On July 4, Karaganda Industrial University hosted the graduation ceremony for graduates in 2025. This day has become not only a personal holiday for hundreds of young professionals, but also a milestone in the history of the university itself. The rector of KirIU Bakhyt Zhautikov spoke about the achievements of the university, international partnerships, the launch of unique educational programs and the main meanings of the graduation day.
- Bakhyt Akhatovich, today is a special day. How do you feel looking at the graduates of 2025?
- It's excitement and pride at the same time. For us, each issue is not just numbers, but fates, personalities, and stories. We remember how the guys came to us — full of hope, sometimes uncertain. And today we have mature, strong, ambitious young specialists in front of us. It inspires and gives confidence in the future of the country.
- In your congratulatory speech, you said that this year was also special for the university. What significant achievements can you mention?
- Of course, there are several such achievements. First of all, the opening of the Karaganda branch of the National Engineering Academy of Kazakhstan on the basis of our university.
This is a recognition of the high level of our educational and scientific work. In addition, the launch of the first student Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan in the Karaganda region and the student environmental club shows that we are forming not only professionals, but also socially responsible citizens. For the first time, Karaganda Industrial University was included in the QS Asia rating map. The QS rating is one of the most authoritative international indicators of the quality of education. For us, it is a confirmation of the correct course, for students it is an additional weight of the diploma, and for applicants it is a sign that we are moving forward. We are among the 750 best universities in Asia, and also took 6th place in the national ranking of technical universities of the Republic of Kazakhstan! - The university has reached an international level. What prospects does this open up?
- This is a strategic direction for us. This year, КarIU reached an agreement with Tyumen Industrial University on a dual degree program: students will be able to study for 2 years in Temirtau and 2 years in Tyumen, eventually receiving two diplomas – Kazakh and Russian. A memorandum of cooperation was signed between КarIU and Incheon National University (South Korea), and a decision was made to establish a scientific and educational center for sustainable technologies on the basis of our university with the participation of foreign partners. In addition, partnership agreements were signed with three leading universities in Baku at once, and the first result was that an applicant from Azerbaijan applied to us. This is just the beginning. We want КarIU to be recognized not only in Kazakhstan, but also abroad, as a university that trains world-class engineers and specialists.
- This academic year, Karaganda Industrial University became the first university in Kazakhstan to open a bachelor's degree program in Automotive Engineering, which proved to be in demand among applicants. What new educational programs are planned to be launched in the next academic year, and in which industries do you see the greatest demand?
- Starting from the 2025-2026 academic year, new educational programs are being launched at КarIU, focused on the needs of modern industry, ecology and digitalization. Among them is the Welding Technology Engineering program, which trains a new generation of engineers who are proficient in modern welding methods, including laser, ultrasonic and automated. Students will study not only physics and materials, but also digital technologies, modeling, artificial intelligence and quality management. Another program, Food Technology, is aimed at training specialists for the food industry. It focuses on standardization, safety, environmental friendliness and sustainable development. Special attention is paid to practical disciplines related to the production of functional products and the design of enterprises. The program "Eco-analytics and recycling technologies", combining ecology, engineering and IT, will be launched in the mining and metallurgical sector. Students will study methods of environmental monitoring, big data analysis, work with GIS technologies, as well as waste management and modern sensors for environmental monitoring. In addition, the development of the Project Management in the Mining and Metallurgical Industry program continues, which trains specialists capable of managing industrial projects using PMBOK standards, digital tools and risk management methods. The Oil Refining Technology program is also being launched, which trains engineers with competencies in oil and gas refining, digital modeling, product quality analysis, environmental safety and sustainable development. All programs are characterized by a practice-oriented, interdisciplinary approach and a focus on digital skills, which guarantees university graduates competitiveness in both the Kazakh and international labor markets.
- What would you like to say to today's graduates?
- I want them to believe in themselves and not be afraid of difficulties. They're getting their diploma today, but it's not the end — it's the start. The start of a professional journey, where it is important to maintain respect for knowledge, for people, and for the cause to which you devote yourself. And, of course, I wish each of them good health, energy, inspiration and good luck.
We are proud of each of them. - And finally, a few words to the teachers and parents?
- I bow low to the teachers for their hard work, patience, and for being with every student, helping them grow. I would like to sincerely thank the parents for supporting their children and trusting our university. This day is their holiday!
