Partnership between the M. Kozybayev University and the AIFC Academy: New Opportunities for Professional Competencies

On April 8, 2026, the educational programs developed by the Academy of the International Financial Center «Astana» were officially transferred to the M. Kozybayev University for implementation in the educational process as minor disciplines. These disciplines are implemented as additional specializations available to students within the framework of individual educational trajectories and the micro-qualification system. The implementation of these programs is scheduled for September 2026.

The implementation of these programs provides an expansion of academic opportunities for students and is aimed at the formation of additional professional competencies in demand in the modern labour market.

Minor programs were developed by the AIFC Academy with the support of Freedom Broker and the Freedom Shapagat Corporate Foundation within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding signed at the Astana Finance Days 2024 international forum.

The content of the transferred programs covers key areas of the modern financial industry, including:

• Derivative securities (options);

• Asset management;

• Financial market regulation;

• Resolution of international commercial disputes and others.

The introduction of minor programs and micro-qualifications contributes to the updating of educational programs, the development of students' interdisciplinary competencies, and increasing their competitiveness in the labor market. This practice reflects the university's effective interaction with external stakeholders and aligns with current trends in higher education development.