QS Asia Rankings 2026: Kazakhstan Shows Record Growth with 10 Universities
By Ayana Birbayeva in International on 6 November 2025
ALMATY — Kazakhstan has notably boosted its academic profile in Asia, with ten Kazakh universities newly entering the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, according to the latest QS Quacquarelli Symonds report released in November.
Largest Ranking to Date
The 2026 ranking is the most extensive yet, featuring 1,529 higher education institutions from 25 countries and territories across East, Southeast, South, and Central Asia. This year, 554 universities joined the ranking for the first time, highlighting the increasing competition in the region’s higher education sector, reported the Ministry of Science and Higher Education press service.
Kazakhstan's Strong Regional Representation
Kazakhstan leads Central Asia with 44 universities in the rankings out of the region’s total 112. In comparison, Uzbekistan has 22, Kyrgyzstan 6, and Tajikistan only 1 university on the list.
Notable New Entrants from Kazakhstan
- Nazarbayev University debuted at 201st place.
- Almaty Management University ranked in the 741–750 range.
- Mukhamedzhan Tynyshpayev Academy of Transport and Logistics placed between 1001 and 1100.
- Abai Myrzakhmetov Kokshetau University ranked in the 1101–1200 band.
“The inclusion of these universities underscores Kazakhstan’s growing competitiveness in the Asian higher education landscape,” said the Ministry of Science and Higher Education press service.
Kazakhstan's significant presence highlights its expanding influence and quality in the regional academic arena.
Summary: Kazakhstan has achieved a record entry in QS Asia Rankings 2026, with 10 universities representing the country and strengthening its position as Central Asia’s academic leader.