FOUNDATION

The Foundation Department, which has been a structural subdivision of the University since 2017, admits citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan, foreign nationals, as well as persons of Kazakh ethnicity who are not citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Department provides educational programs aimed at improving knowledge in general education subjects and developing language competencies in preparation for admission to higher and/or postgraduate education institutions of the country.

Over the years, the Department has become an educational platform for learners from various parts of the world. Citizens of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Russia, Türkiye, Mongolia, China, France, Egypt, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and many other countries have completed additional educational programs offered by the Department.

Mission – To function as the University’s preparatory department, ensuring the admission and education of learners, as well as their successful academic adaptation for further enrollment in higher and/or postgraduate education institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Objectives:

1) To form the student body through the organization of a transparent admission process and competitive selection.

2) To organize the educational process aimed at improving the academic level of citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan and developing the language competencies (Kazakh and Russian languages) of foreign nationals, including ethnic Kazakhs, in subjects required for successful admission to higher education institutions.

3) To create favorable conditions for the socio-cultural adaptation of foreign nationals to the educational and social environment of Kazakhstan.

The academic and methodological activities of the Department are aimed at ensuring a high-quality educational process, effective preparation of learners for admission to higher and/or postgraduate education institutions, as well as their successful academic and linguistic adaptation.

1. Educational Programs and Differentiated Instruction

The educational process is organized according to the categories of learners and the specific fields of study they choose.

• For citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan: The curriculum focuses on the in-depth study of secondary school subjects required for successful completion of the Unified National Testing (UNT), including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English.
• For persons of Kazakh ethnicity who are not citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan (ethnic Kazakhs): A comprehensive program is offered that includes Kazakh Language and Literature, World History, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, English, and specialized subjects for creative educational programs within relevant groups of higher education programs.
• For foreign citizens: A specialized level-based Kazakh and Russian language program is implemented to develop communicative competencies intensively. The training is based on the integrated development of all language skills (speaking, reading, listening, and writing) and includes fundamental linguistic training in phonetics and morphology.

2. Development of Writing and Communication Skills

As part of the methodological work, special attention is paid to a course of practical Kazakh language for foreigners, including ethnic Kazakhs. The course is designed to provide intensive training in orthography and grammar rules, enabling learners to develop sustainable written communication skills for everyday, socio-cultural, academic, and professional contexts.

A significant event of the 2025–2026 academic year was the presentation of the teaching and methodological guide «Oqu Sauattylygy» («Reading Literacy»), prepared by university lecturers A.M. Adilbek and A.K. Magzumbekova. The guide is aimed at developing functional literacy, academic skills, and successful adaptation of learners to higher education studies.

3. Human Resources and Teaching Staff

The high quality of the academic and methodological process is ensured through the involvement of highly qualified academic staff. The educational process engages leading university lecturers as well as practicing expert teachers from specialized educational institutions in Astana, including Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS), «BINOM» Schools, and «Zerde» Schools.

All instructors possess extensive proven experience in preparing graduates for specialized entrance examinations and the Unified National Testing. Continuous efforts are made to maintain internal quality assurance, organize peer observation of classes, and facilitate the exchange of teaching experience among instructors.

One of the Department’s priority areas is the adaptation of international learners and ethnic Kazakhs to the educational and living environment of Kazakhstan.

Every year, from October to November, a comprehensive adaptation program is implemented, including meetings with representatives of the University’s structural divisions, the Department of International Cooperation, the Scientific Library, the Sports club, and the Department of Student and Staff Housing.

Learners receive detailed information on academic regulations, academic integrity, migration legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, visa support services, medical insurance, accommodation procedures in student residences, and opportunities for participation in university life.

Special attention is given to the social and psychological support of learners. In cooperation with specialists from the Psychological Support Center, consultations are provided on adaptation issues, intercultural communication, and behavior in a new educational environment.

Throughout the academic year, learners actively participate in cultural, educational, and sports activities. The Department organizes museum excursions, theater visits, thematic meetings, roundtable discussions, and events dedicated to Republic Day, Independence Day, Nauryz, the Day of Unity of the People of Kazakhstan, and other significant national occasions.

An important aspect of the Department’s work is preventive education aimed at improving legal literacy, internet safety awareness, and the prevention of extremism, addictions, and other destructive social phenomena.

These activities contribute to the successful integration of learners into the University’s educational environment, enhance their social engagement, and foster respect for the culture and traditions of Kazakhstan.

The Department maintains active cooperation with governmental and public organizations that support ethnic Kazakhs living abroad. The Department’s key partners include the Otandastar Foundation and the World Association of Kazakhs.

In cooperation with the Otandastar Foundation, information and outreach activities have been conducted among young people living abroad to encourage ethnic Kazakhs to pursue higher education in Kazakhstan. These activities included motivational meetings, cultural and educational events, and adaptation projects for learners.

During the month of Ramadan, with the support of the World Association of Kazakhs, the Otandastar Foundation, and partner organizations, spiritual, educational, and charitable events were organized for learners. As part of the celebrations of Nauryz and the month of Oraza, students received social support and participated in meetings aimed at strengthening moral values, preserving national traditions, and fostering a sense of unity among young people arriving from different countries.

Representatives of the World Association of Kazakhs and the Otandastar Foundation regularly participate in the Department’s events, providing support in matters related to adaptation, preservation of national identity, and strengthening ties between overseas Kazakhs and their historical homeland.