Nazarbayev University (NU) is an international English-medium research university located in Astana, at the heart of Eurasia and the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 (THE WUR), NU ranks among the top 23% of research universities worldwide.

Over the past two years, NU has advanced into the 401–500 range of global university rankings, reinforcing its position as the leading university in Central Asia and one of the foremost higher education institutions in the CIS region.

Admissions information

NU offers education through seven schools and one foundation school:

• School of Engineering and Digital Sciences;
• School of Natural Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences;
• Graduate School of Business;
• Graduate School of Public Policy;
• Graduate School of Education;
• School of Medicine;
• School of Mining and Geosciences;
• Foundation school.

The University offers the following academic pathways:

• Pre-university training program - Foundation

The NUFYP (Nazarbayev University Foundation Year Program) is a one-year intensive preparatory programme delivered by the NU Foundation School. The programme provides comprehensive academic and language preparation for prospective undergraduate students. Study is available on both scholarship-funded and fee-paying bases. Upon successful completion of the Foundation Programme, students may proceed to Bachelor's degree programmes at one of NU’s Schools.

• Bachelor's Degree Programmes

A Bachelor's degree is the first level of higher education. Standard period of training lasts four years. NU bachelor's degree programmes provide students with a solid grounding in academic and scientific principles. NU's state-of-the-art facilities, innovative teaching methods, and a distinguished faculty ensure an education of international calibre.

• Master's Degree Programmes

A Master's degree represents the second cycle of higher education. Students acquire advanced knowledge and develop research skills within their chosen field of study. Programme duration typically ranges from 16 months to 2 years, depending on the specialization.

• Doctoral Programmes

Doctoral studies represent the highest academic qualification awarded by universities.These programmes require advanced research competencies and a strong commitment to in-depth scholarly inquiry. Doctoral candidates conduct research and complete a dissertation leading to the award of a doctoral degree. Standard period of training lasts four years.

• Medical Residency Programmes

Residency is a form of postgraduate medical education providing advanced clinical training in specialized fields of medicine. Residency programmes prepare highly qualified medical professionals and typically last from three to five years, depending on the specialty.

• Professional Development Programmes

In addition to degree programmes and research opportunities, NU offers executive education and professional development courses. These programmes equip working professionals and senior executives with practical market-oriented skills that support career advancement and leadership development.

Application process:

• register on the admissions.nu.edu.kz portal and create a personal account;
• complete the online application form and upload all the required documents;
• submit the application and pay the application fee;
• provide the required test results, including IELTS or TOEFL scores.

Additional stages may vary depending on the programme. Detailed admission requirements, application procedures, deadlines, and programme-specific information are available on the University's official admissions website. As admission procedures and requirements may be updated periodically, applicants are strongly advised to consult the Admissions section for the most current information.

Application status and admission decisions are available through the applicant's personal account. Applicants who receive an offer of admission must fulfil all the specified requirements within the stated deadlines.

Admissions contact information