Graduate School of Public Policy
Graduate School of Public Policy
Graduate School of Public Policy
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About us
The Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy’s (NU GSPP) mission is to improve the quality of life of the people of Kazakhstan and Central Asia by engaging the policy community and training leaders to promote good governance through excellence in teaching, research and executive development that focuses on key policy and leadership challenges.
NU GSPP aims to be the leading public policy school in Kazakhstan and the region, striving to raise governance standards through professional public policy education and research.
Since its launch in 2012, NU GSPP has maintained a strong strategic partnership with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore. Together, we have worked closely to establish NU GSPP as the public policy school of choice in Central Asia. By integrating scientific research into its teaching, NU GSPP offers one of the most innovative and progressive Master’s and doctoral programs in the Central Asian region.
NU GSPP’s degree offerings include the Master in Public Policy (MPP), Master in Public Administration (MPA), Online MPA, and PhD in Public Policy. Our Master’s programs are accredited by both the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) and the European Association of Public Administration Accreditation (EAPAA). Our students come from diverse backgrounds, including the public sector, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. Master’s students have the unique opportunity to participate in a two-week experiential learning journey in Singapore, while PhD students may spend up to three months conducting fieldwork overseas.
NU GSPP’s faculty are actively engaged in research on civil service reforms, public service modernization, natural resource management, policy analysis, and sustainable development solutions. They also provide consultancy to government institutions and international organizations on a wide range of public policy and administration issues, both in Kazakhstan and beyond.
NU GSPP aims to be the leading public policy school in Kazakhstan and the region, striving to raise governance standards through professional public policy education and research.
Since its launch in 2012, NU GSPP has maintained a strong strategic partnership with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore. Together, we have worked closely to establish NU GSPP as the public policy school of choice in Central Asia. By integrating scientific research into its teaching, NU GSPP offers one of the most innovative and progressive Master’s and doctoral programs in the Central Asian region.
NU GSPP’s degree offerings include the Master in Public Policy (MPP), Master in Public Administration (MPA), Online MPA, and PhD in Public Policy. Our Master’s programs are accredited by both the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) and the European Association of Public Administration Accreditation (EAPAA). Our students come from diverse backgrounds, including the public sector, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. Master’s students have the unique opportunity to participate in a two-week experiential learning journey in Singapore, while PhD students may spend up to three months conducting fieldwork overseas.
NU GSPP’s faculty are actively engaged in research on civil service reforms, public service modernization, natural resource management, policy analysis, and sustainable development solutions. They also provide consultancy to government institutions and international organizations on a wide range of public policy and administration issues, both in Kazakhstan and beyond.
Welcome to the Graduate School of Public Policy (GSPP) at Nazarbayev University. The mission of our school is to improve the quality of life of the people of Kazakhstan and Central Asia by engaging the policy community and training leaders to promote good governance through excellence in teaching and research.
Our programs are designed to equip students with cutting-edge knowledge and real-world skills.
At GSPP you will learn with internationally renowned faculty, study in world-class facilities and engage in policy-relevant research. Our strategic partnership with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) at the National University of Singapore was instrumental in the design of our programs and in enhancing the quality of education you will receive in our school.
Over the years we have established partnerships with some of the world’s leading university and with industry partners to provide students with the highest quality of education and a relevant real-world perspective.
We invite you to join our school and become a leader in the modernization of Kazakhstan and Central Asian region.
With best wishes,
Acting Dean Dr. Riccardo Pelizzo
Our programs are designed to equip students with cutting-edge knowledge and real-world skills.
At GSPP you will learn with internationally renowned faculty, study in world-class facilities and engage in policy-relevant research. Our strategic partnership with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) at the National University of Singapore was instrumental in the design of our programs and in enhancing the quality of education you will receive in our school.
Over the years we have established partnerships with some of the world’s leading university and with industry partners to provide students with the highest quality of education and a relevant real-world perspective.
We invite you to join our school and become a leader in the modernization of Kazakhstan and Central Asian region.
With best wishes,
Acting Dean Dr. Riccardo Pelizzo
Mission
The mission of the NU Graduate School of Public Policy is to improve the quality of life of the people of Kazakhstan and Central Asia by engaging the policy community and training leaders to promote good governance through excellence in teaching, research and executive development that focuses on key policy and leadership challenges.
Vision
NU GSPP will transform the public sector in Kazakhstan helping it to modernize public sector of the country. In line with the aspirations of Kazakhstan, the NU GSPP will train policy makers and leaders both for that Republic and its neighbours. NU GSPP aims to become a leading school of public policy that will be known for:
The mission of the NU Graduate School of Public Policy is to improve the quality of life of the people of Kazakhstan and Central Asia by engaging the policy community and training leaders to promote good governance through excellence in teaching, research and executive development that focuses on key policy and leadership challenges.
Vision
NU GSPP will transform the public sector in Kazakhstan helping it to modernize public sector of the country. In line with the aspirations of Kazakhstan, the NU GSPP will train policy makers and leaders both for that Republic and its neighbours. NU GSPP aims to become a leading school of public policy that will be known for:
- world class educational standards
- impactful research with international standing
- commitment to Kazakhstan
NU Graduate School of Public Policy’s Commitment to Diversity
NU GSPP is strongly committed to supporting diversity and inclusion, as outlined in the Nazarbayev University Strategy for 2018-2030. This strategy emphasizes several core values, including “Embracing diversity – integrated into every aspect of education, research, and community life,” “Equal access to education – regardless of race, religion, gender, physical ability, or socioeconomic status,” and “A merit-based institution open to all talented and bright students, faculty, and researchers.”
NU GSPP is dedicated to promoting and enhancing diversity within its faculty. The school believes that welcoming individuals from underrepresented backgrounds enhances intellectual depth and brings diverse perspectives to its academic environment.
NU GSPP also strives to recruit students from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors across all regions of Kazakhstan who are seeking professional advancement. Additionally, the school attracts international applicants from various parts of the world, including Central Asia, the Caucasus, Western Europe, East and Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. While many students in some NU GSPP programs are Nazarbayev University alumni, the school welcomes applicants from diverse institutional and disciplinary backgrounds.
NU GSPP is strongly committed to supporting diversity and inclusion, as outlined in the Nazarbayev University Strategy for 2018-2030. This strategy emphasizes several core values, including “Embracing diversity – integrated into every aspect of education, research, and community life,” “Equal access to education – regardless of race, religion, gender, physical ability, or socioeconomic status,” and “A merit-based institution open to all talented and bright students, faculty, and researchers.”
NU GSPP is dedicated to promoting and enhancing diversity within its faculty. The school believes that welcoming individuals from underrepresented backgrounds enhances intellectual depth and brings diverse perspectives to its academic environment.
NU GSPP also strives to recruit students from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors across all regions of Kazakhstan who are seeking professional advancement. Additionally, the school attracts international applicants from various parts of the world, including Central Asia, the Caucasus, Western Europe, East and Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. While many students in some NU GSPP programs are Nazarbayev University alumni, the school welcomes applicants from diverse institutional and disciplinary backgrounds.
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Riccardo Pelizzo, Acting Dean & Professor
Dr. Riccardo Pelizzo is a Professor in the Graduate School of Public Policy at Nazarbayev University. Dr. Pelizzo is an internationally recognized political development specialist. Dr. Pelizzo's research focuses on issues of political development, institutional reform and institutional performance in developing countries. After designing measures and benchmarks for assessing parliaments' capacity and performance, he is currently devising several diagnostic tools to measure political stability and other dimensions of good governance.
Dr. Pelizzo is the Associate Editor of Politics and Policy. He is the recipient of several fellowships, scholarships, competitive grants and awards. In addition to editing 3 volumes, Dr. Pelizzo has authored 17 monographs and more than 60 peer reviewed articles. His studies have appeared or been translated into 14 languages (Arabic, Bahasa, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Kazakh and Vietnamese). - Aziz Burkhanov, Associate Professor & Vice Dean for Academic AffairsDr. Aziz Burkhanov is an Associate Professor in the Graduate School of Public Policy at Nazarbayev University. His research interests include nationalism and identity theories, and national identity politics, policies, and practices, with a special focus on identity issues and their perceptions in the public narratives in the former Soviet area. He has worked in policy analysis and consulting as a Research Fellow at the IWEP, a think-tank advising the Kazakhstan government on policies, and as a Senior Associate at IHS Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA).
Dr. Burkhanov has authored “Kazakhstan’s National Identity-Building Policy: Soviet Legacy, State Efforts, and Societal Reactions,” Cornell International Law Journal (2017), “The Determinants of Civic and Ethnic Nationalisms in Kazakhstan: Evidence from the Grass-Roots Level” Nationalism and Ethnic Politics (2017); and “Kazakh Perspective on China, the Chinese, and Chinese Migration,” Ethnic and Racial Studies (2016); among others. - Dina Sharipova, Associate Professor & Vice Dean for ResearchDr. Dina Sharipova received her Ph.D. in Political Science from Indiana University in 2013. From 2013 to 2018 she worked at KIMEP University and served as Research Director of the College of Social Sciences. She was also a member of the Board of the European Society for Central Asian Studies from 2017 to 2019.
Dr. Sharipova joined GSPP in 2018 as Assistant Professor. Her research interests include nation and state-building, security issues, formal and informal institutions, civil society, social capital, and well-being in Central Asia. Currently, Dr. Sharipova is a member of the Editorial Board of Central Asian Survey and is an incoming President of the Central Eurasian Studies Society (CESS).
- Assel Mussabayeva, Chief Administrative OfficerAssel Mussabayeva serves as the Chief Administrative Officer at the Graduate School of Public Policy (GSPP) at Nazarbayev University. In this capacity, she provides strategic oversight of the School’s administrative functions, including human resources, finance and budgeting, partnership, academic programs and research support.
Assel holds a Master’s degree in Technology Management from Staffordshire University, UK. Prior to joining GSPP, she worked in the public sector, including at the Ministry of National Economy and the National Export and Investment Agency KAZNEX INVEST JSC. She brings extensive experience in public administration, organizational development, and strategic management within both governmental and academic settings.
Since its establishment, Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy (NU GSPP) has cultivated a strong partnership partnership with the Lee Kuan School of Public Policy (LKY School) at the National University of Singapore.
In 2025 THE World rankings, NUS is ranked 17th and in QS World rankings NUS is ranked 11th in the world and remains the 1st in Asia.
The LKY School, one of the most dynamic public policy schools in Asia, offers a unique global classroom where students have the opportunity to explore public policy issues, interact with world-class faculty, and network with the future
In 2025 THE World rankings, NUS is ranked 17th and in QS World rankings NUS is ranked 11th in the world and remains the 1st in Asia.
The LKY School, one of the most dynamic public policy schools in Asia, offers a unique global classroom where students have the opportunity to explore public policy issues, interact with world-class faculty, and network with the future
generation of Asian leaders. Although the LKY school was formally launched in 2004, it has inherited a rich legacy left by its predecessor, the Public Policy Program, which started in 1992 in partnership with the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
The LKY School has assisted with the design and development of the NU GSPP’s programs and the recruitment and training of its faculty. During the initial phases of the partnership, LKY School faculty members offer courses at the NU GSPP. Faculty from both schools have also been involved faculty exchanges and in joint research publications. GSPP Master’s students go on a specially curated Singapore Component experiential learning journey.
In June 2015 the LKY School delegation headed by the Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Professor Kishore Mahbubani visited Astana for a week. During this visit strategic areas and milestones for further collaboration were discussed. Representatives of two schools, including deans met with the State Secretary of the Republic of Kazakhstan, top management of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Agency for Civil Service Affairs and Anti-corruption. It was stated in the course of the meetings that joint efforts of NU GSPP and Lee Kuan Yew School in the area of civil service reforms, talent management and anti-corruption will highly contribute to human capital development in Kazakhstan.
In the framework of the visit a Roundtable on modernization of Kazakhstan’s civil service with participants from the President’s Office, Agency for Civil Service Affairs and Anti-corruption and ministries of the Republic of Kazakhstan was held.
Read the article of Professor Kishore Mahbubani following his visit to Astana
The Singapore Component with Nazarbayev University at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (watch video)
The LKY School has assisted with the design and development of the NU GSPP’s programs and the recruitment and training of its faculty. During the initial phases of the partnership, LKY School faculty members offer courses at the NU GSPP. Faculty from both schools have also been involved faculty exchanges and in joint research publications. GSPP Master’s students go on a specially curated Singapore Component experiential learning journey.
In June 2015 the LKY School delegation headed by the Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Professor Kishore Mahbubani visited Astana for a week. During this visit strategic areas and milestones for further collaboration were discussed. Representatives of two schools, including deans met with the State Secretary of the Republic of Kazakhstan, top management of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Agency for Civil Service Affairs and Anti-corruption. It was stated in the course of the meetings that joint efforts of NU GSPP and Lee Kuan Yew School in the area of civil service reforms, talent management and anti-corruption will highly contribute to human capital development in Kazakhstan.
In the framework of the visit a Roundtable on modernization of Kazakhstan’s civil service with participants from the President’s Office, Agency for Civil Service Affairs and Anti-corruption and ministries of the Republic of Kazakhstan was held.
Read the article of Professor Kishore Mahbubani following his visit to Astana
The Singapore Component with Nazarbayev University at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (watch video)
Careers
We are looking for candidates who share our mission and vision and want to make a difference and contribute to improving the quality of life. If you are looking for multicultural environment, wide range of training and career opportunities and want to be a part of an academic world, consider applying for a job at NU GSPP.
NU GSPP is devoted to recruiting and strengthening diversity in its faculty composition. NU GSPP believes that welcoming people from underrepresented backgrounds strengthens intellectual depth and offers multiple perspectives. NU GSPP is currently under-presented with female Faculty and particularly welcomes female applicants to Faculty positions.
Benefits for academic staff:
Benefits for administrative staff:
Job Advertisement
We are looking for candidates who share our mission and vision and want to make a difference and contribute to improving the quality of life. If you are looking for multicultural environment, wide range of training and career opportunities and want to be a part of an academic world, consider applying for a job at NU GSPP.
NU GSPP is devoted to recruiting and strengthening diversity in its faculty composition. NU GSPP believes that welcoming people from underrepresented backgrounds strengthens intellectual depth and offers multiple perspectives. NU GSPP is currently under-presented with female Faculty and particularly welcomes female applicants to Faculty positions.
Benefits for academic staff:
- Internationally competitive salary;
- Holiday leave of 56 days per annum;
- Two flights for the appointee and dependents home per annum;
- International health insurance;
- Housing for the appointee and dependents;
- Assistance for relocation expenses including air fares for the appointee and dependents;
- Mentorship in teaching and research from senior colleagues from strategic partner- LKYSPP;
- Faculty exchange program;
- Funding to conduct preliminary research work.
Benefits for administrative staff:
- Competitive salary;
- Holiday leave of 30 days per annum;
- Premium health insurance;
- Housing opportunity*;
- Mentorship and shadowing from senior colleagues from strategic partner- LKYSPP;
- Training and development.
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