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Nazarbayev University is a university in Astana, designed to be a national brand of higher education by combining the advantages of the national education system and the best world scientific and educational practice.
Nazarbayev University is a higher educational institution in Astana, opened on the initiative of President Nursultan Nazarbayev in 2010. The University aims to become a national brand of higher education, combining the advantages of the national education system and the world's best scientific and educational practice. Classes at the University are taught in English.
This University is unique because it is the first university in Kazakhstan operating in line international academic standards and is guided by the principles of autonomy and academic freedom.
The main goal of the Nazarbayev University is to "train scientists, managers and entrepreneurs needed for the development and prosperity of Kazakhstan and the world."
Similarly to Nazarbayev intellectual schools, which aim to adopt and showcase progressive experience in the secondary education system, Nazarbayev University is supposed to become a model for reforms in the system of higher education and science in Kazakhstan.
It should be noted that Nazarbayev University is a research university. Therefore, it largely focuses on the research activity. The strategic objectives of the university include the formation of a world–class research system in partnership with the best scientists and research centers in the world. Another important goal is to "become the main engine of innovation in Kazakhstan and lay foundation for Astana to become a regional innovation center."
Nazarbayev University sets very high requirements for applicants. Every year, about 500 high-school graduates of the country enroll into this University.
Applicants who have successfully passed the entrance exams are enrolled with a state educational grant that covers the student's expenses for the entire period of study. Without a grant, paid tuition is about $21,500 per year.
Nazarbayev University partners are Cambridge University, Carnegie Mellon University, Colorado University of Mining, Duke University, National University of Singapore, University College London, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh, University of Wisconsin-Madison and research partners, including Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh, Academic Duke University Medical Center, National Institute of Oncology, etc.
The total number of students has increased to 2,800 since the foundation of the university.
A lot of students study in the Schools of Humanities and Social Sciences, Engineering, Sciences and Technologies, as well as Higher Schools of Education, Public Policy and Business. The most popular majors among students are computer science, mechanical engineering, robotics and mechatronics, education management, biological sciences, electrical and electronic engineering, as well as construction engineering.
On June 15, 2015, Nazarbayev University held a diploma awarding ceremony for the first graduates. The first generation of Nazarbayev University graduates included 446 people.