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. The program significantly enhanced my career by providing me with the chance to work in cutting-edge laboratories under the supervision of excellent mentors. Through this experience, I had the opportunity to publish my research in high-impact journals and collaborate in an intellectually stimulating environment surrounded by leading experts in the field.
The academic program is well-planned, providing sufficient time for research while ensuring a strong foundational knowledge through coursework in the first two years. The introductory courses, including those focused on thesis and grant writing together with instructors, were instrumental in preparing me for my research goals. The support from the school was crucial, providing assistance with equipment and reagents whenever needed, which greatly facilitated my PhD thesis work.
Razida Kenes
School of Mining and Geosciences • BSc Petroleum Engineering, 2023
Nazarbayev University (NU) stood out to me as the top university in Kazakhstan, but it wasn’t until I visited the campus as a high school student that I knew this was where I wanted to be. The sense of community and vibrant atmosphere immediately drew me in.
Pursuing a BSc in Petroleum Engineering at NU was challenging, but it was an unforgettable journey. The support from the professors, staff, and fellow students at the School of Mining and Geosciences (SMG) made even the toughest moments rewarding. I had the privilege of working on a research project with KazMunaiGas, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in a real Kazakhstani field. Our team, led by Professor Peyman Pourafshary, contributed to academic publications and international conferences—an experience I will always cherish.
Beyond academics, NU enriched my social life. I made lifelong friends and created unforgettable memories. I’m proud to be an NU alumna, but even prouder to be part of the SMG family. Looking back, NU helped shape my path and gave me the confidence to pursue further studies in the UK.
For prospective students, my advice is simple: embrace everything NU offers. Step out of your comfort zone, learn from your mistakes, and never set limits on what you can achieve. The opportunities are endless, and your only competition is yourself.
Di Wang, China
School of Sciences and Humanities • M.A. in Eurasian Studies 2018
“It is a very unique opportunity to study Central Asian history right at the region, while the language of instruction is English”
I studied International Relations in the US when I was an undergrad, but then I decided to really follow my wish to switch to History when I was in the last year of studying. I got to know about NU when I was searching for graduate programs in History with a focus on the region of Central Asia. It is a very unique opportunity to study Central Asian history right at the region, while the language of instruction is English, and I have always wanted to travel in Kazakhstan. I had read about the research interests of the professors and research projects of each current student at that time of Eurasian Studies program on the website, and all seemed to be very interesting.
My first year in Eurasian Studies program was very intensive, but highly rewarding at the same time. I really like our curriculum which gives us a good foundation for doing research in the first semester, enables us to explore courses in different fields starting from the second semester, and gives us a long-term working period for our thesis.
The professors are very knowledgeable and are always willing to help the students when they have questions. My supervisors have been constantly helping me with great effort in my process of doing research and drafting up for my thesis.
Besides, NU itself is a burgeoning university. There are always new facilities being built on campus. The students of NU are very intelligent, hard-working, friendly and active. I have made many friends not only with students within our program, but also students who have different majors. At first, I thought graduate students would be left out from activities on the campus, but actually I have joined student clubs and made friends with many undergrads as well.
I hope more international students will join the NU community to study here in the future!
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.”
I heard about NU when it first opened. I had come to Kazakhstan before its opening and I could hear people in the country talking about a big education project, they meant NU.
What attracted me the most was the partnerships NU had signed with leading global universities, because I thought that was going to give NU the support to run programs effectively and engage in interesting joint research projects.
During my studies I was dealing with professors from different countries, who shared different perspectives on the issues we care about, in my case education. I also enjoyed spending time in the NU library because not only was I able to find books in my field of research, but other useful resources like CDs, journals or newspapers.
The main reason I chose this program was the support it has from the University of Cambridge and the University of Pennsylvania. I think the chance we have at NU to exchange ideas or participate in joint projects is very important for the development of a solid research project.
Among the top positive things about studying at NU, I would highlight: firstly, the partnerships with other universities along with excellent professors; secondly, the research focus and; thirdly, the resources available for students including the library, dorms, canteens and sports facilities to mention some.
Nargiza Chorieva, Uzbekistan
Graduate School of Public Policy • Master in Public Policy (MPP) 2018
“I chose the MPP program because it offered scholarship opportunities, a well-known reputation of high quality education and the expertise on Central Asian countries’ experience.”
Previously I was exceedingly interested in Economics as I worked for an NGO in my home country for several years. However, further on, my passion to be a civil servant in order to make positive changes and contribute to the development of the whole region started to prevail. So, I decided to continue my education.
I knew that NU, a new university with high standards of education and great facilities, had been recently opened in a neighboring country. I started looking for suitable programs. Having critically analyzed curriculum and requirements, I chose the MPP program as my priority due to scholarship opportunities, a well-known reputation of high quality education and the expertise on Central Asian countries’ experience. I reckoned that it perfectly suited my research interests and profile. It was clear that the program was very competitive, with many students applying. Fortunately, my background in Economics from the international university, social activities and work experience helped me to believe in myself and apply to NU. Now I can say that NU has fascinating facilities to study and live, as well as diverse and qualified faculty members who are always ready to help.
I also have to mention MPP’s Singapore component program, which gave me a chance to familiarize myself with one of the world’s most effective governance systems. The MPP program assists me to achieve not only my educational goals, but also enriches my leadership skills that are critical for my future career path. Thank you, NU, for being my second home!
