Nazarbayev University (School of Engineering and Digital Sciences)

Nazarbayev University’s School of Engineering and Digital Sciences stands as Central Asia’s leading engineering institution, enrolling about 3,000 students across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. The school has reached record rankings in Civil and Telecommunication Engineering, supported by a mission focused on advanced technologies, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning. Its student-centered approach emphasizes project-driven study and engagement with real industry challenges.

Positioned as the top university in Central Asia, NU SEDS attracts aspiring engineers pursuing fields such as AI, robotics, renewable energy, and aerospace. Graduates are known for strong problem‑solving abilities and for contributing to technological development across Kazakhstan and the wider Eurasian region.

Graduates of NU SEDS enter the workforce as highly skilled professionals with strong interdisciplinary abilities and practical design experience. Partnerships with Central Asian companies in energy, technology, telecommunications, and manufacturing provide direct access to internships, research collaborations, and employment opportunities that support rapid career advancement.

The school’s alumni network spans multinational corporations, international agencies, and regional startups. Many graduates secure leadership roles within five years, supported by ongoing mentorship, corporate engagement events, and career services. The institution’s strong reputation increases global employability, helping students transition into competitive international engineering markets.

NU SEDS offers world‑class STEM education shaped by project-based learning, industry engagement, and exposure to emerging technologies including AI, robotics, renewable energy, and aerospace systems. The school’s strong rankings in engineering disciplines demonstrate consistent academic quality and commitment to preparing practice‑ready engineers.

Students benefit from a comprehensive support ecosystem that includes mentorship networks, corporate partnerships, scholarship options, and diverse career pathways. NU SEDS also offers distinctive advantages through its regional expertise, enabling students to address Central Asian technological challenges while gaining skills valued by global employers.

NU SEDS serves as a regional hub for technological progress, advancing research in renewable energy, sustainable materials, autonomous systems, and AI. Students and faculty collaborate on projects shaped by industry needs, ensuring that innovations remain practical and aligned with Kazakhstan’s broader development goals.

The school fosters entrepreneurship by supporting prototype development, startup incubation, and access to investment networks. Sustainability plays a central role, with programs integrating climate resilience and environmental stewardship. International research partnerships and patent‑generating projects further strengthen NU SEDS’s global academic presence.

What languages are programs taught in? Programs use both English and Kazakh, with some degrees fully English‑medium and others blending the two languages.

What career prospects do graduates have? Graduates are competitive globally, joining multinational companies, research institutions, and startups, often moving into leadership roles.

How does the school support development beyond coursework? Students gain hands‑on experience through internships, competitions, industry visits, workshops, and mentorship, building practical and professional skills.

Undergraduate admission requires academic transcripts, standardized exams, and interviews, while master’s and doctoral applicants submit portfolios, recommendations, and evidence of research potential. Programs admit students on fixed or rolling schedules, with details available through the official NU portal. Tuition differs by degree level, and scholarships include merit‑based, need‑based, and specialized STEM awards.

NU SEDS operates mainly in Astana with additional facilities in Almaty, offering on‑campus housing and nearby accommodation. Admissions typically open in spring and fall, with early deadlines for scholarship consideration. Prospective students should consult the current-year requirements before applying.