Higher Education in IT: An Overview of Astana International University

Astana International University (AIU) was founded in 2018 on the basis of 14 scientific institutes and centers of the Astana International Science Complex with the aim of training highly qualified specialists in various fields. In 2019, the university graduated its first 185 master’s teachers in biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science, who studied in English.

In 2021, AIU took over the management of the Pedagogical College, founded in 1928, which received the status of “Higher College” in 2024. The university’s structure includes the Pedagogical Institute, the Pedagogical College, and Higher Schools covering such fields as law, natural sciences, engineering and ICT, social and humanitarian sciences, art and design, and economics.

As of 2024, the university enrolls 10,316 students, including 1,412 college students, 5,552 bachelor’s students, 352 master’s students, and 30 PhD doctoral students.

Accreditation

The university demonstrates high results in accreditation and rankings, confirming its commitment to educational quality. In 2022, the university ranked eighth among multi-profile higher education institutions in Kazakhstan according to the Independent Agency for Quality Assurance in Education, and in 2023, it improved its position to seventh place. In 2024, AIU again ranked eighth in this rating.

Additionally, in 2024, the university entered the prestigious Times Higher Education ranking among 23 higher education institutions in Kazakhstan. AIU also demonstrated outstanding results in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024 for sustainable development, particularly regarding the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The university showed a high level of contribution to affordable and clean energy, actively participates in projects aimed at strengthening peace and justice, and implements programs supporting women in science and education. AIU also collaborates with international and local partners to achieve sustainable development.

Inclusion of AIU in THE and Impact Rankings testifies to high standards of educational and research quality, as well as the integration of sustainable development principles into educational programs and management practices.

Faculty

The faculty of Astana International University consists of more than 13 doctors of sciences, 52 PhDs, 85 candidates of sciences, 169 senior master’s teachers, and 113 college teachers. The teaching staff includes specialists with academic degrees from 30 world universities, such as Cambridge, Warwick, Brunel, Sheffield, Norwich, Michigan, Chicago, and others.

Furthermore, 13 university teachers are studying under the “Bolashak” program at universities such as Michigan, La Verne, Illinois, George Washington, Minnesota, Tennessee, Lincoln, as well as at the University of Freiburg and the University of Warsaw. AIU offers 104 educational programs, which indicates a high level of educational process and teacher professionalism.

Higher School of Information Technology and Engineering

The Higher School of Information Technology and Engineering at Astana International University actively prepares future specialists capable of developing and implementing innovative solutions in demand in the labor market.

Specialists at the school help students master both fundamental and cutting-edge technologies, enabling graduates to become competitive professionals.

Main areas of study:
1. Digitalization of the economy and education
2. Big data analytics
3. Information and control systems
4. Artificial intelligence and robotics
5. Natural Language Processing technologies
6. Information security and blockchain.

Each of these areas provides graduates with the opportunity to integrate into high-tech projects and realize their potential in the IT industry.

Educational Programs

1. “Information Systems and Technologies”

The program is aimed at training specialists who will design and develop information systems, manage software and computer networks, and offer IT solutions for business. Core subjects include:
— administration of information systems
— interface design and development
— enterprise IS and databases
— development of client-server and network applications
— information security and protection against malware.

2. “Computer Engineering and Software”

This program prepares experts skilled in designing both hardware and software. Students study:
— Architecture and design of software
— Programming in various languages, including Java and C#
— development of mobile and network applications
— artificial intelligence and machine learning systems
— IT infrastructure management.

3. Data Science

This program teaches students to work with large volumes of data using machine learning algorithms and deep learning technologies. Students learn:
— programming in Python and JavaScript
— data visualization and analysis
— development and implementation of analytical solutions for business
— data protection from threats and secure storage.

Partner Universities

AIU actively develops international cooperation, offering dual-degree programs with universities such as Webster (USA), UIBE and BLCU (China), JAMK (Finland), RANEPA and TUSUR (Russia). On July 3, 2024, a branch of Beijing Language and Culture University opened at AIU.

AIU conducts academic exchanges with universities from China, Germany, South Korea, Poland, Turkey, and other countries, and also educates 104 international students from eight countries.

Student Opportunities

The programs of the Higher School of IT and Engineering are oriented toward the requirements of the modern market and provide career paths such as:
— software architect and developer
— Data Scientist and Big Data analyst
— information security specialist
— system administrator and software engineer
— project manager and business analyst.

Internships and Employment

School partners, including Astana Hub, “National Information Technologies,” “TransTeleCom,” and other companies, provide students with opportunities for internships and employment. This collaboration allows students to familiarize themselves with real-world IT industry challenges, and many of them find future employment even before graduation.