Kazakh National Pedagogical University

Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University (Kazakh: Абай атындағы Қазақ ұлттық педагогикалық университеті, Abaı atyndaǵy Qazaq ulttyq pedagogikalyq universiteti) is one of the leading universities in Central Asia. It is situated in the heart of Almaty City, Kazakhstan.

Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University was founded in 1928 as the Kazakh State University. It was the first university in Kazakhstan and was originally established to train teachers for the new Kazakh Soviet Republic.

In 1930, the university was renamed Kazakh State Pedagogical University. This reflected its new focus on teacher training, as the Kazakh Soviet Republic expanded its education system in the 1930s.

During World War II, the university was evacuated to the city of Kzyl-Orda. It returned to Almaty after the war and continued to train teachers for the Kazakh Soviet Republic.

In 1990, the university was renamed Abai Kazakh State Pedagogical University. This was in honor of Abai Qunanbayuli, a Kazakh poet, philosopher, and composer who is considered to be the father of modern Kazakh literature.

In 1993, Kazakhstan gained independence from the Soviet Union. Abai Kazakh State Pedagogical University was renamed Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University to reflect its new status as a national university of independent Kazakhstan.

Today, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University is one of the leading universities in Central Asia. It is a major center for teacher training, research, and innovation. The university is also committed to social responsibility and community engagement.

Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University has played an important role in the development of education in Kazakhstan. It has trained generations of teachers and scholars who have contributed to the country's social, economic, and cultural development.

Kazakh National Pedagogical University is ranked as the #5 top university in Kazakhstan during 2025. The rank is improved by 1 point from last year.