Research Ecosystem Rooted in Community and Innovation
The university operates over 100 dedicated research laboratories, including a world-class Core Research Facility supporting engineering, computer science, and the physical sciences. NU also hosts 23 specialized laboratories in key domains such as electron microscopy, analytical chemistry, materials science, and biotechnology. Its Nanofabrication Facility, launched in 2022, is Kazakhstan’s first ISO 6 Cleanroom Nanolab, facilitating pioneering work in micro- and nano systems.
But what sets NU apart is its integrated ecosystem. NU’s is home to a growing community of resident startups and ventures - many founded by its own students, alumni, and faculty, but also open to external innovators.
Another key facility is the , a fabrication laboratory equipped with advanced tools that allow users to prototype instruments, devices, or experimental kits. By combining access to cutting-edge infrastructure with a collaborative, inclusive philosophy, NU fosters a space where ideas can move from concept to creation - whether from within the university or from the wider community it serves.
At the heart of Kazakhstan’s academic and technological revolution sits the at Nazarbayev University. As the country’s premier AI research organisation, the ISSAI drives digital infrastructure and technological sovereignty, enhancing Kazakhstan’s role in the global AI landscape.
NU’s international collaboration rate of 63.8% reflects its strong commitment to fostering global research networks, placing it among internationally significant institutions such as King Saud University, the University of Luxembourg, and the National University of Singapore (NUS).
This metric, which measures the influence of research outputs, highlights NU’s growing impact and the increasing recognition of its contributions within the global academic community.
Teaching Excellence
We have a vibrant, international community with almost 500 faculty and staff from 62 countries. Faculty at NU deliver world-class curricula, with a focus on research-integrated teaching. Leading researchers provide opportunities for students to explore exciting fields of learning supported by faculty with outstanding knowledge, experience and pedagogical expertise.
NU has received global accreditation from the UK, after an Institutional Quality Review (IQR) - a rigorous process which benchmarks global higher education institutions against the European Higher Education Area (ESG) international quality assurance standards. The IQR report noted NU’s:
- high levels of student engagement, including student representation on all committees in the governance structure;
- the university’s strong responsiveness to student feedback in programme design and delivery;
- the excellent range of campus facilities and services that enhance the student learning experience;
- the autonomy afforded to the university's Schools for the use of AI to inform innovation in learning and teaching;
- the university's diverse, varied, and extensive group of high-calibre international staff and
- strong collaborations with strategic partners to inform internal quality assurance;
NU is also partnering with Advanced Higher Education (AHE) UK to provide international certification through Fellowships to recognize the quality of faculty involved in teaching and the administration of teaching and learning.
: The Capital of Kazakhstan
At NU, you'll find not only outstanding opportunities for research and teaching, but also a vibrant and welcoming environment for living. Located in Astana—the fast-growing and modern capital of Kazakhstan—our community thrives at the intersection of tradition and innovation. The country itself offers stunning natural beauty, from expansive steppes to serene lakes and majestic mountains, along with a rich cultural heritage. Renowned for its hospitality, Kazakhstan features diverse cuisine, an active social life, and a steadily growing international community.
