Knowledge Day 2026

On September 1, 2026, the Kazakh-American Free University opened its doors to first-year students. Knowledge Day, as usual, was celebrated on a global scale, combining Kazakhstani academic traditions with international educational experience.

The opening ceremony began with parting words from the university’s founders. KAFU President and Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerezhep A. Mambetkaziyev addressed the students.

“KAFU is not just a university; it is a recognized international brand and a community of leaders ready to change society for the better,” noted the KAFU President.

Warm congratulations to the new generation of students were also extended by the university’s co-founder and Vice President for International Relations, Daniel Ballast, American professors Ron and Jeanine Wiley, and Dean of the Faculty of Business, Law, and Pedagogy, Galina A. Menzyuk.

Today, KAFU boasts over 18,000 successful graduates worldwide, partnerships with educational institutions in 13 countries, and prestigious international accreditations (ACBSP, ACQUIN, IQAA). The university model combines classical standards with a unique American curriculum: students from their first years master courses in English, obtain related majors (minors), and undertake internships in the United States. At the assembly, senior students who had just returned from the United States under the International Leadership program shared their experiences and future plans with the new recruits.

This year, the university’s student community was replenished with strong applicants—among the first-year students are holders of the “Altyn Belgi” award, state grants, grants from the East Kazakhstan Region Akim, and the “Kazakhstan Halkyna” Foundation.

On September 1st, hundreds of young people began their journey into a profession where language skills, digital innovation, and global educational standards will form the foundation of their future careers.