Meruert Bizhanova has become the first kazakh to receive a high-level international award on behalf of the Ivy League in the 284-year history of the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn, USA),reports Ulysmedia.kz.

Meruert earned her Master's degree in Teaching, Learning, and Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, one of the most prestigious institutions of higher education in the world. Upon completing her studies in 2025, she was awarded the Penn Global Student Citizenship Award — the university’s highest honor for international students. This marks the first time the award has been presented to a student from Kazakhstan.

During her time in the United States, Meruert actively contributed to research projects focused on equity and inclusion, completed an internship at the Center for Global Policy, and engaged in community initiatives on campus. Additionally, she was elected President of the Student Government — a role traditionally held by American students.

UPenn’s official website highlighted her contribution:

“Meruert proudly and honorably represents Kazakhstan in both academic and public spheres,” the university stated.

Her achievements extend beyond this milestone. In April 2025, Meruert was accepted into the doctoral program at the University of Oxford (UK), where she will begin her PhD studies in education in October. She thus joins a select group of individuals from Central Asia who have charted a distinguished academic path from Kazakhstan to the United Kingdom through the Ivy League.