Results of the implementation of the first stage of the AI - SANA program

23.10.2025

 

National Initiative to Develop Digital Competencies
The AI - SANA Program is a large-scale state initiative of the Republic of Kazakhstan, launched at the instruction of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and implemented with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The goal of the program is to build a national artificial intelligence ecosystem, develop digital competencies among students and faculty, and train specialists capable of applying AI technologies in education, healthcare, science, and the economy.
The project is being implemented at universities in stages and aims to introduce modern digital educational tools and foster a culture of using artificial intelligence in the learning environment.

 

Results of the First Stage of the AI - SANA Program at SKMA
According to the implementation plan of the AI - SANA program, universities are required to complete the first stage by the end of October of the current year.
From April to October 20, 2025, students and faculty of JSC “South Kazakhstan Medical Academy” (SKMA) completed foundational courses in artificial intelligence on the Coursera platform. The outcomes were as follows:

  • 1,492 students received 3,930 certificates, confirming successful course completion and the formation of basic knowledge in artificial intelligence.

  • Among the faculty, 340 people completed training, obtaining 1,251 certificates in total.

 

Total number of unique courses completed:

  • English-language courses: 120+ unique

  • Kazakh-language courses: 6 unique

  • Russian-language courses: 2 unique

 

Foundational AI Courses Completed by SKMA Students
Within the first stage of the AI - SANA program, SKMA students studied foundational AI courses aimed at developing digital competencies and understanding the principles behind modern IT technologies.
Key areas of study included:

  • the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning;

  • the use of chatbots and generative models, including ChatGPT technologies;

  • data analysis and visualization;

  • ethics and safety of AI application;

  • digital literacy and effective use of IT tools.

The knowledge and skills acquired enable students to confidently apply AI technologies in their academic, research, and professional activities.

 

 

Strategic Significance of SKMA’s Participation in the AI - SANA Program
For SKMA, the program contributes to:

  • improving the quality of specialist training through the adoption of leading global educational practices;

  • implementing innovative teaching technologies and developing the academy’s digital infrastructure;

  • expanding academic cooperation with international educational platforms;

  • cultivating a digital and research culture among students and faculty;

  • strengthening SKMA’s status as a modern university actively integrating AI technologies into medical education.

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Next Steps
The AI - SANA program will proceed to a second stage focused on deeper study of AI tools and their practical application.
Plans include the development of research projects using AI technologies, as well as the integration of digital solutions into the academy’s educational and scientific environments.

SKMA will continue actively developing the digital competencies of students and faculty, consolidating the academy’s position as a leader in innovation and digital medical education.