NU is committed to attracting the most talented applicants by expanding opportunities for prospective students. This year, changes have been introduced to the list of required documents and English language requirements for admission to the foundation, undergraduate, and master's programs.
The admission process for self-funded applicants has become simpler. For foundation and undergraduate programs, only IELTS results with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and 6.0, or TOEFL iBT results with scores of 46 and 60, respectively, are required. No additional exams are necessary. For those applying to master's programs on a self-funded basis, the minimum requirements are an IELTS score of 6.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 60.
The annual tuition fees depend on the program and start from 5,808,000 KZT per year.
Another change is that applicants no longer need to submit their motivation letters, which are usually about one's choice of study program.
The admission procedure remains unchanged for those seeking scholarships. Applicants for undergraduate programs can apply with NUET, SAT/ACT scores (minimum 1240/26), an IB Diploma, an A-level/NIS Grade 12 Certificate, or a diploma from international and/or national academic competitions, along with IELTS/TOEFL results meeting the minimum score requirement of 6.0/60.
To compete for a scholarship in the foundation program, applicants must provide IELTS results with a minimum score of 5.5 or TOEFL iBT scores of 46 and pass the NU Entrance Test (NUET), which assesses academic readiness, mathematical knowledge, and critical thinking skills. This test is usually held in February and March across various cities in Kazakhstan, depending on the number of participants. Therefore, monitoring the dates on the university's official website is essential. Applicants are recommended for admission based on their scores and IELTS/TOEFL results. The state annually provides scholarships, and the number of scholarships depends on the national budget.
Nazarbayev University offers social benefits for orphans, students from large families, and students with disabilities. For these groups, the cost of one academic year may range from 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 KZT for foundation, undergraduate, and master's programs. There is also a special tuition fee for postgraduate studies for employees of Kazakhstani state institutions.
Be sure to monitor the NU website regularly to stay informed about important announcements regarding admissions and application deadlines. According to the Times Higher Education rankings, the university ranks in the top 24–29% of the best research universities worldwide and is the top university in Central Asia.