The Embodiment of a Great Dream: Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University
Our renowned author, Chingiz Aitmatov, whose works have touched humanity and earned worldwide acclaim, made significant contributions to Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, where he served as a cultural advisor. During one of his visits to our university, he once stated: "Who would have thought that a Kyrgyz-Turkish university would be built on an empty land where nothing existed, that buildings would rise, and that thousands of our young people would receive world-class education and scientific training here... That this university would contribute to the spiritual and intellectual landscape of the 21st century... This is a chance that history has given us."
As Aitmatov so eloquently expressed, Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University was once merely an ambitious, elusive dream that could only be imagined. Then, one day, the long-awaited moment arrived; the yearning in our hearts was fulfilled, and the long-separated children of the Turkic world were reunited. With the excitement of a long-awaited homecoming, various joint initiatives were undertaken, and as the most meaningful investment in human capital between Turkey and Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University was established. As our esteemed Chingiz Aitmatov said, who would have imagined!
A source of great excitement and high expectations, Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, has proven itself to its believers. It has become a source of pride for the Turkic peoples, bringing smiles to many faces and establishing itself as a distinguished institution of education that prepares the invaluable youth of the Turkic world for professional life. It has also become a unifying institution, bringing together the Turkic peoples under one academic roof. With remarkable achievements in recent years, the university has consistently ranked among the top institutions in international rankings.
Outstanding International Achievements
Today, when Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University is mentioned, the following accolades come to mind:
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Ranked among the world's top 1,000 universities for three consecutive years in the QS rankings, a prestigious international evaluation organization;
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Listed among QS 4-star universities;
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Ranked 230th in QS's Asia rankings and 10th in Central Asia;
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Recognized in the QS Sustainability Rankings for its commitment to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and governance excellence;
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Ranked among the world's best universities for modern language education by QS;
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Achieved top rankings in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings;
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Elevated Kyrgyzstan's higher education sector to the global platform for the first time with its internationalization achievements.
Journey Toward Becoming a Global Brand
Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University is a prestigious institution highly valued by the President of the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, H.E. Sadyr Japarov. With the extensive support of both states, the trust of the Turkic world, and a deep sense of responsibility, the university is rapidly progressing toward becoming a global brand under the leadership of Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, an expert in ancient history and archaeology with a lifelong commitment to serving the Turkic world and a profound knowledge of the Turkistan region.
The Most Significant Progress in Institutional History
Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University has experienced groundbreaking developments, particularly in the last five years, including:
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Restructuring all its processes according to international quality standards and obtaining certification from independent organizations;
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Aligning its higher education curriculum with global standards;
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Completing its digital transformation initiatives;
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Establishing fully equipped laboratories across various disciplines;
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Expanding terrestrial television and radio broadcasting across Kyrgyzstan with modern studios;
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Launching new academic units;
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Enhancing its technical, technological, and physical infrastructure, including new social facilities, academic buildings, workshops, application areas, "Manas"-branded production systems, artesian wells, hobby gardens, walking trails, reading halls, and campus lighting.
Making a Difference in People's Lives
The mission of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University extends beyond providing higher education; it is dedicated to creating social value for Kyrgyzstan and the entire Turkic world. That is why the university's motto is "Beyond a University..."
Numerous social responsibility projects are undertaken at the university. One such initiative is the "Manas Village and School Visits" project, where university delegations visit rural villages, engage with local residents, listen to their concerns, and develop solutions to address their needs.
The university has also extended its support to Toktobübü (Apsatar kızı), a Kyrgyz citizen unable to pursue education due to her disability. As an honorary Manas graduate, she has been granted access to all university resources, received medical treatment in Turkey, and enjoyed recreational opportunities—all made possible by Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University.
The Privileges of Being a Manas Student
Being a student at Manas University is a privilege. Some of the many opportunities offered to Manas students include:
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Dual diplomas from Turkey and Kyrgyzstan, providing employment prospects in these two founding nations and a vast geography recognizing these qualifications (Manas graduates are employed in at least 45 countries across five continents);
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Access to world-class, tuition-free education, ensuring equal opportunities for students from all socio-economic backgrounds with additional scholarship opportunities;
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A vibrant campus experience with access to healthcare services, dormitories, reading rooms, computer and VR labs, sports facilities, multipurpose halls, art galleries, high-speed internet, and the world's first Traditional Sports and Games Square on a university campus;
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A strong sense of belonging in a diverse academic community comprising students from 13 countries and faculty from six nations, with an open-door policy that allows students to engage directly with university leadership;
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Representation through the Student Council and the International Student Union, which advocate for students' rights and organize cultural, social, and artistic activities;
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24/7 access to free healthcare services at a fully equipped medical center staffed by experienced doctors and healthcare professionals;
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Affordable accommodation and balanced nutrition, with dormitories that have been recognized as the best student housing in Kyrgyzstan;
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Numerous extracurricular opportunities, including over 30 active student clubs focused on professional and personal development, as well as participation in various sports and arts activities;
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Access to courses in Russian, Chinese, and Western languages, enhancing graduates' employability and global mobility;
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Participation in international student exchange programs, benefiting from different academic perspectives and cultural experiences;
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Internship opportunities abroad, particularly in prestigious institutions in Turkey;
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Postgraduate education options for those aiming to specialize in their fields, pursue academic careers, or contribute to scientific research.
Upholding Integrity and Excellence
Manas University students are known for their integrity, discipline, diligence, and honesty. True to Chingiz Aitmatov's philosophy, they are committed to embodying the virtues of humanity every single day. The university nurtures its students not only as professionals but also as exemplary individuals who uphold ethical values.
Bridging Tradition and Universality
At Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, being a "Manaslı" is not limited to the duration of one's undergraduate or postgraduate studies; it is a lifelong identity. To be a Manaslı is to follow in the footsteps of Manas Ata and the great civilizations that brought peace to humanity, resisting cultural amnesia while embracing the competencies required in the modern world.
The doors of Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University are wide open to all ambitious and virtuous university candidates who aim for success, seek to benefit their families and nations, and aspire to become the leading architects and visionaries of the Turkic world's future.
Our Institution and Status:
We are a State University with a Special Status, established under the agreement signed between the Republic of Türkiye and the Kyrgyz Republic on September 30, 1995.
Our Board of Trustees:
The general administration of our university is carried out by a Board of Trustees consisting of eight members appointed by the respective governments, based on the principle of joint management. Our Chairman of the Board of Trustees is Prof. Dr. İbrahim ÇAPAK.
Our Mission:
Our university aims to elevate cooperation in language, science, history, literature, culture, arts, economy, and sports—particularly among the Turkic States—to the highest levels, while also embracing universal humanitarian values through its academic staff and students.
Our Vision:
By drawing upon the fundamental heritage of the Turkic World, we aspire to become a “Respected, Productive, and Recognized University at the International Level”—one that has proven itself globally, possesses rich academic experience, embodies leadership and a participatory philosophy, and contributes to civilization alongside the Turkic World.
Our Goals:
• To become an internationally recognized brand in education;
• To serve as an attractive center for scientific research;
• To establish itself as a true asset for society and the business world;
• To contribute to global science;
• To become a model university in internationalization;
• To play an active role as a unifying and driving force in the advancement of the Turkic World.
Language of Instruction:
The languages of instruction at our university are Turkish and Kyrgyz. Both languages are taught at an advanced level in preparatory classes.
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