KazNMU School of Pharmacy Welcomes First-Year Students
On 1 September, the new academic year began at the country’s higher education institutions — an important milestone that opens up new opportunities and prospects for students. Particular attention is paid during this period to first-year students, for whom this marks not only the start of their studies but also the process of adapting to the university’s academic and social environment.
At the School of Pharmacy of the S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, an orientation week is traditionally held in early September, aimed at providing comprehensive support to new students. Its main aim is to ensure a smooth transition from the school environment to the university education system, to foster an understanding of academic requirements and to create the conditions for successful integration into the student community.
During the orientation week, first-year students receive assistance with key matters:
- moving into halls of residence;
- obtaining ID cards;
- obtaining usernames and passwords to access learning platforms;
- registering with the library;
- familiarising themselves with the university’s digital services and academic infrastructure;
- miscellaneous.
Particular attention is paid to fostering an academic culture: students are introduced to the degree programmes, the principles of academic integrity, the requirements of the learning process, and opportunities for academic and professional development.
In 2026, the intake of first-year students at the School of Pharmacy comprised:
- on the ‘Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology’ degree programme — 198 students (94 on grants, 104 on a fee-paying basis), duration of study — 4 years;
- on the ‘Pharmacy’ programme — 50 students (10 on government-funded places, 40 on fee-paying places), duration of study — 5 years.
The Dean of the School of Pharmacy, Professor Z.B. Sakipova, addressed the students with a welcome speech. In her address, she congratulated the first-year students on the start of their studies, outlined the structure of the School of Pharmacy, and spoke about its achievements and development over the past 75 years.
The Dean also familiarised the students in detail with the university’s key regulatory and legal documents, including:
- academic policy;
- the student code of honour;
- internal regulations.
The meeting was moderated by Aizhan Sadenovna Kuzembayeva, Deputy Dean of the School of Pharmacy, and Kaldanay Karzhaovna Kozhanova, Head of the Department of Engineering Disciplines and Good Practices. During the event, the orientation week programme was presented, and staff from the Dean’s Office and key university departments were introduced.
Representatives from various university departments delivered informative and practice-oriented presentations for the first-year students:
- representatives of the University Clinic — on matters relating to medical care for students, visiting the clinic and completing medical documentation;
- the Student Services Centre — on matters relating to administrative support for studies;
- heads and lecturers of the relevant departments — on the specifics of the teaching process, subjects and academic requirements.
A significant part of the meeting was the election of group, sub-group and cohort representatives, which took place in accordance with the principles of openness, equality and democracy. Candidates representing various regions of Kazakhstan and graduates of leading schools, including the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) and specialised educational institutions, presented their programmes, ideas and vision for student self-governance.
Following an open vote, the most proactive, responsible and motivated students were elected – those ready to represent the interests of their groups and contribute to the formation of an active academic community.
Orientation Week proved to be an important start for the first-year students, enabling them not only to resolve practical matters but also to lay the foundations for their professional and personal development.
Dear first-year students!
We congratulate you on the start of the new academic year and your entry into the professional community of future pharmacists. May this journey be filled with knowledge, discoveries, scientific achievements and memorable events.
We are confident that your years of study at the School of Pharmacy will lay a solid foundation for your successful career and enable you to make a significant contribution to the development of healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry.
We wish you a confident start, inspiration and great successes!
