Shakarim University Enters the Top 500 Universities in Asia According to QS World University Rankings: Asia 2026!
November 4, 2025, Seoul (Republic of Korea)
Shakarim University has reaffirmed its position as one of Kazakhstan’s fastest-growing higher education institutions by entering the Top 500 universities in Asia in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2026 for the first time.
According to the results announced on November 4, the university ranked 493rd, climbing 26 positions compared to the previous year (519th in QS Asia 2025).
Academic and Institutional Breakthrough
The QS Asia 2026 ranking includes a record 1,526 universities, 44 of which are from Kazakhstan.
This year, 550 universities joined the ranking for the first time, including 10 from Kazakhstan.
Amidst this intense competition, Shakarim University not only maintained but strengthened its international standing, demonstrating excellence in academic quality, research performance, and global recognition.
In 2025, 984 universities participated in the ranking (35 from Kazakhstan). The steady progress of Shakarim University exemplifies how a regional institution can evolve toward global standards of education and research quality.
From Regional Leader to International Player
Ranking 493rd marks a major leap for Shakarim University into Asia’s global academic ecosystem.
The university shows consistent growth across key QS indicators:
Academic Reputation
International Research Network
Employer Reputation
Faculty/Student Ratio
These metrics reflect growing trust from academia, employers, and international partners.
Global Context and Kazakhstan’s Strategic Vision
The QS World University Rankings: Asia is one of the most prestigious benchmarks assessing higher education excellence across the region.
The inclusion of Shakarim University among Asia’s Top 500 universities aligns with the strategic course of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to build an intellectual nation and strengthen the global competitiveness of Kazakhstan’s higher education system.
The Formula for Success
Shakarim University’s progress is driven by:
internationalization and global partnerships (with Xi’an Jiaotong University, University of Tsukuba, ITMO, Nazarbayev University, and others);
development of world-class research centers and laboratories (including the Kazakhstan–China Laboratory on Electrification and Automation, the Shakarim Studies Center, and AI-Endowment);
participation in global educational and research initiatives, including projects under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Rector Duman Orynbekov commented:
“This achievement is the result of the tremendous effort of our team and a clear proof that a regional university can meet international standards.
We are not just keeping pace with the times — we are shaping our own academic trajectory, built on quality, innovation, and intellect.”
Facts:
QS Asia 2025: 519th (984 universities, 35 from Kazakhstan);
QS Asia 2026: 493rd (1,526 universities, 44 from Kazakhstan);
Growth: +26 positions, despite an expansion of 542 institutions in the ranking.
Shakarim University — where knowledge turns into progress,
and the region becomes a center of global science, technology, and trust.