Financial Literacy for Students of Non-Economic Specialties at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University

On 13 October 2026, faculty members of the Department of Finance and Accounting of the Higher School of Economics and Business at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University delivered a public lecture in Kazakh and Russian for students of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics. The event focused on the course “Fundamentals of Financial Literacy”. The speakers were Aizhan Sarsenovna Asilova, Candidate of Economic Sciences and Research Professor, and Baglan Muratovna Aliyeva, Candidate of Economic Sciences and Assistant Professor.

The main objective of the lecture was to develop and improve students’ financial literacy, strengthen their skills in responsible personal financial management, and familiarise them with the course content and its practical relevance, enabling them to make informed choices when selecting academic courses.

During the lecture, the speakers discussed the key principles of financially responsible behaviour, including personal and family budget planning, balancing income and expenditure, building savings, responsible use of credit products, financial risk assessment, and protection against fraud. Particular attention was paid to the importance of making financial decisions based on an assessment of available options, personal financial capabilities, and long-term consequences. Knowledge in this area is essential not only for future finance professionals but also for students pursuing degrees in all other fields.

The lecture contributed to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, the event supports SDG 4, “Quality Education”, by expanding practical knowledge and developing competencies that are essential for lifelong learning. Its contribution to SDG 8, “Decent Work and Economic Growth”, is reflected in the development of skills for making informed financial decisions, which are important for professional careers, entrepreneurship, and economic independence. The contribution to SDG 10, “Reduced Inequalities”, lies in promoting accessible financial knowledge and creating more equal opportunities for young people to participate in economic life.

The relevance of the topic is also supported by the priorities of Kazakhstan’s public policy. In his Address to the People of Kazakhstan on 2 September 2024, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasised the need to introduce educational programmes on the fundamentals of financial literacy and digital hygiene in schools and higher education institutions. In 2025, the Head of State once again highlighted the development of financial and digital literacy as an important condition for building competitive human capital. Furthermore, in his Address of 8 September 2025, entitled “Kazakhstan in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Current Challenges and Their Solutions through Digital Transformation”, he emphasised the need to continue the “Qaryzsyz Qogam” (“Debt-Free Society”) project, initiated by the AMANAT party and aimed at improving citizens’ financial awareness.

Educational events of this kind help students apply their knowledge in everyday life: assessing the terms and conditions of banking services, planning major purchases, avoiding excessive debt burdens, and using digital financial services responsibly. The interdisciplinary format of the lecture also highlighted that the fundamentals of financial literacy are important for every student, regardless of their chosen field of study.

Thus, the public lecture served as a platform for expanding students’ financial knowledge, discussing topical issues related to personal financial well-being, and strengthening the connection between university education and the sustainable development priorities of the country.