In recent years, Kazakhstani universities have become increasingly visible in international rankings. The 2027 edition of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings features 10 universities from Kazakhstan. NU is ranked in the 376–400 band globally, placing first among universities in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and maintaining its leading position in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
What do these results tell us about the development of higher education across the country? Phil Baty, Chief Global Affairs Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Times Higher Education, as well as Chief Executive of the World Education Forum (Education World Forum), discussed the issue in an interview with DKNews.
For a young university like NU, entering the world’s top 400 just a few years after first appearing in the rankings is a significant achievement. He described NU as a dynamic, internationally minded university that continues to develop while pursuing clear and ambitious goals. At the same time, the international competitiveness of universities today is not measured by infrastructure alone. Research quality, the ability to attract talent and openness to the global academic community are becoming increasingly important.
In this context, NU as a flagship institution in Kazakhstan’s higher education system. The country’s overall results are equally significant: the number of universities entering the rankings for the first time reached an unprecedented level, doubling compared with the previous year. This points to an expanding research base and the continued development of the university sector as a whole.
The achievements of NU and other Kazakhstani universities are in line with the direction set by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This approach involves the comprehensive development of higher education, bringing together quality teaching, scientific research, knowledge transfer and international cooperation. Combining these areas helps build a strong university system capable of contributing to human capital development and Kazakhstan’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.
Progress in international rankings is about more than university reputation. It is underpinned by measurable research performance, international appeal and expanding opportunities for academic collaboration. The strategy set out by Kazakhstan’s President is beginning to be reflected in international ranking results.
Further progress will depend, among other factors, on strengthening international research cooperation and enabling Kazakhstani researchers to participate more actively in global scientific projects.
