Overview
Nazarbayev University in Astana — Kazakhstan's flagship English-language research university, built in partnership with international universities — admits students onto state-backed grant funding that covers tuition for those who succeed in its competitive admission, with accommodation and stipend support elements described in its admission materials. International applicants compete in the same English-medium admission process.
The practical effect for a strong applicant is a funded English-language degree in a rapidly developing education hub; the admission requirements, funding terms and current dates are published on the university's admissions pages and differ by school and level.
Eligibility
An English-medium university in Astana, unusual in the region for the scale of support it gives admitted students — and highly selective on entry as a result.
- Admission to a Nazarbayev University programme, at undergraduate or graduate level.
- Any nationality — international applicants are considered on the same basis.
- A strong academic record, assessed against a competitive international field.
- Entrance testing and interview, depending on the programme and level.
- English proficiency at the university's required level, since all teaching is in English.
- Foundation year entry available where academic preparation falls short of direct undergraduate entry.
Support follows admission rather than being applied for separately, so the admission application is what decides it. Admission is the competitive step, not the funding.
What you get
One of the most comprehensive packages available in Central Asia, which is the university's main draw for international students.
- Full tuition for admitted students receiving support.
- On-campus accommodation in university residences.
- A monthly stipend at the rate the university publishes, towards living costs.
- Medical insurance and campus health services.
- Awarded for the duration of the programme, subject to maintaining academic standing.
- Research funding and conference support for graduate students in many schools.
Because the package covers tuition, housing and a stipend, the total cost of studying here can be substantially lower than at comparable English-medium universities elsewhere. Travel and personal costs remain yours.
Documents you will need
A single admission application, with the usual regional requirement for attested documents.
- The university's online application for your level and programme.
- Academic transcripts and certificates, attested and translated as required.
- A personal statement or motivation letter.
- Letters of recommendation, typically two.
- English test results, and standardised tests such as SAT or GRE where the programme asks.
- A medical certificate and passport copy for enrolment.
Attestation and translation of academic records takes time and is the usual cause of a late application. Begin it as soon as you decide to apply.
How it works
One application for admission and support together, on the university's annual cycle.
- Apply for the programme through the university's admissions portal.
- Sit any required entrance testing, and attend an interview where the programme requires one.
- Admission decision issued with the support package.
- Accept, then complete enrolment — medical certificate, visa and housing.
Dates move every cycle, so treat Nazarbayev University's admissions pages for your level as the authority on them rather than any second-hand summary — including this one. We will confirm the current timeline with you before you commit to a plan built around it.
Partner universities
Study destinations
Frequently asked questions
How does funding work here?
The university funds the study of admitted students through state-backed grant support, so support follows admission rather than being applied for separately.
It also means the admission decision is the decision that matters, and it is a selective one.
Is it taught in English?
Yes. Nazarbayev University is English-medium, which is unusual in the region and is a large part of why international students consider it.
Kazakh and Russian remain the languages outside the university.
How selective is admission?
Highly, and that follows directly from the scale of support given to admitted students.
The entry standard is the real barrier here, not the funding.
What does the support cover?
Full tuition, with the current terms published by the university.
Living costs and the terms of continued support are set by the institution, and both are worth confirming before you accept a place.