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Oxford University has appointed Meruert Bizhanova, a 2019 graduate of the Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Aktau, to a Teaching Fellow role as she prepares to begin her doctoral studies in 2025 — a milestone that highlights the growing global profile of Kazakhstan-educated scholars.

This was reported by Infohub.kz news agency.

From Aktau to Oxford

Bizhanova completed her secondary education at the Nazarbayev Intellectual School (NIS) in Aktau in 2019. She then studied at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States, where she served as president of the student assembly.

In 2025, she was accepted into Oxford’s doctoral program, aligning her research track with new teaching duties.

What the Teaching Fellow role involves

As a Teaching Fellow — a lecturer-researcher position — Bizhanova will teach Oxford students while advancing her own research agenda. She noted that the appointment reflects the university’s trust and the recognition of years of sustained academic work.

Why it matters

Successes like Bizhanova’s signal the rising quality of Kazakhstan’s school-to-university preparation and offer a clear roadmap for students aiming for international academic careers. Her appointment adds to the growing presence of Kazakh graduates contributing to leading global institutions.