Satbayev University’s 90-year legacy of shaping Kazakhstan’s engineers

A single university trained the minds behind Kazakhstan’s biggest industrial feats. Meet the scholars and alumni who turned vision into legacy.

, and Administrator

2025 December 28 . 4:16 AM

1 min read

In the picture there are kids playing chess,this seems to be a chess competition and at background... — In the picture there are kids playing chess,this seems to be a chess competition and at background and sides many adults are watching them.

Satbayev University’s 90-year legacy of shaping Kazakhstan’s engineers

Satbayev University has stood as a pillar of technical education in Kazakhstan for 90 years. The institution has trained over 160,000 engineers, shaping industries from energy to manufacturing across the country.

The university’s origins trace back to the vision of Kanysh Satpayev, a celebrated scientist and statesman. His path to education began when Alimkhan Yermekov, Kazakhstan’s first professor of mathematics, guided him to the Tomsk Technological Institute. Today, Satpayev remains a symbol of excellence, inspiring generations of students and academics.

Over the decades, the university has thrived on generational continuity. Veteran scholars like Mushtay Batyrbekov and Dosmukhamed Kshibekov dedicated their careers to advancing technical education. Makhabat Tulepbekov, a pioneer in mechanical engineering automation, still mentors students, passing on decades of expertise. The institution’s impact extends beyond classrooms. Its alumni have played key roles in major industrial projects, from hydroelectric stations to coal basins and oil and gas fields in Texas and Arizona. Satbayev University operates as a unique ecosystem, bridging science and industry to prepare young engineers for real-world challenges. At its core, the university focuses on equipping youth with knowledge for the future. While no specific figures are named in recent decades, its legacy of innovation and adaptability remains strong.

Satbayev University continues to build on its rich history while looking ahead. The institution’s blend of tradition and modernity ensures it stays relevant in a changing world. Its graduates will keep driving progress in Kazakhstan’s industrial and technological sectors.