Currently, the country’s higher education institutions are not limited to providing education only; they are also actively engaged in scientific research and the training of professional scholars. The scientific potential of a university is determined by its ability to prepare research personnel and implement research projects. In this regard, Abai University has been systematically working in these areas. Research projects are carried out with state and university funding, with priority given to the training of scientific specialists.

 For a higher education specialist, the path to a scientific career begins at the master's level. At this stage, which provides opportunities for developing scientific and pedagogical competencies, students write research articles, conduct dissertation research, and complete scientific internships. From February 16 to 25, the university administration held meetings with first-year master’s students. Issues of postgraduate education were discussed within each faculty.

 During the meeting, special attention was paid to the key components of master's training: mastering academic disciplines, completing pedagogical and research practice, and publishing scientific articles in accordance with the educational program’s direction and the dissertation topic. Each of these stages serves as a guarantee of successful dissertation defense in the future. A master's thesis is not only the final academic work of a student but also an indicator of two years of academic growth and professional competence.

 Explanatory sessions for master’s students were conducted by Zhanna Zhusipova, Director of the Department for Academic Affairs; Aktorgyn Karibekova, Head of the Postgraduate Education Department; and Yerassyl Talgatov, Leading Specialist of the International Relations Department. Faculty heads and members of the teaching staff also took part in the discussion. Students’ questions were answered and their suggestions were heard.

 It should be noted that currently 771 students are enrolled in the first year of the master’s program. Each of them has the potential to become a promising researcher and an advanced educator. Therefore, this meeting outlined a clear path for mastering the graduate level and clarified the objectives and goals.

Media Center “Abai University”