Welcome to a New Way of Thinking
Nazarbayev University (NU) is a flagship academic institution in Central Asia with ambitions to achieve global recognition as a top-tier research university. Located in the heart of Eurasia, in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, NU 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 is a higher-education institution dedicated to equipping graduates with the skills they need to thrive in an era of globalization and technological advancement.
NU offers world-class degrees in a wide range of disciplines, including earth sciences, digital sciences, public administration, educational leadership, engineering, and medicine. The university comprises eight schools, offering both undergraduate and graduate programs: the School of Engineering and Digital Sciences; School of Sciences and Humanities; School of Medicine; School of Mining and Geosciences; Graduate School of Business; Graduate School of Education; Graduate School of Public Policy; and the Center for Preparatory Studies.
All schools are supported by strategic partnerships with the world’s leading institutions, research institutes, and laboratories. These include the Colorado School of Mines (USA), Duke University (USA), National University of Singapore (Singapore), University of Cambridge (UK), University of Pennsylvania (USA), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (USA), and University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA).
NU has achieved a series of notable milestones, demonstrating its excellence on the global academic stage. NU first debuted in the THE World University Rankings 2024, entering the 501–600 band, which placed it among the top 30% of global universities. In 2025 NU has advanced into the 401–500 band, confirming its status as the #1 university in Central Asia and the Caucasus and among the leading institutions in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Further solidifying its reputation, NU made its first appearance in the prestigious THE Young University Rankings 2024, securing the 106th position out of 673 institutions, spanning 79 countries and territories. Additionally, NU is listed in the THE Asia University Rankings for 2024, ranked 129 out of 739 institutions. In the 2024 edition of the THE World University Rankings by Subject, NU is ranked in 22 subjects, illustrating the breadth and high quality of the university’s academic performance. Moreover, the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, commissioned by Shanghai Ranking, included two disciplines from NU in its 2023 edition: Telecommunication Engineering and Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
The Founding of Nazarbayev University
In 2006, Nursultan Nazarbayev, the First President of Kazakhstan, announced the vision of establishing an internationally-renowned university. On September 25, 2009, Aslan Sarinzhipov was appointed as the President of JSC ‘New University of Astana’ (the former name of NU), pursuant to a decree issued by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan. On November 28, 2010, his appointment as Chairman of the Executive Council was sanctioned by the Head of the Prime Minister’s Office. Subsequently, in accordance with the protocol of the Supreme Board of Trustees of NU AOE, dated June 16, 2011, Mr. Shigeo Katsu was appointed as President of NU.
On June 28, 2010, NU held its Grand Opening Ceremony, marking the inauguration of the institution. Shortly thereafter, NU emerged as the country’s premier academic institution, with aspirations to achieve global recognition as a research university. It holds the distinction of being the first university in Kazakhstan founded on the principles of autonomy and academic freedom. The university’s autonomous status was formally conferred by the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan on January 19, 2011, “On the Status of ‘NU,’ ‘Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools,’ and ‘Nazarbayev Fund’.”
On June 15, 2015, NU held its inaugural graduation ceremony. A total of 446 students, encompassing both undergraduate and graduate programs, celebrated their academic achievements on this momentous occasion.
Vision
To be a globally leading university, committed to:
- accelerating the transformation of Kazakhstan and the wider region, through world-class research, research-led teaching, innovation and knowledge exchange;
- building meaningful partnerships with local and regional communities; and
- fostering a transformative student experience and enriching student life.
Mission
To cultivate an internationally respected academic community that creates interdisciplinary knowledge to solve national and global challenges, develops inspired young leaders for the betterment of humankind, and drives systemic reforms in education, healthcare and public service within and beyond Kazakhstan.
Strategic Mandates
Academic Excellence
NU is committed to developing and delivering high-quality, globally benchmarked academic programs that prepare graduates to meet the needs of the national and global workforce and society; every program will equip graduates with NU’s attributes and key employability skills. Robust and challenging programs, delivered through flexible, innovative and modern learning and teaching modes, will ensure that NU’s talented students receive a stimulating and enriching experience, equipping them to reach their full academic and career potential.
Research Excellence
NU is committed to producing globally competitive research that advances disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge, addresses regional and global challenges by focusing research effort on strategically chosen fields, and supports the development of society and economy.
Societal Impact
Through its teaching and research, NU is committed to addressing societal challenges, developing solutions that contribute to Kazakhstan’s social and economic development, and creating real-world impact.
Thematic Priorities
The mandates will be delivered within a complex and often challenging context of three key contextual, thematic priorities that cross-cut these mandates.
People, Governance and Effective Administration
To support effective management, and smooth business processes, and institutional decision-making, NU will: streamline its business processes through digital workflows, automation and artificial intelligence (AI); embed data-driven decision-making and accountability, and ensure staff are supported, developed and retained.
Sustainability
Environmental and socio-economic sustainability is essential for long-term institutional resilience, and to ensure NU meets global aspirations and goals, as well as national and regional challenges. NU will embed environmental and socio-economic sustainability across all aspects of the University’s activities, including through SDG-aligned research, and within academic programs and courses.
Long-term financial sustainability underpins learning and teaching, research, and infrastructure development.
Reputation, Internationalization and Communication
To strengthen NU’s national, regional and global standing, attract talent and partnerships, and enhance its societal impact, NU will develop and implement measures that promote the University’s impact and contribution, and strengthen its national and global visibility.
Strategy
Nazarbayev University is committed to building a world-class institution that serves as a catalyst for regional progress. Since its founding in 2010, NU has been recognized for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and leadership in higher education reform. As the leading research university in Central Asia, NU aims to join the ranks of the world’s top universities through strong global partnerships, innovation, and a vibrant, diverse community of students and faculty from more than 60 countries. The University’s strategy focuses on advancing knowledge creation, developing future leaders, and driving societal transformation across the region.
Here you can download a full version of NU strategy 2026-2031
Here you can download a full version of NU strategy 2018-2030 (Old version)
Annual Report
The Annual Report presents an overview of Nazarbayev University’s key achievements during the academic year and provides a financial summary for the fiscal year.
The Report provides an overview of achievements and key developments. As a public institution, it is important for us to demonstrate our value to the country. The report provides a window to NU’s priorities and strategic acheivements, including accounts of student demographics, faculty and research developments, societal contributions, quality assurance, and future plans.
