Admissions
How to apply?
Go to admissions.nu.edu.kz portal, press the "Sign up" button and fill out the required information in English. Please select the "Master's degree/Residency" program during choosing the Academic level.
After completing the application, confirm it by clicking on the link sent to your email.
Be sure to read the Instructions about the application procedure given in your Personal account.
After completing the application, confirm it by clicking on the link sent to your email.
Be sure to read the Instructions about the application procedure given in your Personal account.
- In the «My Application Forms» section of your Personal account, open the link for Step 1. Fill out the Application Form that includes a Consent form for personal data processing. Make sure you have entered all the required information in the correct manner and press the "Upload" button.
- Afterwards, in the same section of your Personal account, proceed to Step 2 and upload the required documents. The format of the required documents is specified in the Personal account.
- Upload a photo (3x4) for documents to the «Profile» section in your Personal account.
To finalize the application process, please click on the "PAY AND SUBMIT APPLICATION" button on your Personal account under the "My Application Forms" section. The application fee shall be paid online through the payment options available in the Personal account. The use of other payment methods for the application fee is not acceptable.
Applicants can apply for no more than 2 Master's/PhD programs at NU. In case of admission to both programs, the applicant must choose only one.
The application fee is 15,000 tenge. The application fee is increased 3 times when paid within the last two weeks before the first approved deadline and during the extension period for accepting applications for participation in the admission process (except for the Graduate School of Business). The application fee is non-refundable, irrespective of the application outcome or payment errors.
After submitting the online application, applicants will not be able to make changes to the documents uploaded in Step 2.
Applicants can apply for no more than 2 Master's/PhD programs at NU. In case of admission to both programs, the applicant must choose only one.
The application fee is 15,000 tenge. The application fee is increased 3 times when paid within the last two weeks before the first approved deadline and during the extension period for accepting applications for participation in the admission process (except for the Graduate School of Business). The application fee is non-refundable, irrespective of the application outcome or payment errors.
After submitting the online application, applicants will not be able to make changes to the documents uploaded in Step 2.
In order to provide IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT certificates, applicants should fulfill the following requirements:
Code for IELTS: NU
Code for TOEFL iBT: 6762
Code for GRE: 6496
Code for GMAT: H6m-R7-93
Please note that issuance and submission of IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT results in the electronic database of NU is not within the competence of the University. You should independently contact the Test Administrator (Test Center) and make sure that your certificate has been sent. Please note that this action takes at least 7-10 working days. If the certificate is received after the deadline specified by the Admissions Department, results will not be considered in the competition
All certificates provided must be valid at the time of submission of application.
Detailed Instructions on the provision of IELTS/TOEFL certificates are available in the applicant's Personal account. IELTS Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition and TOEFL PDT results are not considered in the competition and selection process.
At the discretion of the Admissions Committee, applicants may be exempt from submitting the language proficiency test report in one of the following documented cases:
- Send the electronic results of valid IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT certificates via the Test Administrator directly to NU;
- Upload a scanned copy of the IELTS/TOEFL certificate to the "Upload IELTS/TOEFL results" section of your Personal account and indicate its unique number. Applicants can submit any number of certificates for the competition, but the last certificate uploaded to the Personal account will be considered.
- Upload a scanned copy of the GRE/GMAT certificate in the "My Application Forms" section (Step 2) when submitting the required documents (if available or as required by the program).
Code for IELTS: NU
Code for TOEFL iBT: 6762
Code for GRE: 6496
Code for GMAT: H6m-R7-93
Please note that issuance and submission of IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT results in the electronic database of NU is not within the competence of the University. You should independently contact the Test Administrator (Test Center) and make sure that your certificate has been sent. Please note that this action takes at least 7-10 working days. If the certificate is received after the deadline specified by the Admissions Department, results will not be considered in the competition
All certificates provided must be valid at the time of submission of application.
Detailed Instructions on the provision of IELTS/TOEFL certificates are available in the applicant's Personal account. IELTS Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition and TOEFL PDT results are not considered in the competition and selection process.
At the discretion of the Admissions Committee, applicants may be exempt from submitting the language proficiency test report in one of the following documented cases:
- an academic degree was earned in a country where English is 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;
- if an applicant is a graduate of NU.
After submission of the online Application Form, an automatic email notification will be sent to your referees with a request to submit a recommendation letter to NU in accordance with the provided online form. Detailed Instruction on providing recommendation letters is available in the Personal account.
Check your email for notifications from NU and your Personal account to stay informed about the status of your application. Please keep in mind that sometimes letters from the University may go to the spam folder.
Participate in the interview with the Admissions Committee in case of being invited. Interviews are conducted in English.
Check your email for notifications from NU and your Personal account to stay informed about the status of your application. Please keep in mind that sometimes letters from the University may go to the spam folder.
Participate in the interview with the Admissions Committee in case of being invited. Interviews are conducted in English.
Regular Admission Requirements*
To learn about admission with financial aid and scholarship requirements, please follow the link.
To learn about admission with financial aid and scholarship requirements, please follow the link.
Master’s
Applicants are expected to have:
1
An undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
A minimum CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 (or equivalent).
Final year students may submit the official transcript showing current courses during the application period for consideration.
Final year students may submit the official transcript showing current courses during the application period for consideration.
2
High level of English proficiency.
1. Academic IELTS (absolute minimum) – overall 6.0 (writing 6.0, reading 5.5, listening 5.5, speaking 5.5) or the equivalent TOEFL (except Home edition) score as posted on the ETS website;
2. Applicants, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, may be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
– One of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country where English is the language of official communication, academic instruction, and daily life;
– An undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program officially taught in English.
2. Applicants, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, may be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
– One of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country where English is the language of official communication, academic instruction, and daily life;
– An undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program officially taught in English.
3
Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills as demonstrated by GRE/GMAT test (optional)*
Although an official GRE/GMAT score is not an essential requirement, an applicant can enhance their application with a competitive GRE/GMAT score.
4
Statement of purpose
High motivation and a strong interest in the program as outlined in a statement of purpose (only for the Master of Engineering Management program).
5
Letters of recommendation
Two confidential letters of recommendation (only for the Master of Engineering Management program). You can find the Instructions for submission of recommendation letters here.
* Applicants for the Master of Engineering Management program are invited to pass the ALEKS test on a set date. Applicants who provide a valid GRE or GMAT test certificate may request exemption from the ALEKS test.
Master’s
Applicants are expected to have:
1
An undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
A minimum CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 (or equivalent).
Final year students may submit the official transcript showing current courses during the application period for consideration.
Final year students may submit the official transcript showing current courses during the application period for consideration.
2
High level of English proficiency.
1. Academic IELTS – overall 6.0 (writing 6.0, reading 5.5, listening 5.5, speaking 5.5) or the equivalent TOEFL (except Home edition) score as posted on the ETS website;
2. Applicants, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, may be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
– One of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country where English is the language of official communication, academic instruction, and daily life;
– An undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program officially taught in English.
2. Applicants, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, may be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
– One of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country where English is the language of official communication, academic instruction, and daily life;
– An undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program officially taught in English.
3
Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills as demonstrated by GRE test (optional).
Although an official GRE score is not an essential requirement, an applicant can enhance their application with a competitive GRE score.
4
Statement of purpose
High motivation and a strong interest in the program as outlined in a statement of purpose (only for the Master of Arts in Political Science and International Relations program and Master of Arts in Eurasian Studies program).
5
Letters of recommendation
Two confidential letters of recommendation (only for the Master of Arts in Political Science and International Relations program). You can find the Instructions for submission of recommendation letters here.
Three confidential letters of recommendation (only for the Master of Arts in Eurasian Studies program). You can find the Instructions for submission of recommendation letters here.
Three confidential letters of recommendation (only for the Master of Arts in Eurasian Studies program). You can find the Instructions for submission of recommendation letters here.
Master’s
Applicants to the Master of Public Health, Master of Molecular Medicine, Master of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Master in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation programs are expected to have:
1
Undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant discipline;
Graduate degree (if applicable)
Graduate degree (if applicable)
During the application period, final year students may submit official transcripts for current coursework for consideration. Applicants recommended for admission must provide final transcripts and diplomas before the end of the Programs’ enrollment term. Graduates of the University may be enrolled based on evidence of their final transcript confirming degree completion, with diploma submission required within a month;
- Applicants may be enrolled conditionally based on evidence from their graduating university confirming program completion and that the applicant expects the formal issuance of the final transcript and/or diploma by a certain date. In that case, the decision on enrollment shall prescribe the period within which the applicant must provide the necessary documents to the University;
- A minimum CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 (or equivalent) on the applicant’s degree (bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. if the program uses a GPA approach);
2
High level of English proficiency.
1. The absolute minimum requirement for English language proficiency test reports for admission to the Program is an Academic IELTS – overall 6.0 (writing 6.0, reading 5.5, listening 5.5, speaking 5.5) or the equivalent TOEFL score (except Home edition) as posted on the ETS website;
2. Applicants to the Program, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, may be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
2. Applicants to the Program, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, may be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
- One of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country where English is the language of official communication, academic instruction, and daily life;
- An undergraduate or graduate degree was earned in a program that was officially taught in English;
- The applicant is a graduate of NU.
3
Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills
As demonstrated by GRE or GMAT (optional). Although an official GRE/GMAT score is not an essential requirement, an applicant can enhance their application with a competitive GRE/GMAT score;
4
Statement of purpose
A high level of motivation and a strong interest in the Program, as outlined in the statement of purpose;
5
Letters of recommendation
Two confidential letters of recommendation;
6
For Master of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Master in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation programs only:
Evidence of any professional and/or voluntary experiences related to biological and/or medical research (optional). Although this is not an essential requirement, an applicant can enhance their application with such evidence.
Doctor of Medicine program
1
Undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant discipline;
Graduate degree (if applicable)
Graduate degree (if applicable)
- A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 based on a 4.00 point scale (or equivalent).
- Completed at least two science subjects, including but not limited to one year of biology with lab or equivalent and one year of general chemistry with lab or equivalent.
2
High level of English proficiency.
- A mandatory level of English language proficiency with an IELTS score of 6.5, with no individual component falling below 6.0, or a TOEFL score of 250 (CBT), 600 (PBT), or 100 (iBT). Any applicant, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, may be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
- One of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country where English is the language of official communication, academic instruction, and daily life;
- An undergraduate or graduate degree was earned in a program that was officially taught in English;
- The applicant is a graduate of NU.
3
MCAT score
A score of 489 is required in order to be invited to an interview.
4
Statement of purpose and an essay
A high level of motivation and a strong interest in the Program, as outlined in the statement of purpose;
An essay on how the applicant would enrich the NUSOM community (500 words or fewer).
An essay on how the applicant would enrich the NUSOM community (500 words or fewer).
5
Letters of recommendation
Two (minimum) to four (maximum) confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 month. At least two letters must be from faculty in science departments.
Master’s
Applicants are expected to have:
1
An undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
A minimum CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.00;
During the application period, final year students may submit the official transcript showing current courses for consideration.
During the application period, final year students may submit the official transcript showing current courses for consideration.
2
High level of English proficiency.
The absolute minimum requirement for English language proficiency test reports for admission to the program is:
1. Academic IELTS – overall 6.0 (writing 6.0, reading 5.5, listening 5.5, speaking 5.5) or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website;
2. Applicants, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, may be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
– One of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country where English is the language of official communication, academic instruction, and daily life;
– An undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program officially taught in English;
– The applicant is a graduate of NU
1. Academic IELTS – overall 6.0 (writing 6.0, reading 5.5, listening 5.5, speaking 5.5) or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website;
2. Applicants, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, may be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
– One of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country where English is the language of official communication, academic instruction, and daily life;
– An undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program officially taught in English;
– The applicant is a graduate of NU
3
Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills as demonstrated by GRE/GMAT test (optional)*
Although an official GRE score is not an essential requirement, an applicant can enhance their application with a competitive GRE score.
Master’s
Applicants are expected to have:
MSc in Finance
1
An undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
During the application period, final-year students may submit their official transcript for current coursework for consideration.
A minimum CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 (or equivalent).
A minimum CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 (or equivalent).
2
High level of English proficiency.
The absolute minimum English language proficiency requirement for admission to the program is:
- Academic IELTS – overall 6.0 (writing 6.0, reading 5.5, listening 5.5, speaking 5.5) or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website (except Home edition).
- One of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country where English is the language of official communication, academic instruction, and daily life;
- An undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program officially taught in English;
- The applicant is a graduate of NU.
3
Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills
As demonstrated by ALEKS, GRE, or GMAT test scores.
*Applicants with a CGPA of 3.0 or higher from STEM programs of Nazarbayev University, Economics of Nazarbayev University, or from top-200 THE-ranked universities can apply without taking the ALEKS/GRE/GMAT tests.
*Applicants with a CGPA of 3.0 or higher from STEM programs of Nazarbayev University, Economics of Nazarbayev University, or from top-200 THE-ranked universities can apply without taking the ALEKS/GRE/GMAT tests.
4
Statement of purpose
A high level of motivation and a strong interest in the program, as outlined in the statement of purpose.
5
Letters of recommendation
Two confidential letters of recommendation (to be submitted by referees electronically or in hard copy after receiving an email request). You can find the Instructions for submission of recommendation letters here.
Master of Business Administration
1
An undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
During the application period, final-year students may submit the official transcript for current coursework for consideration.
A minimum CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 (or equivalent).
A minimum CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 (or equivalent).
2
High level of English proficiency
The absolute minimum English language proficiency requirement for admission to the program is:
- Academic IELTS – overall 6.0 (writing 6.0, reading 5.5, listening 5.5, speaking 5.5) or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website (except Home edition)
- One of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country where English is the language of official communication, academic instruction, and daily life;
- An undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program officially taught in English;
- The applicant is a graduate of NU.
3
Work experience
At least 3 years of work experience. At the discretion of the Admissions Committee, applicants with less than 3 year of work experience may also be considered.
4
Strong reading, analytical and mathematical skills
As demonstrated by ALEKS/GRE/GMAT test scores.
5
Statement of purpose
A high level motivation and a strong interest in the program, as outlined in a statement of purpose.
6
Letters of recommendation
Two confidential letters of recommendation (to be submitted by referees electronically or in hard copy after receiving an email request). You can find the Instructions for submission of recommendation letters here.
Executive MBA
1
Degree Requirement
Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree diploma (or equivalent).
2
High level of English proficiency
The recommended level of English language proficiency is equal to an IELTS test score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 575 (PBT) and 90 (IBT) (except Home edition). GSB recognizes that some exceptional EMBA applicants with lower IELTS or TOEFL scores will bring other valuable attributes to the EMBA program. Therefore, the Admissions Committee may assess and recognize the English language proficiency of the applicants who have scored lower than specified. To support such applicants, simultaneous Russian translation and translation of in-class materials may be made available.
Applicants, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
Applicants, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
- One of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country where English is the language of official communication, academic instruction, and daily life;
- An undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program officially taught in English;
- The applicant is a graduate of NU.
3
Work experience
At least 5 years of work experience. The applicants are normally expected to have management positions in national companies, business entities, public institutions, and non-governmental or international organizations. Based on the decision of the Admissions Committee, exceptional applicants with work experience of less than 5 years may also be considered.
4
Statement of purpose
High motivation and a strong interest in the program as outlined in a statement of purpose
5
Letters of recommendation
Two confidential letters of recommendation (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy after receiving an email request). You can find the Instructions for submission of recommendation letters here.
Master’s
Applicants for the Master’s programs in
- Public Policy and
- Public Administration
- Online Public Administration are expected to have:
1
An undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
Competitive CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 (or equivalent);
During the application period, final year students may submit an official current transcript for consideration.
During the application period, final year students may submit an official current transcript for consideration.
2
High level of English proficiency.
- Academic IELTS – overall 6.0 (writing 6.0, reading 5.5, listening 5.5, speaking 5.5) or the equivalent TOEFL score (except Home edition) as posted on the ETS website;
- one of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country with English as the language of official communication, academic instruction and daily life;
- an undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program which was officially taught in English;
- the applicant is a graduate of NU.
3
Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills as
as demonstrated by GRE test (optional);
4
Strong academic writing ability
as demonstrated in written essays.
5
Work experience for Master's in Public Policy
2 years of work experience. Based on the School’s Admissions Committee discretion, applicants with work experience less than 2 years may also be considered, , if the applicant’s minimum CGPA is not less than 2.5 out of 4.0 or its equivalent.
6
Work experience for Master's in Public Administration and Online Master's in Public Administration
3 years of work experience. Based on the School’s Admissions Committee discretion, applicants with work experience less than 3 years may also be considered, if the applicant’s minimum CGPA is not less than 2.5 out of 4.0 or its equivalent.
Master’s
Applicants are expected to have:
1
An undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
A minimum CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 (or equivalent).
During the application period, final year students may submit the official transcript for current coursework for consideration
During the application period, final year students may submit the official transcript for current coursework for consideration
2
High level of English proficiency.
1. Academic IELTS – overall 6.0 (writing 6.0, reading 5.5, listening 5.5, speaking 5.5) or the equivalent TOEFL (except Home edition) score as posted on the ETS website;
2. Applicants, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, may be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
– One of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country where English is the language of official communication, academic instruction, and daily life;
– An undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program officially taught in English.
2. Applicants, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, may be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
– One of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country where English is the language of official communication, academic instruction, and daily life;
– An undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program officially taught in English.
3
Work experience
1 year of work experience in a relevant field. At the discretion of the Admissions Committee, applicants with less than 1 year of work experience may also be considered.
4
Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills
As demonstrated by the GRE test (optional). Although an official GRE score is not an essential requirement, an applicant can enhance her/his application with a competitive GRE score
5
Statement of purpose
High motivation and a strong interest in the program as outlined in a statement of purpose
6
Letters of recommendation
Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy after receiving an email request). You can find the Instructions for submission of recommendation letters here.
Important dates
Important dates for those who are applying for the 2025-2026 academic year
Online application deadlines for Master's programs:
Online application deadlines for Master's programs:
- Important dates for those who are applying for the 2025-2026 academic yearOnline application deadlines for Master's programs:
International applicants: available until March 17, 2025, 14:00 (Astana time).
Citizens of Kazakhstan: available until June 25, 2025, 14:00 (Astana time). - The deadline for submission of IELTS/TOEFL, GRE/GMAT certificates:International applicants: March 31, 2025, 11:59 P.M. (Astana time).
Citizens of Kazakhstan: July 4, 2025, 11:59 P.M. (Astana time).
First day of classes: August 2025
You can find more detailed information about important dates here.
Tuition fees
- Master's Degree ProgramsThe tuition fee for Master’s Degree Programs (except for the Graduate School of Business*) is $16,000 (7,744,000 KZT) per one academic year for both local and international students.
For the Doctor of Medicine program, the tuition is $25,000 (12,100,000 KZT) for residents and $30,000 (14,520,000 KZT) for non-residents per one academic year.
The residency program fee is $11,200 (5,420,800 KZT) for all students.
All fees apply for the 2024/2025 academic year.
To learn more about tuition fees please contact us at bursars_office@nu.edu.kz.
There are merit-based "Abay Kunanbayev" scholarships for top international applicants recommended for admission.
To learn more about financial aid and scholarship requirements, please visit nu.edu.kz
*For information about tuition fees at the Graduate School of Business (GSB), please visit the GSB website: gsb.nu.edu.kz.
Contacts
- During the application process the Nazarbayev University Applicants Support Center is always ready to assist.
Email: info_admissions@nu.edu.kz
Phone Numbers: +7 (7172) 64 25 84; +7 (747) 094 02 30
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