took part in the examination session, including

not only citizens of Kazakhstan but also foreign participants. The exam has been

held at the branch for the fourth time, demonstrating the growing interest in

learning the Chinese language and the strengthening of educational cooperation.

The next computer-based HSK and HSKK examination is scheduled for

April 11, 2026. Registration for the exam will open at the end of March.

For all questions related to registration and participation in the exam, please

contact via WhatsApp: +7 777 001 3913.

On February 27, 2026, a meeting was held between students and faculty members of the Fashion Design and Graphic Design educational programs and the Director of the Institute of Fashion and Design, Art Director of the European Institute of Design, Giovanni Ottonello (Italy).

The event took place as part of the development of international cooperation and academic exchange. During the meeting, the guest shared his professional experience in the field of fashion and design, spoke about current trends in the European creative industry, and presented opportunities for studying and implementing creative projects at the international level.

Students and faculty members had the opportunity to ask questions, discuss the specifics of studying at European design schools, and learn more about prospects for cooperation with international educational and creative organizations.

Such meetings contribute to expanding students’ professional horizons, strengthening international partnerships, and promoting the exchange of experience in the fields of fashion, graphic, and contemporary design.