On July 9, the International Engineering and Technology University METU held its Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2026. More than 500 graduates marked a significant milestone in their lives by receiving their higher education diplomas and taking the first step toward their professional careers.

The ceremony brought together the University`s leadership, faculty members, parents, distinguished guests, representatives of the diplomatic corps, members of the scientific community, and international partners.

Among the distinguished guests were Toktar Ongarbayuly Aubakirov, Hero of the Soviet Union, “Halyk Qaharmany” (the National Hero) of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Honoured Test Pilot, the first cosmonaut of Kazakhstan, and Academician of the International Engineering Academy; Bakytzhan Tursynuly Zhumagulov, President of the National Engineering Academy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Academician, Laureate of the State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Honoured Worker of Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan; as well as representatives of the National Engineering Academy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

A special role in the ceremony was played by Darhan Berikovich Akpanbetov, Rector of the International Engineering and Technology University METU, Associate Professor, Candidate of Technical Sciences, and Academician of the National Engineering Academy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In his welcoming address, the Rector thanked the graduates for their dedication throughout their years of study, emphasized the value of the knowledge and skills they had acquired, and noted the growing demand for highly qualified engineering professionals in Kazakhstan. He stressed that educating competent specialists in engineering and technology is one of the key factors for the country`s sustainable development and wished the graduates every success in realizing their professional potential while contributing to the advancement of Kazakhstan`s industry, science, and innovation. Rector Darhan Berikovich also personally participated in the diploma presentation ceremony.

At the invitation of the Department of International Cooperation, representatives of the diplomatic missions of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Türkiye attended the event. The distinguished guests included Ilyas Mirlanovich Bekbolotov, Education Representative of the Consulate General of the Kyrgyz Republic; Cholpon Imangazievna Isanaeva, Vice Consul of the Kyrgyz Republic; and Tuğba Alan Özdenfedakar, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye.

As part of the ceremony, Toktar Ongarbayuly Aubakirov was awarded the prestigious “Engineering Glory” order of the International Engineering Academy in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of Kazakhstan`s science and engineering, as well as to strengthening the country`s international reputation.

The distinguished guests took an active part in presenting diplomas to the graduates. In particular, Vice Consul of the Kyrgyz Republic Cholpon Imangazievna Isanaeva, together with Assel Assylbekovna Abdildayeva, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and International Relations, presented diplomas to the graduates. This served as a clear demonstration of the University`s close cooperation with foreign diplomatic missions and its commitment to strengthening international academic collaboration.

A particularly memorable moment of the ceremony was the presentation of a diploma to Gül Çağrı Emre, a graduate from the Republic of Türkiye, once again highlighting METU`s international character and its attractiveness to students from around the world.

The participation of representatives of the diplomatic corps in this important event once again demonstrated that international cooperation is an integral part of the University`s development strategy. Through the consistent efforts of the Department of International Cooperation in strengthening international partnerships, advancing academic diplomacy, and fostering collaboration with foreign consular institutions, METU continues to expand its global presence, create new opportunities for students and faculty members, and enhance its reputation within the international higher education community.

The METU Graduation Ceremony 2026 was not only a celebration of students` achievements but also a symbol of the University`s openness to international partnership, scientific collaboration, and shared development. METU will continue to strengthen cooperation with international educational institutions and diplomatic organizations, creating favorable conditions for preparing highly qualified professionals who are in demand both in Kazakhstan and internationally.