International candidates are welcome to apply to study at Nazarbayev University (NU). NU offers bachelor, master and doctorate degrees in various fields of humanities, business, social sciences and STEM programs.
NU is Kazakhstan’s flagship research university, uniting the brightest minds from around the world to tackle global challenges, drive innovation, and transform knowledge into impact. With a commitment to excellence in education and research, NU fosters a dynamic, multicultural community where students and faculty collaborate across disciplines and borders.
A Truly International Community
NU’s diverse community, with faculty and students from over 60 countries, brings together global perspectives to create a rich environment for learning, research, and cultural exchange. With world-class faculty recruited globally and partnerships with leading institutions like the University of Cambridge, Duke University, and the National University of Singapore, NU offers a truly international academic experience.
World-Leading Research and Education
NU offers a world class education in the fields such as engineering, sciences, artificial intelligence, medicine, social sciences, and business and management. Our state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge labs, and interdisciplinary approach empower faculty, students and researchers to push boundaries and contribute to global knowledge.
Your Journey Starts Here
Discover a university where ambition meets opportunity. Apply to Nazarbayev University and become part of a forward-thinking community shaping the future.
Application timeline
Application deadlines for each program for international candidates may differ from deadlines for candidates from Kazakhstan. All applications must be submitted through the admissions.nu.edu.kz website. Most of the programs start in the fall semester of each academic year.
Deadlines
Master Programs
| Program | Application Round | Application Deadline | ALEKS |
Master of Business Administration & Master of Science in Finance | Early | February 13, 2026, 2 PM (Astana) | January 15, 2026 January 29, 2026 February 12, 2026 |
| Regular | May 5, 2026, 2 PM (Astana) | February 26, 2026 March 12, 2026 April 16, 2026 | |
| Late | International self-paid applicants with a visa required prior to arrival: June 1, 2026, 2 PM (Astana); All other self-paid applicants: July 15, 2026, 2 PM (Astana) | May 14, 2026 June 4, 2026 June 18, 2026 July 2, 2026 July 15, 2026 | |
| Executive MBA | Late round: November 17, 2025 – January 13, 2026 | ||
| Master of Science in Nursing Program | June 19, 2026, 11:59 PM (Astana) | ||
| Online Master’s in Public Administration | Applications are accepted on a rolling basis | ||
| Application Deadlines: | Deadline for submission of IELTS/TOEFL, GRE/GMAT certificates: | ||
| Deadlines for other programs | For all types of grants: | February 13, 2026, 2 PM (Astana) | February 24, 2026 |
| For the full tuition fee-paying category: | International applicants from countries requiring a visa prior to arrival: June 1, 2026, 2 PM (Astana) | June 1, 2026 | |
| All other applicants: July 24, 2026, 2 PM (Astana) | July 24, 2026 | ||
PhD programs
| Deadlines for full tuition fee-paying applicants: | For international applicants with a visa required prior to arrival: June 1, 2026, 2 pm (Astana time); |
| All other applicants (local and international): July 17, 2026, 2:00 p.m. (Astana time). | |
| Deadlines for submission of IELTS/TOEFL, GRE/GMAT certificates for the 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. |
Fees and costs for international students
NU attracts talented students from around the world by offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various fields, as well as foundation and residency programs.
Tuition fees for one academic year:
| Degree program | Tuition fee |
| Foundation Year Program | $12,000 |
| Undergraduate programs | $15,000 |
| Master’s degree programs | $16,000 |
| Doctoral programs | $23,500 |
| Doctor of Medicine | $25,000/$30,000 (for non-residents) |
| Residency programs | $11,200 |
Admission to paid programs
Admission to fee-paying programs is available to applicants who meet all minimum admission requirements. Each year, the University determines quotas for admission to programs on a fee-paying basis.
Additional Information
For detailed information about tuition fees for the Graduate School of Business (GSB) programs, visit the website: gsb.nu.edu.kz
Contacts for Applicants:
+7 (7172) 64 25 84, +7 (747) 094 02 30
Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana city, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave., 53, 1-блок, 1.111-каб.
Contacts for payment-related questions:
+7 (7172) 70 90 27, +7 (7172) 70 60 32
Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana city, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave.,1 block, 1.111 cab.
Scholarships and bursaries for international students
Abai Scholarship
There are merit-based Abay Kunanbayev scholarships available for top international candidates, as recommended by the admissions committee of each school. This scholarship covers the tuition fee, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend.
To learn more about tuition fees, please contact us by email at international.admissions@nu.edu.kz.
PhD Scholarship
To celebrate NU’s 15th anniversary, NU offers 200 PhD scholarships —around 100 more than the number provided in previous years. This expansion reflects NU’s strategic commitment to strengthening its position within the global academic community and nurturing a new generation of researchers for Kazakhstan and the broader region. The University and NU Impact Foundation provide funding for the expansion.
Bursaries
| Category of applicant/student | Amounts of tuition fees per academic year by level of education: | ||||
| Foundation Year Program of the Preparatory School | Bachelor’s degree programs | Master’s degree programs, except for GSB Master’s degree programs ** and the Master in Public Administration Program (Online) of the Graduate School of Public Policy | Doctoral programs, except for the Doctor of Public Management program of the Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy | ||
| NU employees Employees of Nazarbayev University and its subsidiary organizations, including family members (children and spouses), with over 1 year of continuous work experience at Nazarbayev University and/or its subsidiary organizations at the time of submitting the application form: | 6 000 $ | 7 500 $ | 8 000 $ | 11 750 $ | |
Application process
1. Online application. Candidates must upload all required documents online at admissions.nu.edu.kz.
2. Shortlisting. Each schools’ admission committees assess eligible candidates and shortlist them for an interview.
3. Interviews. Shortlisted candidates are invited to a video call or face-to-face interviews with admission committees.
4. Final results. Selected candidates will be notified by e-mail and may find offer letters in their personal accounts.
Supporting documents
Whether you are applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at Nazarbayev University, you are required to submit supporting documents such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, proof of English proficiency, and a copy of your passport (or national ID for Kazakhstani citizens). Detailed information is available on our Admissions Requirements webpages.
Arrival to Kazakhstan
Please visit the International cooperation page to learn more about visa requirements for international students in Kazakhstan.
You can also read testimonials from international students at NU here.
Contacts of Kazakhstan foreign missions link to download
Contact of international admissions of NU:
