Alikhan Bokeikhan University

Established in 1998

Mission: To expand opportunities for every student by providing high-quality, accessible, and practice-oriented education, grounded in a culture of research, internationalisation, and responsibility for sustainable development.

Strategic development goals

The main objective of the strategic development of the university is a comprehensive training of competitive specialists, capable of working in the conditions of Kazakhstan's integration into the world community.

Key Initiatives

To be a new generation university that inspires lifelong learning, integrates global best practices, and contributes to positive change in society.

Key Areas of Activity

Training specialists in management, economics, law, pedagogy and education, engineering, IT and social sciences on state grants and contract basis.
Research and innovation projects supporting socio‑economic development of the Abai region and Eastern Kazakhstan, with emphasis on education quality, entrepreneurship, digitalization and sustainable development.
Lifelong learning, professional development and retraining programmes for teachers, managers and practitioners in the public and private sectors.
Internationalization of education through academic mobility, joint programmes and participation in global rankings (ABU is listed in the QS and in UI Green Rankings).

History and Development

Alikhan Bokeikhan University is a multidisciplinary, non-governmental and non-profit higher education institution founded in 1998. In 2021, following a comprehensive rebranding, the University was named after Alikhan Bokeikhanov - a prominent Kazakhstani statesman, scientist, and political leader.

Academic Profile

More than 50 educational programmes at bachelor’s, master’s and PhD levels
Multisource funding model: state grants, local authorities, public funds, sponsors, and student contributions
Comprehensive financial support system:
- scholarships
- grants
- tuition fee discounts
Focus on accessibility and equal educational opportunities

Innovation and Development

Integration of education, research, and entrepreneurship
Implementation of strategic initiatives and projects, including:
- Regional Technological Cluster “Abai IT-Valley” (in partnership with Astana Hub)
- Center for Inclusive Education
- ABU Silver University - lifelong learning programmes for the “third age”
Development of an innovation-driven academic ecosystem

Sustainability and Global Engagement

Active contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Promotion of environmental awareness, inclusiveness, and social responsibility
Participation in the UI GreenMetric international ranking
Expansion of international partnerships and research collaborations
Strengthening global presence and contribution to sustainable development

Strategic Partnerships and International Cooperation

Member of the Great Charter of Universities (since 2010, Bologna, Italy)
Member of the Association of Asian Universities (since 2012)
Member of the Association of Southern and Eastern European and Black Sea Economic Universities (ASECU) (since 2019)
More than 100 international partnership agreements with universities worldwide
Development of:
- academic mobility programmes for students and faculty
- joint educational programmes
- international research projects

Licences and Accreditations

State Licence
Licence № KZ04LAA00032042 issued by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Date of issue: 17 September 2021
Institutional Accreditation
Accredited by the Kazakhstan Association of Modern (Elite) Education (KAZSEE)
Accreditation period: 19 June 2023 – 18 June 2028
Registration number: 23/16KA0033

International Programmes and Academic Opportunities

Alikhan Bokeikhan University systematically develops international academic opportunities for students and staff, supporting global mobility, joint education, and cross-border collaboration.

Academic Mobility

Funded mobility programmes enabling students to study at partner universities abroad for one or two semesters with full credit transfer
Bilateral agreements with universities in Turkey, Italy, Poland, Bulgaria, China, Uzbekistan, and other countries
Access to both internal and external funding for participation in mobility programmes

Erasmus+ and European Cooperation

Participation in Erasmus+ projects (CBHE and mobility actions)
Student and staff exchange programmes with leading European universities, including partners in Italy, Germany, Spain, Poland, and Bulgaria

Double-Degree Programmes

Joint bachelor’s and master’s programmes with international partner universities
Opportunity to obtain two diplomas — from ABU and a foreign partner institution

International Schools and Short-Term Programmes

International summer and winter schools focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and management
Short-term study visits and project-based learning programmes

Internships and Research Collaboration

International internships for students and academic staff
Joint research projects and academic cooperation with foreign universities
Participation in applied and commercialisation projects across fields such as philology, culture, engineering, and education

Through these initiatives, the University expands students’ academic experience, strengthens professional competencies, and integrates them into the global educational and research environment.

Programmes Accredited by ACPM

Based on the analysis and evaluation of the Finance Specialist educational programme, the expert commission of the Association of Certified Professional Managers (ACPM) concluded that the programme meets modern international requirements and standards, while demonstrating a high level of academic training, strong professional orientation, and an innovative approach to teaching.

The accreditation of this programme marks an important milestone in its development and contributes to strengthening the University’s position and competitiveness in the international education environment.

As a result of the accreditation process, the programme was awarded the Advanced Quality Mark.

In addition, the programmes Business Administration (EMBA) and Business Administration (MBA) are currently undergoing the accreditation process.