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Admissions

all programs

DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAMS

This is the highest degree awarded by universities and requires a high level of research skills and enthusiasm for in-depth analysis of a particular field.

APPLY NOW

Those who have already completed a Bachelor’s and Master's degree (or its equivalent) can apply for this program. PhD programs typically take 4 years.

foundation-about
How to apply
Entry requirements
Important dates
Useful information
Statistics

Please find the video instruction for submitting an online application for the PhD programs here.

To participate in the competition the following steps must be completed:

Step 1. 

Create your Personal account

Register on admissions.nu.edu.kz portal to create a Personal account.  

Read the Instructions about the application procedure given in your Personal account.

Step 2. 

Complete your Application Form and attach required documents
  1. In your Personal account, go to the “My Application Forms” section and click on the link on Step 1. Complete the Application Form, including the Consent Form for personal data processing, and click “Upload”.
  2. Proceed to Step 2 to upload the required documents in the specific format.
  3. Upload a 3×4 photo to the “Profile” section.

Step 3. 

Pay the application fee and finish the application process
  1. To finalize your application, click the “PAY AND SUBMIT APPLICATION”  in the “My Application Forms” section of your Personal account. The application fee must be paid online using the only available payment options; no other payment methods are accepted.
  2. You may apply for up to 2 Master's or PhD programs but if accepted into both, you must choose one.
  3. The regular application fee is 15,000 tenge, and the late application fee is 45,000 tenge. The late application period is considered to be the last two weeks before the initially established application deadline. The application fee is non-refundable, regardless of the application outcome or any payment errors.
  4. After submission, you cannot make any changes.

Step 4.

Provide results of IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT

To provide your IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT certificates, follow these steps:

1. Electronic Submission:

  • Send the electronic results of your valid IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT certificates directly to NU by the Test Administrator.

2. Uploading IELTS/TOEFL Results:

  • Upload a scanned copy of your IELTS/TOEFL certificate and enter its unique number in the “Upload IELTS/TOEFL results” section of your Personal account. You can upload multiple certificates, but only the most recent one will be considered.

3. Uploading GRE/GMAT Results:

  • Upload a scanned copy of your GRE/GMAT certificate in the “My Application Forms” section (Step 2) when submitting your documents (if required).

Important Test Codes:

  • IELTS: NU
  • TOEFL iBT: 6762
  • GRE: 6496
  • GMAT: H6M-R7-93

Important Notes:

  • NU is not responsible for submitting your test results. You must contact the Test Administrator (Test Center) independently to send your certificate, which takes at least 7-10 working days. 
  • Results received after the deadline will not be considered.
  • All certificates must be valid at the time of application submission.
  • Detailed instructions for submitting IELTS/TOEFL certificates are available in your Personal account.
  • IELTS Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and TOEFL PDT results are not accepted.
  • Video instructions on how to upload your IELTS/TOEFL results can be found here.

Exemptions:

You may be exempt from providing IELTS/TOEFL if:

  • You earned a degree in a country where English is the official language.
  • Your undergraduate or graduate degree was taught in English (confirming document required).
  • You are a graduate of NU.

Further steps

After you submit your online application form, an automatic email will be sent to your referees, asking them to submit a recommendation letter using the provided online form. Detailed instructions on how to submit recommendation letters are available in your Personal account.

Regularly check your email and Personal account for updates about your application status, and remember to check your spam folder, as emails from the University may end up there.

If invited, attend the interview with the Admissions Committee, which will be conducted in English.
If you have any issues with the application, email phd_admissions@nu.edu.kz with a detailed description of the problem, your IIN (for citizens of Kazakhstan) and your Applicant ID number.

 

All PhD programs

Residency programs

Application package checklist

 

Please choose the school of your interest:

School of Engineering and Digital Sciences

Minimum requirements: 

1. Undergraduate and Master's degrees (or equivalents). During the application period, final year master's students may submit an official current transcript for consideration;

2. Minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.00 in an applicant’s Master’s degree;

3. English proficiency:
     1) Overall IELTS test score of 6.5 (with sub-scores no less than 6.0) or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website.
TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL PDT, IELTS Online and IELTS Indicator results are not accepted;
     2) Applicants can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
          — one of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country with English as the language of official communication and academic instruction;
          — an undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program that was officially taught in English;

4. Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills as demonstrated by GMAT or GRE test (recommended);

5. High motivation and strong interest in the Program as outlined in a statement of purpose.

 

Application package checklist:

All submitted documents shall be in English or with notarized English translation:

  1. Complete Application form;

  2. National ID (for the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan) and passport (for international applicants);

  3. Official document confirming name change (if applicable);

  4. Degree diplomas (Bachelor’s and Master’s or equivalents) with transcripts. During the application period, final year master's students may upload an official current transcript for consideration;

  5. An official electronic IELTS/TOEFL certificate (valid at the time of document submission) sent to the University through IELTS/TOEFL VERIFICATION SERVICES. Code for IELTS: NU. Code for TOEFL: 6762;

  6. Document confirming English as the language of instruction (only for applicants who earned their degree in a program which was taught in English and request an exemption from submitting IELTS/TOEFL). Applicants should provide a detailed certificate/reference from the university indicating the number and list of subjects completed in English;

  7. GRE or GMAT certificates valid as of date of online documents submission (recommended);

  8. Statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s prior educational career, statement of his/her interest in the Program, his/her long-term career goals, and how the program would help him/her to achieve these goals (500 words);

  9. Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months, including at least one academic reference, (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy). You can find the Instruction for submission of recommendation letters here;

  10. CV (up to 1 page).

School of Science and Humanities

Minimum requirements: 

1. Undergraduate and Master's degrees (or equivalents). During the application period, final year master's students may submit an official current transcript for consideration;

2. A minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.00 in an applicant’s Master’s degree. For PhD in Eurasian studies program, a competitive CGPA in an applicant’s Master’s degree;

3. English proficiency:
     1) Overall IELTS test score of 6.5 (with sub-scores no less than 6.0) or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website. For PhD in Eurasian Studies program, overall IELTS test score of 7.0 (with sub-scores no less than 6.0) or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website.
TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL PDT, IELTS Online and IELTS Indicator results are not accepted;
     2) Applicants can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
          — one of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country with English as the language of official communication and academic instruction;
          — an undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program that was officially taught in English;

4. Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills as demonstrated by GRE test (recommended);

5. High motivation and strong interest in the Program as outlined in a personal statement;

6. For PhD in Eurasian studies program, strong academic writing ability as demonstrated in a writing sample (academic paper, essay, published article);

7. For PhD in Eurasian studies program, relevant research interest and knowledge of research subject as demonstrated in a written research proposal.

 

Application package checklist:

All submitted documents shall be in English or with notarized English translation:

  1. Complete Application form;

  2. National ID (for the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan) and passport (for international applicants);

  3. Official document confirming name change (if applicable);

  4. Degree diplomas (Bachelor’s and Master’s or equivalents) with transcripts; During the application period, final year master's students may upload official current transcript for consideration;

  5. An official electronic IELTS/TOEFL certificate (valid at the time of document submission) sent to the University through IELTS/TOEFL VERIFICATION SERVICES. Code for IELTS: NU. Code for TOEFL: 6762;

  6. Document confirming English as the language of instruction (only for applicants who earned their degree in a program which was taught in English and request an exemption from submitting IELTS/TOEFL). Applicants should provide a detailed certificate/reference from the university indicating the number and list of subjects completed in English;

  7. GRE certificates valid as of date of online documents submission (recommended);

  8. Personal statement outlining the applicant’s prior educational career, statement of his/her interest in the Program, his/her long-term career goals, and how the program would help him/her to achieve these goals (500 words);

  9. Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy). You can find the Instruction for submission of recommendation letters here;

  10. For PhD in Eurasian studies program, writing sample (academic paper, essay, published article);

  11. For PhD in Eurasian studies program, research proposal outlining the research topic the applicant would like to pursue in the Program (1500-2000 words);

  12. CV (up to 1 page).

School of Medicine

Minimum requirements for PhD programs: 

1. Undergraduate and Master's degrees or MD (or equivalents). During the application period, final year master's students may submit an official current transcript for consideration);

2. Minimum CGPA of 3.00 out of 4.00 in applicant’s Master’s degree;

3. English proficiency:
     1) Overall IELTS test score of 6.5 (with sub-scores no less than 6.0) or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website.
TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL PDT, IELTS Online and IELTS Indicator results are not accepted;
     2) Applicants can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
          — one of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country with English as the language of official communication and academic instruction;
          — an undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program that was officially taught in English;

4. Relevant research interest and knowledge of the research subject, as demonstrated in a written Project proposal.

 

Application package checklist for PhD programs:

All submitted documents shall be in English or with notarized English translation:

  1. Complete Application form;

  2. National ID (for the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan) and passport (for international applicants);

  3. Official document confirming name change (if applicable);

  4. Degree diplomas (Bachelor’s and Master’s or equivalents) with transcripts; During the application period final year master's students students may upload an official current transcript for consideration;

  5. An official electronic IELTS/TOEFL certificate (valid at the time of document submission) sent to the University through IELTS/TOEFL VERIFICATION SERVICES. Code for IELTS: NU. Code for TOEFL: 6762;

  6. Document confirming English as the language of instruction (only for applicants who earned their degree in a program that was taught in English and request an exemption from submitting IELTS/TOEFL). Applicants should provide a detailed certificate/reference from the university indicating the number and list of subjects completed in English;

  7. Project proposal (not more than 500 words);

  8. CV (up to 1 page);

  9. Evidence of any professional and/or voluntary experiences that develop essential skills related to laboratory work (for Global Health program optional);

  10. Two confidential letters of recommendation in English (with notarized English translation) written within the last 12 months (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy). You can find the Instruction for submission of recommendation letters here;

  11. 075/у medical certificate (for Kazakhstani applicants) or a similar medical certificate with indication of general health (for international applicants);

  12. Document stating the presence or absence of a criminal record; 

  13. For Biomedical Sciences program, list of the applicant’s preferred three choices of PhD projects (optional);

  14. For Global Health program, list of graduate courses the applicant’s has taken in Epidemiology and Statistics.

School of Medicine - Residency programs

There are two types of admission: Unconditional and Conditional

Unconditional admission

Applicants applying to the Program for unconditional admission are expected to have:

  • MD or an equivalent terminal medical degree (highest level medical qualification which provides the eligibility to obtain registration or certification to practice as an independent practitioner in the country), obtained in a recognized university according to the World Directory of Medical Schools. During the application period, final year students may submit official current transcripts for consideration. Applicants recommended for admission must provide final transcript and diploma before the end of the Program’s enrollment term. Graduates of the University are enrolled based on the evidence of the final transcript confirming the degree completion followed by diploma submission within a month;

  • An overall IELTS test score of 7.0 or higher (with no sub-score less than 6.0 in each section), or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website;

  • IFOM Basic Science Exam (BSE) or USMLE Step1 test report;

  • high level of motivation and a strong interest in the Program outlined in the personal statement;

  • 2 (two) confidential letters of recommendation.

The relevance of the academic and experiential background and the equivalency and appropriateness of earlier degrees will be determined by the Admissions Committee.
Applicants to the Program, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:

  • MD or equivalent terminal medical degree was earned in a country with English as the language of official communication, academic instruction and daily life;

  • MD or equivalent terminal medical degree was earned in a program which was officially taught in English;

  • the applicant is a graduate of NU.


Application package checklist for the Residency Program

All submitted documents shall be in English or with notarized English translation:

  • Complete application form;
  • National ID or passport;
  • Official document confirming name change (if applicable);
  • MD or equivalent terminal medical diploma with transcript;
  • IELTS or TOEFL test report/certificate valid as of the date of online documents submission to the Programs (if applicable);
  • IFOM Basic Science Exam (BSE) or USMLE step 1 test report;
  • Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months from academic or clinical referees preferably related to the specific residency program (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy) ;
  • Personal statement (up to 500 words);
  • 075у medical certificate (for Kazakhstani applicants) or a similar medical certificate with indication of general health or other documents as requested by the University (for international applicants);
  • The document stating the presence or absence of a criminal record.

Conditional admission

The NUSOM Admissions Committee will consider applicants recommended for admission by University Medical Center (UMC) Residency Admission Committee but the ultimate decision to admit these applicants is made by the NUSOM Admissions Committee.

Applicants applying to the Program for conditional admission are expected to have:

  • MD or an equivalent terminal medical degree (highest level medical qualification which provides the eligibility to obtain registration or certification to practice as an independent practitioner in the country), obtained in a recognized university according to the World Directory of Medical Schools. During the application period, final year students may submit official current transcripts for consideration. Applicants recommended for admission must provide final transcript and diploma before the end of the Program’s enrollment term. Graduates of the University are enrolled based on the evidence of the final transcript confirming the degree completion followed by diploma submission within a month;

  • high level of motivation and a strong interest in the Program outlined in the personal statement;

  • 2 (two) confidential letters of recommendation;

  • Recommendation letter from University Medical Center (UMC).

The following conditions will apply to applicants admitted under Conditional Admission first year of enrollment:

  • Provide IFOM Basic Science Exam (BSE) or USMLE Step1 test report;
  • An overall IELTS test score of 7.0 or higher (with no sub-scores less than 6.0 in each section), or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website.
  • The relevance of the academic and experiential background and the equivalency and appropriateness of earlier degrees will be determined by the Admissions Committee.
  • Applicants to the Program, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
  • MD or equivalent terminal medical degree was earned in a country with English as the language of official communication, academic instruction and daily life;
  • MD or equivalent terminal medical degree was earned in a program which was officially taught in English;
  • the applicant is a graduate of NU.

Application package checklist for the Residency Program

All submitted documents shall be in English or with notarized English translation:

  • Complete application form;

  • National ID or passport;

  • Letter of recommendation from UMC;

  • Official document confirming name change (if applicable);

  • MD or equivalent terminal medical diploma with transcript;

  • Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months from academic or clinical referees preferably related to the specific residency program (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy) ;

  • Personal statement (up to 500 words);

  • 075у medical certificate (for Kazakhstani applicants) or a similar medical certificate with indication of general health or other documents as requested by the University (for international applicants);

  • The document stating the presence or absence of a criminal record.

School of Mining and Geosciences

Minimum requirements:

1. Undergraduate and Master's degrees (or equivalents). During the application period, final year master's students may submit an official current transcript for consideration;

2. Minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.00 in applicant’s Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degrees;

3. English proficiency:
     1) Overall IELTS test score of 6.5 (with sub-scores no less than 6.0) or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website.
TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL PDT, IELTS Online and IELTS Indicator results are not accepted;
     2) Applicants can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
          — one of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country with English as the language of official communication and academic instruction;
          — an undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program which was officially taught in English;

4. Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills as demonstrated by GRE or GMAT tests (optional);

5. High level of motivation and strong interest in the Program outlined in a statement of purpose.

 

Application package checklist:

All submitted documents shall be in English or with notarized English translation:

  1. Complete Application form;

  2. National ID (for the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan) and passport (for international applicants);

  3. Official document confirming name change (if applicable);

  4. Degree diplomas (Bachelor’s and Master’s) with transcripts; During the application period, final year master's students may upload official current transcript for consideration;

  5. An official electronic IELTS/TOEFL certificate (except Home edition) (valid at the time of document submission) sent to the University through IELTS/TOEFL VERIFICATION SERVICES. Code for IELTS: NU. Code for TOEFL: 6762;

  6. Document confirming English as the language of instruction (only for applicants who earned their degree in a program which was taught in English and request an exemption from submitting IELTS or TOEFL). Applicants should provide a detailed certificate/reference from the university indicating the number and list of subjects completed in English;

  7. GRE or GMAT certificates valid as of date of online documents submission (optional);

  8. Statement of purpose describing applicant’s educational, professional, and research experience, reasons for applying to the School of Mining and Geosciences PhD program, further career perspectives and how new knowledge and skills obtained after the program completion would help to achieve those goals (500 words);

  9. Two letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy). You can find the Instruction for submission of recommendation letters here;

  10. CV (up to 1 page).

Graduate School of Business

Minimum requirements:

1. Undergraduate and Master's degrees (or equivalents). During the application period, final year master's students may submit an official current transcript for consideration;

3. A minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.00 in an applicant’s Master’s degree;

3. English proficiency:
     1) Overall IELTS test score of 6.5 (with sub-scores no less than 6.0) or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website.
TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL PDT, IELTS Online and IELTS Indicator results are not accepted;
     2) Applicants can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
          — one of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country with English as the language of official communication and academic instruction;
          — an undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program which was officially taught in English;

4. Valid GMAT or GRE Test Reports;

5. High motivation and strong interest in the Program as outlined in a personal statement;

6. Relevant research interest and knowledge of research subject as demonstrated in a written research proposal.

 

Application package checklist:

All submitted documents shall be in English or with notarized English translation:

  1. Complete Application form;

  2. National ID (for the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan) and passport (for international applicants);

  3. Official document confirming name change (if applicable);

  4. Degree diplomas (Bachelor’s and Master’s or equivalents) with transcripts. During the application period, final year master's students may upload an official current transcript for consideration;

  5. An official electronic IELTS/TOEFL certificate (valid at the time of document submission) sent to the University through IELTS/TOEFL VERIFICATION SERVICES. Code for IELTS: NU. Code for TOEFL: 6762;

  6. Document confirming English as the language of instruction (only for applicants who earned their degree in a program which was taught in English and request an exemption from submitting IELTS/TOEFL). Applicants should provide a detailed certificate/reference from the university indicating the number and list of subjects completed in English;

  7. Valid GMAT or GRE Test Reports;

  8. Personal Statement. High motivation and strong interest in the Program as outlined in a personal statement. Personal statement outlining the applicant’s prior educational career, statement of his/her interest in the Program, his/her long-term career goals, and how the Program would help her or him to achieve these goals (500 words).

  9. Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last two years (to be provided by referees via University system or in scanned copy). You can find the Instruction for submission of recommendation letters here.

  10. Research Proposal. Relevant research interest and knowledge of research subject as demonstrated in a written research proposal. Preliminary research proposal (1500-2000 words) outlining the research topic the applicant would like to pursue in the Program.

  11. CV (up to 1 page).

Graduate School of Public Policy

Minimum requirements:

1. First or upper second class honors degree (or equivalent) or a Master’s degree or equivalent (cycle 2). During the application period, final year master's students may submit an official current transcript for consideration;

2. Minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.00 in an applicant’s Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degrees;

3. At least three years of relevant work experience. Based on GSPP’s Admissions Committee discretion, applicants with work experience less than 3 years may also be considered if the applicant can demonstrate high academic performance;

4. English proficiency:
     1) Overall IELTS test score of 6.5 (with sub-scores no less than 6.0) or the equivalent TOEFL  score as posted on the ETS website.
TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL PDT, IELTS Online and IELTS Indicator results are not accepted;
     2) Applicants can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
          — one of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country with English as the language of official communication and academic instruction;
          — an undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program which was officially taught in English;

5. Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills as demonstrated by GRE or GMAT test (recommended);

6. High motivation and strong interest in the Program as outlined in a cover letter;

7. Relevant research interest and knowledge of research subject as demonstrated in a written research proposal.

 

Application package checklist:

All submitted documents shall be in English or with notarized English translation:

  1. Complete Application form;

  2. National ID (for the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan) and passport (for international applicants);

  3. Official document confirming name change (if applicable);

  4. Degree diplomas (Bachelor’s and Master’s or equivalents) with transcripts. During the application period, final year master's students may upload the official current transcript for consideration.

  5. IELTS or TOEFL certificate valid as of the date of online documents submission;

  6. Document confirming English as the language of instruction (only for applicants who earned their degree in a program which was taught in English and request an exemption from submitting IELTS/TOEFL). Applicants should provide a detailed certificate/reference from the university indicating the number and list of subjects completed in English.

  7. Official document confirming work experience;

  8. CV (up to 1 page);

  9. GRE/GMAT certificate valid as of the date of online documents submission (recommended);

  10.  Cover letter outlining the applicant’s prior educational career, statement of his/her interest in the Program, his/her long-term career goals, and how the program would help him/her to achieve these goals (500 words);

  11. Two confidential letters of recommendation (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy after receiving an email request). You can find the Instruction for submission of recommendation letters here;

  12. Preliminary research proposal (2000 words).

Graduate School of Education

Minimum requirements:

1. Undergraduate and Master's degrees (or equivalents). During the application period, final year master's students may submit an official current transcript for consideration;

2. A competitive CGPA in an applicant’s Master’s degree.

3. English proficiency:
     1) Overall IELTS test score of 7.0 (with sub-scores no less than 6.0) or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website.
TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL PDT, IELTS Online and IELTS Indicator results are not accepted;
     2) Applicants can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
          — one of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country with English as the language of official communication and academic instruction;
          — an undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program which was officially taught in English;

4. Two years of work experience in a relevant field. At the discretion of the Admissions Committee, applicants with less than 2 years of work experience may also be considered.

5. Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills as demonstrated by GRE test (recommended);

6. High motivation and strong interest in the Program as outlined in a personal statement;

7. Relevant research interest and knowledge of research subject as demonstrated in a written research proposal.

 

Application package checklist:

All submitted documents shall be in English or with notarized English translation:

  1. Complete Application form;

  2. National ID (for the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan) and passport (for international applicants);

  3. Official document confirming name change (if applicable);

  4. Degree diplomas (Bachelor’s and Master’s or equivalents) with transcripts; During the application period, final year master's students may upload official current transcript for consideration;

  5. An official electronic IELTS/TOEFL certificate (valid at the time of document submission) sent to the University through IELTS/TOEFL VERIFICATION SERVICES. Code for IELTS: NU. Code for TOEFL: 6762;

  6. Document confirming English as the language of instruction (only for candidates who earned their degree in a program which was taught in English and request an exemption from submitting IELTS/TOEFL). Applicants should provide a detailed certificate/reference from the university indicating the number and list of subjects completed in English;

  7. Official document confirming work experience;

  8. GRE certificate valid as of date of online documents submission (recommended);

  9. Personal statement outlining the candidate’s prior educational career, statement of his/her interest in the Program, his/her long-term career goals, and how the program would help him/her to achieve these goals (500 words);

  10. Three confidential letters of recommendation written within the last two years in English language (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy after receiving an email request). You can find the Instruction for submission of recommendation letters here;

  11. Research proposal outlining the research topic the candidate would like to pursue in the Program (1500-2000 words);

  12. CV (up to 1 page).

Important dates for those who are applying for the 2025-2026 academic year

Online application deadlines for PhD programs:

For all types of grants:

  • Citizens of Kazakhstan: available until April 21, 2025, 2:00 P.M. (Astana time).
  • International applicants: available until March 3, 2025, 2:00 P.M. (Astana time).

For tuition fee-paying category:

  • Citizens of Kazakhstan: available until June 25, 2025, 2:00 P.M. (Astana time).
  • International applicants from countries requiring a visa prior to arrival: available until March 27, 2025, 2:00 P.M. (Astana time).
  • International applicants from countries eligible for visa issuance upon arrival: available until June 25, 2025, 2:00 P.M. (Astana time).

Deadline for submission of IELTS/TOEFL, GRE/GMAT certificates:

For all types of grants:

  • Citizens of Kazakhstan: May 5, 2025
  • International applicants: March 17, 2025

For tuition fee-paying category:

  • Citizens of Kazakhstan: July 2, 2025
  • Applicants from countries requiring a visa prior to arrival: March 31, 2025
  • Applicants from countries eligible for visa issuance upon arrival: July 2, 2025

The start of orientation week (for newly enrolled students): August 2025

First day of classes: August 2025

Transcript verification

Applicants recommended for admission must verify their final transcripts of a Master’s degree or Doctor of Medicine diploma (or equivalent) based on one of the following options:  

1. Official hard copy sent directly to the Admissions Department via postmail by the previous institution of study. 

2. Official soft copy sent directly to the phd_admissions@nu.edu.kz from the corporate email address of the previous institution of study.

3. The final transcript verified by the official digital credential services (for instance: WES, Parchment, Scholaro, etc.), provided to the phd_admissions@nu.edu.kz directly by the service.

4. Graduates of NU master’s program do not require transcript verification.

Useful resources

We present to your attention additional information that will be useful for applicants to NU:

Main points

Detailed information

Useful links

To help to prepare for admission to NU, this website contains many useful links to courses, webinars, interviews, books and lectures. You can also find information on standardized tests with links to preparation materials, schedule, registration, and standardized test results.

Guide for applicants to PhD programs (in English)

GSB - Guide for Ph.D. in Business Administration

GSE - Guide for a Doctor of Philosophy in Education program

GSPP - Guide for PhD in Public Policy program

SOM - Guide for a PhD in Global Health program/ Guide for a PhD in Biomedical Sciences program 

SEDS - Guide for a PhD in Chemical Engineering program/ Guide for a PhD in Civil Engineering program/ Guide for a PhD in Computer Science program / Guide for a PhD in Electrical Engineering program/ Guide for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering program/ Guide for a PhD in Robotics Engineering program

SMG - Guide for PhD in Petroleum Engineering/ Guide for PhD in Mining Engineering

SSH - Guide for PhD in Eurasian Studies program/ Guide for PhD in Chemistry Program / Guide for PhD in Life Sciences Program/ Guide for PhD in Mathematics Program / Guide for PhD in Physics of program

Instructions for submitting an online application

The instructions for submitting an online application can be found here.

Instruction for submission of recommendation letters

You can find the Instruction for submission of recommendation letters here.

Video instructions

Please find the video instruction for submitting an online application for the PhD programs here.

Please find the video instruction for downloading IELTS/TOEFL results here.

Please find the video instruction for accepting admission offer for the PhD programs here.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can find answers to frequently asked questions here.

Terms for provision of education services

To learn more about the Terms for provision of education services at NU, click here.

Institutional Codes

The official electronic tests results should be sent to NU via the Test Administrator using the code (Institutional Code) of the University:
* Code for IELTS (except IELTS Online test): NU
* Code for TOEFL iBT (except TOEFL Home Edition): 6762
* Code for GRE: 6496
* Code for GMAT: H6m-R7-93

Status assigned to the applicant

All registered applicants can check the status of their application in the Personal account. Description of the status below is presented in the order of assignment to the applicant in the Personal account.

Status

Description

Accepted Program offer

Applicant has received an Admission offer for Program and has signed the Enrollment confirmation form by the specified deadline.

Application in processing

Applicant's Online Application has been received and is being reviewed. Admissions Department will contact applicant via email, if necessary. Complete Online applications are forwarded to the appropriate program's Admission Committee to undergo a standard objective review and ranking process.

Deferred

Applicant has been accepted for a program but decided to postpone studies for the next year. The awarding of grants or any financial support for deferred admission applicants is carried out in the framework of consideration of a new pool applicants on a competitive basis.

Did not come to the Orientation week/Refused

Applicant has accepted an Admission offer but did not participate in the Orientation week, which means that the applicant refuses to study at the University.

Did not submit the documents/Refused

Applicant has accepted an Admission offer, but did not provide requested documents by the specified deadline. It means that the applicant refuses to study at the University.

Disqualified

Applicant has been disqualified for gross violation of conditions of the competition. For example, he/she provided false information when applying to a program.

Does not meet entry requirements

Applicant has not provided the required document(s) or did not meet minimum GPA, IELTS, or work experience requirements.

Enrolled conditionally

Applicant has been enrolled to a program with the requirement to fulfill condition(s) by the specific deadline.

Enrolled to Program

This status confirms that an applicant has been officially enrolled to a program.

Pending

Applicant's application has been reviewed, but a decision on the application has not yet been made. The applicant has to wait for a response from the Admissions Department.

Recommended for conditional admission

The Admissions Committee has recommended an applicant for the conditional enrollment, with a requirement to fulfill condition(s) by the specified deadline.

What to do next
Accept the offer: Follow the directions in your Personal Account to accept the offer. Please complete condition(s) before the deadline.
Reject the offer: Make sure to let us know about your decision, so your place can be offered to another applicant.
If applicant does not provide the response within the specified period, it is regarded as refusal to study at the University.

Recommended to Program

The Admissions Committee has recommended an applicant for the admission to a program.

What to do next
Accept the offer: Follow the directions in your Personal Account to accept the offer.
Reject the offer: Make sure to let us know about your decision, so your place can be offered to another applicant.
If applicant does not provide the response within the specified period, it is regarded as refusal to study at the University.

Refused Program offer

Applicant was recommended for admission, but refused from study.

Refused in favor of another NU Program

Applicant applied for two graduate programs at NU and has been accepted to both. The status is assigned when an applicant refuses program in favor of another NU program.

Rejected from Program

At one of the stages, the Admissions Committee has rejected an applicant’s Application.

What to do next
You can upgrade your application and apply in next intake.

Waiting list for Program

The Admissions Committee has finished reviewing the application packages and made a decision to place an applicant on a waiting list. Vacant educational grants released during the current competition are awarded to applicants from the waiting list in accordance with their place in the ranking. For this reason, offers may be sent before the end of the orientation week. Applicants with this status should expect notification from the University.

What to do next
Wait: If a grantee decides not to enroll at the University, you may be offered his/her grant place.

Withdrawn

Applicant has decided to withdraw his/her candidacy from the competition before receiving the Admissions Committee's decision.

Enrollment

Enrollment of the applicants is implemented in the following sequence:

- Recommendation for admission. Applicants recommended for admission by the NU Admissions Committee will have their application status changed to «Recommended for admission to program», or «Recommended for conditional admission». By visiting the «Admission results» section in the Personal Account and clicking on the application status, applicants will see an admission offer and an enrollment confirmation form.

- Enrollment confirmation. Applicants must fill out the Enrollment confirmation form and Form of consent on guarantee fee payment in their Personal account. Then, in case they accept an admission offer, they should pay a refundable Guarantee Fee in the amount of 100,000 tenge. The Guarantee Fee shall be paid online through the payment options available in the Personal account. The use of other payment methods for the Guarantee Fee is not acceptable. The Guarantee Fee will be returned to the admitted student after the following conditions are met:

1) bilateral signing of the Agreement on Provision of Educational Services at Nazarbayev University;

2) student’s participation in Orientation week;

3) student’s progression to the second semester (for Residency programs - after finishing the first six months of the program).

- Signing an agreement. Applicants sign an agreement with the NU School to which they were recommended for admission or with the Bursar's Office in case of admission on a fee-paying education. Information will be provided to applicants by the School or the Bursar's Office.

- Participation in the Orientation week. Before the start of classes, all invited applicants participate in a mandatory Orientation week.

- Enrollment. Enrollment to the University is legalized by the decision of the University Provost.