Information about the work of Silver University

Silver University is a project that enables senior citizens to obtain additional and non-formal education.

Silver University has been operating at Sh. Ualikhanov University in Kokshetau since 2021 and is currently focused on implementing the Concept for the Development of Higher Education and Science in the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2023–2029 (Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated March 28, 2023, No. 248).

Over the course of its operation, the project has gained recognition among the older citizens living in Kokshetau and the Akmola region. The Silver University continuously expands its areas of activities and range of educational courses, introducing various formats of extracurricular interaction with learners.

University faculty members, specialists, and students of Ualikhanov University are involved as speakers.

The activities of Silver University are supported by entrepreneurs of the city and the region.

Silver University's enrollment by year: 112 in 2021, 89 in 2022, 88 in 2023, 134 in 2024, and 138 in 2025.

Courses offered to learners in the 2025–2026 academic year:

• English (various levels)
• Kazakh (various levels)
• Business Kazakh;
• History of the Akmola Region during the Repressions (1920-1950);
• Cognitive Development;
• Business Fundamentals;
• Psychology;
• Health-improving Physical Education;
• Computer and digital literacy;
• Fine Arts;
• Sewing (various levels)
• Social Media Marketing;
• Artificial Intelligence in Everyday Life;
• First Aid and Nursing;
• Fundamentals of financial and legal literacy

Silver University is an educational system that provides conditions for self-education and self-improvement for older adults.

The university runs a startup project, "Senior Travel," to organize excursions and tourist routes. Students are offered tours and excursions throughout the region, Kazakhstan, and abroad. In 2025, several excursions were organized in the region and two tours to China and Uzbekistan.

This year, university researchers completed the research projects "Cognitive Functions as a Psychological Aspect of the Reintegration Process of Seniors into Modern Society" and "Silver Generation and Health." Both projects were aimed at improving the quality of life of older citizens, reducing the burden of chronic diseases, and strengthening public health. The research results are actively used for the development of Silver University.

In 2025, the first Summer School was held for all Kazakhstani citizens aged 55+. The school offers a wide range of courses to choose from, offering active immersion in learning and visits to regional attractions. The first season of the school involved 80 graduates of the Silver University and senior citizens from districts and cities of the Akmola region.

In 2025, a memorandum was signed with the State Institution "Active Ageing Center of Kokshetau." Collaboration is currently in its active phase.universities from Kazakhstan.

In 2025, at the initiative of the Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University, the Kazakhstan Association of Silver Universities was established, which included 12

In 2024, the Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University joined the International Association of Universities of the Third Age (AIUTA). AIUTA President François Vellas visited our university in 2024.

In September 2025, an AIUTA delegation led by President François Vellas conducted an official business tour of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The delegation also visited the city of Kokshetau and attended the opening of the 2025-2026 academic year at Silver University.

The development of international cooperation continues.

In the near future, Ualikhanov University will continue promoting Silver University's activities throughout Central Asian countries, which will ultimately lead to the creation of the Central Asian AIUTA Hub.

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