Kazakh Universities Achieve Record-Breaking Performance in QS Rankings

The QS World University Rankings, one of the most prestigious rankings of the best universities in the world, was first published in 2004. Kazakh universities have been participating in this ranking since 2011.

• The number of Kazakh universities in the QS World University Rankings has more than doubled over the past four years, increasing by one and a half times in the past three years alone—from 14 to 21 universities.
• The new QS Asia University Rankings 2025 includes 35 Kazakh universities, setting an absolute record for higher education in the country’s history.
• A total of 22 Kazakh universities improved their positions, three universities retained their rankings, and the Kazakh National Women’s Pedagogical University returned to the rankings after a one-year break.
• Three of the country’s leading universities are ranked among the top 100.
• Kazakhstan has significantly improved its reputation indicators: 77% of Kazakh universities in the ranking enhanced their scores in Academic Reputation, while 89% achieved better results in Employer Reputation.
• In subject rankings, the number of Kazakh universities has quadrupled in four years, growing from two to eight universities.
• In the QS Sustainability Rankings, which highlight universities achieving sustainable development goals, 12 Kazakh universities made their debut.
• The number of Kazakh universities participating in the QS Stars program has increased to 22 over the past three years.
• In the QS Global MBA Rankings, the presence of Kazakh universities has risen from one to three for the first time since 2016.
• Two Kazakh cities, Astana and Almaty, made their debut in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings.
• Kazakhstan is the only Central Asian country represented in both the QS Global MBA Rankings and the QS Best Student Cities Rankings.

This year’s edition showcases the impressive progress of Kazakh higher education institutions, with nearly two-thirds of them improving their results compared to last year.

The reputation of Kazakh universities continues to grow in the international academic and employer communities, reflecting their commitment to excellence and sustainable development.