News

📍 Astana, August 1, 2025

Astana International University (AIU) continues to expand its international partnerships: an official meeting was held at the university with the delegation of the Swiss Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship (SITE, Switzerland), resulting in the signing of a Memorandum of Mutual Cooperation.

On behalf of the Swiss side, the negotiations were attended by Ainura Mukanova, Director of Business Development, representing the interests of SITE Rector Mr. Alberto Ibarz Garcia.

Key provisions of the Memorandum include:

• implementation of dual-degree programs and academic exchange between students and faculty of both institutions;

• joint development and delivery of specialized educational courses and trainings in business, IT, innovation, media, and entrepreneurship;

• participation in international scientific and educational forums, seminars, and conferences;

• development of joint academic and non-degree programs, including online courses and professional training modules;

• promotion of transparency, and academic integrity as fundamental principles of the partnership.

🔍 During the meeting, the parties discussed their strategic vision, emphasizing the importance of integrating Kazakhstan’s education system into the European academic space and preparing a new generation of globally competent professionals.

“The partnership with SITE opens access for our students and faculty to European-level education and international academic mobility. It is a significant step in AIU’s development as a global university.”

The share of social entrepreneurship globally averages around 3-4% of all enterprises. Leading countries in this area include the United States, where social entrepreneurs make up about 5%, and the United Kingdom, with 7% of all businesses. In Kazakhstan, this figure is less than 1%. Today, social entrepreneurship serves as an effective tool for engaging citizens in the economy and developing inclusive forms of employment.

Astana International University has taken on the mission of supporting and developing social entrepreneurship and addressing the challenges faced by socially vulnerable groups.

We are the first to implement training for social entrepreneurs in the CIS, Central Asia, and the Republic of Kazakhstan. From 2021 to 2024, Astana International University received a grant from the Ministry of Information and Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan to implement the NGO Academy project - the School of Social Entrepreneurship "Өрелі ұрпақ". The first Master's graduates in the field of social entrepreneurship completed their studies at our university in 2022. To date, Astana International University is the first and only partner participant in the Social Innovation Hub in Kazakhstan.

We were the first to begin scientific research on key issues in the field of social entrepreneurship. The first scientific project focused on employment issues of socially vulnerable populations in Kazakhstan (GF 2023-2025). One of the most pressing challenges remains the employment of people with disabilities. According to the United Nations, only 30-50% of people with disabilities are employed even in developed countries. In Kazakhstan, this problem is particularly severe, as unemployment among people with disabilities deepens social isolation and economic inequality.

For the first time in Kazakhstan, the scientific project titled “Integration of People with Disabilities into the Labor Market: Development of a Comprehensive Employment Adaptation Program” has received grant support from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2025-2027, highlighting its strategic importance for the state and society.

The project team, including project leader, Doctor of Economics, PhD Smagulova Z.K., PhD Okutayeva S.T., PhD Baibash G.K., and master’s degree holder and founder of the Association of Social Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan, Askerov E.Kh., aims to develop and pilot a comprehensive employment adaptation program for people with disabilities in Kazakhstan. The program includes employer training, preparation of job seekers with disabilities for employment, and mentoring support.

This is not just a research project - it is a tool for transforming social policy, grounded in international standards and global best practices.

Accreditation of educational programs is the recognition of compliance with international and

national quality standards of education. For students, this means: studying programs recognized by

professional communities and employers; a diploma with high authority and demand in the labor

market; enhanced academic and career prospects; confidence in the quality of the educational

process, teaching staff, and learning resources.

In 2025, the Higher School of Economics successfully accredited 11 educational programs

through the Independent Agency for Accreditation and Quality Expertise of Education (ARQA). All

programs received accreditation for 5 years, confirming the sustainable quality and relevance of

specialist training in economics, management, and business.

List of accredited Higher School programs: 6B04102 - Finance; 6B04111 - Marketing;

6B04114 - Management; 6B04117 - Economics; 6B04122 - International Business; 7M04101 -

Industrial Economics; 7M04106 - Management; 7M04109 - Strategic Management and Leadership

(EMBA); 8D04101 - Industrial Economics; 8D04103 - Management in Education; 8D04104 -

Management.

By choosing accredited programs, you choose a confident future!

From June 25 to July 9, 2025, within the framework of the interuniversity partnership between AIU, UIBE (Beijing), and Jiangsu Ocean University (JOU, Lianyungang), the annual international summer school was organized for students of the dual degree program “International Business.”The summer school program included educational, cultural, and practical components and was aimed at strengthening international academic cooperation, developing students’ professional competencies, and enhancing their language skills.

The summer school began in Beijing, where students explored the cultural landmarks of the Chinese capital and visited the Center for Language Education and Cooperation. The program then continued in Lianyungang, where the main academic activities took place: lectures, workshops, and practical sessions focused on cross-border e-commerce, digital marketing, the use of live streaming and AI in product promotion, video content creation, and research into the operations of real e-commerce enterprises. Special attention was given to developing teamwork skills, creative thinking, and intercultural communication. Team projects, sports activities, and daily practical Chinese language classes played a significant role in this regard. The program concluded with the defense of final projects, an international youth dialogue, and a certificate awarding ceremony.

Participation in the Summer School enabled students to significantly expand their knowledge in the field of international business, gain valuable practical experience in e-commerce, and improve their proficiency in both English and Chinese. We look forward to welcoming our students to next year’s summer school!

On July 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM, the business incubator of Astana International University, in

collaboration with the consulting company "MG First", will hold a webinar aimed at informing

entrepreneurs about current and new support tools, grant funding, and other programs. We look

forward to seeing the participants of our incubation programs!

Key speakers of the webinar:

1. Representatives of ForteBank – Topic: "SME Support Tools"

2. Representatives of JSC "NARI QazInnovations" – Topic: "Common Mistakes When

Applying for Grant Funding"

3. Astana Chamber of Entrepreneurs – Topic: "Grants for Starting and Developing a Business"

4. Representatives of the Science Fund – Topic: "Science Fund Grants"

5. Representatives of the Business Incubator of Astana International University – Topic:

"Incubation Programs and Other Support Measures"

6. Founder and Director of the Consulting Company "MG First", Madina Pirmanova – Topic:

"Preparing a Teaser for Investors".

Students of the educational program 6B04122 "International Business" of the Higher School of Economics of Astana International University take part in the annual International Summer School "New Eurasian Land Bridge International Talent Exchange Program". The program runs from June 27 to July 8, 2025 in the cities of Beijing and Lianyungang (China). Lianyungang is an important hub of the Belt and Road Initiative. The school is organized by UIBE and JOU universities.

This trip was a unique opportunity for our students to immerse themselves not only in the language environment, but also in the business culture of modern China. The summer school program is incredibly rich: it includes lectures on cross-border e-commerce, digital marketing and the specifics of doing business in Asia. Students receive valuable knowledge from leading experts and get acquainted with real business cases.

In addition to intensive training, the organizers have prepared an exciting cultural program. Students have already visited iconic historical sites, including the Forbidden City in Beijing and the Great Wall of China, and learned about national crafts at workshops on dyeing fabrics and making traditional fans. Daily practical Chinese classes help them communicate more confidently and better understand the culture of the country.

The summer school is also a great platform for international networking. Our students actively interact with participants from other countries, exchange experiences, develop intercultural communication skills and make new friends. Joint projects, cultural events, and even sports events such as dragon boat races help strengthen friendships and professional ties.

We wish the students successful studies and reaching new heights!!!

There is a Virtual Consulting Center at the Higher School of Economics. The Center is

designed to develop competencies in working with scientific information resources, provide

consultations on writing articles and other publications, taking into account the disciplinary

specifics of scientific research by young scientists in accordance with modern international

standards of science, and provide scientific, methodological, consulting, expert and other types

of services to interested parties. Every year, the WCC hosts scientific seminars for HSE faculty

and doctoral students on such topics as «Scientific article in the system of dissertation research»,

«Scientific provisions of the dissertation submitted for defense», «Dissertation matrix».

Professor Aimurzina B.T. conducted an online scientific seminar «Scientific provisions

of the dissertation submitted for defense» for undergraduates, doctoral students and HSE faculty

- 05/02/2024.

On 05 December 2024, a master class «Dissertation Matrix» was held at the Virtual

Consulting Center. The master class was conducted by M. Sambetbayeva, PhD, Associate

Professor of IP, ItechProjects LLP, the creator of the author's courses at the innovative school for

training IT specialists. Madina Aralbaevna was very pleased to share her professional knowledge

in the field of research, identified the main problems when writing a dissertation, a scientific

article, identified the main mistakes of the dissertation, and also revealed the ways, techniques,

and effective methods of writing articles Q1, Q2, and indexing in journals with a high percentile.

Throughout the 2024–2025 academic year, the Social Innovation Laboratory,

led by PhD Saule Okutayeva, continued its active efforts in promoting social

entrepreneurship, engaging students in addressing pressing social issues, and

advancing inclusive practices within the educational environment.

As part of its activities, the Laboratory organized master classes and guest

lectures featuring practicing entrepreneurs and experts. These sessions covered

topics such as financial literacy, sustainable energy solutions, volunteering, and

inclusive business practices. Particular attention was given to the employment of

socially vulnerable groups. Students also participated in field visits to social

enterprises, gaining valuable hands-on experience and insights into the sector.

In addition to educational initiatives, the Laboratory was engaged in

academic work. Research findings were presented at the Eurasian Congress of

Social Entrepreneurs, and articles were published in co-authorship with students of

the Higher School of Economics.

The Laboratory’s work is aimed at fostering civic responsibility, developing

social awareness, and equipping students with practical skills in the field of social

innovation.

At the Higher School of Economics, work continues on the implementation of the

research initiative project "Model of adaptive Economics" (state registration number in the

National Research Center No. 0124RKI0038 dated 01/9/2024) Project leader - Doctor of

Economics, Professor Kazhiken M.Z.

2024, the monograph Kazhiken M.Z. "Model of adaptive Economics" has been

prepared and published. The monograph pays great attention to economic institutions, norms

and rules governing the distribution and redistribution of economic factors.

In 2025, the work was completed and the monograph "Human Potential and Human

Capital" was published, which examines aspects of the adaptability of an economically active

person to modern challenges.

Kazhyken M.Z., Head of the Research Institute, took part in the international

conference "Eternal Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between China and Kazakhstan –

Economic, Trade and Humanitarian Dialogue" in Beijing (China). At the conference, he made

a presentation on the topic «One Belt, One Road - is it still an initiative or a global

institutional project? ».

As part of the International Scientific and Practical Conference "AIU-2025:

Kazakhstan and the International Educational Space: Cooperation for the Future", a round

table on "Adapting education to the modern needs of an economically active person" was held

at the Higher School of Economics on April 23, 2025. at which issues of the adaptability of

the economy and the role of an economically active person were discussed. The monograph

"Human potential and human capital" was presented at the round table. Work has continuing

on the collective monograph "Model of Adaptive Economics".

The Department of Industry Markets of the Faculty of Economics and Business of the Financial

University under the Government of the Russian Federation held the XI International

Competition of scientific papers of students, undergraduates and postgraduates «The Genesis of

Entrepreneurship: from origin to Modernity» from February 24 to May 30, 2025.

The competition was held in order to:

• Promoting the development of professional skills and competencies in the field of sustainable

development, entrepreneurship and digital technologies;

• creating conditions for the practical application of knowledge and the development of project

thinking;

• forming students' understanding of the importance of environmental and economic

transformation in the modern world;

• support initiatives that can form the basis for further careers or start-ups, etc.

According to the results of the competition of scientific papers, the winners and prize-winners

were students of the Higher School of Economics of Astana International University:

1. Nursultanova Karina Rashitovna – 1st year doctoral student in Management. The topic of the

scientific work: "Analysis and improvement of enterprise management methods as a means of

increasing competitiveness", scientific supervisor, Doctor of Economics, Professor G.T.

Lesbaeva;

2. Umutkanov Nurkeldi Nurdauletovich – 1st year master's student in Management. The topic of

the scientific work: "The role of globalization in the formation and development of

entrepreneurship", scientific supervisor, PhD, Associate Professor of the MUA Baibash G.K.

We sincerely congratulate the winners on their high achievements and wish them further success

and conquering new heights!

On May 13, 2025, the Chinese Culture and Language Club successfully completed its work. The

purpose of the event was to create a space for students studying Chinese in the International

Business educational program who are interested in Chinese culture, language, and traditions. The

club was aimed at developing practical communication skills in Chinese, enriching the educational

process, and developing listening skills. The club provided an opportunity to develop intercultural

interaction, prepare independent presentations on topics of interest to the students themselves, and

study Chinese through literary and film evenings with game elements, making learning more

exciting and effective. A total of 12 meetings were held in the format of speaking clubs, watching

films in Chinese, and presenting traditions and customs of Chinese culture. The students expressed

their desire and intention to continue attending such meetings in the next academic year.

Organizer: Aitzhanova M.D., coordinator of the UIBE DDP, senior teacher.

In the 2024–2025 academic year, students of the Higher School of Economics at Astana

International University successfully participated in academic mobility programs, gaining

valuable international experience at partner universities abroad. Within the program, Aytuar

Bolat and Dinara Kabaeva studied at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poland, while

Damel Magzayeva, Makhabbat Telyubayeva, Nurilya Sembay, Anastasiya Adamovich, Jasmin

Muratkhanova, and Dariya Barbasova spent a semester at the National Research University

Higher School of Economics in Moscow, Russia. These exchanges provided students with an

opportunity to broaden their academic horizons, enhance foreign language skills, and foster

cross-cultural understanding.

The program also included academic staff mobility. Renowned scholars from Russia and China

were invited to deliver lectures at the Higher School of Economics. Among them, Professor

Nedospasova Olga Pavlovna from Tomsk State University conducted a series of master classes

on organizational behavior and human resource management, sparking strong interest from

students and faculty alike. Meanwhile, Professor Krakovetskaya Inna Valentinovna (Tomsk

State University) led an intensive, practice-oriented course on strategic management and

marketing, which was met with great enthusiasm by the academic community. PhD T.Zh.

Akniyazov conducted a course on leadership and creative thinking for students of the

"International Business" program. Their contributions were highly praised by both students and

colleagues.

As part of outbound mobility, Dean of the Higher School of Economics, PhD, Professor

Smagulova Zubirash Kalibekovna, was invited as a guest lecturer to the Financial University

under the Government of the Russian Federation. These exchanges foster international

cooperation, enhance academic quality, and contribute to the university’s global reputation. The

Higher School of Economics at Astana International University continues to implement

academic mobility as a strategic priority in its development.