QAIRU Explains Refusal to Grant Scholarships to College Graduates

Kazakhstan's first AI university, Qazaq AI Research University, stated that it has not changed the rules for participating in the state educational grant competition. The university explained that it decided not to launch a separate shortened program for college graduates as part of the 2026 admission campaign. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

The press service of QAIRU provided this comment to Kursiv after a publication about applicants' complaints.

The university confirmed that at the initial stage, it indeed considered the possibility of opening shortened educational programs for graduates of technical and vocational education institutions. This information was communicated to prospective students.

However, after the internal entrance exams were completed, it turned out that the number of applicants who successfully passed the selection was insufficient to form a full-fledged study stream.

"The university did not change the rules for participating in the state educational grant competition, but decided not to open admissions for a separate educational trajectory due to the impossibility of ensuring its quality implementation within the 2026 admission campaign," the QAIRU press service reported.

The university added that it is conducting student admissions for the first time, so it decided to focus on programs for which it can guarantee the necessary level of training.

"It is precisely ensuring the quality of education and fulfilling obligations to future students that are an absolute priority for the university," QAIRU noted.

The university acknowledged that this decision raised questions and disappointment among some applicants. Subsequently, the institution published an official explanation on its information platforms.

At the same time, college graduates can still participate in the state grant competition for shortened programs at other universities in Kazakhstan. Those wishing to study specifically at QAIRU can enroll on a paid basis in full-term programs.

Earlier, Kursiv reported that applicants complained about changes in admission conditions. According to them, they were initially informed about the opportunity to participate in the grant competition for shortened programs, but later the university refused to accept such applications.