100,000 tenge per month and a semester abroad: The Kazakh National University of Sports has opened a new academic year with record-breaking opportunities

A new academic year has begun at the Kazakhstan National University of Sports. In the 2026–2027 academic year, 4,824 students will study here. More than 2,400 freshmen have chosen sports education, among them are holders of the "Altyn Belgi" badge, winners and medalists of international and national competitions, masters of sports, and candidates for master of sports. However, the main event of the Day of Knowledge was not the admission figures, but the new opportunities that the university offers to talented youth.

On September 1, a solemn ceremony dedicated to the Day of Knowledge and the beginning of the new academic year took place at the Kazakhstan National University of Sports. This year, 2,415 students were enrolled in bachelor's programs, 619 in master's programs, and about ten in doctoral programs. In total, the university's student body in the 2026–2027 academic year will reach 4,824 students. Among the freshmen are young athletes who have already made a name for themselves on the international and national stage, holders of sports titles, winners and medalists of competitions, as well as holders of the "Altyn Belgi" badge.

Also, special attention at the ceremony was paid to students who received the opportunity to study at the university thanks to a special support program from the Founder. On the Day of Knowledge, 9 students were awarded the Life Chance Grant, and about 40 more students received the Merit Grant. The Founder's grant program has been in operation since the university's inception and is aimed at developing sports education and the entire sports industry of Kazakhstan.

Life Chance Grant – a social grant primarily aimed at talented graduates from regions and rural areas. Its goal is to give young people the opportunity to receive a high-quality higher education and unlock their potential regardless of where they were born and raised. The grant provides full coverage of tuition fees, campus accommodation, and a monthly stipend of 100,000 tenge. Over the course of three years, each Life Chance Grant recipient has the opportunity to work with a personal mentor. Mentors help students build an individual educational trajectory, develop professional and leadership competencies, and prepare for their future careers. Another important opportunity provided by the program is academic mobility. In their third year, grant recipients will be able to spend one semester abroad.

The second program is the Merit Grant. It is intended for applicants who have already demonstrated high results and possess significant potential for further development. The grant allows for full coverage of tuition fees at the Kazakhstan National University of Sports and provides talented young people with the opportunity to professionally develop in the field of sports.

Congratulating the students on the beginning of a new stage, the Rector of the Kazakhstan National University of Sports, Tursynzada Kuangalieva, emphasized that the university's main resource remains its students.

"A true university is shaped not by infrastructure and buildings, but by students. Thank you for choosing our university. Among you are winners and medalists of world championships. This is our pride and at the same time a great responsibility," noted the Rector.

Today, KNUS offers education not only for future athletes and coaches. The university implements programs in the fields of "Physical Culture and Sports," "Teacher-Coach in Qazaq Kuresi," "Esports," "Coaching Activities," "Instructor-Methodologist in the field of sports and wellness," "Sports Rehabilitation," "Sports Industry Management and Data Analytics," and "Sports Management."

Student life also goes far beyond the classroom. The university hosts a Debate Club, an Art Center, as well as other student organizations and creative groups.

For freshmen, a tour of the university and its infrastructure was also conducted as part of the Day of Knowledge. A special place is occupied by the new Student House with a total area of 35,785 square meters. It is designed for 1,500 students and includes 626 rooms. Each room is designed to accommodate two to three students and features individual lockers, showers, and bathrooms. For comfortable living and studying, the building includes kitchens, computer labs, a library, a laundry room, and elevators.

According to the Rector, a modern university cannot be measured only by the number of new buildings and the area of its infrastructure.

"Preparation for the new academic year is measured not only by infrastructure. The main thing for us is the quality of education, student achievements, and the international development of the university. Today, KNUS unites education, science, innovation, and elite sports in one system. Our goal is to give every student the opportunity to fully realize their potential. And where there is opportunity, results and victory will surely follow," said Tursynzada Kuangalieva.

The new academic year at KNUS begins with investments in the students' future: from grants and mentorship to international experience and a professional start.