How to apply?
Step 1. Create your Personal account
Register on admissions.nu.edu.kz portal to create a Personal account.
Read the Instructions about the application procedure given in your Personal account.
Step 2. Complete your Application Form and attach required documents
- 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”.
- Proceed to Step 2 to upload the required documents in the specific format.
- Upload a 3×4 photo to the “Profile” section.
Step 3. Pay the application fee and finish the application process
- 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.
- You may apply for up to 2 Master’s or PhD programs but if accepted into both, you must choose one.
- 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.
- After submission, you cannot make any changes.
Step 4. Provide results of IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT
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.
Further steps
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.
All programs (a-z)
Find your program
At NU, you can follow your dreams, develop your skills, and realize your ambitions through our world-class, high-quality academic programs.
Admission Requirements
To learn about admission with financial aid and scholarship requirements, please follow the link.
NU School of Engineering and Digital Sciences (NU SEDS)
NU School of Engineering and Digital Sciences (NU SEDS)
PhD
Applicants are expected to have:
| 1 | Undergraduate and master's degrees (or equivalents) | During the application period, final year master's students may submit an official transcript for current coursework for consideration; Minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.00 in an applicant’s Master’s degree; |
| 2 | High level of 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 may 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 officially taught in English; |
| 3 | Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills | GRE or GMAT certificates valid as of date of online documents submission (recommended); |
| 4 | Statement of purpose | A high level motivation and a strong interest in the Program, as outlined in a statement of purpose. |
| 5 | Letters of recommendation | 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; |
| 6 | CV | A CV up to 1 page. |
NU School Sciences and Humanities (NU SSH)
NU School Sciences and Humanities (NU SSH)
PhD
Applicants are expected to have:
| 1 | Undergraduate and Master's degrees (or equivalents) | During the application period, final year master's students may submit an official transcript for current coursework for consideration; A minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.00 in an applicant’s Master’s degree. For PhD in Eurasian studies program, a competitive CGPA in an applicant’s Master’s degree. |
| 2 | High level of 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 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 where English as the language of official communication and academic instruction; – An undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program officially taught in English; |
| 3 | Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills | As demonstrated by GRE test (recommended); |
| 4 | Personal statement | A high level motivation and a strong interest in the Program, as outlined in a statement of purpose. |
| 5 | Strong academic writing ability | For PhD in Eurasian studies program only, strong academic writing ability as demonstrated in a writing sample (academic paper, essay, published article); |
| 6 | Research proposal | For PhD in Eurasian studies program only, relevant research interest and knowledge of research subject as demonstrated in a written research proposal. |
| 7 | Letters of recommendation | Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy). You can find the Instructions for submission of recommendation letters here; |
| 8 | CV | A CV up to 1 page. |
NU School of Medicine (NUSOM)
NU School of Medicine (NUSOM)
PhD
Applicants are expected to have:
| 1 | Undergraduate and Master's degrees or MD (or equivalents) | During the application period, final year master's students may submit an official transcript for current coursework for consideration; Minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.00 in applicant’s Master’s degree; |
| 2 | High level of 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:
|
| 3 | Project proposal | Relevant research interest and knowledge of the research subject, as demonstrated in a written Project proposal. |
| 4 | Letters of recommendation | Two confidential letters of recommendation in English (with notarized English translation) written within the last 12 months (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy). You can find the Instructions for submission of recommendation letters here; |
| 5 | CV | A CV up to 1 page |
| 6 | Medical certificate | 075/у medical certificate (for Kazakhstani applicants) or a similar medical certificate indicating general health (for international applicants); |
| 7 | For Biomedical Sciences program | List of the applicant’s three preferred PhD projects (optional); |
| 8 | For Global Health program | List of graduate courses the applicant has taken in Epidemiology and Statistics. |
NU School of Medicine (NUSOM) - Residency Programs
NU School of Medicine (NUSOM) - Residency Programs
Residency programs
There are two types of admission: Unconditional and Conditional
| 1 | Unconditional admission Applicants who qualify for unconditional admission are expected to have: | Conditional admission The Admissions Committee will consider two categories of applicants for conditional admission: 1. The NUSOM Admissions Committee will consider applicants recommended for admission by University Medical Center (UMC) Residency Admission Committee but the ultimate decision to admit these applicants is made by the NUSOM Admissions Committee. 2. Applicants that qualify for unconditional admission but are not able to provide IFOM Basic Science Exam (BSE) or USMLE Step 1 test report due to force majeure or other circumstances making it impossible. In this case, the Admissions Committee is entitled to accept applicants’ documents for consideration without passing the tests. If such applicants are recommended for admission on a conditional basis, they will provide IFOM Basic Science Exam (BSE) or USMLE Step 1 test report during the first calendar year of enrollment. |
| 2 | MD or an equivalent terminal medical degree (the highest-level medical qualification that provides eligibility for registration or certification to practice as an independent practitioner in the country), obtained from a recognized university listed in 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 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. | MD or an equivalent terminal medical degree (the highest-level medical qualification that provides eligibility for registration or certification to practice as an independent practitioner in the country), obtained from a recognized university listed in 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 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. |
| 3 | An overall IELTS test score of 6.0 or higher (with no sub-score less than 5.5 in each section), or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website; Applicants to the Program, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, may 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 officially taught in English; – The applicant is a graduate of NU. | An overall IELTS test score of 6.0 or higher (with no sub-score less than 5.5 in each section), or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website; Applicants to the Program, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, may 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 officially taught in English; – The applicant is a graduate of NU. |
| 4 | IFOM Basic Science Exam (BSE) or USMLE Step 1 test report. | You may provide an IFOM Basic Science Exam (BSE) or USMLE Step 1 test report after receiving Conditional Admission during your first year of enrollment. |
| 5 | A high level of motivation and a strong interest in the Program, as outlined in the personal statement. | A high level of motivation and a strong interest in the Program, as outlined in the personal statement. |
| 6 | Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months from academic or clinical referees, preferably related to the specific residency program. | Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months from academic or clinical referees, preferably related to the specific residency program. |
NU School of Mining and Geosciences (NU SMG)
NU School of Mining and Geosciences (NU SMG)
PhD
Applicants are expected to have:
| 1 | Undergraduate and Master's degrees (or equivalents) | Minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.00 in applicant’s Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degrees; During the application period, final year students may submit the official transcript for current coursework for consideration |
| 2 | High level of 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; Applicants can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if: 2. One of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country where English is the language of official communication and academic instruction; – One of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country where English is the language of official communication and academic instruction; – An undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program officially taught in English; |
| 3 | Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills | As demonstrated by GRE or GMAT tests (optional); |
| 4 | Statement of purpose | A high level of motivation and a strong interest in the Program, as outlined in a statement of purpose. |
| 5 | Letters of recommendation | Two letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy). You can find the Instructions for submission of recommendation letters here; |
| 6 | CV | A CV up to 1 page |
NU Graduate School of Business (NU GSB)
NU Graduate School of Business (NU GSB)
PhD
Applicants are expected to have:
| 1 | Undergraduate and Master's degrees (or equivalents) | A minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.00 in an applicant’s Master’s degree; During the application period, final year master's students may submit an official transcript for current coursework consideration; |
| 2 | High level of 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; TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL PDT, IELTS Online и IELTS Indicator не рассматриваются; 2. Applicants can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
|
| 3 | Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills | Demonstrated by valid GMAT or GRE Test Reports (mandatory). |
| 4 | Statement of purpose | A high motivation and a strong interest in the Program as outlined in a personal statement; |
| 5 | Research proposal | Relevant research interest and knowledge of research subject as demonstrated in a written research proposal |
| 6 | Letters of recommendation | Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last two years (to be provided by referees via University system or in scanned copy). You can find the Instructions for submission of recommendation letters here. |
| 7 | CV | A CV up to 1 page |
NU Graduate School of Public Policy (NU GSPP)
NU Graduate School of Public Policy (NU GSPP)
PhD
Applicants are expected to have:
| 1 |
First or upper second class honors degree (or equivalent) or a Master’s degree or equivalent |
A minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.00 in an applicant’s Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degrees; A first or upper second class honors degree (or equivalent), or a Master’s degree (Cycle 2 or equivalent). Final year Master's students may submit an official current transcript for consideration during the application process. |
| 2 | High level of 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:
|
| 3 | Work experience | 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 | Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills | As demonstrated by GRE or GMAT test (recommended). |
| 5 | Cover letter | A high motivation and a strong interest in the Program as outlined in a cover letter. |
| 6 | Research proposal | Relevant research interest and knowledge of research subject as demonstrated in a written research proposal. |
| 7 | Letters of recommendation | Two confidential letters of recommendation (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; |
| 8 | CV | A CV up to 1 page |
NU Graduate School of Education (NU GSE)
NU Graduate School of Education (NU GSE)
PhD
Applicants are expected to have:
| 1 |
Undergraduate and Master's degrees (or equivalents) |
Applicants should have a competitive CGPA in their Master’s degree. Final year students may submit their official current transcript for consideration during the application process. |
| 2 | High level of 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 where English is the language of official communication and academic instruction; – An undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program officially taught in English; |
| 3 | Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills | As demonstrated by GRE test (recommended). |
| 4 | Work experience | Two years of work experience in a relevant field. At the discretion of the Admissions Committee, applicants with less than 2 years of work experience may also be considered |
| 5 | Statement of purpose | A high motivation and a strong interest in the Program as outlined in a personal statement. |
| 6 | Research proposal | Relevant research interest and knowledge of research subject as demonstrated in a written research proposal |
| 7 | Letters of recommendation | Three confidential letters of recommendation written within the last two years in 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; |
| 8 | CV | A CV up to 1 page |
Important dates
Important dates for those who are applying for the 2026-2027 academic year
Deadline for full tuition fee-paying applicants:
- For international applicants with visa required prior to arrival: June 1, 2026, 2 pm (Astana time);
- All other applicants (local and international): July 17, 2026, 2 pm (Astana time).
The deadline for submission of IELTS/TOEFL, GRE/GMAT certificates:
For full tuition fee-paying category:
- for applicants from countries requiring a visa prior to arrival: June 1, 2026;
- for other applicants (local and international): July 17, 2026.
The start of orientation week (for newly enrolled students): August 2026
First day of classes: August 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.
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.
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.
Tuition fees
Doctoral Programs
The tuition fee for the Doctoral Programs (except for the Doctor of Public Management at Graduate School of Public Policy) is $23,500 (12 008 500 KZT) for the 2025/2026 academic year for both local and international students.
The residency program fee is $11,200 (5 723 200 KZT) for the 2025/2026 academic year for all students.
For the Doctor of Public Management program, the tuition is 9 198 000 KZT.
To learn more about tuition fees, please contact us at bursars_office@nu.edu.kz.
There are merit-based “Abay Kunanbayev” scholarships for top international applicants recommended for admission.
Announcements
FAQ
Are there any master’s or PhD programs at Nazarbayev University taught in Kazakh or Russian?
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.
Do I have to take any entrance exams or comprehensive tests to apply to graduate programs?
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.
When can I apply to graduate programs and what are the deadlines?
How is the interview performed? What questions are asked? What do you need to prepare for?
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.
What is the sequence of actions for applicants who wish to enter Graduate programs?
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.
Research the entry requirements of programs and prepare all documents for the online application package.
Register online on the portal before due dates for the selected program and upload all necessary documents.
Successfully pass the interview with the Admissions Committee, if invited. Interviews are held in English.
To successfully enroll, you must complete an orientation week and sign a contract with the School you enrolled in.
