Miras University (MU), located in Shymkent, is a well established private university in Southern Kazakhstan. Shymkent is an ancient city nestled in a picturesque area on the plains at the foot of the Tian-Shan Mountains. It is located on a main route of the Great Silk Road, which was used by the trading peoples in the earliest times. Shymkent is the Southern gateway to all of Kazakhstan.
Established in 1997, MU continues to build its national reputation based on the achievements of its students and faculty. It has a strong tradition of academic excellence, particularly in the economic and educational fields. MU is recognized as one of the premier teaching institutions in its region of Kazakhstan, with a progressive management that has a clear vision for the future. It plays an important role in bringing quality improvement in higher education to South Kazakhstan oblast. MU is open to applicants from all of all over Kazakhstan and the regions, especially those with different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The goal of MU is to provide its students with the best possible education, including English language and computer skills, in order to prepare them for the next phase of their lives; their future jobs and careers.
Since its inception, MU has offered its students the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects with instruction provided by well qualified local and international faculty. The faculty at MU stress hands-on experience, in addition to lectures and seminars to provide the students a well-rounded education that includes both practice and theory. MU provides students with qualifications and skills for successful careers with national and international organizations, governments, businesses, and other public and private sector institutions.
Regularly ranked among the top private universities in Shymkent, MU employs over 200 faculty and staff of 12 nationalities, many with Ph.D.'s, and enrolls more than 5,000 including both undergraduate and graduate students of 10 nationalities.
MU is in a city centered campus with newly renovated buildings in four locations and a capacity for 10,000 students consisting of two institutes providing a variety of BA, BSc and Master’s degrees: the Institute of Economics and Business specializing in Economics, Management, Accounting, Finance, Law; Information Technology , Information Systems and Radio Electronic Technologies; and the Pedagogical Institute specializing in Primary Education, Pedagogy and Psychology, Chemistry, Biology, History, Kazakh Language, Foreign Languages and Design.
In addition a two year Associate degree program of varying specialties provides professional education and skills.
The Education Faculty and its programs are fully approved by National and Oblast authorities, with European accreditation in-process. The goal of the Institute of Economics and Business is to contribute to national economic growth and development by producing graduates who are encouraged to improve the practice of business and economic development in the region.
The Pedagogical Institute offers teacher education programs that provide knowledge to address the current primary and secondary educational challenges in Kazakhstan. It aims to develop competent teachers equipped with strategies and methodologies required for creating effective teaching and learning environments.
More than 10% of MU students receive financial aid, and are eligible to apply for a wide range of financial aid packages, ranging from partial tuition scholarships up to full tuition. MU has a very active student body with more than 20 clubs and activities, to include sports, social, academic and community programs
The university seeks international recognition and has been successfully cooperating with PAS Embassy of USA, Peace Corps, ACCELS, EDNET/CARANA Corporation. MU has cooperation agreements with universities from 9 countries including Cyprus, the UK, USA, South Africa, Russia, Czech Republic, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey.