North Kazakhstan State University (NKSU) named after Manash Kozybaev began its chronicle in 1937 and lately it has become a large regional centre of education, science and culture being one of the best higher educational establishments of Kazakhstan.
Today the University trains qualified specialists in 127 professions for the fields of education, culture, industry, agriculture, economics, management and public service at its 10 faculties. Since 1998, the military chair has opened.
More than 13000 students are studying at NKSU.  Thirty-two Chairs having 3 Members and 8 Corresponding Members of the Academy of Science, 40 Doctors of Science and Professors, and over 100 Candidates of Science and Docents in their staff conduct the educational process and research.
At present the University is an educational, research, and scientific and production complex where the principles of multilevel educational system are successfully realized. To provide this multilevel and manifold training NKSU has Doctorate, Post-graduate and Master Courses. There is also a department of pre-university training including Humanities Lyceum, Boarding School “Daryn”, Ecology Class, preparatory department conducting courses for representatives of Kazakh Diaspora.
The development of University Computer Net in recent years allowed to hold examinations in an unconventional form of computerized testing. NKSU pioneered the development and introduction of the integrated automated management system (IAMS – Higher Education Institution) which connects all the departments and other services operating the teaching process at the University. The availability of local, multimedia and corporate computer nets connected to the World Wide Web through the University satellite dish provide access for both teachers and students to world achievements in education and science, training programs of world’s best universities. 
NKSU is a collective member of the International Academy of Higher School and the International Association of Universities. At NKSU, there were set branches and departments of the Engineering Academy of RK, International Personnel Academy, National Committee of RK “IAESTE” for students’ exchange. The university scientists participate in development of international, national, regional, interindustrial and industrial programs. The university is a member of two International Consortiums.
The students’ social activities are organized according to the integrated system of educative work. Association of University Graduates, Parents’ Committees, students’ public organizations are actively functioning. There are two Students’ Amateur Theaters working for over 20 years, an exhibition hall, and a ballroom dancing hall with special facilities.
The university KVN (Club of Merry and Witty) team was in the National finals and the Ural Zone winner of the Supreme League of the International KVN Association. The university athletes compete successfully in various International and National sport tournaments.
In recent years, North-Kazakhstan state University maintained and expanded its infrastructure.   Today it comprises 10 educational buildings including specially equipped building of Military Chair, 5 hostels for a total of 1700 students , its own health and prophylactic center, an observatory with a planetarium,  out-of-town agro-biological station, sports and health-improvement camp, etc. A long-term program of NKSU development is being realized.