ENU history

30 years of Leadership and Development: The Path of The L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University

On May 23, 1996, the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, signed a decree on the establishment of The L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. This decision became the starting point of a new stage in the development of domestic higher education and science.

Over the past three decades, the university has gone through a significant path of formation and growth. Its development went in parallel with the formation of the new capital of the country: along with the transformation of the city, the university itself was changing. It has grown from a regional educational institution into a nationally and internationally recognized university that has taken its rightful place in the educational space of Eurasia.

People have always been and still are a key factor in the success of the university. The teaching staff is the foundation of the quality of education and scientific research. It is thanks to the high professionalism, dedication and commitment to the development of teachers that the introduction of innovative technologies and the implementation of advanced educational programs become possible. Since the first years of its activity, the university has become a center of attraction for leading scientists and educators from all over Kazakhstan. Today, it consists of renowned researchers, academics, innovators, as well as employees whose contributions – from educational to administrative and technical activities – ensure the sustainable development of the university.

One of the main indicators of the university’s effectiveness remains the demand for its graduates. Over the years, thousands of specialists have been trained, successfully implementing themselves in various fields – from science and education to economics, culture and public administration. University graduates are in demand in the labor market and make a significant contribution to the development of the country, remaining the bearers of the values of their alma mater.

Today, the university confidently sums up the results of its 30-year journey, which was difficult but productive. The L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University is rightfully a modern educational, scientific, and socio-cultural center that unites talented youth and forms new approaches to learning and research. Entering the stage of maturity, the university has a solid foundation and a clear strategic vision for further development.

Sincerely

Chairman of the Management Board – Rector

Academician Yerlan Sydykov

In 1996-2000, the first rector of The L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University was Amangeldy Kusainovich Kusainov, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor, Academician. He played a key role in the formation of the university: he shaped its structure, opened new specialties, attracted qualified personnel and laid the scientific and educational base.

Under his leadership, training was conducted in 39 specialties, 49 departments and 11 laboratories operated, postgraduate and doctoral studies were developing. Scientific centers were established, and the publication of their own scientific journals began. Special attention was paid to the preservation of cultural heritage, the study of Turkic writing, and the development of university culture and sports.

In 2000-2004 the university was headed by Myrzatai Zholdasbekov, a well-known statesman and turkologist. This period was characterized by the active integration of science and education, the development of international relations and the reform of the university structure: specialized institutes were created instead of faculties. The University has passed state accreditation, expanded its scientific infrastructure and strengthened its position as a major educational and cultural center.

Significant events included the opening of a new educational and administrative building, museums, international conferences and forums, as well as the establishment of a Diplomatic Academy. Much attention was paid to attracting talented youth and developing a creative environment.

Since 2004, Sarsengali Abdymanapov, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor, has become Rector. Under his leadership, the university switched to an innovative development model: information technologies, the credit system of education were actively introduced, and scientific activities were expanded. The Kazakhstan branch of M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University was opened, and PhD training began.

In 2005, the University signed the Bologna Charter, which was an important step towards integration into the European educational space. International quality standards were introduced, educational programs and international cooperation were expanded.

In 2008-2011, Rector was Bakhytzhan Abdraimov. During this period, the university became one of the TOP 500 universities in the world according to the QS rating, expanded international relations and introduced dual degree programs. Scientific projects and academic mobility of students were actively developing.

Since 2011, the university has been headed by Yerlan Sydykov. Under his leadership, innovation and scientific activities have intensified, modern educational technologies have been introduced, and international programs have been expanded. The University has strengthened its position in the world rankings and has become a platform for major international forums.

Special attention is paid to the development of human resources, digitalization, scientific research and student support. Projects are implemented to internationalize education, create an innovative infrastructure and create a modern university space.

Thus, The L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University has followed a path of dynamic development, becoming one of the leading universities in Kazakhstan and a prominent participant in the international educational and scientific community.

The L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University is proud to bear the name of Lev Nikolaevich Gumilyov, an outstanding scientist, thinker and researcher whose scientific legacy has had a significant impact on understanding the history and culture of the peoples of Eurasia. Despite the widespread popularity of his name, many, especially foreign guests, have a question: why did he become the symbol of one of the leading universities in Kazakhstan?

First of all, Gumilyov’s works are of particular value for understanding the historical path of the Kazakh people as the heir to the civilization of the Great Steppe. The scientist convincingly substantiated the significant role of the nomadic peoples of Eurasia in the world historical process, refuting the established stereotypes about their secondary importance.

Gumilyov’s important contribution was also the development of the idea of Eurasianism. In his works, this concept received a deep historical justification and a new sound, presenting Eurasia as a unique space of interaction between cultures and peoples.

The personality of the scientist himself is no less significant. His biography is an example of perseverance, integrity and dedication to science. Gumilyov’s life path, which is closely connected with Kazakhstan, has become a symbol of service to the ideals of knowledge and truth.

Gumilyov’s scientific interests were formed in his student years, when he began to study the history of the Turkic Khaganate. Over time, his research went far beyond Turkology and covered issues of world history. The scientist showed that the Turkic and Mongolian peoples were not on the periphery of the historical process, but played an active and significant role in the development of world civilization.

A landmark stage in his scientific activity was the publication of the Xiongnu, where the nomadic societies of Central Asia were presented as highly organized and culturally distinctive. Gumilyov defended the Turkic theory of the origin of the Xiongnu, emphasizing the continuity of cultural and ethnic traditions of the peoples of the Great Steppe.

The scientist also made a significant contribution to the development of the theory of ethnogenesis. His original approach to understanding the origin and development of ethnic groups has become a new word in science and influenced an entire generation of researchers. He also acted as a consistent supporter of Eurasianism, an idea that considers Eurasia not just as a geographical space, but as an integral historical and cultural world united by common traditions and interconnections.

As an innovative researcher, Gumilyov sought to overcome the artificial boundaries between scientific disciplines, combining Oriental studies, Turkology, Slavic studies and the history of the Middle Ages. He critically rethought the ideas common in Soviet historiography, including the idea of an irreconcilable confrontation between the Slavic and Turkic-Mongolian peoples.

On May 23, 1996, by decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, Akmola University was transformed into The L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. This decision was not only a recognition of the outstanding scientist’s achievements, but also a symbolic step reflecting Kazakhstan’s desire to strengthen the ideas of Eurasian cooperation, mutual respect and dialogue of cultures.

Today, the university actively continues to promote Gumilyov’s scientific legacy. His works are translated into Kazakh, and students study his ideas as part of educational programs. The university has a museum-office of the scientist, where the atmosphere of his workplace is recreated and personal archives are presented.

In addition, the Gumilyov Scientific Prize was established, awarded for contributions to the development of Eurasian studies. All this confirms that the name of the scientist is not only a part of the history of the university, but also continues to inspire new generations to search for science and comprehend the complex processes of human development.

The L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University was created as a unique educational and scientific platform designed to bring the concept of Eurasianism to life. This mission is realized through the educational process, scientific research, the development of international cooperation and active participation in global educational and scientific associations.

After the signing of the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, on the establishment of the university, the strategic directions of its activities were fixed by a Government Decree dated September 11, 1996. Among the key tasks is the development of the integration potential of the Eurasian educational and cultural space, the training of highly qualified specialists, as well as the study of history, culture and modern challenges of the development of the peoples of Eurasia.

The university pays special attention to the educational component of the Eurasian idea. For many years, students of all specialties have studied the course “Eurasianism: History and Modernity”, which was subsequently supplemented by the course “Rukhani Zhangyru”, focused on the preservation and development of national and ethnocultural values. Issues of global and national history, as well as the cultural heritage of nomadic peoples in the context of world historical development, occupy an important place in the educational process.

The scientific activity of the university is also closely related to the development of Eurasian issues. The faculty actively participates in research, publishes scientific papers, develops educational materials and promotes the popularization of the Eurasian idea in the academic environment.

A significant step was the creation in 2013 of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan Department whose activities are aimed at the development of multicultural education, strengthening interethnic harmony and the formation of a culture of dialogue among students. An important place is occupied by the support of interfaith interaction and the preservation of ethno-cultural identity.

An integral part of the formation of students’ worldview is the appeal to the scientific heritage of L.N. Gumilyov. The university has a museum-office of the scientist, opened in 2002 to mark the 90th anniversary of his birth, which serves as a center for popularizing the ideas of Eurasianism and fostering patriotism.

The university’s scientific and organizational infrastructure includes specialized centers, in particular, the Eurasia Center for Humanitarian Studies, established in 1997 under the leadership of Academician S.A. Kaskabasov. Scientific conferences, forums and seminars regularly held at the university serve as platforms for discussing topical issues of Eurasianism.

Of particular importance is the International Eurasian Scientific Forum, which has become a traditional platform for dialogue between scientists and experts from different countries. Since the first forum in 2002, it has become an authoritative international platform where key issues of integration, history and modern development of the Eurasian space are discussed.

An important area of the university’s activity is international cooperation. ENU is a member of a number of reputable organizations, including the Eurasian Association of Universities and the International Association of Universities. Active cooperation within these associations contributes to the harmonization of educational programs, the development of academic mobility and the recognition of diplomas at the international level.

The University’s strategic partner is M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University whose branch was opened on ENU’s basis in 2001. This cooperation is a vivid example of the successful integration of the educational systems of Kazakhstan and Russia.

Kazakhstan’s accession to the Bologna process has become an important stage of integration. ENU was one of the first Kazakhstani universities to adapt educational programs in accordance with international standards, strengthening its position in the global educational space.

The university’s international activities are actively developing: the network of partnership agreements is expanding, the number of academic exchanges is growing, and the proportion of international students is increasing. The opening of the university’s representative office in Brussels on the basis of the Modern Education and Research Institute was an important step in strengthening the international presence.

The history of The L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University is inextricably linked with the process of formation of the capital of independent Kazakhstan and the reform of the national higher education system.

In the early 1990s, the country adopted the Concept of University Education, which laid the foundations for modern multi-level training in the bachelor’s – master’s –doctoral system. These transformations required new approaches to training specialists and modernizing the structure of higher education institutions.

At this stage, the key role was played by the transformation of the S. Seifullin Tselinograd Pedagogical Institute, which in 1992 was transformed into the Akmola State Pedagogical Institute. Already in 1994, in accordance with the Government decision, it received the status of a university, becoming S. Seifullin Akmola University.

Obtaining university status has set new goals for the university – to become a major educational, scientific and cultural center of the region. In response to the challenges of the time, sought-after specialties in economics, management, journalism, and language training were opened. At the same time, the organizational structure was actively developing: the network of departments was expanding, scientific laboratories were being created, and a system for training scientific personnel through graduate school was being formed.

Since the mid-1990s, the reform of higher education in Kazakhstan has become systemic. In the context of the formation of the new capital, it was the metropolitan university that was supposed to become the driver of changes and the carrier of a new educational model.

The decisive stage was the signing on May 23, 1996 of a Decree by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, on the establishment of The L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian University. A new type of university was formed on the basis of existing educational institutions, which opened a new page in the history of the country’s higher education.

In the following years, the university demonstrated dynamic development. New academic buildings were built, the material and technical base was expanded, new faculties and education programs were launched. Work was actively carried out to attract leading scientists and teachers, which significantly improved the quality of education and scientific research.

An important step was the introduction of innovative educational technologies, including elements of the credit system of education and the opening of a master’s degree in 1997. The University was one of the first in the country to begin integration into the international educational space.

By 2000, the university reached a new level of development and was transformed into a state university, and in 2001 it received the status of a national university. These changes were accompanied by structural modernization: specialized institutes were created, focused on training specialists in key areas – international relations, economics, law, humanities and natural sciences.

International recognition has become an important indicator of the university’s successful development. In the early 2000s, he joined a number of reputable international educational organizations, including the International Association of Universities, which confirmed his high academic status.

Since the mid-2000s, digitalization of the educational process and the development of innovative infrastructure have become a priority. The signing of the Magna Charta Universitatum in Bologna by the University was an important step towards integration into the European educational space and adaptation to international standards.

Reforms stipulated in the Law “On Education” of 2007 contributed to the further modernization of the university’s structure. Modern faculties were formed, education programs were expanded, and scientific potential was increased: the number of doctors and candidates of sciences increased significantly.

At the same time, infrastructural tasks were being solved: dormitories were being built, a social and sports base was being developed, and conditions for comfortable study and work were being created. The University was consistently forming its modern educational environment that meets international requirements.

Thus, the path from a regional pedagogical institute to a leading national university has become a reflection of the large-scale transformations in the higher education system of Kazakhstan. Today, The L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University is not only an educational center, but also an important element of the intellectual and cultural development of the capital, continuing to play a key role in training highly qualified specialists and developing the country’s scientific potential.

The formation of The L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University took place in the context of the rapid growth of the young capital, which required the training of a new generation of specialists. The University had to not only expand its education programs, but also build a modern scientific and educational infrastructure.

Since the first years of its activity, the university’s structure has been actively updated. In 1996, the Faculty of Economics was established, combining the resources of several areas and becoming a training center for sought-after specialists in economics, management and public service. At the same time, new departments were opened, including information technology, mathematics and engineering disciplines.

Already in 1997-1999, the university significantly expanded the range of specialties. Areas in the fields of tourism, customs, computer science, international journalism, design and international relations were launched. Special attention was paid to those specialties that met the needs of the developing capital – transport infrastructure, public administration, and international relations.

By 2000, the university had significantly increased the number of students and the number of education programs. The training has already been conducted in dozens of areas, including ecology, sociology, archaeology, law and foreign philology. At the same time, the departments’ structure was optimized and the scientific base was strengthened.

The beginning of the 2000s was a stage of institutional and academic strengthening of the university. State certification and accreditation were successfully completed, and master’s and postgraduate programs were expanded. The number of students at postgraduate levels has increased significantly, which indicated the formation of its own scientific school.

Since 2005, the university has been actively implementing international educational standards, developing master’s and PhD programs, and implementing joint projects with foreign universities, including in the field of ecology and sustainable development.

An important indicator of the quality of education was the increase in the number of talented applicants – holders of the Altyn Belgi badge, winners of olympiads and scientific competitions who choose to study at ENU.

Thus, in the early years of its development, The L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University was able to quickly adapt to the challenges of the time, expanding the list of specialties and significantly strengthening its human and scientific potential. The University has become one of the key training centers for in-demand specialists for the new capital and the country as a whole, which is confirmed by the successful professional realization of its graduates.

The Museum of Writing of The L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University is dedicated to the study of ancient Turkic writing as the most important spiritual heritage of Eurasia. Its expositions, including stone inscriptions and cultural artifacts, serve as a scientific and educational base and contribute to the expansion of the historical worldview. The museum was opened on September 18, 2003, and its head is Tamara Kozhamkul.

The main activity of the museum is aimed at the preservation, research and popularization of cultural and historical heritage, as well as the use of exhibits for scientific and educational purposes. The collections are regularly replenished thanks to expeditions and cooperation with scientific institutions.

The exhibitions reflect the contributions of outstanding researchers of Turkology, such as Vasily Radlov, Vilhelm Thomsen and Sergey Malov, as well as Kazakhstani scientists who studied ancient Turkic monuments.

Scientific, cultural and social life is actively developed at the university. Students participate in search expeditions, volunteer and social projects, creative contests and sports competitions. A significant role is played by the Memorial Zone search team, dedicated to perpetuating the memory of soldiers.

Special attention is paid to educational work and the development of student self-government. The Youth Policy Center coordinates public, cultural, and educational activities, including projects, forums, and contests.

The university has numerous creative teams, sports sections and hobby clubs, which contributes to the comprehensive development of students. Traditional events such as student initiation, festivals, competitions and the Vienna Ball form an active student environment.

ENU is also an important scientific and cultural center involved in international projects, educational programs, and public initiatives. The University creates conditions for the professional and personal growth of students, combining academic education with spiritual and cultural development.

The L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University is a modern scientific and educational center focused on innovation and integration of science with practice. The location in the capital offers students ample opportunities for professional growth, especially in such fields as business, law, political science, natural sciences and IT. Participation in internships and real-world projects allows students to gain in-demand practical experience.

The main mission of the university is to train highly qualified specialists and develop the country’s scientific potential. ENU consistently holds leading positions in national rankings due to the high quality of education, well-developed infrastructure and student support. The University also acts as a major scientific and cultural center focused on the study and forecasting of socio-economic processes.

Since its foundation, the university has been actively developing scientific research and innovative structures. International conferences and forums are regularly held here, and prestigious scientific prizes have been established, including the Kultegin and Lev Gumilyov Prize.

Scientific activity covers a wide range of areas – from fundamental research to applied developments in the fields of technology, ecology, humanities and social sciences. The university has dozens of research units: institutes, centers and laboratories.

ENU has achieved special success in the field of innovation: the number of patents and security documents has increased significantly, cooperation with business and scientific organizations is actively developing, and technology commercialization projects are being implemented. In recent years, more than 300 scientific projects worth about 9 billion KZT have been completed, a significant part of which is aimed at the practical implementation of developments.

The University demonstrates a steady increase in publication activity: the number of articles in journals indexed in the international databases Web of Science and Scopus is increasing. More than half of the publications belong to highly rated Q1-Q2 journals, and the research of ENU scientists is internationally recognized.

An important area is the development of youth science. The Council of Young Scientists and the student scientific society actively involve students in research activities. The University annually holds conferences, seminars and forums, including a key event for young researchers, the “Science and Education” Conference.

In 2024-2025 academic year, The L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University strengthened its position as the leading research center in Kazakhstan, demonstrating steady growth and significant results.

Key achievements:

• growth in the QS ranking (317 position);
• expanding our presence in the QS and Times Higher Education subject rankings;
• launch of a scientific journal on the Elsevier platform;
• development of international education programs, including student education in China;
• leadership of university scientists in national rankings;
• full provision of dormitories for students.

The university has implemented 316 scientific projects worth 9 billion KZT, including international research and projects with commercial potential. About 70% of teachers are involved in science, and postdoctoral studies and support for young scientists are actively developing.

Publication activity is steadily growing: more than half of the articles are published in Q1-Q2 journals, and citations are increasing. The University is developing its scientific infrastructure (31 scientific departments) and modernizing its material base.

The commercialization of science has seen a threefold increase in revenue in recent years. Startups, small industries, and business partnerships are developing. An investment forum was held, following which contracts worth 20 billion KZT were signed.

Educational activities are conducted in 246 programs, including innovative and double-degree programs. The number of programs in English is growing and the selection of applicants is increasing.

Students show high results in olympiads and competitions. More than 1,200 undergraduates and 300 doctoral students have completed internships abroad. The employment rate of graduates has reached 88%.

Continuing education, professional certification, and interaction with employers are developing. Most of the education programs are accredited and occupy leading positions in national rankings.

The University cooperates with hundreds of foreign partners, implements joint programs and academic mobility. The number of international students exceeds 2,300.

ENU has entered the world’s TOP 100 in terms of reputation among employers (QS) and the TOP 100 universities in Asia. The participation of foreign professors and international research projects is expanding.

Comfortable learning conditions are being created: the infrastructure has been modernized, student clubs, volunteerism, creativity and sports are developing. Special attention is paid to inclusion and social support.

The ENU Scientific Library is a modern space combining educational and research resources. Its collection includes more than 1.5 million publications, including rare books and unique collections of Kazakhstani scientists.

Users have access to leading international databases such as Web of Science, Scopus and JSTOR. Our own digital resources are actively developing, and all processes are automated using modern library systems.

The library not only provides access to information, but also supports scientific activities: conducts training events, helps in the preparation of publications, organizes exhibitions and webinars. Special attention is paid to inclusivity and the development of creative spaces such as Maker Space.

In the context of global competition in the field of education, ENU has actively been integrating into the international academic space. The University is modernizing educational programs, introducing advanced technologies and focusing on European education standards.

Since 2011, a modular training system based on the principles of the Bologna Process and ECTS credit technology has been introduced. Students can form individual educational trajectories, and study programs meet the requirements of the modern labor market.

ENU develops academic mobility, implements joint and double-degree programs, participates in international projects, including Erasmus+. The University actively attracts international students and teachers, expanding cultural and scientific exchange.

The 2020 pandemic has become an impulse for digital transformation: distance learning technologies, online platforms and digital services have been introduced, which has increased the accessibility and flexibility of learning.

ENU plays an important role in the development of international cooperation, acting as a platform for dialogue between scientists, politicians and public figures. The University regularly hosts high-ranking guests, including Nobel Prize laureates.

The ENU honorary professors are distinguished scientists and thinkers whose lectures cover a wide range of topics, from economics and game theory to genetics and cosmology. This creates a unique intellectual environment and contributes to the formation of global thinking among students.

The L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University consistently implements digital solutions to improve the quality of education, science and management. The work is carried out within the framework of the digital transformation program for 2025-2029.

In recent years, services have been introduced that have significantly simplified the processes:

• for students – online admission, check-in, references, practice and certificates;
• for employees – electronic documents, reports, booking and application services.

A unified digital ecosystem is being formed and intelligent systems are being implemented to automate and personalize learning.

Online education is developing: courses are hosted on the Coursera platform, and students have received about 5,000 certificates. More than 24,000 people have completed a course course on artificial intelligence as part of the AI-Sana program.

There are 200 online courses available on the university’s platform.

The IT infrastructure is being modernized: computer classes are being opened, equipment is being updated, multimedia equipment is being introduced. Special attention is paid to information security.

In recent years, the university has demonstrated steady growth and strengthened its position in the international arena. The indicators in the world rankings are improving, participation in international projects is expanding, and the number of international students is increasing.

The digital transformation program is being actively implemented, new services and educational technologies are being introduced. Startups, innovative productions and projects in the field of artificial intelligence are developing.

In the future:

• the implementation of the ENU-Grad project and the construction of a technopark;
• increased investment in science and renovation of laboratories;
• development of commercialization and small-scale production;
• improving the quality and international accreditation of education programs;
• expansion of double-degree programs and the share of international students;
• development of the digital ecosystem and AI solutions;
• strengthening international cooperation;
• creating a modern student infrastructure;
• preparation for the university’s 30th anniversary.

Over the years of its development, The L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University has emerged as a powerful scientific and educational center combining tradition and innovation. Today, ENU is a space for knowledge generation, leadership training, and the development of competitive human capital.

The University is steadily moving towards its strategic goal of becoming a world-class research university capable of shaping the future of science, education and society.