Nazarbayev University in Astana was created only six years ago. Over this short period, the university has established itself as an elite institution that combines original traditions with a modern educational system and the best educational model. This is confirmed by an increasing number of applicants and students, as well as a high level of knowledge of graduates. Compliance with all international educational standards contributes to the exit of the educational system of Kazakhstan to the world level. To date, Nazarbayev University has managed to become the focus of the research activities of the republic.
History of University
The university’s chronicle began six years ago, when in the fall of 2009 the first meeting of the Board of Directors of the educational institution took place. It approved the development strategy for the next three years. Then the university was called "New University of Astana." However, in the summer of 2010, it was changed. Since then, the university is called Nazarbayev University.
In the same autumn, the institution opened its doors to the first students. The number of students has grown rapidly every year, and today more than two and a half thousand people are
getting higher education at the university. And in 2015, the institution awarded diplomas to its first graduates.
University goals and mission
Nazarbayev University pursues a high mission: to create a standard educational model that serves as a model for all higher educational institutions of the country. This is the first university in Kazakhstan, working on the principles of academic freedom and autonomy.
The main goal of the university is to train specialists who will subsequently contribute to the development and prosperity of the state. This is made possible by adhering to international standards of quality education, a careful study of international experience and the introduction of innovative developments in the educational process.
University structure
Today, Nazarbayev University includes seven schools and one center. They provide training in various areas, including: engineering, technology, humanities and social sciences, business, politics, education and medicine. Each of the faculties has several specialties.
Training takes place over 5–9 years, depending on the chosen field of study. This allows us to assert that Nazarbayev University, whose faculties and specialties enable each applicant to choose the most attractive profession, is a real symbol of higher education in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Various training programs
Education in the institution is conducted in four programs. The first of these is Foundation. This is a preparatory course for high school graduates. It is followed by a bachelor's program, where you can get education in 16 specialties, and a master's degree (doctoral studies). The fourth (and last) step is continuing education programs. They allow you to significantly complement the knowledge and skills in the preparation of both government employees and top managers of medium and small businesses.
Research activities
Nazarbayev University was conceived as an institution of a research type, so the closest attention is paid to scientific work. Currently, the university has three centers.
The first of them - the innovative research system of Nazarbayev University - is developing projects on energy technologies and studying their impact on the environment and climate. His mission is of particular importance, as Kazakhstan is rich in mineral resources. Thus, the work of the Center contributes to the growth of the energy sector.
An important area of the university's activities are developments in the field of medicine and healthcare. This is done by the so-called Center for Life Sciences. The purpose of his work is the development of knowledge in the field of nature and medicine, as well as the use of the information obtained to prevent various diseases and prolong people's lives.
The Center for Educational Policy of the University is engaged in all kinds of scientific research in the relevant field. Its main goal is the creation of innovative projects in this field, the study of the experience of foreign systems, the preparation of recommendations for the reform of activities.
Today, the University has about 45 research laboratories, work is ongoing on more than 80 projects. Numerous scientific works published in state and international publications, as well as patents issued to specialists of the centers testify to the highest level of activity.
International relations
Another argument positively characterizing Nazarbayev University is Baylanystars, or international relations. The university is famous for close contacts with leading educational institutions of the world. The strategic partners of the university are the largest American and British higher educational institutions. The university supports a student exchange program, and also accepts foreign citizens for training. In addition, the best students of the university are given the opportunity to internships in large foreign partner educational institutions.
It is worth noting that the majority of university teachers are foreigners who came here from the USA, Great Britain, Australia and other countries. Professors from partner universities are invited. There is also a teacher exchange program and joint research.
International cooperation is one of the priority areas of the university. This, without a doubt, contributes to the exit of the education system of Kazakhstan to the world level.
How to enter a university?
All of the above allows one to see firsthand how many opportunities for quality education and a successful career are provided by Nazarbayev University. How to enter this university? This question is very relevant and interests a large number of applicants. However, it must be borne in mind that the university has the highest requirements for applicants. Therefore, becoming his student is not so simple.
As already mentioned, there are the following educational programs of the institution with the name Nazarbayev University: undergraduate, graduate (doctoral) and postgraduate continuing education courses. There is also the possibility of pre-university training - Foundation. Accordingly, each of the programs assumes its own admission conditions.
So, in order to become a student of the Foundation Foundation course, an applicant must submit an application and go through online registration. After this, you must pass the entrance exams. Undergraduate studies are possible both for graduates of the basic course, and directly after secondary schools. The highest demands are placed on applicants for graduate or doctoral studies. This is both work experience and recommendations, which include a description of the professional qualities of the candidates.
Cost and terms of study
Many applicants are interested in whether Nazarbayev University uses grants, or grants that allow them to study at the expense of state and sponsorship investments? Yes it is possible. The state allocates grants that cover all expenses for training, so applicants who successfully pass the entrance exams get the opportunity to study for free.
So, in 2013–2014, education was provided at the Preparatory Center for five hundred students. In addition, Nazarbayev University grants provide free accommodation in a dormitory, while students under the pre-university training program are also offered three meals a day at the expense of the state. There is also a paid tuition option. First of all, this applies to magistracy and doctoral studies, but it is also possible for undergraduate students. In this case, the cost will be about 21,500 US dollars per year.
Education at the university is conducted in English.
student life
Nazarbayev University takes care of the comprehensive development of its students. Therefore, in addition to vocational training in a specialty, students have the opportunity to engage in all kinds of clubs and organizations of the university. Everyone can choose a lesson to their liking: culture and art, various types of creativity.
Much attention is paid to the health and physical preparation of students, so sports are an integral part of university life. In his spare time, any young person can study in a university center with experienced trainers. And these are not only recreational activities, but also prestigious inter-university competitions at the local, state and international levels.
Thus, Nazarbayev University is a truly high-class university, a center of education and research of the country, serving the prosperity and successful future of the Republic of Kazakhstan.