Applicants have complained about changing admission conditions at Qazaq AI Research University in Astana. According to them, college graduates were previously told they could compete for state grants under shortened educational programs, but on the first day of application submission the university announced it would not accept such documents, reports the Astanovka98 Telegram channel.
The
applicants claim they were preparing specifically to enter QAIRU, took the
relevant Unified National Testing exam, and expected to compete for a grant.
According to them, university staff recommended listing the university first
when submitting documents, and information about the possibility for college
graduates to enroll was published on the institution's social media.
After
the conditions changed, applicants requested official clarification and asked
for the situation to be reviewed.
Qazaq
AI Research University stated that as part of the 2026 admissions campaign, it
will not accept applications from college graduates for the state grant
competition under shortened educational programs.
"Since
the university is enrolling students for the first time, at the initial stage
it was decided to focus on launching full-term educational programs and testing
a new personnel training model based on close interaction with the IT industry,
student participation in real technology projects, and the creation of their
own startups," the university said.
Another
reason was the number of candidates who passed the internal selection.
"Based
on the results of internal entrance exams, the number of applicants who
successfully passed the competitive selection for shortened educational
programs was insufficient to form a full-fledged study group and properly
implement these programs," QAIRU explained.
The
university emphasized that the decision does not deprive college graduates of
the opportunity to compete for state grants.
"College
graduates can submit documents to compete for state educational grants under
shortened educational programs at other higher education institutions of the
Republic of Kazakhstan," the statement said.
College
graduates wishing to study at QAIRU will be able to enroll on a paid basis in
full-term programs in accordance with admission rules.
The
university also noted that, in accordance with Kazakhstani legislation,
universities independently determine the list of programs offered, admission
conditions, and enrollment volumes, while being responsible for the quality of
the educational process and compliance with state higher education standards.
Earlier,
Kursiv reported that a research university of artificial intelligence is
planned to launch in Kazakhstan in September 2026. At the first stage,
two to three programs in AI and cybersecurity will open, with training focused
on practical implementation of technology in agriculture, energy, and
transport. The first intake will be up to 500 people, with state grants planned
for bachelor's and master's students.
Source: https://kz.kursiv.media/2026-07-14/lngr-qairu-college-applicants/