YEAR IN REVIEW: ACADEMIC CAPACITY REACHES A NEW LEVEL

In this regular Year in Review, we focus on the academic development of the university. For Abai University, 2025 was marked by the systematic modernization of educational programs. Today, the university offers instruction in Kazakh, Russian, French, and English, consistently adhering to a multilingual and international approach to teacher education.

In the current academic year, admissions were conducted across a total of 165 educational programs, including 66 bachelor’s programs, 60 master’s programs, and 39 doctoral programs. These figures clearly demonstrate Abai University’s status as one of the country’s leading pedagogical higher education institutions.

Throughout the year, priority was given to the development of innovative programs. At present, the university implements 39 innovative programs, 29 of which are delivered in the IP format. These programs are aimed at enhancing the practical, research, and digital competencies of future educators.

Within the framework of the World Bank–supported project “Strengthening Pedagogical Capacity,” 30 innovative programs were developed in collaboration with leading Finnish universities and introduced nationwide for teacher training. In 11 areas, Abai University’s experience was recognized as exemplary, and both domestic and international experts were engaged in program development.

In addition, innovative IP programs were launched in several stages. Initially, programs in the fields of arts, sports, natural sciences, and digital pedagogy were introduced, followed by languages, social pedagogy, inclusive education, management, and leadership. This year, the portfolio was expanded to include primary education, psychology, special pedagogy, foreign languages, and educational research.

By expanding international partnerships, the university currently offers 14 dual-degree programs and 10 joint programs with foreign higher education institutions. Moreover, a branch campus in Lorraine has been opened, where students pursue dual-degree education in six fields. Two joint programs with the Academy of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan have also been launched, with the first cohort of students admitted this year. Additionally, 12 programs are being implemented at the Institute of Education in Astana.

Introducing modern content into curricula remains a key priority for the university. Starting this year, the course “Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence” has been incorporated into all programs to develop students’ digital competencies.

The courses “Lesson Study” and “Action Research,” aimed at enhancing the professional practice of future educators, have been included in the curriculum. At the bachelor’s level, 16 Minor programs designed to develop students’ additional skills are offered, supplemented by the tracks “Law and Order” and “Career Guidance Educator.”

The university also holds a strong position in the field of digital education. Author-developed online courses by Abai University—“Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence” and “First Steps in Python Programming”—are available on the Coursera platform. Upon completion, students receive certificates issued by the university.

Overall, 2025 was a year of educational program modernization, integration of international experience, and advancement of the quality of teacher education to a new level for Abai University.

Press Service

Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University