National H-index Ranking is an independent international ranking. An updated version of the ranking for Q2 2025 has recently been released. In this article, we will take a closer look at which Kazakh universities have entered the TOP-10 according to the National H-index Ranking, as well as analyse the dynamics of their academic performance compared to the previous period.
The National H-index Ranking is updated twice a year. It is compiled on the basis of the Hirsch index (h-index) collected from such sources as Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. In the previous publication, we analysed the scientific potential of the leading institutions in Kazakhstan, including research institutions, organisations, universities, etc. This time, we will focus exclusively on higher education institutions.
Top 10 universities in Kazakhstan in 2025
| University | National H-index | H-index (Scopus) | H-index (WoS) | H-index (Google Scholar) | ||
| 1 |  |
Nazarbayev University | 127 | 128 | 116 | 272 |
| 2 |  |
Al Farabi Kazakh National University | 86 | 95 | 89 | 145 |
| 3 |  |
L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University | 78 | 80 | 80 | 146 |
| 4 |  |
Satbayev University | 56 | 70 | 42 | 112 |
| 5 |  |
Kazakh National Medical University | 55 | 64 | 60 | 80 |
| 6 |  |
Kazakh-British Technical University | 39 | 49 | 43 | 49 |
| 7 |  |
KIMEP University | 36 | 45 | 36 | 53 |
| 8 |  |
Nazarbayev University School of Medicine | 32 | 54 | 6 | 70 |
| 9 |  |
Suleyman Demirel University, Kaskelen | 29 | 33 | 36 | 36 |
| 10 |  |
Kazakh National Agrarian Research University | 27 | 38 | 22 | 41 |
To compile the ranking, 86 universities were analysed and evaluated.
How has the performance of Kazakh universities changed?
| University | Changes in National H-index | Changes in positions |
| Nazarbayev University | +8 | – |
| Al Farabi Kazakh National University | +6 | – |
| L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University | +2 | – |
| Satbayev University | +3 | – |
| Kazakh National Medical University | +5 | – |
| Kazakh-British Technical University | +2 | ↑1 |
| KIMEP University | +1 | ↑1 |
| Nazarbayev University School of Medicine | +2 | ↑2 |
| Suleyman Demirel University, Kaskelen | +2 | ↑2 |
| Kazakh National Agrarian Research University | +2 | ↑6 |
Compared to the results for Q4 2024, all the universities included in the TOP-10 in Q2 2025 showed an increase in the national Hirsch index. It is worth noting that five of them also improved their positions in the overall ranking.
How can you improve your position in the ranking?
NHR publishes several rankings, namely:
- Ranking of organisations in Scopus
- Ranking of organisations in Web of Science
- Ranking of organisations in Google Scholar
- Ranking of educational institutions in the country
- TOP 1000 scientists in Scopus
- TOP 1000 scientists in Google Scholar
It is possible to improve the positions and indicators in the National H-index Ranking only by increasing the Hirsch index. This can be achieved by publishing relevant scientific research that attracts the attention of the scientific community, as the level of citation is a key factor that determines the h-index. Give preference to reputable scientific publications with high indicators, such as the impact factor, quartile, or percentile. Read more about effective ways to increase the Hirsch index in our separate article.
In the long run, improving positions in international rankings creates conditions for attracting investment, supporting young scientists, developing cooperation with leading global researchers, and increasing the attractiveness of the institution for potential students.
Do you want to improve the ranking of your university? Contact Scientific Publications! We provide organic growth in the number of citations of scientific articles and increase the Hirsch index. Leave a request now and get a free consultation from our manager. Together to new heights!
