On 18 November 2025, the international higher education analytics agency QS Quacquarelli Symonds released the updated QS Sustainability Rankings 2026, which highlights the worlds leading universities committed to advancing sustainable development. The ranking includes 1,994 universities from 108 countries, including 827 universities from Asia and 23 institutions from the Republic of Kazakhstan.

According to the results, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University demonstrated significant progress by rising 100 positions in the global ranking compared to last year, placing within the 1101–1150 band, which corresponds to 4th place among universities in Kazakhstan. This achievement reflects the university is systematic efforts to integrate sustainable development principles into its educational, research, and management activities.

The university demonstrated particularly strong performance in the following criteria:

Good Governance – represents the quality of the university is management processes and development strategy.
Environmental Education – reflects the university is contribution to fostering environmental literacy and developing programs aimed at raising student awareness.
Environmental Research – ranked first among Kazakhstani universities, confirming the high level of scientific research in ecology and the environment.
Health & Wellbeing – ranked first among Kazakhstani universities, demonstrating its focus on creating a comfortable, safe, and supportive environment for students and staff.
The university is achievements in this ranking confirm its commitment to continuous improvement, developing the educational and scientific ecosystem, strengthening social responsibility, and fostering a sustainable academic environment.

Abai University continues to strengthen its status as the country is leading pedagogical university, actively implementing modern approaches to educational development and maintaining high international standards.