Satbayev University ranked among the World’s Top Universities in 10 Subjects in QS 2026

Satbayev University has strengthened its position in the global academic landscape by being ranked among the world’s leading universities in 10 subject areas in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. In addition, the University is represented in two broad subject areas - Engineering & Technology and Arts & Humanities, reflecting the expansion of its educational and research profile.

These strong results confirm the systematic work of Satbayev University’s профильные departments, institutes, and academic schools, as well as the University’s steady progress in sustainable development. Strengthening research capacity, developing engineering solutions for industry, digital transformation, environmental initiatives, and training competitive professionals directly align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

The University achieved its highest performance in Petroleum Engineering, ranking 101–150 globally and sharing 1st place in Kazakhstan. This achievement reflects the high level of specialist training and applied research delivered by профильные departments and research units working on technological solutions for the energy sector and sustainable industrial development (SDG 7, SDG 9). In addition, Satbayev University was ranked by QS in key engineering and natural science disciplines:

• Engineering – Electrical & Electronic (451–500)
• Computer Science & Information Systems (501–550)
• Engineering – Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing (501–575)
• Mathematics (501–600)
• Chemistry (601–700)
• Physics & Astronomy (601–675)

A particularly notable achievement was the University’s progress in digital disciplines: Computer Science & Information Systems improved significantly from the 701–750 band to 501–550. This advancement reflects the growing academic reputation of the University, improved quality of educational programs, increased research publications, and the development of applied research in digitalization and engineering technologies, contributing to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). In the QS 2026 rankings, Satbayev University also entered the subject ranking for the first time in:

• Education (401–450)
• Mathematics (501–600)
• Chemistry (601–700)

This demonstrates the expansion of the University’s academic profile and the development of interdisciplinary educational initiatives aimed at training a new generation of specialists and researchers, directly supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education).

At the national level, Satbayev University continues to hold leading positions across a number of disciplines, sharing 1st place in Kazakhstan in Petroleum Engineering and Art & Design, and ranking 2nd in Kazakhstan in:

• Engineering – Electrical & Electronic
• Computer Science & Information Systems
• Engineering – Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing
• Chemistry
• Engineering & Technology

The QS 2026 results reflect Satbayev University’s strengthened research capacity, expanding international cooperation, and broader academic agenda. A key factor behind this success remains the integration of sustainable development principles into the University’s strategy - from training engineers and researchers to implementing научные projects focused on energy development, digital technologies, industrial modernization, and environmentally oriented solutions.

Satbayev University’s achievements in the QS 2026 rankings reaffirm its role as the country’s leading engineering university and one of the key regional centers for talent development and research, contributing to Kazakhstan’s national priorities and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).