Higher Education in IT: An Overview of the Kazakh Branch of M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University

The Kazakh Branch of Moscow State University is a structural subdivision of Lomonosov Moscow State University. The Kazakh Branch offers five undergraduate programs and nine master’s programs. Graduates of the Branch receive an MSU diploma, identical to those awarded to all MSU graduates.

Accreditation

The Kazakh Branch of MSU holds state accreditation. Since 2019, the Branch’s activities have been governed by a unique intergovernmental agreement between Russia and Kazakhstan, which ensures the university’s special status.

Undergraduate Programs

The Kazakh Branch offers the undergraduate program “Applied Mathematics and Computer Science,” based on the MSU Faculty of Computational Mathematics and Cybernetics, a leading center in Russia and the CIS countries for training specialists in fundamental research in applied mathematics, computational mathematics, computer science, and programming.

Specialists are trained in the following specializations: “Differential Equations and Mathematical Physics,” “Mathematical Modeling,” “Numerical Methods,” “Computational Diagnostics,” “Operations Research and Systems Analysis,” “Actuarial Mathematics,” “Optimization and Optimal Control,” “Probability Theory and Mathematical Statistics,” “Mathematical Cybernetics,” “Mathematical and Software Support for Problem-Oriented Systems,” “Architecture of Computing Systems and Networks,” and “Mathematical and Software Support for Computing Machines and Systems.”

Within the “Applied Mathematics and Computer Science” program, the master’s program “Computational Technologies and Artificial Intelligence Methods” is implemented. It is designed to train specialists capable of developing mathematical models to solve applied problems and creating AI applications for use in scientific and industrial activities. The program combines the study of mathematical modeling methods, modern computational technologies, and machine learning and data analysis algorithms.

Faculty

Undergraduate and master’s students are taught by leading faculty members of the Department of Computational Mathematics and Cybernetics of MSU and the Kazakh Branch, who are actively engaged in scientific research in the field of information technology. The MSU Faculty of Computational Mathematics and Cybernetics collaborates with institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences, leading foreign universities, as well as renowned Russian and international IT companies, including Intel, Microsoft, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, SUN, Samsung, Cisco, SAP, Siemens, Oracle, and Cadence.

Student Opportunities

In their first years, students study at the Branch’s campus in Astana. Then, in their third year and in the seventh semester of their fourth year, they participate in integrated study programs at the MSU Faculty of Computational Mathematics and Cybernetics in Moscow. Master’s students spend their first three semesters in Astana and complete their studies in the fourth semester in Moscow, where they take the state exam and defend their master’s theses.

Internships

During industrial internships, students apply the theoretical knowledge acquired during their studies in practice by participating in ongoing industrial activities. Internship bases include major national companies and research institutes, such as JSC “National Information Technologies,” the Committee for Investments of the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies, JSC “Kazakhstan Electric Grids Management Company KEGOC,” JSC “National Company Kazakh Space,” and others.

Student Life

The Kazakh Branch has a Student Council, which recruits active students willing to help organize events and participate in addressing important issues related to studies and extracurricular activities. Regular sports events are held, with active student participation: cross-country runs, relay races, and tournaments in team sports and chess. The Branch also organizes Language Weeks and Geography Week. Additionally, the literary club “Tengri” operates at the Kazakh Branch, where students interested in literary creativity—writing poetry and prose—become members. The club also hosts meetings with prominent writers from Kazakhstan and Russia.

Out-of-town students of the Kazakh Branch reside in the MSU Student Dormitory, which has 125 two-room sections. Each room houses two people. A section includes two living rooms, a kitchen, a shower room, and a toilet. The Student Dormitory features a cafeteria, self-study rooms with internet access, and a gym.

More information about the MSU Student Dormitory: https://www.msu.kz/student_life/dom-studentov.php

Employment

Graduates of the “Applied Mathematics and Computer Science” program successfully work in all sectors that use computing technology: in academic and research institutes, higher education institutions, national companies and government agencies, banks, insurance, financial, and consulting firms, and more. Top graduates continue their studies in master’s programs, postgraduate programs, or PhD doctoral programs.

Every year, a job fair is held for graduating students and master’s students, providing graduates with the opportunity to connect with potential employers.