🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Full tuition waiver plus monthly allowance
⏱
Duration
Length of the degree program (4 years for UG, 1-2 years for Master's, 3-4 years for PhD)
🗓
Deadline
Typically February to April (dates vary by program and applicant nationality)
🔬
Fields
All fields (Engineering, Science and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Business, Public Policy, Medicine, Education)
🏆
Awards/Year
Varies annually (thousands of state grants are typically allocated)
🏛️
Provider
Nazarbayev University (NU) and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan
📊
Acceptance
Varies by program (estimated between 10% and 20%)
The Nazarbayev University Scholarship is the primary funding mechanism for students at Kazakhstan's flagship research university. It covers the full cost of tuition and provides a monthly stipend. The scholarship aims to attract high-achieving students both from within Kazakhstan and internationally to foster an environment of academic excellence and innovation in the heart of Eurasia.
👥 Who Should Apply
High school or university graduates with excellent academic records and English language proficiency.
🏛️ Host University
Nazarbayev University
🤝 Sponsor
Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan
🔬 Fields of Study
All fields (Engineering, Science and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Business, Public Policy, Medicine, Education)
✨ Key Benefits
Covers full tuition fees, provides a monthly living allowance based on academic performance, and includes basic medical insurance on campus.
🎯 Target Students
Domestic and International students
🏷 Tags
Full Funding
Central Asia
Research
STEM
International Students
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
100% of tuition fees covered
Living Stipend
Monthly allowance provided (approx. 41,898 KZT for UG; 162,500-200,000 KZT for PG depending on level)
Total Award
Full tuition waiver plus mon
✈️ Travel: Varies (International students may need to cover their own travel)
🏠 Accommodation: Subsidized or covered (priority given to grant holders for campus housing)
💊 Health Insurance: Basic medical coverage provided at the university clinic
🔄 Renewable: Yes
💳 App Fee: Varies (approx. 10,000 - 30,000 KZT; may be waived during early bird periods)
🎓 Tuition Coverage
100% of tuition fees covered
🏠 Living Stipend
Monthly allowance provided (approx. 41,898 KZT for UG; 162,500-200,000 KZT for PG depending on level)
🏡 Accommodation
Subsidized or covered (priority given to grant holders for campus housing)
✈️ Travel Allowance
Varies (International students may need to cover their own travel)
💊 Health Insurance
Basic medical coverage provided at the university clinic
🎁 Other Benefits
Access to advanced research facilities, library resources, and professional development workshops
📋 Renewal Conditions
Must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA (generally 2.0 or higher) and pass all courses
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Open to citizens of Kazakhstan and international students with high academic performance
🎓 Academic Level
Foundation (NUFYP), Undergraduate, Master's, PhD
📊 Minimum GPA
Varies by program (typically equivalent to 3.0/4.0 or top-tier high school grades)
🗣️ English Requirement
IELTS (6.5 - 7.0) or TOEFL iBT equivalent (requirements vary by school/program)
🎂 Age Limit
No formal age limit, but typically targets standard student age groups
💼 Work Experience
Not required for UG; preferred or required for specific Master's and PhD programs
🏆 Leadership
Not mandatory but highly valued in the holistic review process
💰 Financial Need
No (primarily merit-based)
🎯 Target Students
Domestic and International students
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose)
Rec Letters
Yes (usually 2-3 for graduate programs)
Interview
Yes (most programs include an interview as part of the selection)
Application Fee
Varies (approx. 10,000 - 30,000 KZT; may be waived during early bird periods)
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport / National ID
- Yes (usually 2-3 for graduate programs) Recommendation Letters
- CV / Resume
- Personal Statement / Essays
- IELTS (6.5 - 7.0) or TOEFL iBT equivalent (requirements vary by school/program)
- Interview: Yes (most programs include an interview as part of the selection)
- Min GPA: Varies by program (typically equivalent to 3.0/4.0 or top-tier high school grades)
📋 Application Process
Submit English proficiency scores early; tailor your personal statement to your specific research interests for graduate levels.
💡 Insider Tip: International students should check the Abay Kunanbayev Scholarship or specific NU international grants.