The AIFC Academy and AlmaU University graduated the first group of students Trained under Minor Programs in the Financial Sector

AlmaU University has graduated the first group of students who completed minor programs developed by the AIFC Academy with the support of Freedom Broker and the corporate foundation Freedom Shapagat.

The ceremony marked an important milestone in the development of practice-oriented education and in the formation of a new generation of specialists who will shape the future of Kazakhstan’s financial industry.

Certificates were awarded to students of the Finance and Law programs who successfully completed additional educational tracks. The minor programs were officially transferred to the university in August 2025 and became part of students’ individual educational pathways, strengthening their applied skills and expanding market-relevant competencies.

The programs were developed by the AIFC Academy jointly with Freedom Broker through the corporate foundation Freedom Shapagat. This made it possible to integrate real cases, industry expertise, and modern market practices into the educational process. The duration of training ranges from three to four months, depending on the field of study.

Aigul Kazbekova, Project Manager at the AIFC Academy, noted: “Today’s ceremony proves that joint work between the university and industry delivers results. Students did not simply attend a course, they acquired knowledge and skills that meet the current requirements of the financial sector. Such programs build confidence and create a professional foundation for a successful career for young specialists.”

Minor programs have become a tool that strengthens the connection between the university and industry: students work with real tasks, study cases, and gain an understanding of regulatory mechanisms, asset management, and compliance practices.

The First Vice-Rector of AlmaU, Timur Buldybayev, emphasized: “Within a very short period after the signing of the memorandum of cooperation, we were able to integrate minor programs into the educational process and achieve tangible practical results. Education based on programs developed jointly with leading participants of the financial market enhances the applied value of education, strengthens students’ professional training, and shapes competitive specialists already at the stage of study. This project is an example of effective synergy between the university and industry.”

This year 26 students completed the Asset Management program and received certificates confirming their mastery of key competencies required for work in the financial and investment sectors. Under the Financial Market Regulation program, 36 students continue their studies.

Zhanna Kashenova, Director of the Educational Projects at Freedom Broker, stated:     “The certificates obtained confirm that graduates possess a wide range of skills: from analyzing financial instruments to understanding the regulatory environment. These competencies open access to new career opportunities and enhance students’ competitiveness in the labor market. The ceremony became not just the conclusion of training, but the first professional achievement for students who are already beginning to build their careers in Kazakhstan’s dynamically developing financial sector.”

Ruslan Dzhumashev, Managing Director of the Freedom Shapagat Corporate Foundation, commented:“The partnership with AlmaU is an important part of Freedom Holding Corp.’s contribution to the development of educational opportunities and the improvement of the quality of student training. Support for minor programs helps form professional competencies of future specialists and confirms the company’s commitment to sustainable initiatives in the field of education”

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 4800 companies from more than 90 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 

E-mail: [email protected]