Higher Education in IT: An Overview of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University

The goal of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University is to transform into a world-class research university.

The university's mission is to enhance the potential of qualified and competitive specialists capable of meeting the challenges and intellectual demands of the 21st century. This is achieved through innovative teaching methods and the integration of education, science, and business.

The university's vision is to become a world-class research university and achieve international competitiveness in the scientific and educational space.

Currently, KazNU is the only Kazakhstani higher education institution included in the top 230 universities worldwide in the QS ranking and in the top 30 leading universities in the QA Asia University Ranking.

More than 26,000 students are enrolled in 554 educational programs across 16 faculties. Among them are 1,305 international students from 54 countries. Special attention is paid to new fields such as cyberphysics, biological engineering, robotic systems, the digital economy, creative industries, media communications, smart city economics, and the training of virology specialists. More than 100 foreign professors and scientists from 30 countries are involved in the educational process.

Bachelor's Programs

The Faculty of Information Technology prepares professionals in the following programs:
“Industrial Information Systems”
“Information Systems”
“Computer Engineering”
“Computer Science”
“High-Load Information Systems with Artificial Intelligence”
“Data Science”
“Information Security Systems”
“Automation and Control”
“Internet of Things and Big Data”
“Intelligent Control Systems”.

Faculty

The instructors of future IT specialists are experienced professionals in the field of information technology and computer science. They are selected based on their professional qualifications and work experience to ensure students receive a high-quality education and are well-prepared for their future professional careers.

Opportunities for Students

KazNU students have significant opportunities for professional and personal development:
— access to modern knowledge and technologies

— participation in scientific projects and research under the guidance of experienced scientists

— participation in exchange programs and studying abroad at partner universities

— assistance in finding internships and traineeships at major companies

— cultural and sports events that help students unlock their potential, diversify their lives, and discover new interests.

Internships

Internships at KazNU begin with preparation—registration through academic departments or internship centers. Then, students search for an internship placement, complete the necessary documentation, and begin tasks at the selected organization. Based on the results of the internship, students receive credit grades or course grades. Sometimes, a report or presentation is required.

Academic Mobility and Documents

The Academic Mobility Program of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan provides students with the opportunity to spend a semester at a foreign university. The grant covers round-trip airfare, accommodation for 105 days, medical insurance, and a visa.
Requirements for applicants:
— enrolled in the second to fourth year of a bachelor’s program or the second year of a master’s program
— citizenship of Kazakhstan
— high academic performance: GPA above 3.5
— fluent command of a foreign language, confirmed by a certificate: upper-intermediate level and above.

Additionally, candidates must pass a competitive selection process at the faculty.

List of required documents:
— application addressed to the Rector
— notarized copy of the invitation with a translation into Kazakh or Russian
— student’s application
— tripartite agreement
— extract from the faculty’s academic council
— transcript
— certificate of foreign language proficiency
— individual study plan
— medical certificate, form No. 082.

Partner Universities

State University of New York, USA
Lisbon Higher Engineering Institute, Portugal
Novosibirsk State Technical University, Russia
Saint Petersburg National Research University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics, Russia
Lublin University of Technology, Poland
University of Porto, Portugal
University of Lisbon, Portugal
University of Stuttgart, Germany
Uninettuno University, Italy
University of Western Attica, Greece
University of Vigo, Spain
KAIST University, South Korea

Student Life

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University is a whole city for students. Young people from all regions of the country study here. About 6,000 students live in 14 comfortable Student Houses and the House of Young Scientists within the student campus.

Wi-Fi is available in the KazNU Student Houses and the student campus. The university town features a complex for comprehensive education and leisure. Additionally, student houses are equipped with video surveillance cameras.

The main goal of the university is to prepare competitive specialists and form conscious citizens capable of creating a harmonious, virtuous, and stable society based on high ethical principles. To this end, KazNU implements projects such as “Illuminate the Surroundings,” “University Without Corruption,” “KazNU – Green Campus,” “Healthy Lifestyle,” “100 Books Every KazNU Student Must Read,” “Let’s Start Change with Ourselves,” and “KazNU – Cradle of Talent.” These projects, based on the principle of connecting education and learning with life, foster an active, independent, and initiative-driven stance among youth and personal engagement of each student in achieving educational and developmental goals.

At the university, 10 major student organizations, 3 university-wide clubs, and 15 student deaneries operate on a voluntary basis. Hundreds of major cultural events, trainings, seminars, masterclasses, and sports competitions are held with student participation. Among them are “Graduate Day,” “Freshman Day,” “Best Student Group,” “Best Student,” “Best Advisor,” and many others.

Today, approximately 300 clubs, circles, and student associations operate at the university.

Employment

The Faculty of Information Technology has employment agreements with companies and organizations such as Mercur Auto, Halyk Bank, Jysan Bank, Kaspi Bank, “Otbası Bank,” “Kazakhinsur,” “KazMunayGas,” Eltex Alatau, “Kazhydromet,” “Altaw Technopark,” and “PV-5 Company.”