To thoroughly implement the national policy of opening up education to the outside world and continuously deepen cooperation and exchange in higher education between China and Kazakhstan, the School of Computer Science at Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) organized a team of elite faculty members to travel to the NPU Kazakhstan Branch in early August. There, they carried out a nearly month-long series of recruitment publicity campaigns and on-site interviews. This recruitment drive focused on the undergraduate Artificial Intelligence major and the Master's program, aiming to select excellent students and jointly promote in-depth cooperation and development in China-Kazakhstan education.
On September 17, 2025, the Orientation for the Class of 2025 of the School of Computer Science, NPU Kazakhstan Branch, was held as scheduled in the Branch's lecture hall. These two significant events, echoing each other, not only showcased the School's remarkable achievements in international recruitment but also served as a unique "Launch Ceremony" for the new batch of students harboring big dreams. This marks the full integration of the School's "Recruitment-Cultivation-Output" chain for international talent training, injecting stronger momentum into China-Kazakhstan educational and sci-tech cooperation.
During this recruitment season, the School's undergraduate Artificial Intelligence major achieved an enrollment of 42 students in its very first year. The Master's program also reached a new high in recruitment scale, admitting 38 students. Additionally, the first cohort of Master's students graduated successfully in June 2025, with graduate Bolysbek Murat choosing to continue his doctoral studies. This demonstrates that the School's talent cultivation system has exhibited a positive closed-loop effect and potential for sustainable development. These achievements fully highlight NPU's disciplinary strengths in the computer science field and the attractiveness of the Kazakhstan Branch as an educational platform.
I. Recruitment Drive: Precise Selection to Solidify the Foundation of China-Kazakhstan Joint Talent Cultivation
To ensure the selection of the most promising and excellent students, the School carefully assembled two specialized recruitment teams to conduct selection work in stages and by discipline.
[Undergraduate New Chapter] Initial Success in AI Major Recruitment, Demonstrating Forward-Looking Layout
From August 10 to 20, the undergraduate recruitment team, composed of Professor Wang Peng, Professor Zhang Shu, and Associate Professor Sun Peng, was the first to arrive at the Kazakhstan Branch. They focused on the recruitment for the newly established undergraduate Artificial Intelligence major. During the interviews, the teachers not only comprehensively assessed the students' academic foundation and logical thinking abilities but also focused on unearthing their innovation potential and passion for the field of AI. Ultimately, 42 freshmen possessing both solid academic literacy and international vision were selected. This result not only verifies the School's foresight in the layout of emerging disciplines but also reflects the high recognition of the School's educational strength and professional prospects by Kazakhstani students.
[Master’s Fruits] Three Years of Dedication Yield Results, Recruitment Scale Hits New High
Following the undergraduate recruitment, from August 20 to 28, the Master's recruitment team, comprising Assistant to the Dean Professor Cui Helei, Professor Liu Zhaowen, and Foreign Affairs Secretaries Shao Xinge and Cao Lin, went to Al-Farabi Kazakh National University to fully advance the recruitment work for the Master's program.
Compared to undergraduate recruitment, the selection for the Master's program placed greater emphasis on research potential and comprehensive ability. During the interview session, the assessment team focused on the applicants' depth of professional knowledge, logic in scientific thinking, and communication skills in a cross-cultural environment. In the end, 38 excellent students earned admission through their outstanding performance. This figure represents a significant increase compared to previous years, not only refreshing the recruitment record for the Master's program but also marking that the School's Master's level training system has gained widespread trust from the Kazakhstani education sector and students, becoming a core position for the joint cultivation of high-end sci-tech talent between China and Kazakhstan.
II. Orientation: Collaborative Efforts to Guide the Growth of International Talent
On the afternoon of September 17, the Class of 2025 Orientation was held at the Kazakhstan Branch. The meeting was hosted by Vice Dean Guo Bin. Dean Shang Xuequn and Assistant to the Dean Cui Helei jointly delivered a vivid and profound "First Lesson" for the new students.
[Dean’s Address] Anchoring the Mission of China-Kazakhstan Cooperation, Conveying Earnest Expectations for Development
Dean Shang Xuequn, on behalf of all faculty and students of the School, extended the warmest welcome and congratulations to the Class of 2025. She encouraged the new students to maintain their curiosity for the unknown, fear no setbacks, and transform through growth. At the same time, she expressed hope that everyone would not only deepen their professional expertise but also embrace a global vision. She encouraged the students to cherish the unique platform of China-Kazakhstan cooperative education and bravely shoulder the mission of promoting the integration of science, technology, and culture between the two countries. Finally, she stated that the School and all teachers would be the students' solid backing, striving to provide the best platforms and resources to witness and support every student's progress and brilliance.
[School Introduction] Outlining the Blueprint for Growth, Clarifying the Path of Academic Advancement
Cui Helei provided a detailed introduction to the School for the new students. He pointed out that the School has formed distinct advantages in areas such as intelligent computing architecture and system chips, Human-Cyber-Physical intelligent computing, and big data management and analysis. He encouraged students to actively integrate into their supervisors' teams, temper their skills in practical combat, and lay a solid foundation for future career development or doctoral studies.
[Freshmen Voices] Expressing Aspirations and Determination, Meeting for a Future in Xi'an
At the meeting, undergraduate freshman representative Sergali Meruyert and Master's freshman representative Zhumanov Yernur delivered speeches respectively.
Sergali Meruyert expressed that choosing the dual-degree program was to solidly master academic knowledge and accumulate cross-cultural communication experience. He looks forward to studying in China in two years and is eager to understand Chinese culture, planning to dedicate himself to the AI field to contribute to social progress in the future.
Zhumanov Yernur explained that he chose to join because the program promotes China-Kazakhstan exchanges and allows him to experience Chinese history and culture. In the future, he hopes to explore and innovate in the field of Artificial Intelligence and become a link connecting China-Kazakhstan sci-tech cooperation.
The achievement of these recruitment results and the holding of the Orientation not only clarify the School's path for international talent cultivation but also serve as a practical example of deepening China-Kazakhstan educational cooperation, helping students grow from "qualified learners" into the "backbone of China-Kazakhstan sci-tech cooperation." In the future, the School of Computer Science will continue to uphold its original aspiration and mission of cultivating successors for the cause of China-Kazakhstan friendship, consolidating professional characteristics, improving educational quality, and expanding brand influence. The School aims to contribute a steady stream of "NPU Wisdom" and "NPU Strength" to promoting scientific and technological progress, educational prosperity, and mutual learning between civilizations in both countries.
