How to apply

PhD

Financial aid & scholaships

How to apply?

Register on admissions.nu.edu.kz portal to create a Personal account.  

Read the Instructions about the application procedure given in your Personal account.

  1. In your Personal account, go to the “My Application Forms” section and click on the link on Step 1. Complete the Application Form, including the Consent Form for personal data processing, and click “Upload”.
  2. Proceed to Step 2 to upload the required documents in the specific format.
  3. Upload a 3×4 photo to the “Profile” section.
  1. To finalize your application, click the “PAY AND SUBMIT APPLICATION”  in the “My Application Forms” section of your Personal account. The application fee must be paid online using the only available payment options; no other payment methods are accepted.
  2. You may apply for up to 2 Master’s or PhD programs but if accepted into both, you must choose one.
  3. The regular application fee is 15,000 tenge, and the late application fee is 45,000 tenge. The late application period is considered to be the last two weeks before the initially established application deadline. The application fee is non-refundable, regardless of the application outcome or any payment errors.
  4. After submission, you cannot make any changes.

To provide your IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT certificates, follow these steps:

1. Electronic Submission:

  • Send the electronic results of your valid IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT certificates directly to NU by the Test Administrator.

2. Uploading IELTS/TOEFL Results:

  • Upload a scanned copy of your IELTS/TOEFL certificate and enter its unique number in the “Upload IELTS/TOEFL results” section of your Personal account. You can upload multiple certificates, but only the most recent one will be considered.

3. Uploading GRE/GMAT Results:

  • Upload a scanned copy of your GRE/GMAT certificate in the “My Application Forms” section (Step 2) when submitting your documents (if required).

Important Test Codes:

  • IELTS: NU, Admissions Department
  • TOEFL iBT: 6762
  • GRE: 6496
  • GMAT: H6M-R7-93

Important Notes:

  • NU is not responsible for submitting your test results. You must contact the Test Administrator (Test Center) independently to send your certificate, which takes at least 7-10 working days. 
  • Results received after the deadline will not be considered.
  • All certificates must be valid at the time of application submission.
  • Detailed instructions for submitting IELTS/TOEFL certificates are available in your Personal account.
  • IELTS Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and TOEFL PDT results are not accepted.
  • Video instructions on how to upload your IELTS/TOEFL results can be found here.

Exemptions:

You may be exempt from providing IELTS/TOEFL if:

  • You earned a degree in a country where English is the official language.
  • Your undergraduate or graduate degree was taught in English (confirming document required).
  • You are a graduate of NU.

After you submit your online application form, an automatic email will be sent to your referees, asking them to submit a recommendation letter using the provided online form. Detailed instructions on how to submit recommendation letters are available in your Personal account.

Regularly check your email and Personal account for updates about your application status, and remember to check your spam folder, as emails from the University may end up there.

If invited, attend the interview with the Admissions Committee, which will be conducted in English.
If you have any issues with the application, email phd_admissions@nu.edu.kz with a detailed description of the problem, your IIN (for citizens of Kazakhstan) and your Applicant ID number.

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Admission Requirements

School of Engineering and Digital Sciences

Minimum requirements:

  1. Undergraduate and Master's degrees (or equivalents). During the application period, final-year master's students may submit an official current transcript for consideration;
  2. Minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.00 in an applicant’s master’s degree;
  3. English proficiency:
    1. 1) Overall IELTS test score of 6.5 (with sub-scores no less than 6.0) or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website.
      TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL PDT, IELTS Online and IELTS Indicator results are not accepted;
    2. 2) Applicants can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
    • one of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country with English as the language of official communication and academic instruction;
    • an undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program that was officially taught in English;
  4. Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills as demonstrated by GMAT or GRE test (recommended);
  5. A high level of motivation and a strong interest in the program, as outlined in a statement of purpose.

Application package checklist:

All submitted documents shall be in English or with notarized English translation:

  1. Complete Application form;
  2. Scanned copy of national ID (for the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan) or passport (for international applicants);
  3. Scanned or electronic copy of an official document confirming name change (if applicable);
  4. Degree diplomas (Bachelor’s and Master’s or equivalents) with transcripts. During the application period, final year master's students may upload an official current transcript for consideration;
  5. An official electronic IELTS/TOEFL certificate (valid at the time of document submission) sent to the University through IELTS/TOEFL VERIFICATION SERVICES. Code for IELTS: NU. Code for TOEFL: 6762;
  6. Document confirming English as the language of instruction (only for applicants who earned their degree in a program which was taught in English and request an exemption from submitting IELTS/TOEFL). Applicants should provide a detailed certificate/reference from the university indicating the number and list of subjects completed in English;
  7. GRE or GMAT certificates valid as of date of online documents submission (recommended);
  8. Statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s prior educational career, statement of his/her interest in the Program, his/her long-term career goals, and how the program would help him/her to achieve these goals (500 words);
  9. Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months, including at least one academic reference, (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy). You can find the instructions for submission of recommendation letters here;
  10. CV (up to one page).
NU School Sciences and Humanities (NU SSH)

Minimum requirements:

  1. Undergraduate and Master's degrees (or equivalents). During the application period, final-year master's students may submit an official current transcript for consideration;
  2. A minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.00 in an applicant’s master’s degree. The Admissions Committee can consider the graduates of highly ranked universities with CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0;

    3. For the PhD in Eurasian studies program, a competitive CGPA in an applicant’s master’s degree;

  3. English proficiency:
    • 1) Overall IELTS test score of 6.5 (with sub-scores no less than 6.0) or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website. For the PhD in Eurasian Studies program, overall IELTS test score of 7.0 (with sub-scores no less than 6.0) or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website.
      TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL PDT, IELTS Online and IELTS Indicator results are not accepted;
    • 2) Applicants can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
    • one of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country with English is the language of official communication and academic instruction;
    • an undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program that was officially taught in English;
  4. Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills as demonstrated by GRE test (recommended);
  5. A high level of motivation and strong interest in the program as outlined in a personal statement;
  6. For the PhD in Eurasian studies program, strong academic writing ability as demonstrated in a writing sample (academic paper, essay, published article);
  7. For PhD in Eurasian studies program, relevant research interest and knowledge of research subject as demonstrated in a written research proposal.

Application package checklist:

All submitted documents shall be in English or with notarized English translation:

  1. Complete Application form;
  2. Scanned copy of national ID (for the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan) or passport (for international applicants);
  3. Scanned or electronic copy of an official document confirming name change (if applicable);
  4. Degree diplomas (Bachelor’s and Master’s or equivalents) with transcripts; During the application period, final year master's students may upload official current transcript for consideration;
  5. An official electronic IELTS/TOEFL certificate (valid at the time of document submission) sent to the University through IELTS/TOEFL VERIFICATION SERVICES. Code for IELTS: NU. Code for TOEFL: 6762;
  6. Document confirming English as the language of instruction (only for applicants who earned their degree in a program which was taught in English and request an exemption from submitting IELTS/TOEFL). Applicants should provide a detailed certificate/reference from the university indicating the number and list of subjects completed in English;
  7. GRE or GMAT certificates valid as of date of online documents submission (recommended);
  8. Statement of purpose - A high level motivation and a strong interest in the Program, as outlined in a statement of purpose.
  9. Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy). One of the two recommendations shall be written by a current or previous employer or research supervisor. You can find the Instruction for submission of recommendation letters here;
  10. For PhD in Eurasian studies program, writing sample (academic paper, essay, published article);
  11. For PhD in Eurasian studies program, research proposal outlining the research topic the applicant would like to pursue in the Program (1500-2000 words);
  12. CV (up to one page).
School of Medicine

Minimum requirements for PhD programs:

  1. Undergraduate and Master's degrees or MD (or equivalents). During the application period, final- year master's students may submit an official current transcript for consideration);
  2. Minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.00 in applicant’s master’s degree;
  3. English proficiency:
    • 1) Overall IELTS test score of 6.5 (with sub-scores no less than 6.0) or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website. For the PhD in Eurasian Studies program, overall IELTS test score of 7.0 (with sub-scores no less than 6.0) or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website.
      TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL PDT, IELTS Online and IELTS Indicator results are not accepted;
    • 2) Applicants can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
    • one of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country with English is the language of official communication and academic instruction;
    • an undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program that was officially taught in English;
  4. A high level of motivation and interest in the Program, as outlined in a statement of purpose (up to 500 words);
  5. Strong reading, analytical and mathematical skills as demonstrated by GRE test (optional).

Application package checklist for PhD programs:

All submitted documents shall be in English or with notarized English translation:

  1. Complete Application form;
  2. Scanned copy of national ID (for the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan) or passport (for international applicants);
  3. Scanned copy of official document confirming name change (if applicable);
  4. Degree diplomas (Bachelor’s and Master’s or equivalents) with transcripts; During the application period, final year master's students may upload official current transcript for consideration;
  5. An official electronic IELTS/TOEFL certificate (valid at the time of document submission) sent to the University through IELTS/TOEFL VERIFICATION SERVICES. Code for IELTS: NU. Code for TOEFL: 6762;
  6. Document confirming English as the language of instruction (only for applicants who earned their degree in a program that was taught in English and request an exemption from submitting IELTS/TOEFL). Applicants should provide a detailed certificate/reference from the university indicating the number and list of subjects completed in English;
  7. Personal statement (not more than 500 words);
  8. CV (up to one page);
  9. Evidence of any professional and/or voluntary experiences that develop essential skills related to laboratory work (for Global Health program optional);
  10. Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy). One of the two recommendations shall be written by a current or previous employer or research supervisor. You can find the Instruction for submission of recommendation letters here;
  11. 075/у medical certificate (for Kazakhstani applicants) or a similar medical certificate with indication of general health (for international applicants);
  12. For the Biomedical Sciences program, list of the applicant’s preferred three choices of PhD projects (optional);
  13. For the Global Health program, list of graduate courses the applicant’s has taken in epidemiology and statistics.
School of Medicine - Residency programs

There are two types of admission: unconditional and conditional

Unconditional admission

Applicants applying to the Program for unconditional admission are expected to have:

  • MD or an equivalent terminal medical degree (highest level medical qualification which provides the eligibility to obtain registration or certification to practice as an independent practitioner in the country), obtained in a recognized university according to the World Directory of Medical Schools. During the application period, final-year students may submit official current transcripts for consideration. Applicants recommended for admission must provide a final transcript and diploma before the end of the program’s enrollment term. Graduates of the university are enrolled based on the evidence of the final transcript confirming the degree completion followed by diploma submission within a month;
  • An overall IELTS test score of 6.0 or higher (with no more than one sub-score of 5.5), or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website;
  • IFOM Basic Science Exam (BSE) or USMLE Step1 test report;
  • high level of motivation and a strong interest in the Program outlined in the personal statement;
  • 2 (two) confidential letters of recommendation.

The relevance of the academic and experiential background and the equivalency and appropriateness of earlier degrees will be determined by the Admissions Committee. Applicants to the program, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:

  • MD or equivalent terminal medical degree was earned in a country with English as the language of official communication, academic instruction and daily life;
  • MD or equivalent terminal medical degree was earned in a program which was officially taught in English;
  • the applicant is a graduate of NU.

Application package checklist for the Residency Program

All submitted documents shall be in English or with notarized English translation:

  1. Complete Application form;
  2. National ID or passport;
  3. Official document confirming name change (if applicable);
  4. MD or equivalent terminal medical diploma with transcript;
  5. IELTS or TOEFL test report/certificate valid as of the date of online documents submission to the Programs (if applicable);
  6. IFOM Basic Science Exam (BSE) or USMLE step 1 test report;
  7. Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months from academic or clinical referees preferably related to the specific residency program (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy);
  8. Personal statement (up to 500 words);
  9. 075у medical certificate (for Kazakhstani applicants) or a similar medical certificate with indication of general health or other documents as requested by the University (for international applicants);
  10. The document stating the presence or absence of a criminal record.

Conditional admission

The NUSOM Admissions Committee will consider applicants recommended for admission by the University Medical Center (UMC) Residency Admission Committee but the ultimate decision to admit these applicants is made by the NUSOM Admissions Committee.

Applicants applying to the Program for conditional admission are expected to have:

  • MD or an equivalent terminal medical degree (highest level medical qualification which provides the eligibility to obtain registration or certification to practice as an independent practitioner in the country), obtained in a recognized university according to the World Directory of Medical Schools. During the application period, final-year students may submit official current transcripts for consideration. Applicants recommended for admission must provide a final transcript and diploma before the end of the program’s enrollment term. Graduates of the university are enrolled based on the evidence of the final transcript confirming the degree completion followed by diploma submission within a month;
  • high level of motivation and a strong interest in the Program outlined in the personal statement;
  • 2 (two) confidential letters of recommendation
  • Recommendation letter from the University Medical Center (UMC).

The following conditions will apply to applicants admitted under Conditional Admission first year of enrollment:

  • Provide IFOM Basic Science Exam (BSE) or USMLE Step1 test report;
  • An overall IELTS test score of 6.0 or higher (with no more than one sub-score of 5.5), or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website;
  • The relevance of the academic and experiential background and the equivalency and appropriateness of earlier degrees will be determined by the Admissions Committee.
  • Applicants to the program, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
    • MD or equivalent terminal medical degree was earned in a country with English as the language of official communication, academic instruction and daily life;
    • MD or equivalent terminal medical degree was earned in a program which was officially taught in English;
    • the applicant is a graduate of NU.

Application package checklist for the Residency Program

All submitted documents shall be in English or with notarized English translation:

  1. Complete Application form;
  2. National ID or passport;
  3. Letter of recommendation from UMC;
  4. Official document confirming name change (if applicable);
  5. MD or equivalent terminal medical diploma with transcript;
  6. Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months from academic or clinical referees preferably related to the specific residency program (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy);
  7. Personal statement (up to 500 words);
  8. 075у medical certificate (for Kazakhstani applicants) or a similar medical certificate with indication of general health or other documents as requested by the University (for international applicants);
  9. The document stating the presence or absence of a criminal record.
School of Mining and Geosciences

Minimum requirements for PhD programs:

  1. Undergraduate and master's degrees (or equivalents). During the application period, final year master's students may submit an official current transcript for consideration;
  2. Minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.00 in applicant’s master’s degree;
  3. English proficiency:
    • 1) Overall IELTS test score of 6.5 (with sub-scores no less than 6.0) or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website.
      TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL PDT, IELTS Online and IELTS Indicator results are not accepted;
    • 2) Applicants can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
    • one of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country with English is the language of official communication and academic instruction;
    • an undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program that was officially taught in English;
  4. Strong reading, analytical and mathematical skills as demonstrated by GRE test (optional).
  5. A high level of motivation and a strong interest in the program, as outlined in a statement of purpose.

Application package checklist:

All submitted documents shall be in English or with notarized English translation:

  1. Complete Application form;
  2. Scanned copy of national ID (for the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan) or passport (for international applicants);
  3. Scanned copy of official document confirming name change (if applicable);
  4. Degree diplomas (Bachelor’s and Master’s or equivalents) with transcripts; During the application period, final year master's students may upload official current transcript for consideration;
  5. An official electronic IELTS/TOEFL certificate (valid at the time of document submission) sent to the University through IELTS/TOEFL VERIFICATION SERVICES. Code for IELTS: NU. Code for TOEFL: 6762;
  6. Document confirming English as the language of instruction (only for applicants who earned their degree in a program that was taught in English and request an exemption from submitting IELTS/TOEFL). Applicants should provide a detailed certificate/reference from the university indicating the number and list of subjects completed in English;
  7. GRE or GMAT certificates valid as of date of online documents submission (optional);
  8. Statement of purpose describing applicant’s educational, professional, and research experience, reasons for applying to the School of Mining and Geosciences PhD program, further career perspectives and how new knowledge and skills obtained after the program completion would help to achieve those goals (500 words);
  9. Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy). One of the two recommendations shall be written by a current or previous employer or research supervisor. You can find the Instruction for submission of recommendation letters here;
  10. CV (up to one page).
Graduate School of Business

Minimum requirements:

  1. Undergraduate and master's degrees (or equivalents). During the application period, final-year master's students may submit an official current transcript for consideration;
  2. A minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.00 in an applicant’s master’s degree;
  3. English proficiency:
    • 1) Overall IELTS test score of 6.5 (with sub-scores no less than 6.0) or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website.
      TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL PDT, IELTS Online and IELTS Indicator results are not accepted;
    • 2) Applicants can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
    • one of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country with English is the language of official communication and academic instruction;
    • an undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program that was officially taught in English;
  4. Valid GRE/ GMAT test reports;
  5. A high level of motivation and a strong interest in the program as outlined in a personal statement;
  6. Relevant research interest and knowledge of the research subject as demonstrated in a written research proposal.

Application package checklist:

All submitted documents shall be in English or with notarized English translation:

  1. Complete Application form;
  2. Scanned copy of national ID (for the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan) or passport (for international applicants);
  3. Scanned copy of official document confirming name change (if applicable);
  4. Degree diplomas (Bachelor’s and Master’s or equivalents) with transcripts; During the application period, final year master's students may upload official current transcript for consideration;
  5. An official electronic IELTS/TOEFL certificate (valid at the time of document submission) sent to the University through IELTS/TOEFL VERIFICATION SERVICES. Code for IELTS: NU. Code for TOEFL: 6762;
  6. Document confirming English as the language of instruction (only for applicants who earned their degree in a program that was taught in English and request an exemption from submitting IELTS/TOEFL). Applicants should provide a detailed certificate/reference from the university indicating the number and list of subjects completed in English;
  7. Valid GMAT or GRE Test Reports;
  8. Personal Statement. High motivation and strong interest in the Program as outlined in a personal statement. Personal statement outlining the applicant’s prior educational career, statement of his/her interest in the Program, his/her long-term career goals, and how the Program would help her or him to achieve these goals (500 words).
  9. Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy). One of the two recommendations shall be written by a current or previous employer or research supervisor. You can find the Instruction for submission of recommendation letters here;
  10. Research Proposal. Relevant research interest and knowledge of research subject as demonstrated in a written research proposal. Preliminary research proposal (1500-2000 words) outlining the research topic the applicant would like to pursue in the Program.
  11. CV (up to one page).
Graduate School of Public Policy

Minimum requirements:

  1. First or upper second-class honors degree (or equivalent) or a master’s degree or equivalent (cycle 2). During the application period, final year master's students may submit an official current transcript for consideration;
  2. A minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.00 in an applicant’s master’s degree;
  3. At least three years of relevant work experience. For Doctor of Public Management program, preferably not less than eight years of work experience with at least five years of public sector experience. Based on the Admissions Committee’s discretion, applicants with less work experience may also be considered if the applicant has demonstrated high academic
  4. English proficiency:
    • 1) Overall IELTS test score of 6.5 (with sub-scores no less than 6.0) or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website.
      TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL PDT, IELTS Online and IELTS Indicator results are not accepted;
    • 2) Applicants can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
    • one of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country with English is the language of official communication and academic instruction;
    • an undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program that was officially taught in English;
  5. Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills as demonstrated by the GRE or GMAT test (optional);
  6. A high level of motivation and a strong interest in the program as outlined in a personal statement;
  7. Relevant research interest and knowledge of the research subject as demonstrated in a written research proposal.
  8. At least three years of relevant work experience; based on the School's Admission Committee discretion, applicants with less work experience may also be considered.

Application package checklist:

All submitted documents shall be in English or with notarized English translation:

  1. Complete Application form;
  2. Scanned copy of national ID (for the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan) or passport (for international applicants);
  3. Scanned copy of official document confirming name change (if applicable);
  4. Degree diplomas (Bachelor’s and Master’s or equivalents) with transcripts; During the application period, final year master's students may upload official current transcript for consideration;
  5. IELTS or TOEFL certificate valid as of the date of online documents submission;
  6. Document confirming English as the language of instruction (only for applicants who earned their degree in a program that was taught in English and request an exemption from submitting IELTS/TOEFL). Applicants should provide a detailed certificate/reference from the university indicating the number and list of subjects completed in English;
  7. Official document confirming work experience;
  8. CV (up to one page);
  9. GRE/GMAT certificate valid as of the date of online documents submission (recommended);
  10. Cover letter outlining the applicant’s prior educational career, statement of his/her interest in the Program, his/her long-term career goals, and how the program would help him/her to achieve these goals (500 words);
  11. Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy). One of the two recommendations shall be written by a current or previous employer or research supervisor. You can find the Instruction for submission of recommendation letters here;
  12. Preliminary research proposal (1500-2000 words).
Graduate School of Education

Minimum requirements:

  1. Undergraduate and master's degrees (or equivalents). During the application period, final year master's students may submit an official current transcript for consideration;
  2. A competitive CGPA A competitive CGPA in an applicant’s Master’s degree.
  3. English proficiency:
    • 1) Overall IELTS test score of 6.5 (with sub-scores no less than 6.0) or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website.
      TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL PDT, IELTS Online and IELTS Indicator results are not accepted;
    • 2) Applicants can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
    • one of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country with English is the language of official communication and academic instruction;
    • an undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program that was officially taught in English;
  4. Two years of work experience in a relevant field. At the discretion of the Admissions Committee, applicants with less than two years of work experience may also be considered.
  5. Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills as demonstrated by the GRE test (recommended);
  6. High motivation and strong interest in the Program as outlined in a personal statement;
  7. Relevant research interest and knowledge of the research subject as demonstrated in a written research proposal.

Application package checklist:

All submitted documents shall be in English or with notarized English translation:

  1. Complete Application form;
  2. Scanned copy of national ID (for the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan) or passport (for international applicants);
  3. Scanned copy of official document confirming name change (if applicable);
  4. Degree diplomas (Bachelor’s and Master’s or equivalents) with transcripts; During the application period, final year master's students may upload official current transcript for consideration;
  5. An official electronic IELTS/TOEFL certificate (valid at the time of document submission) sent to the University through IELTS/TOEFL VERIFICATION SERVICES. Code for IELTS: NU. Code for TOEFL: 6762;
  6. Document confirming English as the language of instruction (only for applicants who earned their degree in a program that was taught in English and request an exemption from submitting IELTS/TOEFL). Applicants should provide a detailed certificate/reference from the university indicating the number and list of subjects completed in English;
  7. Official document confirming work experience;
  8. GRE certificate valid as of date of online documents submission (recommended);
  9. Personal statement outlining the candidate’s prior educational career, statement of his/her interest in the Program, his/her long-term career goals, and how the program would help him/her to achieve these goals (500 words);
  10. Cover letter outlining the applicant’s prior educational career, statement of his/her interest in the Program, his/her long-term career goals, and how the program would help him/her to achieve these goals (500 words);
  11. Three confidential letters of recommendation written within the last two years in the English language (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy after receiving an email request). You can find the instructions for submission of recommendation letters here;
  12. Research proposal outlining the research topic the candidate would like to pursue in the Program (1500-2000 words);
  13. CV (up to one page).

Important Dates

Important dates for those who are applying for the 2026-2027 academic year:

For all types of grants: 

  • for international applicants: March 12, 2026;
  • for the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan: April 8, 2026.

The deadline for submission of IELTS/TOEFL, GRE/GMAT certificates:

For all types of grants: 

  • for international applicants: March 12, 2026;
  • for the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan: April 8, 2026.

Akmaral Agibayeva

School of Engineering and Digital Sciences • Civil Engineering

After completing my Master’s degree, I was eager to transition into environmental science and began searching for PhD opportunities.
All testimonials

Kamila Raziyeva

School of Medicine • Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences, 2024

I am Kamila Raziyeva, a recent graduate of the PhD program in Biomedical Science from the School of Medicine at Nazarbayev University.
All testimonials

Marcelo J. López Lara, Mexico

Graduate School of Education • PhD in Education 2017

What attracted me the most was the partnerships NU had signed with leading global universities, in my case the University of Cambridge and the University of Pennsylvania.
All testimonials

Announcements

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Applications for NU PhD Programs (2026-2027 academic year) are Now Open!

NU announces the opening of online application for the 2025-2026 academic year for the Undergraduate Programs on a fee-paying basis (Mid-Year Intake).

Information for NUET Applicants category

Online application for the NU Master’s Programs and Doctor of Medicine program for the 2026-2027 academic year is open!

Online application for the NU Master’s Programs and Doctor of Medicine program for the 2026-2027 academic year is open!

Information for NUET Applicants category

Online application has been reopened for Nazarbayev University’s undergraduate programs at the School of Medicine and the Graduate School of Business under the Full Tuition-Based Applicant category for the 2025–2026 academic year!

The extension of the deadline for submitting online applications to the Master of Business Administration program of the Nazarbayev University

Online Application for new Residency programs is now open!

Nazarbayev University has launched a new Master’s program – Master of Science in Nursing!

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FAQ

No, there aren’t. All master’s and PhD programs are taught in English with the exception of the Executive MBA program which is taught in English but provides simultaneous interpretation into Russian.

The results of comprehensive testing are not considered for admission to Nazarbayev University.

All programs require an English-language proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL) if the applicant has not previously studied in English.

In general, for admission to graduate programs, the Admissions Committee of the respective program reviews the applicant’s application package, taking into account all elements of the application:

  • A motivation letter in which you disclose your reasons for applying to a particular major and the implications of that choice for your development;
  • A transcript and grades in subjects relevant to your chosen major;
  • letters of recommendation that show previous experience and accomplishments;
  • results of an interview with the Admissions Committee.

Some programs require GRE, GMAT, ALEKS, and work experience in addition to the above. School of Medicine programs have specific exam requirements.

Master’s programs: Please follow the link to see the deadlines for Master’s programs.

PhD programs: Please follow the link to see the deadlines for PhD programs.

Interviews are conducted online or offline in the English language, lasting 15 minutes or more.

Each Admissions Committee develops its own evaluation methodology. Therefore, the questions may vary depending on the program. In the interview, members of the University Admissions Committee may ask questions to check the following:

  • Your academic skills. The academic requirements will consider whether you can successfully complete your program of study and handle the academic requirements your chosen program of study.
  • Competitiveness. Admissions Committee members will assess your ability to compete with other applicants.
  • Your priorities. Often applicants apply to more than one institution or program at a time. The Admissions Committee may ask which university or program you would like to choose. They may also ask about your subject area and any relevant disclosures you have made in your application.
  • Whether you are able to make a contribution to the University. It is very essential that students take an active part in the life of the University and contribute as much as possible to its development.
  • Potential. It is also important for Admissions Committee members to know whether you will be a good student in the future and stay interested in the  chosen profession, and what motivates you to succeed in your studies.

As you can see, the topics in the interview correspond closely with your motivation letter.

  1. Select a master’s or PhD program. You can simultaneously apply to two master’s and/or PhD programs at a maximum. If an applicant receives an offer from both programs, he/she needs to choose one of them. 

  2. Research the entry requirements of programs and prepare all documents for the online application package.

  3. Register online on the portal before due dates for the selected program and upload all necessary documents.  

  4. Successfully pass the interview with the Admissions Committee, if invited. Interviews are held in English. 

  5. To successfully enroll, you must complete an orientation week and sign a contract with the School you enrolled in.

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