Nazarbayev University (NU) improved in the 2025 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) by Shanghai Rankings, securing leading regional positions and strengthening its visibility on the global academic stage.
This year marks NU’s third appearance in the Shanghai Ranking, one of the respected and world’s most widely observed university indicators of a university’s academic performance and scientific impact.
NU achieved its highest-ever placements this year in three disciplines:
- Civil Engineering – 301–400 band (first-time entry)
- Telecommunication Engineering – 301–400 band
- Education —-401–500 band (first-time entry)
Across all three ranked subjects, NU stands as the only institution from Central Asia eligible for inclusion in the GRAS. The ranking evaluates subject leadership by identifying universities with world-renowned faculty, including holders of Nobel Prizes, Fields Medals, and other globally recognized awards, as well as institutions producing high-impact research at scale.
Being included in these subject rankings places NU within a select group of elite global universities. The debut of Education and Civil Engineering further highlights not only NU’s expanding academic strengths but also its growing international visibility across both STEM and the social sciences.
“These results highlight the strength of NU’s research culture and the dedication of our faculty, researchers, and students,” said NU President Waqar Ahmad. “We are proud to see NU recognized among leading global institutions, and we intend to build on this performance, with more programs featured in these subject rankings in future years.”
The GRAS assesses about 2000 universities worldwide using rigorous metrics, including world-class faculty, world-class research output, high-quality research, research impact, and international collaboration.
NU’s continued presence and improvement in the GRAS by the Shanghai Rankings reflect its long-term strategy to advance world-class research and contribute to scientific, technological, and educational excellence.
In the recently released Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, NU rose to the 401-500 band, placing #1 in Central Asia & the Caucasus and #4 among universities in the CIS. Progress in reputable international rankings is essential for NU as a Kazakhstani institution because it strengthens global credibility, attracts international partnerships and talent, and demonstrates the country’s growing contribution to global research.
