Higher Education in IT: An Overview of Kenzhegali Sagadiyev University of International Business

The Kenzhegali Sagadiyev University of International Business, UIB, is a leading business university in Kazakhstan, founded in 1992 as the Republican School of Business. The university offers 25 undergraduate programs, 17 master’s programs, 2 PhD programs, and an MBA. Instruction is conducted in Kazakh, Russian, and English.

All educational programs hold state and international accreditations, which are renewed annually. Some of these include ACCA, FIBAA, accreditation by the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education (NCAOQE), and others.

UIB offers internship programs at leading companies and annual industrial practice after the second year of study. Students have access to specialized masterclasses, seminar-trainings, and guest lectures from successful professionals.

Additionally, there is an individualized learning program that includes a study plan, allowing flexible adjustment of education to meet student needs and providing private consultations with faculty members on key disciplines.

Undergraduate Programs

The group of educational programs titled "Information Technologies" includes:
— "Smart Technologies"
— "Big Data Analytics"
— "Digital Marketing"

"Smart Technologies"
This program trains specialists ready for innovation and further education. It helps implement the tasks of the "Digital Kazakhstan" initiative and develops skills for working in the modern digital market.

Students enrolled in the "Information Technologies" program acquire skills and knowledge in areas such as:
— creating projects in the field of "Smart Home" systems
— developing tools for writing
— smart applications for mobile devices
— organizing software and hardware in computing, information, and network structures
— developing applications for mobile devices
— fundamentals of building information and communication systems and networks.

"Big Data Analytics"
This program trains analysts for government and private companies, as well as large enterprises. It covers big data analysis, optimization of data collection and processing, forecasting consumer behavior, risk analysis, and developing business solutions to improve company efficiency.

"Digital Marketing"
This program trains specialists in using ICT for marketing in e-commerce. It includes basic knowledge in mathematics, programming, and marketing, enabling the development of applications for product promotion or the use of ready-made systems.

Graduates of these specialties can work as programmer-marketers in existing companies or in their own business as:
— product managers and developers
— digital marketers
— media project specialists
— video content specialists
— copywriters
— email marketers
— SEO specialists
— digital production specialists
— IT specialists
— software engineers, ERP programmers
— system administrators
— database developers and administrators
— engineers for automated control systems
— web administrators, designers
— system programmers and analysts
— SAP specialists.

Master’s Programs

— IT Management and Data Science
— "Informatics with English as the Language of Instruction"

IT Management and Data Science
Preparation of scientific, pedagogical, and managerial personnel who possess practical skills in implementing and using modern IT technologies, including methods for obtaining, processing, and storing scientific information. They are able to formulate and solve contemporary scientific and practical problems. They can plan and conduct experimental research activities in their chosen scientific specialty, have teaching skills in higher education institutions, and successfully carry out research and management activities.

"Informatics with English as the Language of Instruction"
In response to the growing demand for qualified IT specialists, popularity in the education sector, and students' interest in computer and mobile technologies, this educational program aims not only to prepare future informatics teachers but also to equip them with the ability to create educational computer and mobile technologies for students.

Faculty

Over 70% of the faculty are practicing professionals — a distinctive feature of UIB, the University of Practical Knowledge. This is a key competitive advantage of the institution, which prioritizes enhancing the practical orientation of specialist training. The specialized program takes into account the wishes and opportunities of the learner: an individual study plan includes a list and sequence of disciplines, topics, and timing of classes, as well as the opportunity for one-on-one consultations with faculty members on core specialized disciplines, where learners can ask questions directly related to their work. For example, Gaukhar Orazbekkyzy Seydaliyeva, Sanzhar Serikovich Aubakirov, Saule Baubekovna Berkimbayeva, Aliya Uatkanovna Eleusynova.

Academic Mobility

The university provides unique opportunities for participation in international programs that promote academic and professional mobility for students:

— Academic mobility: a program that allows students and faculty to temporarily study or work at foreign universities and institutions. This is an excellent opportunity to broaden academic horizons, exchange experience, and enhance qualifications.

— Double degree program: offers students the opportunity to receive diplomas from two educational institutions, significantly increasing their competitiveness in the international job market. Students can take courses at partner universities abroad and simultaneously earn degrees from both institutions.

— Erasmus+: a European Union program that provides students and faculty with the opportunity to participate in exchanges, internships, and courses at universities and educational institutions in Europe. Erasmus+ promotes the development of academic and cultural ties, expands professional experience, and improves language skills.

These international programs help students strengthen their knowledge, broaden their perspectives, and significantly enhance their professional and academic prospects.

The university offers certified programs that provide students with internationally recognized certificates, opening up broad opportunities for career growth and professional development. Among the certified programs are:

— Cisco Academy
— Amazon Web Services
— "Yandex"

These certification programs help students not only acquire in-demand skills but also gain international recognition, contributing to successful employment and professional growth.

Student Opportunities

The University of International Business, UIB, has launched AI Jasik — an IT startup product based on artificial intelligence, serving as an academic curator. This IT startup opens new opportunities for students and faculty, radically changing the approach to learning and mentoring.

In early 2024, at the initiative of the Vice Rector for Social Development of UIB University, Boris Ruslanovich Kulov, a student developer association was created. Initiative students were invited to this organization to create innovative products in the education market. The organization was named Green Hub.

The project's main manager is the University's Managing Director, Dias Askarovich Burabay. Green Hub is focused on preparing and developing IT specialists. We strive to teach students various skills in the field of information technology and help them create and implement their own projects.

The tasks of Green Hub include:
— teaching students IT skills
— training on real projects where students can acquire relevant skills
— organizing various events where students can apply their acquired skills
— supporting students in developing their own projects
— promoting information technology among the university's student body
— creating a community to support common goals and ideas
— networking with graduates of the UIB department, as well as at Business Community events with speakers from the IT sector and employers.

Employment

Graduates of the university have excellent employment opportunities due to a wide range of partner companies and organizations that actively seek qualified specialists. Among potential employers, UIB graduates can find career opportunities at companies such as Xiaomi, Microsoft, MD, NC "KazMunayGas" JSC, Kazpost, Halyk Bank, "Tsentr Kredit" Bank, Kaspi Bank, and Samsung.