Shakarim University

Located in the city of Semey (Semipalatinsk) in the Abai region of north-eastern Kazakhstan, Shakarim University is one of the most important higher education institutions in the area. Founded in 1934, it is a multidisciplinary public university that trains specialists in education, agriculture, technology, economics, and the humanities. Its official website is shakarim.university.

In 2026 the university entered the QS World University Rankings for the first time, placing in the 1401+ band, and has also gained visibility in the QS Asia rankings among Central Asian universities. Approximately 4,300–7,000 students are enrolled, and the university offers 67 bachelor’s, 49 master’s, and 11 doctoral programmes. The graduate employment rate is around 90 percent.

Students can study pedagogy, agriculture and veterinary science, technology, economics, law, history, philology, natural sciences, and engineering. With programmes that support regional development and relatively affordable living costs, it is an accessible option especially for international students. Shakarim University offers a calm student life in Semey and is a solid choice for those who wish to study in the eastern-northern part of Kazakhstan.