Artificial intelligence university to open in Kazakhstan in 2026

A new Artificial Intelligence University in Kazakhstan is set to admit its first students as early as this year. This was announced by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during a meeting with staff at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazinform reports, a partner of TV BRICS.

The president explained that the establishment of the new institution is driven by Kazakhstan’s shift towards the development of science and technology. He emphasised that universities are entrusted with the mission of shaping a new generation of citizens.

"We have too many lawyers, philologists, and diplomats – that is, humanities specialists. We must change the mindset of the nation. […] I believe we need to carry out a genuine mental revolution in Kazakhstan. […] In today’s rapidly changing realities, education has already become a key productive force. […] An important event will be the opening of the Artificial Intelligence University, which is expected to admit its first undergraduate and postgraduate students as early as this year. It is important to understand that it is simply impossible to successfully develop artificial intelligence without strong science. Algorithms and complex engineering products are primarily created within an advanced scientific and academic environment. That is why we place such great emphasis on this area"

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev President of Kazakhstan

The president also noted that over the past five years, investment in science in the country has increased sixfold. The number of research universities is growing, and their links with the real economy are strengthening. According to the government, more than 200 commercial projects have already been launched, contributing to the formation of an ecosystem based on the model “university – research – innovation – commercialisation”.

Responsibility for innovation policy has been transferred to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Kazakhstan has also introduced a mechanism for stable funding of fundamental research and legally established a new system for remunerating leading scientists.

Earlier, Tokayev declared 2026 the Year of Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence in order to further advance digital transformation and promote the widespread adoption of AI, according to the official website of the head of state.