Since 1989, the Alma-Ata School of Management began to hold its first seminars.

The small enterprise “Alma-Ata School of Managers” has been a member of the Association of Schools of International Business of the USSR since December 14, 1990.

Since February 17, 1991, he has been a member of the Russian Association of Business Schools and provides intensive courses and consulting services in modern management.

The origin of the idea of creating an MBA (Master of Business Administration) program

Work has begun on the creation of an MBA program and the development of a project for the implementation of programs for management personnel. ASM was the first in Kazakhstan to put an MBA on the country’s educational market.

15 teachers of the ASM went to Europe under the TACIS international program for a 9-month training, which laid the foundation for the creation of the Kazakh MBA program next year.

The Almaty School of Management has been transformed into the International Academy of Business. Asylbek Bazarbaevich Kozhakhmetov was elected the first president of the International Academy of Business.
The American international organization “People to People International – PTPI“ awarded IAB the honorary award “Torch of Birmingham” for successful economic survival and development in the conditions of emerging market relations.

The first admission to the MBA program with a specialization in Corporate Management.

The MBA program in the specialization “Marketing and PR” and the first modular MBA program (Master of Public Administration for the Public Health Insurance Fund (FOMS) have been opened.

A cooperation agreement was signed with the Maastricht School of Management (the Netherlands) and the first set of specialization “General and Strategic Management” was made.

The first admission to the joint Master of Professional Management program with the HEC Graduate School of Management (Paris, France).

Higher professional training (Bachelor’s degree) programs have been opened at two faculties in seven specialties: Economics, Marketing and Commerce, Finance and credit, Accounting and auditing, Economics and Management at the enterprise (by industry), Organization Management (by industry), Computer Science.

Higher professional training (Bachelor’s degree) programs have been opened at two faculties in seven specialties: Economics, Marketing and Commerce, Finance and credit, Accounting and auditing, Economics and Management at the enterprise (by industry), Organization Management (by industry), Computer Science.

By order of the Ministry of Education and Science No. 34 dated 01/18/02, the International Academy of Business successfully passed the state certification and received an indefinite state license for conducting educational activities AA No. 0000165 dated 02.02.02.

IAB took the first place in the ranking of business schools in Kazakhstan, conducted by the business magazine “National Business” (MBA programs).
The International Executive MBA program has been developed and launched in cooperation with the HEC Graduate School of Management (Paris, France).
Opening of the representative office of the International Academy of Business in Astana.

An MBA program with a specialization in Finance has been opened in cooperation with the Finance Academy under the Government of the Russian Federation (Moscow, Russia).

Launch of the first DBA program in cooperation with the Russian Academy of National Economy under the Government of the Russian Federation.
IAB was awarded the CAMEQ quality mark as the first university in Kazakhstan in the field of business education, which successfully passed the institutional international accreditation.

The signing of the agreement and the launch of the international MBA program “Information Management (CIO)” together with the Academy of National Economy under the Government of the Russian Federation (ANE).

The signing of the agreement and the launch of the international MBA program “Information Management (CIO)” together with the Academy of National Economy under the Government of the Russian Federation (ANE).

The International Academy of Business was recognized by the World Rating Agency EDUNIVERSAL as the best business university in Kazakhstan in 2008. www.eduniversal.net . IAB, having scored 68% according to the results of the rating, was recognized as the best business university in Kazakhstan, ahead of KIMEP, which scored 39%. Since then, the IAB has confirmed this high rank every year.
The International Academy of Business took the third place among non-governmental (private) universities and the 5th place in the overall ranking of universities in humanitarian and economic areas of training.

The Academy has initiated a social project “Support of rural schools by universities of the country”. As part of this project, during the spring and autumn holidays, teachers from rural schools of the Ayyrtau district of the North Kazakhstan region come to Almaty and take advanced training courses. Within the framework of the project, 147 teachers have already been trained at the invitation of the IAB.
IAB was among the first 6 universities in Kazakhstan to receive national accreditation from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In January, IAB, the only university in Kazakhstan, was awarded international accreditation: the European Institutional Accreditation of the International Association for Management Development CEEMAN in the field of education.
The IAB organized an International summer session for teachers – Business Education Teachers Academy (BETA). Since then, 165 teachers from leading universities of the country have participated in the program of the International Summer Session for Teachers.
The launch of the project “Cultural and linguistic camp “Ulytau” for the study of the Kazakh language with full immersion in the linguistic and cultural environment.
The National League of Consumers of Kazakhstan awarded IAB with the national quality mark “IMPECCABLE”.
IAB became a signatory to the Magna Carta of European Universities, thereby confirming its readiness to follow the principles of European Universities.

IAB became the winner of the silver award of the competition among employers “Senim-2010”, in the nomination “The best employer in two capitals”.
IAB became the winner of the competition of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Kazakhstan: “For contribution to the development of civil society in Kazakhstan” in the nomination “Best enterprise”.
The Academy became the first private university in Kazakhstan, technically ready to accept students and trainees with disabilities (with impaired musculoskeletal system and vision), for this purpose toilets, ramps and a special elevator were equipped in the academic building. In the same year, 100% of the social grants from the rector of the IAB for training were received by a bachelor’s degree student and an MBA student in the total amount of KZT 2.5 million

IAB became the winner of the competition among Kazakhstan employers “Senim-2011”, in the nomination “The best employer company in two capitals”.
Senior managers of 48 universities in Kazakhstan have been trained under the innovative program “MET – Management Education Technology”.
According to the results of the Kazakhstan Research Agency Rating.kz IAB became the second among private universities in terms of price-quality ratio, the fourth among all universities of the Republic of Kazakhstan in terms of the parameter “Quality of education through the eyes of large Kazakhstani employers (Рейтинг.kz ).
In October, the DBA program was opened in Astana and the first set of students was carried out. A new specialized MBA program – “Management in Healthcare” has been launched at the IAB representative office in Astana. The first group under the joint MBA program of IAB and Sheffield Hallam University – Joint MBA “General and Strategic Management” has been launched.
In December, 29 nominal scholarships of the Bolashak international program were awarded to teachers and staff who, within the framework of this program, go to study for a scientific internship at Berkeley-Haas School of Business (USA), Montreux School of Business (Switzerland), as well as universities in South Korea, the Netherlands, Spain.

In March, a new structural unit of the IAB was created – the School of State and Public Policy (SSPP), and in autumn two master’s programs “Management in the public Sector”, “Management in Healthcare”, “Master of Management in Education” were launched in Aktau and Almaty.
9 graduate students of the IAB entered the catalog “TOP 100 Best Students of Almaty”. The project was organized by Elite recruiting company with the support of the Youth Policy Department of the Office of the Mayor of Almaty.
In February, IAB received an Honorary Diploma from the European Business Association of Kazakhstan (EUROBAK) for active activity in the field of corporate social responsibility in the nomination “Improving the learning environment for children and students” – for conducting a socially responsible project “Support of rural schools by universities of the country”.
In July, IAB entered the top 20 best universities of the Republic of Kazakhstan and took 6th place among the Best humanitarian and economic universities in Kazakhstan according to the national IQAA rating, and in August IAB took 1st place in the ranking of the master’s degree in Management and 2nd place in the ranking of the bachelor’s degree in Management and Marketing (according to the rating of the Central Research Institute of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan).
The IAB quality management system is certified by Orion Registrar, Inc., USA according to ISO 9001:2008 standard.
In September, the only university in Kazakhstan and the Central Asian region was awarded the prestigious international accreditation of MBA (Association of MBA’s, UK, London) IAB MBA programs for a period of three years.
In October, IAB entered the ranking of the 300 best business schools in the world, according to the French higher education rating agency Eduniversal, receiving 4 palm branches in the league “TOP Business Schools/internationally known 4 Palms”.
The International Conference “Entrepreneurship and Business Education in a Changing World” dedicated to the 25th anniversary was held on October 31 – November 1. The world-class business forum was attended by 266 participants from 21 countries.

A representative office of the International Academy of Business has been opened in Shymkent, with the support of the Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the South Kazakhstan region.
The EUROBAK CSR Award was received for the social project “Republican competition “Zachot” among the media covering the topic of education.”
He received the Topzhargan award (“Breakthrough”) from the Eurasian Business Forum in the nomination “For the development of education and science in Kazakhstan”.
MAB has been awarded a new status. The new name of the IAB is Almaty Management University (Alma University, AlmaU).
The national accreditation of the Independent Kazakhstan Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (IQAA) has been obtained.
Alma University entered the top 10 best universities of the Republic of Kazakhstan and took 3rd place among the Best humanitarian and economic universities in Kazakhstan according to the national IQAA rating.
Alma University took 1st place in the ranking of the master’s degree in Management and 1st place in the ranking of the bachelor’s degree in Management (according to the IQAA rating).
AlmaU entered the top 3 “High competencies of graduates”, according to a survey of Almaty employers conducted by the Akimat.
The award of the International Association for Management Development of Central and Eastern Europe CEEMAN Champions Award in the category “Institutional Management”.
MAB entered the top 300 best business universities in the world, receiving 4 palm branches in the Eduniversal rating.
The victory in the “Orleu-2014” competition in the nomination “The best social partner” among state and public organizations, business structures and the media of Almaty.

AlmaU has confirmed the title of the best business university in Kazakhstan and Central Asia according to the international rating agency Eduniversal.
On September 23-26, 2015, the 23rd Annual CEEMAN Conference was held in Almaty “Localization versus Globalization of Leadership, and Management Development in dynamically developing societies.”
A new discipline, Service Learning, has been introduced into the curriculum of all specialties of the AlmaU Bachelor’s degree, in which 1st–year students learn to serve society and apply their knowledge in practice, working in nursing homes, homes for the disabled and other social organizations.
A license has been obtained for the right to conduct educational activities in 3 specialties of the PhD doctoral programs: 6D050700 “Management”, 6D050900 “Finance” and 6D051100 “Marketing”.
The Master’s degree program in Management took 1st place in the IQAA ranking.
He received the EUROBAK CSR Award for the social project “Organization of New Year holidays for orphans and children with disabilities”.
AlmaU has established a special annual award “For Academic Integrity” to professors of Kazakhstan.
The Kazakh stage of the Startup Tour 2015 of the Skolkovo Foundation was held in AlmaU.
March 2 – scientific and practical conference “Social entrepreneurship in the Republic of Kazakhstan” with the participation of representatives of universities, business and the state.
Jeffrey Bill became an Honorary Professor at the university.
The winners of the “Unlimited Opportunities” competition (for people with disabilities) received 8 social grants for studying at the AlmaU MBA program.
July 10 – youth competition of social projects “Change the world around you”. Organizers: School of Professional and Continuing Education of the University of Central Asia, AlmaU and Coca-Cola.

AlmaU Master’s and MBA programs are among the top 200 best programs in the world according to the international rating agency Eduniversal.
A new model of AlmaU graduate competence has been created.
Accreditation by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the Bachelor’s degree program “Accounting and Auditing”.
A representation of Calmat has been opened in East Kazakhstan.
20-year MBA program and AMBA re-accreditation.
December 9 – Almaty Startup City Youth Forum.

Pan Seok Kim, President of the Asian Association of Public Service Experts, Professor at Yonsei University, became an honorary professor at AlmaU.
The School of Engineering Management has been opened.
CEEMAN re-accreditation has been obtained.
The Board of Trustees includes new members: Chairman of the Supervisory Board of IPK ZHERSU Baurzhan Ospanov, Managing Director of the Administration of the Astana International Financial Center Sayasat Nurbek, as well as founder of the Seymar company Margulan Seisembai. Zhanat Berdalina, an independent director and Chairman of the Audit Committee of the National Agency for Technological Development, was elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
May 18-19 – Forum “Entrepreneurial Education in rapidly developing societies”.
The creation of the Association of Entrepreneurial Universities of Kazakhstan has been initiated.
AlmaU has confirmed the reputation of the No. 1 company in the Education industry based on the results of the Topzhargan-2016 rating of Kazakhstani companies. Summer schools for entrepreneurs BastauCamp and Zhas-Kasipker have been organized.
Together with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Civil Society of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Akimat of the Mangystau region, the Caspi Leader Camp and the I International Youth Forum of the Caspian States were held.
AlmaU was awarded the CEEMAN Champions Awards 2017 in the category “Responsible Education Management”. The “Center for improving Productivity and Quality of Production”
(Kaizen Center) has been opened in AlmaU.
The new AlmaU Knowledge Building University campus has been opened. November 2-3 – I International Conference in Kazakhstan “Knowledge management system in companies and universities:
problems and prospects”.
AlmaU became the 3rd in the nomination “Capitals” with the project “AlmaU CARES”, within the framework of the competition “HR Brand Award Central Asia-2017”.
AlmaU confirmed the position of the top business school according to the international rating agency Eduniversal, becoming the 3rd among 68 universities in the geographical area of Central Asia.

The first ever ice crossing over Lake Balkhash called Ugly Balqash Shaqyrady took place. The initiator was Almaty Management University with the support of Nomad Explorer and Turan Express.
In March, Almaty Management University hosted the grand opening of the Fintech Lab.
The General MBA program of the Higher School of Business of Almaty Management University entered the TOP 200 in the world and the TOP 20 in Asia in the QS World University Rankings: Global MBA Rankings 2020

The first ever ice crossing over Lake Balkhash called Ugly Balqash Shaqyrady took place. The initiator was Almaty Management University with the support of Nomad Explorer and Turan Express.
In March, Almaty Management University hosted the grand opening of the Fintech Lab.
The General MBA program of the Higher School of Business of Almaty Management University entered the TOP 200 in the world and the TOP 20 in Asia in the QS World University Rankings: Global MBA Rankings 2020

The General MBA program of the Almaty Management University Graduate School of Business is the only one in Kazakhstan that entered the TOP 200 of the QS World University Rankings: Global MBA Rankings 2021 and took 23rd place in the ranking of the TOP 25 MBA programs in Asia.
IQAA has received institutional re-accreditation for a period up to 2024.
The second ice crossing over Lake Balkhash took place – Uly Balqash Shaqyrady.
President of Almaty Management University Kozhakhmetov A.B. was elected a member of the UN Global Council PRME (United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education), aimed at developing the UN Global Compact “Principles of Responsible Management Education”.

AlmaU has partnered with Arizona State University to provide world-class entrepreneurial and innovative higher education in Kazakhstan.
Together with Kazakhfilm JSC named after Sh.Aimanov, a School of Media and Cinema was opened. The purpose of the school is to train professionals who meet the modern requirements of the media and film market, actively contributing to the development of the creative industry in the country.
The University has a collective work space “QAYNAR BULAQ – The boiling Point of Almaty” where everyone can organize or participate in educational and business events for free, teach and study in professional communities, assemble a team to implement a project, find experts or investors.
In June, the Executive MBA Program of the Higher School of Business of Almaty Management University and the Higher School of Management of St. Petersburg University took the 22nd position among the best joint programs of the international QS Executive MBA Rankings 2021 (Joint Programs)
In September, the Graduate School of Business and the School of Hospitality and Tourism of Almaty Management University (AlmaU) officially received the results of joint accreditation from the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and Business Graduates Association (BGA), two of the world’s leading organizations in business education.
On October 5, the new division of Eurasian Chapter PRME was presented to the public during the UN PRME Global Representation Forum. The mission of the Eurasia Chapter is to attract new members from the region to the PRME network, to ensure the integration of the principles of responsible management education into academic and research activities at universities in the region, as well as to open international opportunities for Chapter signatories for meaningful knowledge sharing and networking.
On October 29, anniversary events were held within the framework of the 25th anniversary of the MBA programs of the AlmaU Graduate School of Business. The success story of HSE and MBA programs began in 1988, when the first business training courses were launched at the Alma Ata School of Management (now AlmaU).
A book was published in December “In search of an effective model of the Kazakh University” on the 30th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence.
6 AlmaU educational programs have been accredited by the Independent Accreditation and Rating Agency (NAAR) for 3 and 5 years

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), the British Association of Certified Accountants, uniting professionals in the field of finance, accounting and auditing until December 31, 2026.
The Accounting and Auditing educational program has been accredited by CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) of the International Association of Management Accounting Specialists until December 31, 2024.
The School of Management of Almaty Management University has been successfully accredited in accordance with the certification procedure according to the rules of the Kazakhstan Project Management Association (KPMA), which meets the ICB 4.0 standard of the International Project Management Association (IPMA)
The AlmaU delegation held a visiting meeting of the Board of Trustees of the University in the USA on the basis of the strategic partner Arizona State University. At the meeting of the Board of Trustees, a new AlmaU development strategy until 2030 was presented and approved.
15 educational programs are accredited by the Independent Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (IQAA), 7 of which have passed primary accreditation, for the period 2022-2027.
The official opening of the AlmaU Sharmanov School of Health Sciences. Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan Toregeldy Sharmanov made a huge contribution to world and Kazakh healthcare and was awarded the highest award of the World Health Organization – the Leon Bernard Medal, he is also the founder and president of the Kazakh Academy of Nutrition. Toregelda Sharmanuly was awarded the title of “Honored Professor of Almaty Management University”.
The interactive studio Jalinga has started working at the university.
On November 15, 2022, Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek visited AlmaU.

Rector Kurenkeeva Gulnara Turdalievna was elected Chairman of the General Meeting of the League of Academic Integrity for 2023. The League of Academic Integrity is an association of organizations of higher and postgraduate education in the Republic of Kazakhstan, whose mission is to improve and enhance the quality of education in the country by promoting and implementing the ten fundamental principles of academic integrity.

AlmaU has joined the PRME Champions 2023 program.PRME Champions is the flagship program of PRME, a community of higher education institutions that are signatories to the initiative, whose mission is to develop thinking and practical skills in the field of responsible management in the context of the UN Sustainable development agenda.

In October 2023, Almaty Management University joined the University Alliance of the Silk Road (UASR) at the annual summit of the University Alliance of the Silk Road-2023 (UASR) in Xi’an.

From March 1 to 3, 2024, the first environmental volunteer project, Syr qorǵany – sekseýil, was held in the Kyzylorda Region. The project’s mission was to restore the region’s ecosystem and help mitigate the consequences of the Aral environmental disaster. To achieve this goal, AlmaU brought together approximately 80 volunteers. With the support of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan and local executive authorities, participants planted 5,100 saxaul saplings on the dried bed of the Aral Sea.

From March 30 to April 3, 2024, the AlmaU Board of Trustees held an off-site meeting in the Chinese cities of Hangzhou and Shanghai. The meeting took place at the School of Management, Zhejiang University.

Almaty Management University, in partnership with Halyk, opened a new creative co-working space where students can develop their projects, collaborate, and exchange ideas.

AlmaU officially opened Tatishev Wing, a new state-of-the-art academic facility equipped with modern infrastructure. The project was supported by the Yerzhan Foundation named after Y. Tatishev and Kusto Group, founded by Yerkin Tatishev.

The Master’s and MBA programmes of Almaty Management University were included in the Eduniversal Best Masters & MBA Ranking 2024.

In the IQAA-Ranking 2024 National Ranking, AlmaU was ranked 2nd among Kazakhstan’s leading universities in the humanities and economics.

On December 18, 2024, the Northern Ski Race “Along the Musin–Ivanov Trail” was held in the village of Lobanovo, Aiyrtau District, North Kazakhstan Region. Organized by AlmaU and the Zeynep Higher Multidisciplinary College, the event brought together local residents, students, schoolchildren from Imantau, Lobanovo, and Antonovka schools, MBA participants from the AlmaU Graduate School of Business, and university staff. The race honored the memory of Samat Musin and Nikolai Ivanov, whose contributions played a significant role in the development of cross-country skiing in Kazakhstan.

The first motivational book highlighting the importance of education, Jūrttyñ balasy: Secrets of Success, was published. The book features the inspiring stories of 26 graduates of Almaty Management University’s Bachelor’s, MBA, and DBA programmes.

The joint Executive MBA programme of GSB AlmaU and GSOM SPbU was ranked 25th among the world’s best joint EMBA programmes in the QS Executive MBA Rankings 2024.

AlmaU secured a leading position in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024.

On June 21, 2024, AlmaU, in partnership with Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics (ZUFE) and with the participation of the leadership delegation of Zhejiang Province, China, as well as the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Almaty, inaugurated the Silk Road School. The initiative aims to become a regional hub for innovation in digital commerce, international trade, fintech, and interdisciplinary research.

On June 11, 2024, AlmaU launched the first Mastercard Fintech Laboratory in Central Asia. Implemented in partnership with the National Payment Corporation of Kazakhstan (NPC) and Mastercard Academy, the project is designed to strengthen Kazakhstan’s fintech ecosystem and create a collaborative platform for professionals from the fintech industry and higher education. Its primary objective is to equip students with practical knowledge and hands-on experience in the payments and fintech sectors.

On September 28, 2024, the 4th Central Asia+ Rectors’ Club Meeting took place at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA). Co-organized by AUCA and Almaty Management University (AlmaU), the event brought together more than 50 representatives from 21 universities across Central Asia. The meeting focused on the theme “The Road to Change: Leadership Challenges in Today’s Academic Environment.”

On October 30, 2024, City Experiment Forum was held at Almaty Management University. During the forum, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan, together with the AlmaU Center for Urban Studies, presented the results of their joint Green and Safe Streets initiative. The project addresses air pollution in Almaty and forms part of the regional City Experiment Fund programme.

On December 13, 2024, the 5th International Conference “Public Trust and Social Capital” was held at Almaty Management University (AlmaU). The conference was jointly organized by AlmaU and the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

From March 2 to 7, 2025, the AlmaU Board of Trustees held an off-site meeting in the cities of Bremen and Hamburg, Germany. The official Board meeting took place on March 4 at Constructor University. 

On March 14, 2025, AlmaU officially inaugurated the KT&G Scholarship Foundation Korean Center, established with the support of the KT&G Scholarship Foundation. The Center aims to promote the Korean language and culture, expand educational opportunities, and strengthen cultural ties between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea. 

On February 22, 2025, AlmaU hosted a Think Tank expert discussion dedicated to urban development and industrial policy. The event was organized as part of the official visit of Kanat Sharlapayev, Minister of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan. 

On June 12, 2025, AlmaU hosted the presentation of the book “Jūrttyñ balasy: Bilimmen biikke”. The publication tells the inspiring stories of alumni from one of Kazakhstan’s leading private universities and highlights their journeys to professional success. 

With the support of AlmaU, the business book “Red and Yellow Strategies” was published in the Kazakh language. 

On October 13–14, 2025, Seoul hosted the anniversary conference marking the 60th anniversary of the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), a global network of higher education leaders that brings together university presidents from around the world to strengthen leadership, promote knowledge exchange, share best practices, and advance strategic ideas. The keynote speaker was Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who delivered a presentation titled “AI-ready Nation: Case of Kazakhstan.” During the conference, AlmaU President Asylbek Kozhakhmetov was elected to the IAUP Executive Committee. 

In the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs’ 2025 University Ranking, AlmaU ranked among the national leaders in five academic fields: Restaurant and Hotel Management, Public Relations, Law, Urban Studies and City Management, and Logistics. 

On March 24, 2025, AlmaU officially joined the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, bringing together more than 24,000 companies and organizations from 167 countries committed to upholding universal principles in the areas of human rights, labor standards, environmental protection, and anti-corruption. 

On April 25, 2025, the 5th Rectors’ Club Meeting was held at the Asian International University in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. The event brought together 55 representatives from 28 universities and 3 organizations across 10 countries. Participants represented Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Poland, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Serbia. 

The joint Executive MBA in Strategic Management and Leadership, offered by AlmaU in partnership with Saint Petersburg State University (SPbU), ranked 24th in the prestigious QS Executive MBA Rankings 2025. 

AlmaU reaffirmed its commitment to the global sustainable development agenda by being placed in the 1001–1500 band of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025. 

In the QS Asia University Rankings 2025, AlmaU was ranked 741–750 globally and 44th in the Central Asia category. 

In 2025, AlmaU was awarded 4 Stars in the QS Stars university rating system. 

From June 5 to 7, 2025, AlmaU hosted the 3rd International Conference “New Advances in the Political Economy of Development in Eurasia”. 

During the summer of 2025, AlmaU underwent a major organizational restructuring, consolidating its 10 schools into 6 schools. 

In September 2025, AlmaU representatives participated in various sessions of Tomorrow City Shanghai, representing Kazakhstan on the international stage. The Green and Safe Streets project won the Outstanding Smart City Infrastructure Project award. In addition, a special award was presented to Dinmukhamed Ushpayev, a graduate of AlmaU’s Urban Studies and City Management program, for his innovative project, the Aerial Traffic & Logistics Analysis System drone. 

AlmaU received the Gold Award in the Smart Plastic Zone initiative, implemented with the support of Coca-Cola Kazakhstan, the GreenUrban Association, and GPI-Lab. The initiative aims to reduce plastic consumption and promote sustainable practices in business and education. The Gold Award is presented to organizations that have minimized plastic use, adopted alternative materials, and implemented separate collection and recycling of plastic waste. 

On September 26, 2025, the 6th Rectors’ Club: Central Asia+ Meeting was held at the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU) in Baku, Azerbaijan. 

The Rectors’ Club: Central Asia+ serves as a platform for university leaders from Central Asia and partner countries to exchange experience and discuss best practices in higher education leadership and governance. 

On October 1, 2025, Almaty Management University (AlmaU) hosted the public conference and discussion platform “The Economics of Trust: New Drivers and Political Adaptation in a Changing Society.” The event was organized by the AlmaU Analytics Center in partnership with the Institute of Contemporary Policy (ICP). 

On October 31, 2025, GSB AlmaU became the first business school in Kazakhstan to present graduates of the international Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) dual-degree program, developed in partnership with Antwerp Management School (AMS), Belgium. 

The AlmaU Academic Council awarded Zhanat Kolanovna Berdalina the title of Honorary Professor of AlmaU in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the development of management education, academic research, and the university. The award ceremony took place on October 31, 2025, during the graduation ceremony for the MBA and DBA programs. 

In November 2025, at the 18th Eduniversal World Convention, hosted by the Indian Institute of Management Indore (India), AlmaU Business School was awarded the prestigious 5 Palmes of Excellence in the Eduniversal Best Business Schools Ranking 2025. 

Also in November 2025, AlmaU joined the Alliance of Guangzhou International Sister-City Universities (GISU). 

On December 10, 2025, AlmaU celebrated the 5th anniversary of the AlmaU Institute of Urban Studies. 

On October 22, 2025, Almaty Management University (AlmaU) hosted the AlmaU Impact Forum in partnership with the SDG Alliance, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the United Nations (UN). 

The forum served as an expert platform for discussing the practical integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the ESG agenda into higher education, corporate governance, and urban development. 

The event brought together representatives from more than 20 universities in Kazakhstan, university leaders, researchers, ESG experts, representatives of the private sector, NGOs, and international organizations. The program focused on three key themes: education, sustainable development, and urban studies. The forum was organized by the Institute of International Relations, the Institute of Urban Studies, Tolyq Adam, and the Institute of Education. 

In December 2025, AlmaU presented its environmental and social initiative “Syr qorǵany – sekseýil” at the Trophées des Entreprises 2025 international awards, organized by the France–Kazakhstan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and received the Actions RSE / ESG Award. 

On December 11, 2025, AlmaU officially opened the AlmaU AI Lab, an Artificial Intelligence Center established within the School of Digital Technologies and Economics. 

On December 12, 2025, AlmaU hosted the 6th International Conference “Public Trust and Social Capital.” The conference was held as part of the IRN AP27510281 research project, “Public Trust and Social Capital among the Youth of Kazakhstan: Mechanisms of Formation in the University Environment (An Interdisciplinary Approach),” and served as an intellectual platform for discussing trust as a fundamental value of modern society. 

On December 8, 2025, AlmaU launched a week-long celebration leading up to the university’s official birthday on December 12. In 2025, 

AlmaU marked its 37th anniversary, a symbolic müshel age in Kazakh tradition, and entered a new stage of development under the slogan “Reset 7.” 

On February 28, 2026, the 3rd Annual AlmaU – ZEINEP Cup Ski Race was held in the village of Lobanovo, Aiyrtau District, North Kazakhstan Region, at the ZEINEP Higher Multidisciplinary College.

AlmaU was recognized among the leading universities in the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan “Atameken” (NCE “Atameken”) University Ranking 2026. The University’s top-ranked programmes included Restaurant and Hotel Management, Public Relations, Logistics, Marketing, Law, Information Systems, Tourism and Event Management, Accounting and Audit, and International Relations and Economics.

AlmaU was selected as a member of the PRME Champions Cohort 2026–2027, an international community of universities and business schools recognized for leadership in responsible management education.

AlmaU received CPA Eurasia international accreditation for its Accounting and Audit programme.

On February 12, 2026, AlmaU University officially signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Freedom Finance Insurance JSC, facilitated by the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market.

AlmaU was appointed Vice-Chair for External Engagement and Partnerships of the United Nations SDG 7 Global Hub – Affordable and Clean Energy.

From March 2 to 7, 2026, AlmaU held an off-site meeting of its Board of Trustees in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The official meeting took place on March 3 at Seoul Cyber University.

Timur Kerimbekovich Buldybayev was appointed Rector of AlmaU.

In April 2026, AlmaU’s educational model, inspired by the philosophy of Abai Kunanbayev, received international recognition. The University’s Tolyq Adam programme won the prestigious Times Higher Education Awards Asia 2026 in the Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year category.

On April 24, 2026, AlmaU officially inaugurated the Ūly Dala Akademiasy Research Center.

On April 15, 2026, the 7th Rectors’ Club: Central Asia+ Meeting was held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, bringing together more than 80 university leaders, government officials, international experts, and practitioners from 11 countries to discuss the future of higher education in the face of global challenges. The meeting took place as part of the International Forum “Partnership for Sustainable Development: Green. Digital. Smart.”, organized by the International University of Tourism and Entrepreneurship of Tajikistan.

On May 16, 2026, the AlmaU Alumni Alley was officially inaugurated in Medeu Park.

AlmaU was awarded the Smart Water Zone Bronze Label in recognition of its commitment to sustainable water management.

From June 28 to July 2, 2026, AlmaU held the off-site AlmaU Leadership Sailing Executive Intensive at Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan. The inaugural cohort brought together entrepreneurs and senior executives from Almaty, Astana, Atyrau, Aktau, and Shymkent to participate in AlmaU’s unique leadership development programme.

In May 2026, the AlmaU Institute of Urban Studies was officially admitted as an Associate Member of the Asian Planning Schools Association (APSA). This milestone marked the successful completion of an application process that lasted more than two and a half years. APSA is a non-profit, non-political association dedicated to fostering dialogue on planning issues, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices, addressing urban development challenges across Asia, and supporting the next generation of scholars and professional planners.

In April 2026, the AlmaU Institute of Urban Studies completed a series of Integrated Urban Development training programmes for civil servants, organized at the request of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Between April 6 and 24, two training cohorts were successfully completed by 47 senior officials and specialists, including deputy akims and heads of departments responsible for housing and utilities, construction, architecture, and land relations. Participants represented the Atyrau, Mangystau, Turkistan, Zhambyl, and Karaganda Regions, as well as the cities of Atyrau, Karaganda, and Taraz.

From June 4 to 7, 2026, AlmaU hosted the 4th Conference “New Advances in the Political Economy of Development in Eurasia”, an international conference dedicated to contemporary research in Eurasian political economy.

On June 10, 2026, MBA Impact Forum 2026 was held in Astana, serving as a dialogue platform for business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, industry experts, and members of the MBA alumni community. The Forum commemorated the 30th anniversary of GSB AlmaU, the first business school in Kazakhstan to launch an MBA programme and pioneer business education in the country.

From June 11 to 13, 2026, Almaty hosted the IAUP Central Asia Regional Conference, the first conference of the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) ever held in Central Asia. Held under the theme “Impact-driven Universities: Education, Leadership and Societal Change,” the conference brought together more than 100 university leaders, representatives of international organizations, government institutions, and members of the expert community from more than 26 countries across Central Asia, Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region.

QS World University Rankings: Asia 2026: 741–750 out of 1,534 universities

QS World University Rankings: Central Asia 2026: 44th place among Central Asian universities

National Ranking of Leading Humanitarian and Economic Universities in Kazakhstan NAOKO/IQAA 2026: 1st place

QS Executive MBA Rankings 2026: Joint Programmes/GSOM – The joint Executive MBA program (St. Petersburg State University) is ranked 31st in the world

QS Global (Full Time) MBA Rankings 2026: AlmaU ranks 301+ among the best MBA programs in the world and 2nd in Kazakhstan

QS Global (Full Time) MBA Rankings 2026: Asia – AlmaU is ranked 1st in the Asian regional ranking 52nd place and 2nd place in Kazakhstan

QS Stars University Rating System: 4 Stars (until 2028).

Times Higher Education World University Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026: 801-1000th place globally and 5th place in Kazakhstan