Nazarbayev University

Top Research University in Central Asia

Founded in 2010, Nazarbayev University (NU) is a Central Asian flagship academic institution with ambitions to achieve global recognition as a top-tier research university. Located in the heart of Eurasia, in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana, it distinguishes itself through a fully merit-based admission system that seamlessly integrates professor-led teaching and research from a student's very first day as a freshman. NU is more than just a novelty; it's a higher education institution dedicated to equipping graduates with the skills they need to thrive in an era of globalization and technological advancement.

Vision & Mission

NU’s vision is to produce the scientists, academics, managers, and entrepreneurs essential for the growth and development of Kazakhstan and the global community. 

NU's mission is to serve as a benchmark for higher education reform and cutting-edge research, while also playing a pivotal role in transforming Astana into a global hub for knowledge, innovation, and medical excellence. Furthermore, NU is dedicated to preparing its students for a future characterized by heightened volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.

Focus on Research

Nazarbayev University (NU) is dedicated to achieving research excellence that drives socioeconomic progress in Kazakhstan and the region. Our research spans STEM disciplines, life sciences, social sciences, and education, aligning with Kazakhstan's strategic priorities. We're committed to expanding research capabilities in collaboration with government, industry, and research partners to address global challenges. NU is rapidly developing doctoral and postdoctoral programs, fostering a vibrant postdoctoral community to catalyze a robust research culture. These researchers will inspire students and bolster faculty research, advancing NU's mission of knowledge dissemination and innovation.

Meritocracy

Nazarbayev University is a merit-based institution that welcomes talented individuals from all walks of life, be it students, faculty, or researchers. Merit-based approach has drawn the best and brightest minds from within the country and internationally, making NU a hub for talent and innovation. NU stands as a beacon of educational excellence and equal opportunity.

English as a Medium of Instruction

Nazarbayev University is a pioneering institution in Central Asia, offering education in English, which sets it apart as a unique academic hub in the region. With English as the medium of instruction, NU opens doors for students in Kazakhstan and Central Asia to access a world-class, globally recognized education without language barriers. This approach not only enriches the educational landscape of Kazakhstan but also strengthens the region's connection to the international academic community, making NU a pivotal center for cross-cultural exchange and global learning.

Strategic Partnerships

Nazarbayev University (NU) embarked on its journey by forging partnerships with renowned global institutions like Duke University's Fuqua Business School, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, the Colorado School of Mines, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. These strategic alliances played a pivotal role in shaping NU's governance, academic structures, program development, quality assurance, and student support systems during its formative years. As NU has evolved, we are poised to deepen these relationships, fostering enhanced opportunities for faculty, researchers, and students to engage in meaningful exchanges and collaborations.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

NU campus offers a nurturing environment for students' academic, professional, and social growth. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including a modern library, lecture halls, research laboratories, sports centers, and residence halls, it provides a holistic educational experience. The campus also features dining options, convenient shops, and a range of support services tailored to student needs, ensuring a comfortable and enriching learning environment.

Vibrant Campus Life 

NU goes beyond classroom education, fostering students' talents and interests through a diverse array of opportunities. With approximately 100 clubs and societies on campus, students can explore their passions. Our extensive campus facilities, including a 6,000-square-meter sports complex, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and dedicated music and art rooms, enrich academic life. NU's commitment extends to nurturing students as community leaders, emphasizing the development of both academic prowess and their potential to make a positive impact on their communities.

NU empowers its graduates with world-class degrees spanning disciplines such as earth sciences, digital sciences, public administration, educational leadership, engineering, medicine, and more. The university provides diverse academic programs through its eight schools, offering a comprehensive education across various fields.

The School of Engineering and Digital Sciences (SEDS) ensures a comprehensive educational experience for students pursuing various fields of engineering and digital sciences.

SEDS offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including Chemical and Materials Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, and Computer Sciences. Additionally, graduate students at SEDS have the opportunity to pursue Master's Degrees in Engineering Management, Biomedical Engineering, and Data Sciences.

Moreover, the school provides a doctoral program in Science, Engineering, and Technology, as well as specialized doctoral programs in Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Robotics Engineering. SEDS programs are designed with the prestigious ABET accreditation in mind, ensuring students receive a well-rounded and comprehensive education. 

The School of Sciences and Humanities (SSH) The School of Sciences and Humanities (SSH) offers undergraduate students a world-class education with Bachelor of Science programs in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics, as well as Bachelor of Arts programs in Anthropology, Economics, History, Political Science & International Relations, Sociology, and World Languages, Literatures and Cultures. Additionally, the school provides Master's Degrees in Biological Sciences and Technologies, Chemistry, Economics, Eurasian Studies, Applied Mathematics, Physics, and Political Science & International Relations, along with PhD programs in the Life Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Eurasian Studies.

SSH maintains a strategic partnership with the University of Wisconsin Madison, enhancing the educational experience. Within SSH, students enjoy the expertise of faculty members holding doctoral degrees from renowned global universities, further enriching their academic journey.

The School of Medicine (NUSOM) The Medical School  is committed to achieving world-class status by fostering excellence in health education and biomedical research. The School offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs encompassing Medical Sciences, Nursing, Molecular Medicine, Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Additionally, the School provides doctoral programs in Biomedical Sciences, Global Health, and a variety of residency programs.

The Medical School proudly offers Kazakhstan's first US-style MD curriculum, delivered in English, and developed in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.  Its goal is to nurture the next generation of medical leaders in healthcare, education, innovation and biomedical research. Furthermore, the School and  its medical cluster (University Medical Center), the Center of Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana are the key elements of Nazarbayev University Medicine, the ecosystem to translate biomedical innovation and discoveries into better diagnostics, therapeutics and prevention.  This initiative signifies our commitment to advancing the field of medicine and healthcare.

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The School of Mining and Geosciences (SMG) is a growing institution that boasts a dedicated faculty, internationally recognized for its commitment to students and cutting-edge research. SMG offers undergraduate programs in Geoscience, Mining Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering and masters and doctorate degree programs in Mining and Petroleum with plans to expand the Geosciences.  The SMG mission is clear: to shape tomorrow's industry leaders through world-class education and groundbreaking research with global implications. State-of-the-art laboratories enhance both teaching and research endeavors. SMG emphasizes partnerships with top-ranked institutions, illustrated by their affiliation with the Colorado School of Mines. Established in 2016, the School is dedicated to advancing earth science education and research, leveraging Kazakhstan's abundant resources for sustainable development. 

The Graduate School of Business (NU GSB) is passionately committed to developing principled leaders through a vibrant learning community characterized by innovation, diversity, and unwavering academic rigor. NU GSB proudly collaborates with Duke University's Fuqua School of Business, bolstering its academic offerings and extending its global reach. 

Offering Full-time MBA, Executive MBA, MSc Finance, and PhD in Business Administration Programs, as well as Executive Education, NU GSB exemplifies its commitment to excellence and the cultivation of business leaders. These programs are thoughtfully designed to equip students with the skills and business acumen necessary to introduce transformative management practices to their organizations.

The Graduate School of Education (NU GSE) aspires to become an influential, world-class graduate school of education, effecting change in educational thinking, policy and practice at all levels of education through scholarly research, quality teaching and persuasive argument. 

NU GSE offers three degree programs: Master of Science in Educational Leadership, Master of Arts in Multilingual Education, and Doctor of Philosophy in Education. Our programs are meticulously designed to prepare visionary leaders, catalysts for change, and influential policy makers equipped to shape the educational landscape of Kazakhstan and beyond.

The Graduate School of Public Policy (NUGSPP) is committed to improving the quality of life of people in Kazakhstan and Central Asia by training leaders to promote good governance through our focus on excellence in education, research, and executive development to address key policy and leadership challenges. 

Established in 2012, NUGSPP has cultivated a strong partnership with the LKY School at the National University of Singapore.  Our Master in Public Policy and Master in Public Administration programs are accredited by both NASPAA (Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration) and EAPAA (European Association of Public Administration Accreditation). Together with our PhD in Public Policy program, NUGSPP is the premier choice in Central Asia, providing exceptional opportunity for high quality public service education benefiting a diverse and vibrant student community.

The Center for Preparatory Studies offers two distinct academic programs designed to prepare students for studies in either a bachelor- or graduate-degree program.

Nazarbayev University Foundation Year Program (NUFYP) provides an academic curriculum designed to equip undergraduate students for success at an English-medium research university—NU or another international institution. The program develops students’ academic English, mathematics, and personal leadership skills in preparation for study towards a bachelor degree in any field.

The Zero Year of Graduate Programs (NUZYP) provides non-credit courses that prepare students for graduate-level programs conducted in English. It focuses on the language skills necessary for successful graduate work, e.g., research writing, presentations, and discipline-specific vocabulary.

Research at NU is primarily conducted through its various schools, resulting in a robust research ecosystem. The university boasts an impressive network of more than 270 research and teaching laboratories, including 117 cutting-edge research facilities.

Furthermore, NU hosts two specialized research centers:

• Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI): This institute pioneers interdisciplinary research in machine intelligence, focusing on solving real-world challenges in industry and society.
• National Laboratory Astana (NLA): NLA specializes in applied research that addresses critical scientific areas of national importance. It comprises two centers: the Center for Life Sciences and the Center for Energy and Advanced Materials Science.
• Energetic Cosmos Laboratory Project Group (ECL) : explores fundamental problems in physics and astrophysics, contributing to the technical know-how and innovation ecosystem of NU.
• Central Asian Research Center for Education Innovation and Transformation (CARCEIT): provides an international focus for high-quality research that informs education policy and practice and builds education networks and communities in Central Asia.

NU's PhD programs are research-intensive, nurturing a culture of inquiry and innovation. In 2017, the university established a postdoctoral program, which has been instrumental in attracting Kazakhstan diaspora researchers and creating a talent pipeline for future faculty positions. In the current year, assistant professorships have been extended to three national postdocs, further enriching our academic community.

13.7% of the university's articles published between 2018 and 2023 rank within the top 10% of the most cited publications worldwide, reflecting the high impact of our research.

To bolster research endeavors, NU offers a range of competitive internal grant programs for faculty and researchers. Additionally, the university systematically opens its research facilities and expertise to talented researchers across Kazakhstan, contributing to capacity building in the nation's scientific community.

NU actively encourages its researchers and faculty to compete for both national and international research grants, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration in pursuit of cutting-edge discoveries and innovations.

NU has collaboratively published 4,275 research papers with 2,905 institutions from 130 countries. Our focus on STEM research has led to contributions in emerging fields like robotics, energy demand modeling, lithium batteries, engineering, and human genomics. In medicine, our technologies have driven pioneering discoveries in heart and organ transplants. In the last five years, NU's research impact, measured by field-weighted citations, surged to 33% above the global average as of September 2023. This signifies our research's national and global impact, bolstering NU's international reputation.

Key Research Stats: 

372 researchers

13.7% of publications in the top 10% most cited publications worldwide

>7500 research publications since establishment

270 research and teaching labs

>1100 publications involve students

Key Research Directions

1. Socio-economic Transformation and Human Capital Development;
2. Intelligent Systems and Human-Machine Interface;
3. Health and Wellbeing;
4. Advanced Materials and Emerging Technologies;
5. Energy, Sustainability and Environment.

Research Centers

• Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI)
• National Laboratory Astana (NLA) comprising of:
• the Center for Life Sciences (CLS)
• the Center for Energy and Advanced Materials Science (CEAMS)
• Energetic Cosmos Laboratory Project Group (ECL)
• Central Asian Research Center for Education Innovation and Transformation (CARCEIT)