SDU University has become the first university in Central Asia to successfully obtain full international accreditation for all three International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes: PYP, MYP, and DP. As a result, the university has gained the status of the first higher education institution in Kazakhstan and the CIS to be accredited simultaneously across all three IB programmes.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognized educational programme aimed at preparing future educators in accordance with modern standards and is widely acknowledged by leading universities and educational institutions worldwide.

The IB programmes include:

1. Primary Years Programme (PYP) – for primary education (ages 3–12);
2. Middle Years Programme (MYP) – for middle school (ages 11–16);
3. Diploma Programme (DP) – for upper secondary education (ages 16–19), focused on preparation for university admission.

Key features of IB programmes include:

• Development of global-mindedness;
• Promotion of critical thinking and independent learning;
• Support for personal and social development.

At SDU University, teacher education based on IB standards is grounded in inquiry-based learning, research-oriented pedagogy, formative assessment, and the principles of academic integrity. This approach emphasizes not rote memorization, but the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, research culture, and creative abilities. As a result, the university prepares highly qualified educators for international and private schools across Kazakhstan.

This achievement vividly demonstrates Kazakhstan’s emergence as an international educational hub and significantly strengthens the academic prestige of SDU University at both regional and global levels. Today, only 55 universities worldwide are officially recognized as IB Universities. Among them are such leading institutions as The University of Hong Kong, the University of Toronto, the University of Melbourne, the University of South Carolina, and the University of Bath. SDU University has joined this elite group, securing its place in the global educational landscape.

“Currently, there are 17 officially authorized IB schools operating in Kazakhstan. The accreditation of SDU University across all three IB levels ensures professional staffing support for these schools and gives a new impetus to the development of the international pedagogical community. Moreover, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan is carrying out systematic work to integrate international educational standards into teacher education. In this regard, SDU University is taking concrete steps to elevate pedagogical education to the international level,” noted the Rector of SDU University, Älimzhan Igenbayev.

It is also worth noting that as part of this significant achievement, the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek, visited SDU University on an official working trip and delivered a lecture.