AIFC Academy and SDU University train a new generation of finance professionals: the first graduation of students from the minor program
SDU University has marked the graduation of the first students from the AIFC Academy minor program. Certificates were awarded to 25 future specialists in the field of finance.
This event became an important milestone in the development of practice-oriented financial education in Kazakhstan and a confirmation of the growing demand for modern applied competencies.
The minor programs were officially transferred to SDU on August 14, 2025, and immediately became part of the university’s strategy to expand educational trajectories. This year, training was conducted in the field of “Derivative Securities, Options” which is one of the in-demand disciplines in the financial market.
“The minor programs have become an important additional instrument for the professional development of students. During the studies, they demonstrated a high level of responsibility, interest, and aspiration to acquire up-to-date knowledge. I express gratitude to the AIFC Academy for methodological support and to Freedom Shapagat & Broker for their contribution to the development of relevant and practice-oriented educational programs. I am confident that the acquired competencies will become a solid foundation for further professional growth and a successful career of our graduates,” said Berik Sabdenaliev, Dean of SSBL.
Minor programs allow students to study highly specialized disciplines in greater depth and to acquire additional competencies beyond their core curriculum. The duration of training varies depending on the profile and level of complexity of the program.
The development of minor programs for Kazakhstani universities, including SDU, became possible due to the support of Freedom Broker through its corporate foundation Freedom Shapagat. This partnership provides students with access to real cases, industry expertise, and models reflecting the current dynamics of the financial market.
Zhanna Kashenova, Director of the Educational Projects at Freedom Broker, stated:
“By the end of 2025, 25 students successfully completed the program and received certificates confirming their proficiency in key competencies in the field of derivative financial instruments. This knowledge provides graduates with access to internships, junior analyst positions, and other career opportunities in investment and financial companies.”
Aigul Kazbekova, Project Manager at the AIFC Academy, noted:
“Today’s ceremony proof that our initiative is truly effective. Students are acquiring competencies that are in demand in the market today. It is important for us that minor programs strengthen the connection between the academic sector and industry.”
Ruslan Dzhumashev, Managing Director of the Freedom Shapagat Corporate Foundation, commented:
“Supporting SDU’s educational projects reflects Freedom Holding Corp.’s commitment to strengthening human capital and developing an environment, where young professionals gain access to relevant knowledge and practical skills. This cooperation strengthens our participation in sustainable social initiatives and contributes to the training of qualified professionals for the country’s financial sector.”
Reference:
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is a leading financial hub in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region, designed to connect global capital with the vast opportunities of emerging markets. Positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the AIFC combines international best practices with innovative approaches to create a world-class platform for investment, business, and financial services. Since its establishment in 2018, the AIFC has attracted over USD 19 bln in investments into Kazakhstan’s economy. Over 4700 companies from 88 countries, including the USA, the UK, China, Turkiye, UAE, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and others, are registered within the AIFC’s jurisdiction. www.aifc.kz
AIFC Press Office
Ainur Issabayeva, press secretary
phone: +7 701 777 65 58
E-mail: [email protected]
