Global engagement for academic excellence, research impact and international visibility.
About Nazarbayev University
Nazarbayev University is a research university in Central Asia that contributes to knowledge creation, innovation and socio-economic development in Kazakhstan and beyond. Ranked 375–400 by Times Higher Education, NU aims to join the world’s top 200 universities within five years. The University is investing in research and innovation, new academic programs and academic leadership at every level, including a science and technology park and an international campaign to recruit full professors.
Research quality in 2026
University Leadership
Waqar Ahmad
Formerly Chancellor (President), Abu Dhabi University
Rehan Sadiq
Formerly Provost and Vice President, University of British Columbia, Okanagan
Bjorn Birgisson
Formerly Executive Dean, University of Georgia, and Vice President for Research, KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Huck-Hui Ng
Formerly Assistant Chief Executive, A*STAR Research Council, Singapore
Samantha Smidt
Director of King’s Academy, King’s College London
New deans have been appointed in three schools, and academic provision has been restructured for critical mass and alignment with national priorities.
Selection Process
- Call for nominations and applications
- Review by the Visiting Professor Committee
- Offers made and visits scheduled across the year
- Delivery of the agreed engagements
- Annual review of outcomes
How to Apply
How to Apply
Scholars are invited to send an academic CV and a cover letter outlining their research field and the type of engagement they seek to the Office of the Provost at provostoffice@nu.edu.kz.
Closing date
30 November 2026
