Department of Economics and Finance

The Department of Economics and Finance at the Higher School of Business and Communication, Shakarim University, trains specialists in Economics, Management, Accounting, Finance, Financial Analytics, IT Security, Digital Economy, Artificial Intelligence, Transport Systems, and Digital Logistics. The Department also offers Management/Business Administration and Executive MBA programmes. The Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence programme is taught in English.

The Department offers six bachelor’s programmes, one double-degree programme, and four master’s programmes. Their content is regularly updated to reflect digital transformation, AI technologies, labour market requirements, and employer recommendations.

The academic staff comprises 18 members: five Candidates of Economic Sciences, eight PhD holders, and five master’s degree holders. More than 50% are industry professionals from the real sector and leading organisations and enterprises in Semey and the Abai Region. Their involvement supports practice-oriented learning and enables students to apply their knowledge to real-world professional challenges.

The Department cooperates with public institutions, financial organisations, enterprises, and businesses while developing academic mobility, international internships, and joint educational projects. International undergraduate and master’s students contribute to an inclusive international academic environment.

Graduates successfully pursue careers in government agencies, banks, industrial, transport, and commercial organisations in Kazakhstan and abroad. Practical training, digital technologies, and close cooperation with employers enable the Department to prepare competitive professionals capable of making effective decisions in today’s digital economy.

1. Publish at least 5 articles in journals recommended by the Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

2. Publish at least 3 textbooks recommended by the Republican Educational and Methodological Council and 1 monograph.

3. Publish at least 2 articles in journals indexed in the Scopus database.

4. Ensure a graduate employment rate of at least 90%.

5. Update 100% of the educational programmes, considering labour market requirements, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence technologies.

6. Increase the number of academic mobility participants by at least 4 people.

7. Submit at least 2 applications for research funding competitions.

8. Ensure that at least 2 faculty members confirm their English language proficiency through internationally recognised certificates.