This university began as the Ust-Kamenogorsk Pedagogical Institute (UKPI) in 1952. Originally beginning with three faculties, it continued to grow. By the 1971–1972 academic year, the university had five faculties with a substantial number of students and teachers, including candidates of sciences and professors.
The transformation into East Kazakhstan State University (EKSU) in 1991 marked a significant milestone. EKSU expanded rapidly, boasting 11 faculties, and introducing postgraduate and master's degree programmes. In 1995, it gained the authority to confer the academic title "Professor of VK."
In the early 2000s multiple institutes, research facilities, and academic support structures were introduced. And on October 3, 2003, the university was named after renowned scientist-linguist Sarsen Amanzholov.
By 2004, EKSU had evolved into a comprehensive institution with numerous institutes, advanced technology centres, research facilities, and a broad range of academic programmes. It also included a branch in Mongolia.
Today, EKSU encompasses various faculties and programmes, including those in history, philology, international relations, psychology, pedagogy, culture, natural sciences, technology, economics, law, qualification confirmation, marketing, pre-university training, distance learning, and master's degree programmes.
