In a bid to enhance the global competitiveness of Abai University, joint working sessions were conducted with Times Higher Education (THE). The British agency, which has been evaluating the performance of world universities since 2004, conducted a comprehensive analysis of the university's strategic development and performance indicators. THE's methodology is based on measuring academic achievements alongside the university's tangible impact on science, the economy, and society.

Amy Rose, Senior Consultant at THE, who visited Abai University on a special mission, presented an in-depth simulation analysis of the institution's standing in the THE World University Rankings 2026. The report examined the university's current potential and international benchmarking results in detail, identifying priority areas for growth. During the first session, attended by university leadership and the academic community, Vice-Rector Banu Narbekova emphasized that these steps fully align with the university's strategic ambitions. During the workshop, participants received effective feedback on teaching quality, research influence, and internationalization metrics, while discussing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

The next stage of the working session continued with a focus group consisting of faculty deans and representatives from the departments of science and academic affairs. This segment analyzed metrics such as student-to-staff ratio, the effectiveness of PhD programs, the quality of scientific publications, and citation impact. Issues regarding the recruitment of foreign specialists, joint research with international authors, and the strengthening of the university's academic reputation on a global scale were also raised. Amy Rose explained the significance of each indicator in the THE WUR methodology, including industry income and patent activity, illustrating how the daily activities and scientific achievements of faculty members directly affect ranking scores.

The third session focused on industry engagement and internationalization. A second focus group, composed of heads of structural divisions, explored ways to increase international visibility. The expert inquired about the current state of partnerships between the university and employers, providing specific recommendations for overcoming barriers and maximizing opportunities. Additionally, non-academic partnerships and international branding initiatives were highlighted as decisive factors in achieving the university's strategic goals.

This visit marks the initial phase of a long-term collaboration between Abai University and Times Higher Education. Moving forward, planning activities based on the results of these sessions will be conducted under the approved agreement. The final stage of the project will involve the development of a ten-year university transformation strategy and a roadmap for its implementation. These systematic efforts are aimed at consolidating the university's position in international rankings and modernizing educational and scientific activities in line with global standards.

"Abai University" Media Center