Nazarbayev University (NU) is introducing rationalizing its academic provision aimed at enhancing the quality of education and further strengthening our research and innovation. The developments reflect Kazakhstan’s national priorities in digital transformation, artificial intelligence and resilient infrastructure, as outlined by the Head of State, and are informed by international best practice in academic governance and quality assurance.
As part of this initiative, NU will establish a new School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence (SCAI). The School will focus on computer science, robotics, applied mathematics, machine learning, cybersecurity, data science and artificial intelligence, creating a focused academic environment for education, research, innovation and industry collaboration. The School will be the regional hub for advancing expertise in these fields, educating outstanding graduates, conducting international competitive and nationally relevant research that also impacts on innovation, and supporting relevant industries. .
To better serve national needs and to be globally competitive in teaching, research and innovation in engineering, the University will form a unified School of Engineering (SoE) by consolidating engineering disciplines, bringing civil and environmental engineering, electrical and computer engineering, chemical and materials engineering, mining and minerals engineering, mechanical and aerospace engineering, petroleum engineering, and geological sciences into a single school. The consolidation will support cross-disciplinary teaching, provide critical mass for collaborative research, support innovation and engagement with industrial partners.
Professor Waqar Ahmad, President of Nazarbayev University, commented:
“Nazarbayev University is committed to international standards alongside national relevance. This academic rationalization will strengthen our teaching and enhance our research and innovation, in line with national priorities related to digitalization, artificial intelligence and resilient infrastructure, and support Kazakhstan’s ambitions of becoming a knowledge economy.
Alongside this, we also strengthen academic leadership, including the hiring of up to 30 world-class professors and up to 200 doctoral students in the fields of strategic importance to national development. Our internationally respected Provost, Prof Rehan Sadiq will oversee these changes”.
To expand and streamline doctoral provision, NU has increased funded doctoral scholarships to 200 and will establish a Doctoral Institute to provide a more coordinated approach to PhD education.
To enhance students’ academic performance and increase the completion rate of undergraduate programs, an Academic Success Center will be established, providing students with comprehensive support and guidance throughout their entire period of study
These changes are in line with NU’s ambition to establish its position as an internationally recognized research-intensive university serving the needs of Kazakhstan and the region.
As an autonomous higher education institution, Nazarbayev University independently defines its academic and governance framework. All strategic decisions are taken with the long-term interests of students, academic staff and institutional development in mind. The changes will be implemented within the existing budget and staffing framework and introduced gradually from the next academic year.
