Nazarbayev University (NU) is a modern, English-speaking research university located in Astana, the Republic of Kazakhstan’s capital and the heart of Eurasia. Admission and progression are entirely merit-based and integrate professor-led teaching and research starting on day one as a freshman.

NU is providing a higher education that prepares graduates for success in an age of globalization and technological disruption. Our graduates receive world-class degrees in earth sciences, digital sciences, public administration, educational leadership, engineering, medicine, and more.

NU has achieved a notable milestone, debuting in the top 30 percent of international research universities according to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024. Released on September 28, 2023, the rankings evaluated 1904 universities across approximately 100 countries, with NU securing a commendable position within the range of 501-600.

Furthermore NU has made its first appearance in the prestigious university league table, securing the 106th position out of 673 institutions spanning across 79 countries and territories in the Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings 2024 and is listed in the Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings for 2024, ranked 129 out of 739 institutions.

Information about admissions to NU

Education in NU is available in 7 Schools and 1 Center for Preparatory Studies:

• School of Engineering and Digital Sciences;
• School of Sciences and Humanities;
• Graduate School of Business;
• Graduate School of Public Policy;
• Graduate School of Education;
• School of Medicine;
• School of Mining and Geoscience.
• Center for Preparatory Studies

The following programs are available at the University:

• Foundation program

NUFYP (Nazarbayev University Foundation Year Program) – a one-year intensive program at the Center for Preparatory Studies of NU. The program provides intensive academic, scientific and language proficiency preparation to the undergraduate programs of NU. Education is available under grants and on a fee-paying basis. Following the results of study at NUFYP, students can apply to NU Schools for further education at the undergraduate programs.

• Bachelor degree program

An undergraduate program is the first level of higher education and typically takes 4 years. The undergraduate programs of NU provide a deep understanding of academic and research principles. Modern equipment, innovative teaching methods and experienced faculty of NU provide world-class higher education.

• Zero year of graduate programs

ZYGP (Zero Year of Graduate programs) - the aim of the Program is to give students the support needed to acquire English language proficiency and academic skills required to successfully begin Master’s and PhD level studies. Satisfactory completion of the Program will permit the students to progress to the Master’s or PhD programs of the University to which they applied.

• Master’s degree programs

The Master's degree is the second stage of higher education. The program furthers the knowledge and proficiency in modern research and broadens students’ expertise in chosen areas of science. The duration of programs is from 16 months to 2 years depending on the specific major.

• Doctorate programs

This is the most prestigious degree bestowed by universities. It requires a high level of demonstrated aptitude and passion for the subject matter. Doctoral degree programs give students a path to create and defend a dissertation to earn a Ph.D. Standard education lasts 4 years.

• Residency programs

Residency is a form of postgraduate advanced medical training in clinical specialties. The program is to educate highly-qualified medical workers on their chosen major. Depending on the specialty, the duration of a residency study program is 2 – 5 years.

• Advanced training program

In addition to education and research, we also offer executive leadership courses. These courses give working professionals marketable skills to help advance their careers.

General application process consists of the following steps:

• Register on the admissions.nu.edu.kz portal and create a Personal Account
• Fill out the application form and attach the required documents
• Pay the application fee and submit the application
• Provide tests results including IELTS/TOEFL

Further stages may vary depending on the condition of each program. Admission requirements, the online application process, deadlines, and other competition conditions are available at the link, where you can choose the program of interest and familiarize yourself with the admission details. Due to possible changes in procedures, applicants should monitor the current information specifically on the University's website in the Admissions section.

The application status and competition results are displayed in the applicant's Personal account. In case of receiving an admission offer, the applicant should fulfill the specified requirements within the corresponding deadlines.

Contact information on admissions: