FOUNDATION · CENTER FOR PREPARATORY STUDIES

NU Foundation Year Program

A one-year academic preparatory program designed to develop the knowledge, study skills and maturity required for successful undergraduate study at Nazarbayev University.

Duration1 academic yearLanguageEnglishSchoolCenter for Preparatory Studies
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Preparation for university success

NUFYP helps students expand their educational background, strengthen study strategies and academic skills, and develop integrity, time management and goal-oriented decision-making. Students focus on English for Academic Purposes, Mathematics and Foundations of Leadership.

Mission

To prepare independent learners who are proficient in English, qualified in mathematics and equipped with transferable study skills to continue successfully in undergraduate degree programs at NU.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

What students will be able to do

  1. Critically analyse and evaluate arguments, assumptions and concepts from academic texts, presentations and discussions.
  2. Express opinions and ideas clearly in spoken and written English, supported by evidence and appropriate referencing.
  3. Solve quantitative problems appropriate to the expected field of study.
  4. Apply academic skills, study techniques and knowledge from introductory courses.
  5. Practice academic integrity in coursework and assessment.
  6. Work independently and in teams through cooperation, negotiation and project work.
  7. Gather and assess information, think creatively and analyse at a level appropriate for a research-focused university.

AT A GLANCE

01

Duration

One academic year.

02

Entry requirements

Certificate of Complete Secondary Education; IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.0 in each section, or TOEFL iBT 60 with published section minima; NUET results.

03

Program outcome

Intensive preparation in personal development, study skills, mathematics and academic English for NU undergraduate programs.

CURRICULUM

Three connected areas of study

Foundations of Leadership

The course combines flipped learning, lectures and seminars. Students develop academic and leadership skills through discussion, case studies, presentations, community projects, expert interviews, guest lectures, site visits and recorded public-speaking practice.

Learning outcomes

  • Summarise and respond to texts and participate in discussion.
  • Communicate appropriately in written and spoken English.
  • Practice academic integrity.
  • Use time-management tools for academic and extracurricular work.
  • Maintain a reflective journal.
  • Know where to obtain academic and personal support.

Assessment

Exams, quizzes, written assignments, reflective journal entries, group projects and active participation.

English for Academic Purposes

NU has been an institutional member of BALEAP since 2019. The NUFYP English for Academic Purposes course was first accredited in February 2020.

Academic Writing

Students learn academic integrity, research planning, referencing, paraphrasing, synthesis, critical source evaluation, argument development and revision through feedback.

Academic Reading

Students practise skimming and scanning, identifying purpose, audience, tone and thesis, evaluating evidence, making inferences and building academic vocabulary.

Academic Listening and Speaking

Students develop listening and note-taking strategies, summarise lectures, evaluate spoken ideas, take part in discussions and debates, and defend a research project in a viva.

Mathematics

The mathematics sequence covers precalculus, calculus, probability and statistics.

  • Polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions.
  • Limits, derivatives and integrals.
  • Sequences, series, complex numbers, vectors and matrices.
  • Statistical quantities, probability concepts and distributions.
  • Application problems and communication of mathematical ideas in English.

Learning and assessment

Lectures are held on Mondays and Wednesdays, followed by small-group seminars on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Weekly quizzes are held on Fridays. Additional support includes drop-in hours, individual consultations and workshops. Students complete exams and weekly quizzes in both semesters.

STUDENT SUPPORT

Support throughout the year

The NUFYP Student Council advises CPS leadership, supports academic study and organises social events. Students may use NU Library, Sports Center, Health, Counseling, Career and Advising resources. A Senior Teaching Fellow for Student Advising and a Student Affairs Manager work with faculty and staff to support academic progress and adjustment to university life.

Source content transferred from the official CPS program page.

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READY TO BEGIN?

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