In Aktobe, 350 students of the Kazakh-Russian International University were expelled at the end of the academic year. Parents are demanding explanations, while the university administration cites violations of academic discipline and unpaid fees.
According to Tengrinews.kz, outraged parents gathered outside the university building and claimed that the university had mass-expelled students, including first-years and final-year students.
"My daughter is studying at this university in her third year. The academic year ends in two months. We pay for her tuition on time. About 600,000 tenge a year. A week ago, we were told that my daughter was expelled for not attending classes. Yes, I won't deny it, she doesn't always go to lectures. But most students at this university study this way. We pay 30-40,000 tenge each time for exams. So why do they take the money? They should have let her finish the third year so we could transfer to another educational institution", says Aktobe resident Dinara Bekmurzina.
One female student claims she was studying remotely, but was still expelled for absences.
"I am going to sue the university. My contract is for distance learning. I pass my exams on time and make payments promptly too. Why was I expelled? Without notice, without warning. They just threw 350 people out on the street at the end of the academic year", she said indignantly.
In turn, the Deputy Akim of Aktobe Region, Zholdas Batyrkhan, who arrived to speak with the angry parents, urged them to resolve the problem within the legal framework.
"Each student has a contract drawn up with the university. I don't know exactly what it says. But the wording in the order is: more than 40 hours of unexcused absences. We are currently negotiating with the university administration as well. We advise parents and students to go to court. We don't see any other way out for now", he reported.
At the same time, the head of the educational process organisation department at the Kazakh-Russian International University, Aknur Kadyrbek, stated that the mass expulsion of students was carried out within the law.
"A total of 350 students were expelled. 91 of them for non-payment. The remaining 259 for systematic absences. All were expelled by order of the rector. The rector himself is currently on sick leave. There was an inspection in February, and its findings revealed this data", she commented.
It has become known that more than 2,000 students study at the university. The administration claims that classes are running as normal and there are no problems with the teaching staff. However, rumours are circulating among students about the possible closure of the university, which the administration denies.