Testimonials
Sabira Baidildina
Center for Preparatory Studies • Nazarbayev University Foundation Year Program (NUFYP)
Hi everyone, I'm Sabira. I'm a graduate of the NU Foundation Year Program (NUFYP), and now I'm studying computer science. I chose to study at Nazarbayev University because it is one of the most progressive universities in Kazakhstan and is also ranked among the best universities in the world.
Regarding the NUFYP program, it was a really valuable experience for me as a student. NUFYP truly prepares you for a challenging bachelor's degree program. For those who graduate from NUFYP, studying for a bachelor's degree becomes easier because they are already familiar with the learning format, the assessment system, and have built a social network, which helps them find friends in the future. Personally, I was excited about the social life on campus during NUFYP. I participated in creative events at NU, for example, I painted horses on the wall of the Block 2 for Nauryz celebration. But most of all, I enjoyed doing project work. Subjects like Foundations of Leadership and EAP gave us students the opportunity to feel like researchers. I learned how to find academically relevant and useful resources, and how to express my thoughts professionally. I am very proud of my Leadership project, which helped me understand the admission policy for people with special needs.
NUFYP was a great start for me—it was like a demo version of real university life. However, NUFYP can also be challenging for students if they don’t invest enough time in it. Therefore, I highly recommend staying focused on studies and being less involved in campus life, as it was one of the main reasons some students couldn't pass NUFYP.
Overall, NUFYP helped me feel more confident in my Bachelor's course, and it helped me establish strong relationships with the NU community. I recommend this Program to those who want to enter university life with ready-made connections and knowledge.
Islam Salikhanov
School of Medicine • Master of Public Health
I was in the first cohort to graduate from the MPH program (2016-2018), and this experience was mind-changing. First, the MPH faculty helped me build a solid foundation in epidemiology, biostatistics, and study designs, which further helped me advance this knowledge during my PhD in Public Health at the University of Basel. The knowledge I gained during the MPH was necessary, and without this program, my further achievements would not have been possible. Second, during this program, I’ve done and published my first research, which I presented at the ISPOR conference in Baltimore, USA. Third, moreover, the soft skills (communication, problem-solving, and international perspective) also expanded my horizons and helped me after graduation. This program helped me understand that I wanted to further advance in the field of research. Now I am working in clinical research in Switzerland and I am grateful to the entire MPH faculty and especially Byron because without it, all my further achievements would not have been possible.
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. I found a project at Nazarbayev University’s Civil and Environmental Engineering Department that perfectly matched my academic background. Coming from a different field (with a Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences and a Master’s in Public Health), the Civil Engineering courses were initially challenging. However, once I started my research, I quickly realized their value.
NU provided me with numerous opportunities to participate in diverse research projects and collaborate with both local and foreign universities. Throughout my PhD, I’ve worked on experimental studies, social research, and modeling/forecasting projects. I also had the chance to collaborate with faculty from KazNU, the University of Pittsburgh, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, and was involved in the European Circular B COST Action-CA21103 initiative.
The PhD program allowed me to develop a broad range of skills. As a Teaching Assistant for courses ranging from Biology to Fluid Mechanics, I gained interdisciplinary knowledge and valuable experience in research, problem-solving, and management, whether addressing lab issues or organizing student activities. These experiences gave me a solid foundation for pursuing a career in academia. While NU’s advanced research facilities are impressive, it’s the people who truly make a difference. The support and motivation I received here have been incredible, shaping my academic journey.
Jose Villero-Mandon, Columbia
School of Mining and Geosciences • MSc in petroleum engineering
As part of the NU family, I had the chance to grow not only as an engineer but also as a person. Having access to the faculty, facilities, and resources was an incredible opportunity that enriched my journey abroad. The curriculum was rigorous, and the faculty served as exceptional mentors, providing a comprehensive understanding of the Oil & Gas industry. Their passion for teaching and their willingness to challenge us to think critically made a lasting impact on me.
One of the highlights of my experience was spending time with my classmates, especially during coffee breaks at Daily Cup. Kazakh hospitality will always hold a special place in my heart. I am also grateful to the professors, who were experts in their fields and fostered an environment where diverse perspectives were welcomed—a beautiful multicultural approach.
Nazarbayev University also offered incredible opportunities for practical application through internships, research projects, and study abroad programs. I spent one summer in Japan, collaborating with Akita University, then spent over two months with a company focused on consulting for the Oil and Gas industry. I also had the honor of representing the university at the SPE paper contest for the Russia and Caspian region, as well as the international student paper contest at ATCE 2024, where I had three papers published. My time at Nazarbayev University allowed me to grow significantly as an engineer.
My time at Nazarbayev University not only prepared me for the challenges of a globalized world but also gave me lifelong friends—people I can now call family.
Almassadam Satkaliyev
Graduate School of Business • Executive MBA
“I highly appreciate that here in Kazakhstan, we have such a high-level educational institution with international academic standards, whose graduates possess the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute to the development and prosperity of the Kazakh economy. Therefore, as an employer, I encourage and support the training of our top managers through participation in both diploma and non-diploma programs at NUGSB.
The NUGSB Executive MBA program has provided me with the opportunity to gain world-class knowledge from outstanding faculty from around the globe while remaining in Kazakhstan, which allowed me to continue working.
NUGSB's strategic partnership with the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, one of the leading business schools in the world, offers unique teaching methods and approaches. Along with its outstanding faculty and cutting-edge research facilities, this makes NUGSB a desirable place to gain the international knowledge and experience needed to address today’s globalization and integration challenges, taking into account the specifics of Kazakhstan. It was an excellent opportunity for me to achieve my educational goals, as well as to acquire skills in accepting and implementing new ideas and strategies in management.
Nazarbayev University is one of the most successful educational and scientific projects in the region.
Today, in the era of globalization, the most important source of a company’s competitive advantage is its internal capabilities. Therefore, successful management of an organization requires a top manager to effectively mobilize the company’s resources in a way that simultaneously maximizes internal efficiency and responds to external challenges.”
During his studies, Almasadam Satkaliyev served as the General Director of JSC Samruk-Energy. JSC Samruk-Energy is a holding company with a mandate to implement state policy in the energy sector. The company's main areas of activity include the production, transmission, and distribution of electricity, as well as coal mining. Samruk-Energy is represented in almost every region of the country, employing about 24,000 people. The company accounts for about 47% of the total electrical capacity of Kazakhstan and nearly 40% of electricity generation and coal mining in the country.