Higher Education in IT: An Overview of the Kyrgyz State University named after I. Arabayev

The Kyrgyz State University named after I. Arabayev is a leading institution in the field of pedagogical education with an 80-year history. The university ranks among the top 10 best universities in the country.

Currently, approximately 20,000 students are enrolled in 12 institutes, 6 faculties, and the college. The university employs over 1,000 faculty members, including doctors and candidates of sciences.

Educational activities are conducted in the fields of secondary vocational, higher, additional, and postgraduate professional education.

The I. Arabayev Kyrgyz State University has successfully implemented a number of international projects in social pedagogy, green technologies in education, the overall education system, and more.

To meet labor market needs and address staff shortages, seven bachelor’s degree programs are implemented based on experimental curricula with dual specialization.

The “Digital University” is a comprehensive solution for automating key processes supporting the management of core activities of state, autonomous, and commercial higher and secondary vocational educational organizations. The university is actively working towards transitioning to a digital format.

Accreditation

Independent accreditation of educational programs in the Kyrgyz Republic serves as a guarantee of improving the quality of education. The university conducts self-assessment every year. This helps it meet the minimum accreditation requirements. As a result, the I. Arabayev Kyrgyz State University guarantees high-quality education. In 2024, the Accreditation Agency evaluated 35 master’s programs, 4 bachelor’s programs, and 12 secondary vocational education programs at the international level. In the National Rating of the National Institute of Higher Education of the Kyrgyz Republic, the I. Arabayev Kyrgyz State University ranked seventh among republican higher education institutions.

The university is a recipient of the “Dank” Order and a winner of the international “University of the Year” competition in the “International Partnership” category, organized by the International Center for Research on Achievements (IARC), based in Montreal, Canada.

Bachelor’s Programs

The Institute of New Information Technologies has been operating at the I. Arabayev Kyrgyz State University since 2002. The institute’s goal is to prepare highly qualified specialists in the field of information technology by developing and improving educational programs, student knowledge quality, and general cultural and professional competencies in accordance with labor market needs.

The Institute of New Information Technologies offers the following programs:

— 710100 “Informatics and Computer Engineering”

— 710200 “Information Systems and Technologies”

— 710300 “Applied Informatics”

— 710400 “Software Engineering”

— 710500 “Internet Technologies and Management”.

Faculty

The faculty of the Institute of New Information Technologies consists of 35 teachers, including four doctors of sciences and nine candidates of sciences. The teachers hold degrees of candidates and doctors of sciences, which confirms their deep knowledge in their respective fields. Many are actively engaged in scientific activities, publishing articles and participating in conferences, which contributes to the development of new technologies and approaches.

Student Opportunities

— practice and internships: the university has partnerships with companies, allowing students to complete internships and gain practical experience

— laboratories and research centers: students can work in modern laboratories, participating in research and projects, as well as in conferences

— courses: additional courses, seminars, and masterclasses are often held, where students can study current technologies and skills

— competitions: the university organizes events such as forums and olympiads where students can demonstrate their abilities and work on real projects

— international exchanges: the university offers exchange programs, allowing students to study abroad and broaden their horizons.

These opportunities help students not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also develop practical skills, which is crucial in the IT field.

Practice

The practice process for IT students typically involves:

— practice locations: students can find information about internships through the university, specialized platforms, or by directly contacting companies. It is important to actively search and not be afraid to apply

— preparing a cover letter: students should prepare cover letters highlighting their skills and achievements

— feedback: regular feedback from a mentor or supervisor will help students understand their strengths and weaknesses, as well as improve their skills

— report and summary: upon completion of the practice, students may need to prepare a report on their work. This is an excellent way to demonstrate their achievements and lessons learned.

Academic Mobility

Academic mobility at the university is a popular option for students, allowing them to study abroad, gain international experience, and broaden their horizons.

The Kyrgyz State University named after I. Arabayev has signed over 110 agreements with international partners, including China, South Korea, Japan, Hungary, Iran, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other countries. This allows university faculty, staff, and students to complete internships abroad and actively participate in international conferences. Academic mobility programs are implemented among students and teaching staff at both international and national levels.

Participation conditions:

— selection criteria: students who have demonstrated good academic performance and knowledge of the English language. Positive recommendations from teachers and supervisors. Applications can be submitted by second- and third-year students

Required documents:

— application

— resume

— motivation letter

— recommendation letters

— transcript of grades

— language proficiency certificates.

Partner Universities

The Institute of New Information Technologies is in close cooperation with universities with which memorandums have been signed:

— M.Kh. Taraz State University named after Dulat, Kazakhstan

— Kostanay Social and Technical University named after Z. Aldamzhar, Kazakhstan

— Osh State University, Kyrgyzstan

— Z. Balasagyn State University, Kyrgyzstan

— KMU named after I. Razzakov and other regional universities.

Student Life

The university dormitory is located at 91A Suerkulova Street. The building has 113 rooms providing comfortable living and study conditions. All safety rules are observed, attention is paid to cleanliness, and major repairs are carried out every year. Staff work on an accessible basis, and the student council organizes cultural events and helps resolve student issues.

The Kyrgyz State University named after I. Arabayev has created excellent conditions for student learning and professional growth. The infrastructure includes a modern library, lecture halls, scientific laboratories, and sports facilities. Events are held to develop the public, intellectual, cultural, and scientific life of the university.

The university has professional sports facilities, including a gym, stadium, wrestling, boxing, and martial arts halls, a tennis court, and summer stadiums. The university’s sports teams rank among the top 10 strongest among Kyrgyz universities.

Students have successfully participated in the “Bishkek Spring” competition, the city choir music and folk song festival “Rhythmic Voices of Kyrgyzstan.” Free charity concerts are organized by famous pop singers, representatives of classical and folk genres. Students also receive financial support for organizing cultural events and tourist trips to beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan. Meetings with creative personalities, state, and public figures are held. Sports sections, dance, music, and literary-poetry clubs are organized for students.

Employment

The Institute of New Information Technologies of the I. Arabayev Kyrgyz State University has signed agreements with JSC “Kyrgyztelecom,” the Bishkek City Mayor’s Office, “Bakai Bank,” “Ayl Bank,” RSC, JSC “Alfa Telecom,” LLC “Nur Telecom,” Melapro Printing House, Sarybaev Private Enterprise, and other organizations where students and graduates successfully complete their internships.