University of Nazarbayev in Astana

The University of Nazarbayev in Astana was established only six years ago. For this short period of time the university has established itself as an elite institution combining original traditions with a modern education system and the best educational model. This is confirmed by an ever increasing number of entrants and students, and by a high level of knowledge of graduates. Compliance with all international standards of education contributes to the output of the educational system of Kazakhstan to the world level. To date, Nazarbayev University has managed to become the focus of scientific research activities of the republic.

History of University

Annals of the university began six years ago, when in the autumn of 2009 the first meeting of the Board of Directors of the educational institution took place. It approved the strategy for its development for the next three years. Then the university was called the "New University of Astana". However, in the summer of 2010 it was changed. Since then, the university is called Nazarbayev University.

The same autumn the institution opened its doors for the first students. The number of students has grown rapidly every year, and today more than two and a half thousand people receive higher education in the university. And in 2015 the institution awarded diplomas to its first graduates.

Goals and mission of the University

University Nazarbayev pursues a high mission: to create a standard educational model serving 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 becomes possible due to adherence to the world standards of the quality of education, careful study of international experience and the introduction of innovative developments in the educational process.

University structure

Today, the University of Nazarbayev 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 faculty has several specialties.

The training takes 5-9 years, depending on the chosen direction of training. This allows us to assert that Nazarbayev University, whose faculties and specialties make it possible for every entrant to choose the most attractive profession, is a true symbol of higher education in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Different training programs

Training in the institution is conducted according to four programs. The first of them is Foundation. This is a preparatory course for graduates of secondary schools. He is followed by a bachelor's degree, where you can get education in 16 specialties, and a master's degree (doctorate). The fourth (and last) step is the development of skills. They make it possible to substantially supplement knowledge and skills in training both civil servants and top managers of medium and small businesses.

Scientific research activity

The University of Nazarbayev was conceived as an institution of research type, therefore the most close attention in it is paid to scientific work. Currently, the university has three centers.

The first of them is the innovative research system of Nazarbayev University - it 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 direction of the university is the development in the field of medicine and health. This is what the so-called Center for Life Sciences deals with. The purpose of his work is the development of knowledge in the field of nature and medicine, as well as the use of information obtained for the prevention of various diseases and the prolongation of people's lives.

The Center for Educational Policy of the University is engaged in conducting all kinds of scientific research in the relevant field. Its main goal is the creation of innovative projects in this field, studying the experience of foreign systems, drawing up recommendations for reforming activities.

Today there are about 45 research laboratories in the university, more than 80 projects are being carried out. The highest level of activity is also evidenced by numerous scientific works published in state and international publications, as well as patents granted to specialists of the centers.

International connections

Another argument, positively characterizing the Nazarbayev University, is bayanists, or international relations. The university is famous for its close contacts with the leading educational institutions of the world. The strategic partners of the university are the largest American and British higher educational institutions. The university supports the student exchange program, and also accepts foreign students for training. In addition, the best students of the university are given the opportunity to study at large foreign educational institutions-partners.

It is worth noting that most of the university's teachers are foreigners who came here from the United States, Britain, Australia and other countries. Professors from partner universities are invited. There is also a program for the exchange of teachers and joint scientific research.

International cooperation is one of the priority activities of the university. This, undoubtedly, contributes to the output of Kazakhstan's education system to the world level.

How to enter the university?

All of the foregoing allows us to see firsthand how many opportunities for quality education and a successful career are given by Nazarbayev University. How to enter this university? This issue is very relevant and is of interest to a large number of entrants. However, it must be taken into account that the university places the highest demands on the incoming. Therefore, to become his student is not so simple.

As already mentioned, there are the following programs for the establishment of a medical institution with the name Nazarbayev University: bachelor's, master's (doctoral) and postgraduate courses of professional development. Also there is the possibility of pre-university preparation - Foundation. Accordingly, each of the programs assumes its own conditions of admission.

So, to become a student of the basic course of the Foundation, the entrant must apply and go online. After this, it is necessary to pass the entrance exams. Bachelor's education is possible for both graduates of the basic course and directly after secondary schools. The highest requirements are placed before entering the magistracy or doctoral studies. This is the work experience, and recommendations, which include the characteristics of the candidates' professional qualities .

Cost and conditions of training

Many applicants are interested in whether the Nazarbayev University is using grant programs, or grants, which allow to study at the expense of state and sponsorship investments? Yes it is possible. The state allocates grants that cover all the costs of training, so applicants who successfully pass the entrance examinations get an opportunity to practice free of charge.

So, in 2013-2014, five hundred students were educated in the Preparatory Center. In addition, the grants of the Nazarbayev University provide free accommodation in the hostel, and those involved in the pre-university training program are also offered three meals a day at the expense of the state. There is also a paid training option. First of all, this applies to magistracy and doctoral studies, but it is also possible for bachelor students. In this case, the cost will be about 21,500 US dollars per year.

The University is taught in English.

student life

Nazarbayev University cares about the comprehensive development of its students. Therefore, in addition to professional training in the specialty, students have the opportunity to study in all kinds of clubs and organizations of the university. Everyone can choose an occupation to their liking: culture and art, different types of creativity.

Much attention is paid to the health and physical training of students, therefore sports are an integral part of university life. In his spare time, any young man can study at a university center with experienced coaches. And this is not only health-improving activities, but also prestigious inter-university competitions at the local, state and international levels.

Thus, the University of Nazarbayev is a university of really high class, the center of education and research activities of the country, serving the prosperity and successful future of the Republic of Kazakhstan.