Nazarbayev University
Nazarbayev University Abay Kunanbayev Scholarship
Edit ScholarshipThe Nazarbayev University Abay Kunanbayev Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship exclusively for international applicants in Kazakhstan. It covers 100% of tuition plus a monthly stipend and basic medical insurance for the whole programme. Automatic for qualified applicants; tests around February.
Overview
Nazarbayev University (NU) in Nur-Sultan (Astana), Kazakhstan, offers the Abay Kunanbayev Scholarship exclusively to international (non-Kazakh) students who gain admission to any of its bachelor's, master's, or PhD programmes. Named after Kazakhstan's revered nineteenth-century poet and philosopher Abay Kunanbayev, the scholarship embodies the university's commitment to attracting talent from outside Kazakhstan to build a genuinely international academic community.
What makes this scholarship particularly accessible is the application process: there is no separate scholarship form. Every qualified international applicant who gains admission and meets the selection criteria is automatically considered. The Scholarship covers 100% of tuition, provides a monthly stipend (the amount of which is set by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and adjusted periodically), and includes basic medical insurance for the duration of the degree programme. For an international student, this combination means your core study costs and health coverage are addressed from day one.
Nazarbayev University itself is an English-medium research university modelled on the partnerships it has built with major global institutions, including Duke, University College London, University of Wisconsin–Madison, and the University of Cambridge. Its curriculum and academic standards are internationally benchmarked, and its graduates have gone on to positions in government, international organisations, and global companies. The Abay Kunanbayev Scholarship is NU's primary instrument for bringing the most talented international students to this environment regardless of their financial background.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Funding Body | Nazarbayev University |
| Host Country | Kazakhstan |
| Degree Levels | Bachelor's, Master's, PhD |
| Value | 100% tuition, monthly stipend (set by Government of Kazakhstan), and basic medical insurance for the programme duration |
| Deadline | No separate deadline; considered automatically during NU admissions; main application/test deadlines fall around February each year |
| Eligible Nationalities | All non-Kazakh international applicants admitted to an NU degree programme |
| Official Website | admissions.nu.edu.kz |
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality Requirements
The Abay Kunanbayev Scholarship is exclusively for international applicants — citizens of countries other than Kazakhstan. Citizens of Kazakhstan, including those holding dual citizenship where one is Kazakhstani, are not eligible for this scholarship and would be considered under domestic funding mechanisms instead.
Admission Requirements
You must be recommended for admission by the Admissions Committee of the relevant NU programme. Each programme at NU has its own academic entry thresholds, including entrance assessments (academic aptitude and subject tests) and English language proficiency requirements. Satisfying those admission criteria is the primary gateway to the scholarship; once admitted, scholarship consideration is automatic.
English Proficiency
NU teaches entirely in English, and all programmes require demonstrated English language proficiency. Undergraduate applicants typically need to demonstrate language ability through NU's own English assessment or external tests. Master's and PhD applicants must meet programme-specific English requirements. Contact the NU admissions office at admissions.nu.edu.kz for current thresholds for your target programme.
No Separate Application
The scholarship does not require a separate form, essay, or interview. Qualification is determined as part of the standard admissions review. All international applicants who are recommended for admission are considered for the Abay Kunanbayev Scholarship by default.
What the Scholarship Covers
- 100% of tuition fees for the full normal duration of your bachelor's, master's, or PhD programme at NU
- A monthly stipend, the amount of which is set by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and may be adjusted over time (contact NU's Bursar's Office for the current figure)
- Basic medical insurance for the duration of the programme
- Note: accommodation, meals, and personal expenses are not covered by the scholarship; NU has on-campus dormitories and off-campus housing options that students arrange and fund separately
How to Apply
- Choose your programme: Review NU's degree offerings at admissions.nu.edu.kz and confirm your chosen programme's academic entry requirements and English proficiency thresholds.
- Apply for admission by February: NU's main application and entrance assessment deadlines fall around February each year. Complete the online application form for your chosen programme, providing all required academic documents and personal information.
- Sit the entrance assessments: NU administers academic aptitude tests and subject assessments as part of the admissions process. These are typically conducted in the spring for the following academic year's intake. Prepare for these carefully — your performance determines whether you are recommended for admission, and therefore scholarship eligibility.
- Submit your English proficiency evidence: Provide IELTS, TOEFL, or other accepted English test scores as required by your programme. Check the NU admissions website for the current minimum thresholds.
- Await the Admissions Committee recommendation: If the committee recommends you for admission, you are automatically considered for the Abay Kunanbayev Scholarship. No additional action is required on your part.
- Receive your offer: NU will issue a combined admission and scholarship offer. Review the scholarship terms, accept your offer within the stated window, and begin visa and travel arrangements.
- Arrange accommodation and travel: Contact NU's student services about dormitory availability. Plan your travel to Nur-Sultan (Astana) for the programme start.
Required Documents
- Completed NU online application form
- Academic transcripts from all prior education (secondary school for undergraduate; bachelor's and master's degrees for PhD)
- Degree or school completion certificates
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond programme start)
- English language proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, or NU's own assessment)
- Personal statement or statement of purpose (programme-dependent)
- Academic reference letters (typically two)
- Research proposal or statement of research interests (for PhD applicants)
- Standardised test scores if required by the specific programme (e.g. SAT, GRE)
Key Dates & Deadlines
| Event | Timing |
|---|---|
| Application portal opens | Typically November–December for the following September intake |
| Application and document deadline | Around February each year (check admissions.nu.edu.kz for the exact current date) |
| Entrance assessments | Spring (March–May) for the September intake |
| Admission and scholarship offers issued | Late spring / early summer |
| Programme start | September |
Tips for a Strong Application
What helps
- Prepare thoroughly for NU's entrance assessments — your academic test performance is the primary factor in the Admissions Committee's recommendation
- Research your specific NU programme's faculty and research areas and reflect that understanding in your personal statement or research proposal
- Submit your application early in the window; NU's admissions team can flag issues with documents before the deadline if you apply with time to spare
- Achieving a strong English proficiency score well above the minimum threshold signals readiness for English-medium instruction and strengthens your file
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming admission alone guarantees the scholarship — you must be recommended for admission by the Admissions Committee, which is a competitive threshold
- Missing the February application deadline — there is typically no late-entry window for the September intake
- Submitting uncertified or unofficial transcripts — NU requires certified documents and may require apostilles for some countries
- Overlooking accommodation planning — the scholarship does not cover housing, and NU dormitory places can fill quickly for international students
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nazarbayev University Abay Kunanbayev Scholarship?
It's a fully funded scholarship from Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan exclusively for international (non-Kazakh) students. It covers 100% of tuition, a monthly stipend set by the Government of Kazakhstan, and basic medical insurance for the full duration of the bachelor's, master's, or PhD programme.
Who is eligible for the Nazarbayev University Abay Kunanbayev Scholarship?
Any non-Kazakh international student who is recommended for admission by NU's Admissions Committee. Kazakh citizens are not eligible. There is no age limit or nationality restriction beyond being a non-Kazakh citizen.
Do I need to apply separately for the Nazarbayev University Abay Kunanbayev Scholarship?
No. All qualified international applicants who are recommended for admission are automatically considered for the scholarship. There is no separate form, essay, or interview for the scholarship itself.
What does the Abay Kunanbayev Scholarship cover?
100% of tuition fees, a monthly stipend (amount set by the Government of Kazakhstan — contact NU's Bursar's Office for the current figure), and basic medical insurance. Accommodation, meals, and personal expenses are not covered.
When is the deadline for the Nazarbayev University Abay Kunanbayev Scholarship?
The scholarship has no independent deadline — it is assessed as part of the admissions process. The main NU application and entrance assessment deadlines fall around February each year for a September intake. Check admissions.nu.edu.kz for the exact current deadline.
Is the Nazarbayev University Abay Kunanbayev Scholarship available for all degree levels?
Yes. It is available for bachelor's, master's, and PhD programmes at NU.
What is the monthly stipend amount for the Abay Kunanbayev Scholarship?
The stipend amount is set by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and adjusted periodically. Contact NU's Bursar's Office at +7 (7172) 70-60-86 or bursars_office@nu.edu.kz for the current figure.
What documents do I need for the Nazarbayev University Abay Kunanbayev Scholarship?
Since the scholarship requires no separate application, the documents are those needed for NU admission: academic transcripts and certificates, a valid passport, English proficiency test scores, a personal statement, reference letters, and (for PhD applicants) a research proposal.
Does NU offer accommodation for Abay Kunanbayev Scholarship recipients?
NU has on-campus dormitories that students can apply for separately from the scholarship. Accommodation is not guaranteed and is not covered by the scholarship; contact NU's student services office to check current availability and costs.
Can a Kazakh citizen living abroad apply for the Abay Kunanbayev Scholarship?
No. The scholarship is for non-citizens of Kazakhstan. Ethnic Kazakhs who hold Kazakhstani citizenship are not eligible, regardless of where they live. Ethnic Kazakhs without Kazakhstani citizenship may be eligible under the Kazakhstan Government Scholarship for Foreign Citizens programme, which has a separate application pathway.