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 give Kazakhstan and the world the scientists, academics, managers, and entrepreneurs needed to prosper and develop
Mission
To be a model for higher education reform and modern research; to contribute to the establishment of Astana as an international knowledge, innovation, and medical hub; and to prepare students for a world of increased volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity
Strategic goals
Higher Education Reform Leadership
To ensure that the lessons of NU’s experience are transferred and understood by other universities, schools, and research centers
Academic excellence
To achieve NU’s mission by developing and maintaining academic excellence
Research excellence
To develop a program of world-class research by partnering with the world’s best researchers and research institutions
A model for creating healthcare services
To establish a healthcare system that will provide a model for healthcare services throughout Kazakhstan
Innovation and translating research into production
To become Kazakhstan’s main driver of innovation, leading the way for Astana to become a regional hub of innovation
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.
Annual Report
The Annual Report 2023–2024 presents an overview of Nazarbayev University’s key achievements during the academic year and provides a financial summary for the 2024 fiscal year.
The Report provides an overview of achievements and key developments in 2024. 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.
