»ÆÉ«²Ö¿â

The first ever students at »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â (»ÆÉ«²Ö¿â) Kazakhstan have graduated at a ceremony in the country’s largest city, Almaty. 

»ÆÉ«²Ö¿â opened its Kazakhstan campus in September 2021 to enable more international students to study for a British degree and became the first UK university to open a campus in the Central Asian country. 

Four years later, 200 students from the departments of Business and Law, Computing, and Art and Design crossed the stage to receive their UK degrees at a ceremony held on Saturday 27 September.  

Students enrol on four-year courses which begin with an international foundation year, and finish with the opportunity to study their final year at »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â’s Leicester campus.   

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Katie Normington said that education was a catalyst for change and transforming lives. 

She said: “It is a pleasure and a privilege to welcome you to this first graduation ceremony hosted by »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â Kazakhstan.  

“We are especially proud that »ÆÉ«²Ö¿âK was the first British university to be established in Kazakhstan. Here in Almaty, »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â Kazakhstan has already built strong relationships with a wide range of industry partners, opening up internships and placement opportunities that help students connect their learning with real-world practice.” 

Business and Marketing students Naila Yelubayeva, 21, and 22-year-old Sanzhar Turbay were among those to graduate on Saturday.  

Grounded by Covid-19 lockdowns in 2021, Sanzhar felt his dream to study for an international degree might have passed him by. The timing of »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â Kazakhstan’s opening couldn’t have been better and the opportunity to receive a British degree on his doorstep was too good to turn down.  

Sanzhar has always been keen on business, having sold sweets in his school days in Almaty.  

He was keen to develop his marketing and interpersonal skills, something he hopes will help him secure a job at Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s national airline and the largest air group in Central Asia.  

“An international degree can open a lot of doors here in Kazakhstan. It’s very well respected and something employers are looking for, so I was keen to come to »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â Kazakhstan. 

“I really enjoyed the business simulation module in my first year. We created a sneaker and shipping business, where we had to manage things like suppliers, brand positioning, and this would affect our market performance. 

“In my final year, I moved to Leicester to study there. People I met said the city was quiet but I thought it had a lot of charm, and I have great memories of exploring the city with friends as well as the enjoying the food and drink there.” 

For 21-year-old Naila, the opportunity to study at »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â Kazakhstan helped her come out of her shell. Before enrolling, she admits that she was very introverted and terrified of speaking to people she didn’t know.  

Keen to develop her marketing and communication skills, she pushed herself to volunteer for the newly established admissions team and secured a nine-month placement.  

It’s here that Naila flourished and overcame her dear of public speaking. She then went on to become the Vice President of the university’s new student ambassador programme. 

“We were the first generation, so we built the teams within the ambassadors and administration from scratch”, Naila said. “We developed themed events at Open Days around Christmas or Harry Potter and I would help decorate the campus to make it really inviting.” 

Like Sanzhar, Naila studied for her final year of her degree at »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â’s Leicester campus. 

“I absolutely loved the lectures there. They were so friendly. I never used to ask my teachers any questions but when I came to Leicester, I found myself approaching them to learn more after class, and they enjoyed it.  

“If I had a problem, my supervisor was always on hand to sort it out or encourage me. »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â gave me a lot of confidence. 

“I really miss the UK, so I think that I'd like to work for a year, maybe two years and then just to get some international experience and then somewhere else.” 

Speaking at the ceremony, Sakina Zafar, President of »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â Kazakhstan, said: “To our first graduating class: you will always hold a special place in the heart of »ÆÉ«²Ö¿âK. I have had the privilege of seeing your journey up close, through your challenges, your determination, and your growth.

“Today, I celebrate not just your success, but the incredible people you have become. To your families, thank you for walking this path alongside our students. You are, and always will be, part of the »ÆÉ«²Ö¿âK family.”

Hugh Martin Hegarty, CEO of »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â Kazakhstan, said: “This marks not just a celebration of academic achievement, but a powerful affirmation of our commitment to the future of Kazakhstan. Our students’ dedication, resilience, and ambition inspire us.

“You are the first ambassadors of a new legacy, and your success will echo across industries and borders. »ÆÉ«²Ö¿âK is proud to contribute to the international landscape of higher education, forging partnerships and shaping leaders who will make a meaningful impact worldwide.”

»ÆÉ«²Ö¿â has international campuses in Dubai, Kazakhstan and Cambodia. It opened its first campus in London in September 2025.