What you get
NUFYP (Nazarbayev University Foundation Year Program)
is a one-year intensive program designed to prepare you for admission to leading universities
In just 1 year, you will:
is a one-year intensive program designed to prepare you for admission to leading universities
In just 1 year, you will:
- Reach academic English level required for university
- Build strong foundation in core subjects
- Adapt to international academic standards
- Be ready to apply to top universities
Global partnerships and academic mobility with leading universities
Your future after foundation
After completing the program, you can:
- Apply to Nazarbayev University
- Apply to international universities
- Continue your studies fully in English
Our graduates work at top companies like
Your pathway to global education
Foundation opens the door to Nazarbayev University and top universities worldwide. It prepares you to study in English and succeed in a competitive global academic environment.
Requirements
English proficiency:
Academic requirements:
- IELTS: 5.5 overall
- (Reading & Writing — 5.5, Listening & Speaking — 5.0)
- or
- TOEFL equivalent
Academic requirements:
- GPA: 3.5 / 5.0
- or
- UNT:
- Math literacy — 7/10
- Reading — 7/10
- Overall — 75
Application deadline:
English test submission:
Certificates must be valid until August 1, 2026
Only the latest certificate is considered
Superscoring is not accepted
Online tests are not accepted
- Kazakhstan: July 24, 2026 (2 PM)
- International (visa before arrival): June 1, 2026
- International (visa on arrival): July 24, 2026
English test submission:
- Kazakhstan: July 24, 2026 (11:59 PM)
- International: June 1 / July 24 (depending on visa type)
Certificates must be valid until August 1, 2026
Only the latest certificate is considered
Superscoring is not accepted
Online tests are not accepted
$12,000 per academic year
- Duration: 1 year (2 semesters)
- Includes full academic Foundation curriculum
- Same fee for local and international students
Experience a dynamic student life at NU, filled with diverse clubs, events, and opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
Vibrant student life
Our Alumni Succeed at Top Companies and World-Class Universities
98% Employability Rate:
- Nazerke KalidoldaInvestment Analyst at Sturgeon Capital,
ex-Google Software EngineerNazarbayev University was a unique and definitely unforgettable experience filled with travels. I would always be grateful to my alma mater for so many opportunities given and the lessons taught in its walls. Thank you!
NU BS in Computer Science '2018 - Tamirlan SeidakhmetovData Scientist at MetaNazarbayev University taught me to think outside of the box, overcome challenges, achieve big goals and provided tremendous networking opportunities.
NU BS in Chemical Engineering ‘2015
Stanford University MSc in Management in Science and Engineering ‘2016 - Meruyert Bizhanovastudying at the University of PennsylvaniaI still remember applying exclusively to NU, without any backup plans, because I believed it was the place that could completely transform my perspective—and I was not mistaken.
NU BS in Biological Sciences '2023
Visa Information
VISA AND MIGRATION PROCEDURES FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
Nazarbayev University welcomes international applicants who are coming to Kazakhstan for the purpose of studying. Before applying for a visa, all international applicants must first be admitted to a program at Nazarbayev University. Once an applicant receives the official admission letter, the University will provide the required documents for the visa application process.
All international applicants must obtain a student visa (category C9) or a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) for citizens of neighboring countries to enter Kazakhstan. This type of visa and the TRP are issued for one year and allow multiple entries into Kazakhstan. Both the visa and the TRP must be renewed annually.
Upon your arrival at the University campus, please promptly schedule a visit to our office located in Block 1, Office 1.248D, on the 2nd floor. This visit is essential for facilitating a smooth transition and for receiving guidance on visa and immigration procedures for newly admitted international students, including:
- Notification of the arrival of a foreign citizen in Kazakhstan
- Obtaining an Individual Identification Number (IIN)
- Biometric registration process
- Temporary Residence Permit (TRP for CIS citizens), among others
STUDENT VISA
Required Documents for obtaining a Visa Invitation Letter (with Visa Reference Number approved by Immigration Authorities):
For international applicants:
TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMIT (TRP)
International applicants who are citizens of the countries indicated below can enter the Republic of Kazakhstan on a visa-free regime under bilateral agreements but must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) for study purposes:
Accompanying family members: Children under 16 do not require a TRP Certificate. However, a TRP is necessary for an accompanying spouse and children over 16.
Upon leaving Kazakhstan, the TRP remains valid until its designated period ends. Upon re-entry into the country, there is no need to reapply for a TRP.
Required Documents for obtaining a Visa Invitation Letter (with Visa Reference Number approved by Immigration Authorities):
For international applicants:
- A high-resolution, color-scanned copy of the main passport page
- Completed Visa Support Invitation Form (attached)
- Completed Enrollment Confirmation Form (from Applicant)
- Nazarbayev University Offer Letter (from the Admission Department)
TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMIT (TRP)
International applicants who are citizens of the countries indicated below can enter the Republic of Kazakhstan on a visa-free regime under bilateral agreements but must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) for study purposes:
- Azerbaijan
- Armenia
- Belarus
- Kyrgyzstan
- Russia
- Tajikistan
- Uzbekistan
Accompanying family members: Children under 16 do not require a TRP Certificate. However, a TRP is necessary for an accompanying spouse and children over 16.
Upon leaving Kazakhstan, the TRP remains valid until its designated period ends. Upon re-entry into the country, there is no need to reapply for a TRP.
- Foreigner nationals must have an individual identification number (IIN) to open a bank account, receive stipend/salary payments within Kazakhstan, and obtain an Electronic Digital Signature (EDS), access government services (EGov Portal), and pay state duties consular fees, and other fees.
PASSPORT
The applicant's passport must be valid for the entire duration of their studies in Kazakhstan.
If you are replacing an expired passport, please provide us with the newly issued document. It is in your best interest to submit the necessary and up-to-date documents as soon as possible to avoid any issues with visa and immigration registration.
RESIDENCE PERMIT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
Foreign nationals holding a residence permit for the Republic of Kazakhstan must send a high-quality scanned copy of their residence permit to maulen.yergaziyev@nu.edu.kz for our records.
NOTIFICATION OF ARRIVAL OF A FOREIGN CITIZEN IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
In accordance with the current immigration regulations of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the host party (University) must notify the immigration police of a foreign citizen’s arrival in Kazakhstan.
This notification must be submitted within three days of entry into the country. Notification of arrival is required in all cases, regardless of the purpose of entry - whether by visa or under a visa-free waiver.
The host party (the University) is responsible for submitting the notification. Foreign nationals do not need to contact the immigration police themselves.
To submit a notification, please visit the Department of Internationalization in Block 1, Office 1.248D, on the 2nd floor, and ask for Maulen Yergaziyev (Senior Manager for International Students Support, Department of Internationalization).
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES MAY RESULT IN AN ADMINISTRATIVE FINE AND DEPORTATION TO THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN. REPEATED VIOLATIONS MAY LEAD TO SERIOUS LEGAL CONSEQUENCES AND A BAN ON ENTRY INTO THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN.
BIOMETRIC REGISTRATION
Please be informed that foreign nationals are now subject to obligatory fingerprinting when obtaining certain documents in Kazakhstan. The requirement took effect on January 1, 2024.
Which law introduces the changes?
Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated December 30, 2016 No. 40-VI ZRK "On fingerprinting and genomic registration" (as amended by the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated December 23, 2023 No. 50-VIII).
What are the changes?
Foreign nationals who are 16 or older are subject to fingerprint registration when procuring the following migration documents:
Local MIA offices in Kazakhstan register fingerprints. Visa applicants abroad must undergo this procedure at local Kazakh Embassies/Consulates.
Required Documents for Biometric Registration:
The applicant's passport must be valid for the entire duration of their studies in Kazakhstan.
If you are replacing an expired passport, please provide us with the newly issued document. It is in your best interest to submit the necessary and up-to-date documents as soon as possible to avoid any issues with visa and immigration registration.
RESIDENCE PERMIT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
Foreign nationals holding a residence permit for the Republic of Kazakhstan must send a high-quality scanned copy of their residence permit to maulen.yergaziyev@nu.edu.kz for our records.
NOTIFICATION OF ARRIVAL OF A FOREIGN CITIZEN IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
In accordance with the current immigration regulations of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the host party (University) must notify the immigration police of a foreign citizen’s arrival in Kazakhstan.
This notification must be submitted within three days of entry into the country. Notification of arrival is required in all cases, regardless of the purpose of entry - whether by visa or under a visa-free waiver.
The host party (the University) is responsible for submitting the notification. Foreign nationals do not need to contact the immigration police themselves.
To submit a notification, please visit the Department of Internationalization in Block 1, Office 1.248D, on the 2nd floor, and ask for Maulen Yergaziyev (Senior Manager for International Students Support, Department of Internationalization).
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES MAY RESULT IN AN ADMINISTRATIVE FINE AND DEPORTATION TO THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN. REPEATED VIOLATIONS MAY LEAD TO SERIOUS LEGAL CONSEQUENCES AND A BAN ON ENTRY INTO THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN.
BIOMETRIC REGISTRATION
Please be informed that foreign nationals are now subject to obligatory fingerprinting when obtaining certain documents in Kazakhstan. The requirement took effect on January 1, 2024.
Which law introduces the changes?
Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated December 30, 2016 No. 40-VI ZRK "On fingerprinting and genomic registration" (as amended by the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated December 23, 2023 No. 50-VIII).
What are the changes?
Foreign nationals who are 16 or older are subject to fingerprint registration when procuring the following migration documents:
- Temporary residence permits (CIS countries)
- Kazakhstani visas
Local MIA offices in Kazakhstan register fingerprints. Visa applicants abroad must undergo this procedure at local Kazakh Embassies/Consulates.
Required Documents for Biometric Registration:
- Original passport
- IIN Certificate
- Note! Refusal to undergo the fingerprint registration may lead to administrative expulsion from Kazakhstan.
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