General Information
Welcome to a New Way of Thinking
Nazarbayev University (NU) is a flagship academic institution in Central Asia with ambitions to achieve global recognition as a top-tier research university. Located in the heart of Eurasia, in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana, NU distinguishes itself through a fully merit-based admission system that seamlessly integrates professor-led teaching and research from a student's very first day as a freshman. NU is more than just a novelty; it is a higher education institution dedicated to equipping graduates with the skills they need to thrive in an era of globalization and technological advancement.
NU offers world-class degrees in a wide range of disciplines, including earth sciences, digital sciences, public administration, educational leadership, engineering, and medicine. The university comprises eight schools offering both undergraduate and graduate programs: the School of Engineering and Digital Sciences; School of Sciences and Humanities; School of Medicine; School of Mining and Geosciences; Graduate School of Business; Graduate School of Education; Graduate School of Public Policy; and the Center for Preparatory Studies.
All schools are supported by strategic partnerships with the world’s leading institutions, research institutes, and laboratories. These include the Colorado School of Mines (USA), Duke University (USA), National University of Singapore (Singapore), University of Cambridge (UK), University of Pennsylvania (USA), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (USA), and University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA).
NU has achieved a series of notable milestones, demonstrating its excellence on the global academic stage. According to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024, released on September 28, 2023, NU debuted in the top 30 percent of international research universities. This ranking evaluated 1,904 universities across approximately 100 countries, with NU securing a commendable position within the range of 501-600, marking the best performance among universities in Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and the Caucasus.
Further solidifying its reputation, NU made its first appearance in the prestigious THE Young University Rankings 2024, securing the 106th position out of 673 institutions spanning 79 countries and territories. Additionally, NU is listed in the THE Asia University Rankings for 2024, ranked 129 out of 739 institutions. In the 2024 edition of the THE World University Rankings by Subject, NU is ranked in 22 subjects, illustrating the breadth and high quality of the university's academic performance. Moreover, the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, commissioned by Shanghai Ranking, included two disciplines from NU in its 2023 edition: Telecommunication Engineering and Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
The Founding of Nazarbayev University
In 2006, Nursultan Nazarbayev, the First President of Kazakhstan, announced the vision of establishing an internationally renowned university. On September 25, 2009, Aslan Sarinzhipov was appointed as the President of JSC 'New University of Astana' (the former name of NU), pursuant to a decree issued by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan. On November 28, 2010, his appointment as Chairman of the Executive Council was sanctioned by the Head of the Prime Minister's Office. Subsequently, in accordance with the protocol of the Supreme Board of Trustees of NU AOE dated June 16, 2011, Mr. Shigeo Katsu was appointed as President of NU.
On June 28, 2010, NU held its Grand Opening Ceremony, marking the inauguration of the institution. Shortly thereafter, NU emerged as the country’s premier academic institution, with aspirations to achieve global recognition as a research university. It holds the distinction of being the first university in Kazakhstan founded on the principles of autonomy and academic freedom. The university's autonomous status was formally conferred by the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan on January 19, 2011, “On the Status of ‘NU,’ ‘Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools,’ and ‘Nazarbayev Fund’.”
On June 15, 2015, NU held its inaugural graduation ceremony. A total of 446 students, encompassing both undergraduate and graduate programs, celebrated their academic achievements on this momentous occasion.
