On June 30, Almaty Management University (AlmaU) held its Graduation 2026 ceremony at the Palace of the Republic. The event brought together undergraduate and graduate students, their families, members of the academic and business communities, as well as distinguished guests.
Graduation 2026 marked both the successful completion of another academic journey for AlmaU graduates and an important milestone in the university’s ongoing development.
Addressing the graduates, the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek, emphasized the vital role of young professionals in shaping the country’s future:
“Our country places great trust and high expectations in you, because Kazakhstan’s greatest wealth is not its natural resources or mineral deposits, but above all its human capital.”
The Class of 2026 also includes the first graduates of the Content Marketing and Data Analytics (CMDA) program and the Sharmanov School of Health Sciences with its Psychology degree program, representing another important step in expanding AlmaU’s academic portfolio and preparing professionals for emerging industries.
This year’s graduation holds particular significance as it marks the first cohort of students to complete their studies entirely under the Tolyq Adam educational model, introduced at AlmaU in 2023. Nearly 1,300 graduates completed the full cycle of this transformative liberal arts education inspired by the philosophy of Abai Kunanbayev. Alongside professional training, the model focuses on developing critical thinking, leadership, social responsibility, and research competencies.
This landmark graduating class coincided with a series of AlmaU’s international achievements. In 2026, the University’s Tolyq Adam educational model received international recognition by winning the THE Awards Asia 2026 in the Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year category. AlmaU also hosted the IAUP Central Asia Regional 2026 International Conference, bringing together university leaders and international experts to discuss the future of higher education, artificial intelligence, and the advancement of global academic cooperation. In addition, AlmaU strengthened its position in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings, reaffirming its strong commitment to international collaboration, sustainable development, and contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Congratulating the graduates, AlmaU Rector Timur Buldybayev stated:
“We want an AlmaU diploma to have no borders. We want employers to recognize AlmaU not only in Kazakhstan but around the world. We want your knowledge to remain competitive in any country. Wherever life takes you, may the AlmaU name open new opportunities.”
Congratulatory remarks were also delivered by Gulbanu Pazylkhair, Chair of the Management Board of JSC Altyn Samruk Qazaqstan and a member of the AlmaU Board of Trustees, and Dana Zharikova, President of the Yerzhan Foundation Public Foundation named after E. Tatishev. They wished the graduates confidence in their abilities, professional success, and many new achievements.
The ceremony featured the official presentation of diplomas, recognition of graduates with honors, and awards for students who demonstrated outstanding achievements in academics, research, leadership, sports, community engagement, and the arts.
The celebration concluded with a special performance by Kazakh artist Alem, who entertained graduates and guests with his most popular songs, adding a festive atmosphere to the occasion.
Graduation 2026 marked an important milestone not only for the graduates but also for the University. The ceremony reflected AlmaU’s continued development as an entrepreneurial university with international recognition, committed to academic excellence, innovation, and the education of highly qualified professionals equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
AlmaU congratulates the Class of 2026 on the successful completion of their studies and wishes them every success in their professional careers, bold decisions, new achievements, and confidence in pursuing their goals.