Research University "Kyrgyz Economic University named after M. Ryskulbekov"
Established in 1953. Granted the status of a higher education institution in 1997.
Mission: To prepare leaders for sustainable societal development and to shape a new generation of professionals capable not only of effective management and strategic decision-making, but also of acting in the interests of society, a sustainable future, and global progress.
Goals
- Reinforce the university’s role as Kyrgyzstan’s leading centre for economic education
- Integrate education, research, and real-world practice in economics, trade, and management
- Build the strongest regional platform for developing international trade experts
- Expand a strategic partnership network with universities and institutions in over 30 countries
- Boost academic mobility for students and faculty through international programmes
- Advance the adoption of modern educational standards through international accreditation
Strategy
- Education That Anticipates Change
- The M. Ryskulbekov Kyrgyz Economic University implements a development model built on global openness, practice-based learning, international cooperation, and impactful research.
- The university prepares leaders equipped to shape the future of the economy—both nationally and globally.
Key Initiatives
- Educational policy and internationalisation of the university
- Research and innovation policy
- Social and youth policy for sustainable development
- Financial management and infrastructure development policy
- Management system and human capital development policy
- Digital transformation policy
History and Development
The Research University "Kyrgyz Economic University named after Musa Ryskulbekov" began its activities in 1953 as the Frunze College of Soviet Trade. Over time, in response to the needs of the national economy, the institution underwent a number of developmental stages:
- In 1991, it was transformed into the Bishkek Commercial College.
- In 1997, it was granted higher education status and became the Bishkek Higher Commercial College.
- In 1999, it was reorganised as the Bishkek State Institute of Economics and Commerce.
- In 2003, it became the Bishkek State University of Economics and Entrepreneurship.
- In 2007, it was renamed the Kyrgyz Economic University.
- In 2011, the university was named after the economist Musa Ryskulbekov.
- In 2022, by decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, it was granted the status of a research university.
Today, KEU named after M. Ryskulbekov is the leading economic university in the country, combining high-quality education, scientific research, and the training of specialists at all levels — from college to doctoral studies. The university actively implements innovations, contributes to the development of educational standards, and collaborates with research centres in Kyrgyzstan and abroad.
Strategic Partnerships and International Cooperation
The Research University "Kyrgyz Economic University named after Musa Ryskulbekov" actively develops international partnerships and is an official member of several prestigious international organisations, including:
- Magna Charta Universitatum
- The International Association for Management Development in Dynamic Societies
- International Association of Trade Training Organisations
- The International Association of Universities of Tourism and Hospitality
- EdNet Association of Educational Institutions
- Kyrgyz Research and Educational Network Association
- Union of Educational Institutions
- Signatory of the Taraz Declaration on the Creation of a Central Asian Higher Education Area
- Member of the Eurasian Network University
The university has signed over 70 international agreements with universities:
- 52 in CIS countries
- 17 in non-CIS countries
- 7 Erasmus+ and other international programme partners
KEU is actively engaged in international research and educational projects, including initiatives under Erasmus+ (Key Action 2), UNDP, UNECE, and other international organisations.
A particular point of pride is the university’s UNECE Trade Facilitation Competence Centre – the only one of its kind in Central Asia. Its purpose is to train international trade professionals, including civil servants and representatives of SMEs.
Over the past five years, KEU has successfully implemented more than 10 international and national projects, resulting in:
- updated curricula
- launch of joint educational programmes
- establishment of research centres and start-up laboratories
KEU continues to strengthen its international ties, opening up new opportunities for students and academic staff in academic mobility, research, and professional development.
Licences and Accreditations
The Research University Kyrgyz Economic University named after Musa Ryskulbekov conducts educational activities on the basis of a perpetual licence issued by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The university holds a number of national and international accreditations, including:
- Licence from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic
- Accreditation by the Public Foundation "Independent Institute for Accreditation, Rating and Certification" (IARS), Kyrgyz Republic
- International programme accreditation by the "Independent Agency for Accreditation and Rating" (Kazakhstan)
- Accreditation by the Agency for Accreditation of Educational Programmes and Organisations, Kyrgyz Republic
- International accreditation of the “Management” and “Economics” programmes within the Tempus (CANQA) project
- Accreditation of “Economics” programmes within the international ACPM:HEI project (Association of Certified Professional Managers, United Kingdom)
Programmes Accredited by ACPM
Following a thorough evaluation of the Professional Bookkeeper and Certified Accountant programmes at the Research University Kyrgyz Economic University named after M. Ryskulbekov, the ACPM expert commission concluded that the programmes meet modern international standards and accreditation criteria.
The programmes demonstrate a high level of academic preparation, strong professional orientation, and an innovative approach to education.
As a result of the accreditation process, the programmes were awarded the Advanced Quality Mark — a distinction confirming their compliance with the quality standards of the Association of Certified Professional Managers (ACPM), United Kingdom.
Contact details:
Kyrgyzstan, 720033
Togolok Moldo Street 58, Bishkek City
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