Student Mobility is in-person or online academic, research, and/or cultural experience that a student is undertaking at the Host Institution for a period of time (up to one academic year), which was formally approved and supported by his/her Home Institution (with written confirmation) on a free or fee-paying basis.
Please note: Student mobility is an additional opportunity. It is not a requirement.
Types of Student Mobility
Advantages of having mobility experience
Educational
- Acceptance and understanding of different cultural and community perspectives
- Language acquisition or practice
- Practice communication
- Multi-faceted approaches to learning
- Problem-solving skills
- Broader general knowledge and outlook
Personal
- Increased self-esteem and self-awareness
- Maturity and social poise
- Agility, adaptation, and travel/survival skills
- Development of new friendships
- Reassessment of home and family
Is Student Mobility at NU free of charge?
Mobility opportunity provided by NU based on NU cooperation links usually include Tuition fee waiver. Other expenses are covered by the student. Partial funding can be considered by Schools.
What expenses to consider for mobility
- 2-way air fare
- Accommodation
- Food expenses/costs
- Visa fee
- Medical insurance
- Miscellaneous expenses
- Additional university fees
External funding opportunities for mobility can be found. Here are examples:
Eligibility and Participation
- Be currently enrolled at NU as a degree-seeking student
- Undergraduate students must have completed at least one academic year at NU and graduate students must have completed at least one semester at NU (for two-year Master’s programs)
- An applicant must be in good standing (i.e. not on probation or conditional status, should not have academic or/and disciplinary sanctions)
- Have a CGPA of 3.0 and above (does not apply for programs with no GPA)
- Have no incomplete grades in any courses
- Be above 18 years old on the day of application for the Mobility Program
- An applicant must demonstrate to the School Committee that he/she fulfills all of the requirements of the Host Institution and NU program
Please note that the choice of the courses for study at the host institution should be coordinated and approved for transfer towards the program of study at NU SCHOOL
Since NU students are on state grants for 4 years, the length of study at NU should not change
If a student happens to earn a scholarship or win an external exchange program – it is requested to contact the academic manager and School adviser ASAP.
Application Process
Upon return
- After completing the academic mobility, students are responsible for transferring credits earned during the exchange, obtaining the transcript from the partner institution, and making a decision on the completion of academic mobility.
- Feedback from students who participated in the academic mobility should be provided to OGR.
- NU Outgoing exchange Students should start attending classes at NU not later than two weeks after the beginning of the semester.
If students return to NU after the start of a term, it is their responsibility to make arrangements with their NU professors regarding the missed class periods and to make up course work that is missed.
NU does not guarantee that absences due to mobility will be considered excused.
School Managers
Graduate School of Business
Mirat Akshalov
mirat.akshalov@nu.edu.kz
Graduate School of Education
Elmira Tukanayeva
elmira.tukanayeva@nu.edu.kz
Graduate School of Public Policy
Zhibek Shymbay
zhibek.shymbay@nu.edu.kz
School of Engineering and Digital Sciences
Diana Maratova
d.maratova@nu.edu.kz
School of Sciences and Humanities
Aigerim Kuttubayeva
Assem Kaliyeva
School of Mining and Geosciences
Altynay Kazhkenova
altynay.kazhkenova@nu.edu.kz
School of Medicine
Bauyrzhan Seitbayev
bauyrzhan.seitbayev@nu.edu.kz
Frequently Asked Questions
What opportunities are available for NU students wishing to participate in student mobility programs?
Student Exchange, Study Abroad, Short-term Study, Research Internship and Cultural Mobility based on agreements with Partner Universities.
What institutions have partnership agreements with NU on Student Mobility?
THE LIST OF PARTNERS IS SUBJECT FOR CHANGE ON YARLY BASES
Partnerships via the Direct Agreements:
- Renmin University of China, China
- KDI School of Public Policy and Management, South Korea (GSPP students only)
- National University of Singapore, LKY School of Public Policy, Singapore (GSPP students only)
- Tsukuba University, Japan
- Tsinghua University, China
- University of Stavanger, Norway (SEDS students only)
- ADA University, Azerbaijan
Student Exchange Agreements to be in force starting from the Academic Year 2024/2025:
- University of Hong Kong
- Sabancı University
- Koç University
- University of Toronto
What are the requirements for participation in student mobility programs for applicants?
- To complete at least one year (for undergraduate students) / one semester (for Master’s and Ph.D. students) of studies at NU;
- To have no incomplete grades in any course;
- To have a CGPA of 3.00 and above;
- To be 18 years old on the day of the application.
Who and how announces the possibility of participation in mobility programs?
Each School announces the exchange opportunities at the beginning of the new semester (whether it is the Fall semester or the Spring one)
How does the student application process look like?
During the start of each semester, NU Schools notify their students about forthcoming mobility opportunities, requirements, and deadlines. If the student meets the minimum requirements (see question 3 above), then he/she should start preparing the application package. The package consists of the following items:
- application form;
- resume or CV;
- statement of purpose;
- two photographs;
- transcript of the academic record;
- recommendation from a faculty advisor.
Once the package is ready, students should submit all items to their respective school managers.
How does the student selection process go?
- The school selection committee does the screening of all candidates and makes a short list of selected students.
- The shortlist is transferred to the partner institution.
- Partner institutions might also do additional screening of candidates and call them for an interview. Then, they make the final list of accepted students.
- Partner Institution sends the final list of selected students to NU Schools.
- The school notifies students about the results of their application (whether it is successful or not).
Can students participate in Student Mobility programs on their own?
Yes, NU students can participate in Student Mobility programs on their own. However, in cases when the mobility program is credit-bearing and/or a student would like to apply for NU funding, the process must be approved by the respective NU School.
What options are available if the Host University does not have an agreement on Student Mobility programs with NU?
Participating in Student Mobility programs can offer benefits such as exposure to new cultures, languages, and educational systems, access to specialized facilities and resources, networking opportunities, and personal and professional growth.
Does NU have an agreement with Erasmus?
If there is an agreement between NU and Partner Institutions about credit transfer from the credit-bearing programs and School approval, then yes, they could be transferred.
Is the Student Mobility program free for students?
Challenges can include cultural adjustment, language barriers, homesickness, differences in educational systems, administrative complexities related to visa and travel regulations, and financial differences for living expenses.
How long do student mobility programs usually last?
The duration of student mobility programs can vary widely, ranging from short-term programs lasting a few weeks to a full academic year for longer student exchange or study abroad types of mobility.
Do I need to know the local language to participate in an academic mobility program?
Many courses at Host Institutions are usually offered in English, while some of them might require proficiency in the local language. Always check the language requirements of the specific program/course you’re interested in.
Can I participate in academic mobility if I have a family or dependents?
There are no restrictions for students with families or dependents, however, visa issues and all the costs for their expenses should be borne by students.
