Astana IT University
Astana IT University is a private Kazakhstani higher education institution founded in 2019, operating seven academic schools that deliver English-taught bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and college programs in IT, AI, cybersecurity, and digital media to domestic and international students.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2019
- HeadquartersAstana, Kazakhstan
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Astana IT University does
Astana IT University LLP is a private higher education institution headquartered at 55/11 Mangilik El Avenue, EXPO Business Center, Block C1, Astana, Kazakhstan, founded in 2019 under License No. KZ26LAA00015835. The university operates through seven academic schools — Intelligent Systems, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity (established September 2025), Creative Industries, General Education Disciplines, and Digital Public Administration — delivering bachelor's (typically accelerated three-year programs), master's, doctoral, and college (two-year associate) credentials. It serves domestic Kazakhstani applicants and a growing cohort of international students, with all programs taught in English to support cross-border recruitment through initiatives such as the Study in Kazakhstan exhibition in Jakarta and the Sunway University (Malaysia) cooperation agreement.
The educational platform integrates modern learning infrastructure including a Distance University system (DU), Moodle, and specialized facilities such as five cybersecurity laboratories (tLab Anti-APT, OT/ICS Security Lab operating on Fortinet MSSP Global, HackCity Cyberpolygon, SOC Analytics Lab, and Smart Connectivity Lab for 5G/IoT simulation). The curriculum foregrounds AI capabilities across modalities — text, structured data, image, video, audio, and multimodal — through dedicated programs including Applied AI, Applied Data Analytics, AI Business, AI in Media, and a PhD in Artificial Intelligence, anchored by a flagship collaboration with the MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society that delivers an annual MIT BootCamp (most recently led by Professor Munther A. Dahleh at AI Summer School 2026) and the 12-week Responsible AI and Data Science program.
Revenue is generated primarily through two streams: tuition from self-paying students and per-seat funding from Kazakhstan's national educational grant competition, with admissions flowing through the university's proprietary AITU Excellence Test (AET) platform that allows each applicant two attempts. Distribution is direct-to-consumer via the institutional website, the AET platform, social channels (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, Telegram), and events such as AI Summer School, Astana AI Week 2026, and AITU Hackday. The university remains privately held with no disclosed external ownership or venture funding.
Astana IT University firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Astana IT University
- Legal name
- Astana IT University LLP
- Website
- https://astanait.edu.kz
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2019
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Astana IT University is a private Kazakhstani higher education institution founded in 2019, operating seven academic schools that deliver English-taught bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and college programs in IT, AI, cybersecurity, and digital media to domestic and international students.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Astana IT University industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education / IT and Science Academic Programs
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Computer Training (61142)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- STEM-Focused Research Universities (Engineering & Applied Sciences) (EDAHABAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Online Divisions of Traditional Universities (Hybrid/Extension) (EDAHALAB), Online International & Cross-Border Universities (Global/Transnational Providers) (EDAHALAL)
Keywords
Where Astana IT University is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Astana
- HQ country
- Kazakhstan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
Astana IT University business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Tuition and Educational Services: Revenue is generated primarily through tuition fees from degree programs (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, College). Programs are offered in English with practical hands-on training. Government educational grants are also available through the AITU Excellence Test.
- Government Educational Grants: The university participates in Kazakhstan's educational grant competition system, where students can compete for government-funded places based on AITU Excellence Test scores.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Government-funded educational grant positions available through AITU Excellence Test |
| Subscription | Annual | Fee-paying tuition positions |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels10 records
Astana IT University product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Astana IT University is a private higher education institution in Kazakhstan that delivers English-taught bachelor's, master's, PhD, and college programs across seven specialized schools covering AI and data science, software engineering, cybersecurity, media technologies, creative industries, intelligent systems, and digital public administration. The university sells tuition-based academic degrees and professional training, supplemented by government-funded educational grants awarded through its proprietary AITU Excellence Test (AET). Teaching is supported by specialized cybersecurity labs (OT/ICS, Anti-APT, cyberpolygon, SOC, smart connectivity), an AI curriculum spanning ML, NLP, computer vision, and generative AI, and international partnerships including MIT IDSS.
Product overview
Astana IT University is a higher education institution in Kazakhstan offering a comprehensive portfolio of IT and technology-focused academic programs across seven schools. The university's product offering is organized as a multi-school structure: School of Intelligent Systems (IoT, electronics, nuclear tech), School of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (AI, data science, computational sciences), School of Software Engineering (software development), School of Cybersecurity (cybersecurity, established 2025), School of Creative Industries (IT management, media, journalism, AI business), School of General Education Disciplines (language, soft skills), and School of Digital Public Administration. Programs span bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels across disciplines including AI Business, Digital Business and AI Technologies, Media Technologies, Digital Journalism, IT Management/Entrepreneurship, Industrial IoT, Electronic Engineering, Smart Technologies, and Nuclear Power Digitalization. The university integrates AI capabilities throughout its curriculum with programs covering machine learning, NLP, computer vision, generative AI, predictive analytics, and process automation.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- AITU Store: Online store for Astana IT University merchandise and materials
Products and services
- Bachelor's Degree Programs Accelerated 3-year English-taught undergraduate degree programs covering software engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, media technologies, IT management, IT entrepreneurship, digital journalism, electronic engineering, industrial IoT, smart technologies, AI business, and digital technologies in nuclear power engineering. Hands-on practice from year one with real IT projects, global networking with international partners, certification academies, and industry experts. Target: high-school graduates seeking accelerated IT degrees.
- Master's Degree Programs Two-year English-taught master's programs in Computer Science and Engineering, Media Technologies, Computational Sciences, Applied AI, Applied Data Analytics, Digital Business and AI Technologies, and Secure Software Engineering. Emphasizes advanced specialization, integration of science and industry through applied projects, international collaboration, and preparation of next-generation experts. Target: professionals pursuing graduate-level specialization.
- PhD Programs Doctoral-level research programs in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence covering fundamental and applied research, publications, academic mobility, and integration into the global scientific community. Target: prospective researchers and academic leaders.
- College Programs Two-year English-friendly College programs in Software Engineering (06130100) and Computer Engineering and Information Networks (06120100), providing early entry into digital careers with practical skills and modern tools, plus a seamless pathway to continue studies toward a bachelor's degree at AITU. Target: high-school graduates seeking vocational credentials.
- School of Intelligent Systems One of AITU's seven academic schools delivering programs in telecommunications, IoT, electronics, microprocessor engineering, automated control systems, robotics, Industrial Internet of Things, Electronic Engineering, Smart Technologies, and Digital Technologies in Nuclear Power Engineering. Faculty includes 49-50 teachers including one non-resident associate professor from Italy.
- School of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Academic school offering AI and data science education including bachelor's in Computer Science, Big Data Analysis, Mathematical and Computational Science; master's in Computational Sciences, Applied AI, and Applied Data Analytics; and the Artificial Intelligence PhD program (8D06103).
- School of Software Engineering Academic school offering software development education including Software Engineering bachelor's, Computer Science and Engineering master's, and Computer Science doctoral programs, supported by hackathons (AITU Hackday: Time for Industry 4.0) and Chief ACM Trainer-led competitive programming.
- School of Cybersecurity Academic school established September 2025 offering Cybersecurity and Smart Security Technologies bachelor's and Secure Software Engineering master's programs. Features five specialized labs: tLab Anti-APT (behavioral analysis of APT attacks), OT/ICS Security Lab (built on Fortinet MSSP Global), HackCity Cyberpolygon (cyber-physical attack simulation), SOC Analytics Lab (Tier 1-2 SOC training), and Smart Connectivity Lab (5G/NG-RAN, IoT, edge computing, Smart City).
- School of Creative Industries Academic school for the creative economy and media professionals offering IT Management, IT Entrepreneurship, AI Business, Media Technologies bachelor's; Media Technologies and Digital Business and AI Technologies master's; with Digital Journalism program ranked Top 10 by Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs. All programs hold NAAR/IAAR international accreditation until 2030.
- School of General Education Disciplines Academic school providing general education across AITU, including language training (English, Chinese, Korean, German) using CLIL methodology, soft skills, socio-political studies, management psychology, and physical education.
- School of Digital Public Administration Academic school offering the Digital Public Administration bachelor's program, integrating modern approaches to public administration, digital governance, and public-sector digital transformation. Launched for the 2025-2026 academic year.
- AI Business Bachelor's Program (6B04103) Three-year bachelor's program combining AI principles with business management, covering machine learning, data analysis, business analytics, generative AI, NLP, predictive analytics, recommendation systems, anomaly detection, and process automation. Target: high-school graduates seeking AI-business hybrid skills.
- Digital Business and AI Technologies Master's Program (7M04105) Two-year master's program in Digital Business and AI Technologies covering digital business management, data analysis, machine learning, AI for business applications, blockchain integration, AI ethics, cybersecurity, and multimodal AI. Includes passing professional certification from Astana HUB. Leads to Master of Economics.
- Media Technologies Master's Program (7M06107) Master's program in Media Technologies covering development of complex technical and media solutions, specialized software, project management for media projects, AI in Media, and advanced visualization.
- Digital Journalism Bachelor's Program (6B03201) Three-year bachelor's program training digital media specialists for creating, analyzing, and promoting multimedia content. Combines journalism fundamentals with programming, web technologies, data analytics, and visualization. Ranked Top 10 by Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs.
- Media Technologies Bachelor's Program (6B06105) Bachelor's program in digital media technologies, audiovisual production, and multimedia content development covering computer graphics, image processing, computer vision, VR/AR, video processing, audio electronics, sound design, and HCI.
- IT Entrepreneurship Bachelor's Program (6B04102) Bachelor's program combining IT and entrepreneurship skills covering leadership, personnel management, motivation, decision-making, IT project management, and software developer management.
- IT Management Bachelor's Program (6B04101) Bachelor's program training IT managers for business strategy implementation, product development management, IT process organization, and innovative IT product management.
- Digital Technologies in Nuclear Power Engineering Bachelor's Program (6B07103) Bachelor's program in nuclear energy digitalization covering nuclear reactor physics, radiation technologies, digital control systems, SCADA systems, digital twins, MCNP/SCALE modeling, and cybersecurity for nuclear facilities.
- Smart Technologies Bachelor's Program (6B06202) Bachelor's program covering AI, machine learning, IoT, Smart City infrastructure, Smart Home technologies, and security in smart systems, preparing telecommunications engineers for innovative knowledge-intensive sectors.
- Electronic Engineering Bachelor's Program (6B07102) Bachelor's program in electronic engineering covering digital and analog electronics, microprocessors, circuit design, signal processing, embedded systems, microcontrollers, and robotics.
- Industrial Internet of Things Bachelor's Program (6B07101) Bachelor's program in industrial IoT covering sensor-based data collection, signal processing, secure data transmission, data algorithms, visualization, feedback systems, and cyber-physical modeling for manufacturing.
- Artificial Intelligence PhD Program (8D06103) Doctoral program (PhD) in Artificial Intelligence covering fundamental and applied research in AI, machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, NLP, formal methods, and AI applications across disciplines.
- Applied Data Analytics Master's Program (7M06103) Master's program in applied data analytics covering statistics, mathematics, computer science, and business, preparing data analysts, data scientists, big data engineers, and consultants.
- Applied Artificial Intelligence Master's Program (7M06108) Master's program in applied AI covering machine learning, deep neural networks, data processing, computer vision, NLP, multi-agent systems, cognitive technologies, advanced ML, and generative algorithms.
- AITU Excellence Test (AET) Proprietary two-attempt entrance examination system used for participation in AITU's educational grant competition, with threshold scores varying by program (e.g., 75 for Digital Journalism, 85 for Smart Technologies, 100 for Media Technologies). Target: prospective applicants seeking admission and grant funding.
- Academic Mobility Programs Academic mobility programs enabling AITU students to study abroad at partner universities including MIT IDSS and Sunway University (Malaysia), with representation at Study in Kazakhstan international exhibitions. Target: AITU students seeking international academic exposure.
- Cybersecurity Laboratory Services Hands-on training infrastructure comprising five specialized labs: tLab Anti-APT (behavioral analysis of APT attacks using kill chain and MITRE ATT&CK), OT/ICS Security Lab on Fortinet MSSP Global (industrial system security), HackCity Cyberpolygon (cyber-physical attack simulation on urban infrastructure), SOC Analytics Lab (Tier 1-2 SOC analytics training), and Smart Connectivity Lab (5G/NG-RAN, IoT, edge computing, Smart City network simulation). Target: AITU cybersecurity students and researchers.
- AI Summer School Annual intensive 5-day program covering Generative AI, Agentic AI, Multi-Agent Systems, AI Governance, and AI applications in Education, Healthcare, Business, and Project Management, including the MIT BootCamp led by MIT IDSS faculty. Target: students, researchers, and practitioners seeking condensed AI upskilling.
Quantifiable outcome
- 1,846 graduates in 2026; 199 College graduates in 2025-2026 academic year
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Astana IT University
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Astana IT University technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability14 records
Feature4 records
Astana IT University partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- HAQ MedHubcoreNon-profit infrastructure initiative for medical AI in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, officially launched at Astana Hub on July 8, 2026. Astana IT University participates in this initiative which aims to advance medical artificial intelligence infrastructure in the region.
- MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (MIT IDSS)flagshipLong-standing academic collaboration delivering AI and Data Science programs. Professor Munther A. Dahleh from MIT led the MIT BootCamp at AI Summer School 2026. The 12-week AI and Data Science: Leveraging Responsible AI program equips students with tools and techniques for leading in a data-first era.
- Sunway University (Malaysia)coreStrengthening international cooperation with one of Malaysia's leading private universities. Visit by Prof. Sibrandes Poppema (President and Vice-Chancellor) and Mr. Marcel Bandur (Director of Internationalisation) to explore academic collaboration opportunities. Sunway University is renowned for high-quality education and commitment to sustainable development.
- Fund Nursultan Nazarbayev FoundationcoreSponsorship of AITU Hackday: Time for Industry 4.0 hackathon (June 25-26, 2026). The fund supports the hackathon organized by the Department of Science and Innovation together with the Scientific Research Center Industry 4.0.
- Fortinet MSSP GlobalcoreOT/ICS Security Lab operates on the Fortinet MSSP Global platform, providing training in cybersecurity of industrial systems through modeling of IT/OT convergence, zoning, and monitoring with emphasis on safety, security, and availability balance.
- ArmetaminorWorking meeting at Astana IT University on July 1, 2026 discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation in innovation, artificial intelligence, commercialization of scientific research, and support for technology entrepreneurship.
- Astana HUBcoreAstana HUB hosts Astana AI Week 2026 and provides professional certification opportunities for university students. The university works with Astana HUB for student certification as part of master's programs (e.g., Digital Business and AI Technologies includes passing professional certification from Astana HUB).
- Alem.ai International Center for Artificial IntelligencecoreVenue partner for Astana AI Week 2026, the premier AI event of the year bringing together science, technology, business, and government in Astana.
- Atameken National Chamber of EntrepreneurscorePartnership with Kazakhstan's national business association. The Digital Journalism program is ranked Top 10 by this body. Media programs include internships and guest lectures from Atameken Business (MEDIA HOLDING), and the university is supported by the national chamber for industry engagement.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Astana IT University competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Nazarbayev University: English-language research university in Astana, Kazakhstan, offering STEM-focused bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs with international faculty. Most direct comparable given shared city, English instruction, research orientation, and target student segments.
- KBTU (Kazakh-British Technical University): Major Kazakhstani private technical university with strong IT, engineering, and business programs. Comparable because it competes for the same domestic STEM students and grant funding in Kazakhstan's private higher education market.
- International Information Technology University (IITU): Almaty-based IT-focused university offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in computer science, cybersecurity, and digital media. Closest head-to-head competitor for IT talent in Kazakhstan with overlapping program portfolio.
Emerging players
- Innopolis University: Russian IT-specialist university in Tatarstan focused on software engineering, AI, and robotics with English-taught programs. Comparable as an emerging, internationally oriented IT-first university targeting similar student profiles outside the post-Soviet space.
- ITMO University: St. Petersburg-based research university with strong IT, AI, and photonics programs and growing international student intake. Comparable for its STEM specialization, English-language master's programs, and emphasis on industry partnerships.
Broad incumbents
- Satbayev University: Kazakhstan's leading technical university focused on engineering, applied sciences, and IT. Competes for STEM students and grant funding with stronger tenure in traditional engineering disciplines; AITU's digital focus differentiates it.
- al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU): Kazakhstan's largest and oldest university, offering a comprehensive range of programs including STEM. Competes for the same government grant pool and top students, but operates as a broad multi-disciplinary incumbent rather than an IT specialist.
Others
- Coursera: Global online degree and credential platform partnering with universities worldwide. Comparable because AITU's distance-learning infrastructure (DU system, Moodle) and English-taught programs compete for the same international student audience seeking flexible credentials.
- EPAM Training Center / EPAM Systems: Large IT services firm operating training centers and university partnerships across CIS. Comparable as an adjacent ecosystem player shaping IT skill demand and competing for the same graduates in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
Regional players
- Astana IT University College (Sdu/Astana Polytechnic competitors): Other Kazakhstani college-level IT programs (e.g. under Turan University, Suleyman Demirel University) that feed into the bachelor's market. Comparable as adjacent regional players in the Kazakhstani IT education pipeline.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Astana IT University social profiles
Digital presenceAstana IT University compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Astana IT University financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Astana IT University leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Astana IT University funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Astana IT University M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Astana IT University
What does Astana IT University do?
Astana IT University is a private higher education institution in Kazakhstan that delivers English-taught bachelor's, master's, PhD, and college programs across seven specialized schools covering AI and data science, software engineering, cybersecurity, media technologies, creative industries, intelligent systems, and digital public administration. The university sells tuition-based academic degrees and professional training, supplemented by government-funded educational grants awarded through its proprietary AITU Excellence Test (AET). Teaching is supported by specialized cybersecurity labs (OT/ICS, Anti-APT, cyberpolygon, SOC, smart connectivity), an AI curriculum spanning ML, NLP, computer vision, and generative AI, and international partnerships including MIT IDSS.
Is Astana IT University a public or private company?
Astana IT University is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Astana IT University founded?
Astana IT University was founded in 2019. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Astana IT University based?
Astana IT University is headquartered in Astana, Kazakhstan, in the Asia region.
How does Astana IT University make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Educational Services are the primary driver. The others are government Educational Grants.
Who are Astana IT University's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Nazarbayev University, KBTU (Kazakh-British Technical University) and International Information Technology University (IITU). Emerging players are Innopolis University and ITMO University. Broad incumbents are Satbayev University and al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU). Others are Coursera and EPAM Training Center / EPAM Systems. Astana IT University College (Sdu/Astana Polytechnic competitors) is listed as a regional player.
Does Astana IT University have an API?
No public API is recorded for Astana IT University.
What industry is Astana IT University in?
Astana IT University's product category is Higher Education / IT and Science Academic Programs. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHABAB, STEM-Focused Research Universities (Engineering & Applied Sciences), with a secondary code of EDAHALAB, Online Divisions of Traditional Universities (Hybrid/Extension). Its NAICS code is 611310 and its SIC code is 8200.