Maqsut Narikbayev University achieves global quality accreditation

Maqsut Narikbayev University in Kazakhstan has successfully completed its International Quality Review (IQR) and been awarded global quality accreditation by QAA.

IQR is a rigorous process which benchmarks global higher education institutions against international quality assurance standards set out in Part 1 of the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG).

The review was performed between 11 and 13 December 2023 by three independent reviewers appointed by QAA. In making their conclusions, the review team confirmed that the University meets all 10 of the internal quality assurance standards in the ESG.

The review team found eight examples of good practice and was able to make eight recommendations for enhancement. The recommendations are of a desirable rather than essential nature and are proposed to enable the University to build on existing practice which is operating satisfactorily but which could be improved or enhanced. The team did not set any conditions. 

Overall, the team concluded that Maqsut Narikbayev University meets all standards for International Quality Review. 

QAA's review team identified the following areas of particularly good practice at Maqsut Narikbayev University:

• The flexibility offered to students in choosing their own timetable and therefore being able to access a better range of internships. 
• The variation and real-world nature of assessments to support students’ preparation for employment.
• The connections the University has to relevant industries and professional bodies to inform learning, teaching and assessment.
• The quality and security of certificates and transcripts and the use of multiple languages on certificates enabling alumni to use them internationally.
• The provision of facilities to support the physical and mental health and wellbeing of staff.
• When students self-declare an additional support need or have significant health barriers to engagement, the support is comprehensive and tailored. 
• The robust data analytics system employed for informed decision making.
• The University’s commitment to achieve international institutional and programme accreditations that has led to maturity in meeting international accreditation standards.

Talgat Narikbayev, Chairman of the Board at Maqsut Narikbayev University, said: 'I would like to express our deep appreciation to the QAA experts for their exceptional professionalism and insightful recommendations. The guidance provided by the QAA team is invaluable, and we are committed to implementing their recommendations to further enhance our academic processes and practices.'

Chris Bland, QAA’s Head of Accreditation and Consultancy, said: 'QAA is delighted to congratulate Maqsut Narikbayev University on completing its International Quality Review. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with our colleagues in Kazakhstan, and we look forward to collaborating with them in future.'

Maqsut Narikbayev University’s is the first university in the CIS and Central Asia to achieve this accreditation. Its IQR accreditation will be valid for five years, subject to a satisfactory mid-cycle review. Maqsut Narikbayev University can now display QAA’s IQR Accreditation Badge, showing that their quality assurance processes are comparable with international best practice.

By securing IQR accreditation from QAA, international institutions can clearly spotlight their quality standards internationally, and more easily start dialogues with institutions outside their own country.

You can read Maqsut Narikbayev University's IQR report on our website, where you can also find out more about the IQR process and QAA International Membership. If you are interested in your institution seeking accreditation or international membership, and wish to discuss this further, please contact the QAA Global team at accreditation@qaa.ac.uk