Kazakh National University of Sports Graduates First Class as Enrollment Tops 5,000

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 8, 2026 (EZ Newswire) — The Kazakh National University of Sports (KNUS) celebrated its first graduating class this year, five years after its founding, with enrollment now exceeding 5,000 students, up from 260 in 2022.

In a recent interview with EU Reporter editor James Drew, KNUS founder and Director of Development at the International Esports Federation (IESF) Nurassyl Medeu described KNUS as an effort to bring international-standard sports education to Kazakhstan without requiring students to study abroad.

“Studying abroad can be an exceptional experience, but it is not an option for everyone,” said Medeu. “I wanted talented students to have access to modern knowledge, new technologies, international experts, and professional networks without necessarily having to leave the country.”

Adapting Global Benchmarks

Rather than replicating existing systems, KNUS takes inspiration from notable institutions such as Loughborough University and the German Sport University Cologne, particularly in the way they combine education, research, and professional practice, and adapts it into a model tailored for Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

“The goal was never to copy another system,” said Medeu. “Our ambition is to meet international standards while developing the talent, research capacity, technology, and management expertise our region needs.”

Building International Partnerships

KNUS works with some of the world’s leading international organizations, including the United Nations, the International Olympic Committee, and United World Wrestling. In July 2026, United World Wrestling (UWW), the global governing body for Olympic wrestling, signed a memorandum of understanding with KNUS and the Kazakhstan Wrestling Federation. In September 2026, KNUS became the first university in Central Asia to join the network of Olympic Studies and Research Centres coordinated by the International Olympic Committee, and the university has partnered with UN Women representatives on its Women in Sport initiative. 

KNUS also works with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). WADA President Witold Bańka spoke at the launch of the university’s Global Clean Sport Leadership Diplomacy mini-MBA. The university has also signed a cooperation agreement with the IESF.

Expanding Access Through Scholarships

A cornerstone of Medeu’s educational philosophy is ensuring that high-quality education remains accessible to all, regardless of financial background. To this end, KNUS offers two primary scholarship initiatives, funded by the university’s post-tax profits:

• Life Chance: Designed for socially vulnerable students and those from rural or remote regions. The program covers full tuition, provides free on-campus accommodation, and includes a monthly stipend personally funded by Medeu.
• Merit: An academic scholarship awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional entrance exam results, strong ongoing academic performance, and active engagement in university life.

“Financial circumstances should not prevent talented young people from accessing a strong education,” Medeu emphasized. “Life Chance is ultimately about opportunity, giving young people the support they need to turn their abilities, discipline, and hard work into a different future.”

Through his ongoing work with KNUS and his leadership at the IESF, Medeu continues his long-term mission of educational entrepreneurship, merging national ambition with international standards to empower the next generation of industry professionals.

Read the full interview on EU Reporter.

About World Impact Media Organization

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About Kazakh National University of Sports (KNUS)

Founded in 2021 by Nurassyl Medeu, the Kazakh National University of Sports (KNUS) is a private higher education institution dedicated to reshaping the sports industry in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Originally established as the Academy of Physical Education and Mass Sports (APEMS), the university integrates sports education with science, technology, and business management to prepare professionals for the modern athletic landscape. Operating from a state-owned campus in Astana under a formal agreement, KNUS serves over 5,000 students and champions accessible, world-class education through initiatives like the Life Chance and Merit scholarship programs, which support talented youth from rural and socially vulnerable backgrounds. For more information, visit knus.edu.kz/en.

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