Nazarbayev University has completed the 2025–2026 academic year with the largest graduating class in its history. A total of 1,877 students received degrees across undergraduate, master’s, doctoral and medical programs, DKNews.kz reports.
The graduation ceremony took place in Astana and brought together government representatives, members of the academic community and graduates.
Record-breaking graduation year
This year, the university awarded degrees across 51 academic programs.
Among the graduates were:
- 1,130 bachelor’s degree holders
- 647 master’s degree holders
- 73 PhD graduates
- 27 Doctors of Medicine
Students completed their studies across seven academic schools and faculties.
The guest of honor at the ceremony was Chairman of the Senate Maulen Ashimbayev.
Senate Speaker highlights university’s contribution
Addressing the graduates, Maulen Ashimbayev emphasized the role of Nazarbayev University in building a modern research environment and preparing highly qualified professionals for the country.
«President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s course toward building a Just and Progressive Kazakhstan is a long-term reform agenda. It requires the unity and participation of society as a whole to address such challenges as economic diversification, strengthening public institutions, supporting science and education, business, and civil society. Graduates of your university are already making a significant contribution to these processes. A vivid example is Kazakhstan’s first technology unicorn, Higgsfield AI, whose team is made up of 90 percent NU graduates. This is direct evidence of the high competitiveness of our human capital and the quality of the university environment,» Ashimbayev said.
Computer Science becomes the most popular major
Computer Science emerged as the most in-demand field of study among this year’s graduates.
A total of 270 students earned degrees in Computer Science, including 237 bachelor’s graduates.
The discipline accounted for 21% of all undergraduate graduates.
Together with Data Science and Robotics programs, technology-related fields produced 351 graduates, representing nearly one in five students in the graduating class.
Top 10 majors by number of graduates
- Computer Science — 270
- Economics — 131
- Mathematics — 111
- World Languages, Literature and Culture — 94
- Civil and Environmental Engineering — 86
- Sociology — 76
- Electrical and Computer Engineering — 71
- Political Science and International Relations — 60
- Biological Sciences — 59
- Chemical and Materials Engineering — 59
Two schools account for more than 70% of graduates
The School of Engineering and Digital Sciences (SEDS) and the School of Sciences and Humanities (SSH) produced the largest number of graduates.
The distribution was as follows:
- SEDS — 673 graduates (35.9%)
- SSH — 653 graduates (34.8%)
- School of Medicine (SoM) — 186 graduates (9.9%)
- Graduate School of Education (GSE) — 107 graduates (5.7%)
- Graduate School of Public Policy (GSPP) — 96 graduates (5.1%)
- Graduate School of Business (GSB) — 85 graduates (4.5%)
- School of Mining and Geosciences (SMG) — 77 graduates (4.1%)
Together, SEDS and SSH accounted for more than 70% of the university’s graduating class.
University awards 73 new PhD degrees
In 2026, 73 doctoral candidates successfully defended their dissertations.
Research topics covered a wide range of fields, including:
- robotics
- global health
- Eurasian studies
- chemical engineering
- public policy
In addition, 27 graduates received Doctor of Medicine degrees.
NU President Professor Waqar Ahmad highlighted the growing impact of alumni across science, business and society.
«You are joining a growing community of NU alumni. Many are advancing science and making new discoveries. Others are building companies, creating jobs, improving healthcare systems, shaping public policy, strengthening educational institutions, and leading social initiatives. Together, they demonstrate the transformative power of quality education grounded in research and strong values.»
Why this matters
Nazarbayev University’s record-breaking graduation reflects the growing demand for high-quality higher education and the increasing importance of technology-related disciplines in Kazakhstan.
The strong representation of graduates in Computer Science, Data Science, Robotics and Engineering demonstrates the university’s role in preparing specialists for the digital economy, scientific research and high-tech industries. As Kazakhstan continues to pursue innovation-driven growth, these graduates are expected to play a key role in shaping the country’s future development.
