Qazaq AI Research University (QAIRU) in Astana, Kazakhstan's first artificial intelligence research university, has become the center of a dispute with applicants over changes in admission conditions. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Applicants complained about changes in admission conditions to Qazaq AI Research University in Astana. According to them, college graduates were previously informed about the opportunity to participate in the competition for state grants under shortened educational programs, but on the first day of application submission, the university announced it would not accept such documents, reports the Telegram channel Astanovka98.
The applicants claim they prepared specifically for admission to QAIRU, took the specialized Unified National Test, and expected to apply for a grant. They say university staff recommended listing the university first when submitting documents, and information about the possibility of college graduates enrolling was published on the institution's social media.
After the change in conditions, the applicants requested official explanations and an investigation into the situation.
Qazaq AI Research University stated that as part of the 2026 admissions campaign, it does not accept applications from college graduates for participation in the competition for state grants under shortened educational programs.
"Since the university is enrolling students for the first time, at the initial stage it was decided to focus on launching full-term educational programs and testing a new model of personnel training based on close interaction with the IT industry, student participation in real technological projects, and creation of their own startups," the university reported.
Another reason was the number of candidates who passed the internal selection.
"Based on the results of internal entrance exams, the number of applicants who successfully passed the competitive selection for shortened educational programs was insufficient to form a full-fledged study stream and ensure quality implementation of these programs," QAIRU explained.
The university emphasized that the decision does not deprive college graduates of the opportunity to apply for state grants.
"College graduates can submit documents to participate in the competition for state educational grants under shortened educational programs at other higher education institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan," the statement said.
College graduates wishing to study at QAIRU can enroll on a fee-paying basis in full-term programs in accordance with admission rules.
The university also noted that in accordance with Kazakh legislation, higher education institutions independently determine the list of implemented programs, admission conditions, and enrollment volumes, bearing responsibility for the quality of the educational process and compliance with state higher education standards.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that the research university of artificial intelligence is planned to be launched in Kazakhstan in September 2026. At the first stage, two to three programs in AI and cybersecurity will be opened, and training will focus on practical implementation of technologies in agriculture, energy, and transport. The first enrollment will be up to 500 people, and bachelor's and master's students are planned to be provided with state grants.