Nazarbayev University Marks 15th Anniversary by Doubling PhD Scholarships, DKnews.kz reports.
To celebrate its 15th anniversary, NU will offer 200 PhD scholarships —around 100 more than the number provided in previous years. In doing so, the university helps cultivate the next generation of scholars driving progress across Central Asia.
The University funds doctoral scholarships across all its disciplines. While the additional scholarships will benefit every field, there will be a stronger focus on increasing doctoral numbers in physical sciences, computer science, engineering, and medicine.
“As Central Asia’s leading research-intensive university, NU has established a strong reputation for the quality of its doctoral graduates. We have world-class faculty and outstanding research facilities. We are therefore able to guarantee bright and ambitious doctoral students the environment to excel in their doctoral studies. The doubling of PhD scholarships reflects our commitment to outstanding research that is relevant to addressing national and regional challenges, and to growing research capacity in Kazakhstan” President of Nazarbayev University, Professor Waqar Ahmad
This expansion reflects NU’s strategic commitment to strengthening its position within the global academic community and nurturing a new generation of researchers for Kazakhstan and the broader region. Funding for the expansion comes from the University and our Social Development Fund (NU Impact Foundation).
“We aim to have over 1,000 PhD and professional doctorate students at NU. To achieve this, we will continue to fund increases in doctoral enrollment in the coming years. To manage this growth, we are launching a Doctoral Institute — a new academic structure designed to provide centralized support for doctoral students, strengthen mentorship, and broaden the range of doctoral programs. The Institute will also foster interdisciplinary research and enhance the international integration of early-career scholars” Dr. Luis Ramon Rojas-Solórzano, NU Associate Provost for Graduate Studies
Now, Nazarbayev University is the best-regarded research university in Central Asia, according to Times Higher Education, and holds 106th position among young universities globally. NU continues to uphold high academic standards while expanding its impact in science, education, and human capital development—both within Kazakhstan and beyond.
