Nazarbayev University

Nazarbayev University (NU), located in Astana, Kazakhstan, opened its doors to students in 2010 with an ambition to become a world-class research university by integrating the best of international practices into the country’s educational system. To achieve this objective, NU chose a unique partnership model—offering its own degrees while partnering with leading universities from around the world.

UW–Madison is among 10 strategic partners who are working to develop NU’s undergraduate and graduate schools and programs as well as with NU’s general administration. Coordinated by IPO and overseen by the faculty director, the UW-NU partnership provides services, facilitates collaboration and exchange, and offers opportunities for professional development for faculty, staff, administrators, and students from both universities.

As the strategic partner for NU’s School of Sciences and Humanities (SSH), UW–Madison’s work focuses on:

  • Consulting on developing new programs of study
  • Fostering the growth of junior scholars by pairing senior UW–Madison faculty and junior faculty at NU through a mentoring program
  • Engaging in capacity building by providing technical consultation on higher education administration
  • Providing external review and support on graduate thesis and admissions committees

UW–Madison also works with student services and other units throughout NU including the NU Library, Academic Advising Unit, and Department of Student Affairs to name a few.

Since 2010, this partnership has continuously grown and developed. Since 2014, UW–Madison has welcomed NU students through its summer Visiting International Student Program (VISP), a study abroad opportunity facilitated by DCS with academic, social, and cultural components.

In the past, UW–Madison also provided consultation, capacity building, trainings, and/or guidance regarding strategic planning for:

  • NU’s School of Engineering (2016–2018)
  • National Analytical Centre (2017)
  • Nazarbayev University Research and Innovation System (2018–2019)

UW–Madison  completed its eighth agreement as of summer 2024.