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’s degree programs include the Master in Public Policy (MPP), Master in Public Administration (MPA), Online MPA and the 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 who come from the public sector, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.  Master’s students have the opportunity to undergo a distinctive 2-weeks Singapore component experiential learning journey and PhD students may spend up to 3 months in fieldwork overseas.

NU GSPP’s faculty are actively engaged in research in civil service reforms, modernization of the public service, natural resources management, policy analysis, sustainable development solutions and in advocacy and consultancy to government institutions and international organizations on a wide range of public policy/administration issues in Kazakhstan and beyond.

 

Welcome to the Graduate School of Public Policy (GSPP), where we firmly believe that good governance matters for improving people’s lives!

At GSPP, you are embarking on an exciting journey of professional public policy and public administration education, grounded in a distinctive blend of multi- and interdisciplinary curricula. Our programs combine academic rigor in public policy and administration analysis with the acquisition of relevant, future-ready professional skills. You will develop a strong grasp and nuanced understanding of both the common and unique challenges faced by policymakers and administrators, both in Central Asia and across the globe. As the only public policy school in Asia and Europe with Master’s programs accredited by both the European Association of Public Administration Accreditation (EAPAA) and the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), you can be assured that the education at GSPP meets world-class standards.

Our multi- and interdisciplinary education provides a robust foundation, enabling you to better understand the key factors that contribute to sound public policy and effective governance. Our curriculum offers flexibility for you to pursue your passions in specializations such as economic policy, public governance, international political economy, and sustainable development. You will gain deep insights into complex public policy and administrative challenges, while acquiring the skills needed to creatively design and effectively implement innovative solutions at local, national, or international levels.

The education you receive at GSPP, with its interdisciplinary perspective, is one of the best investments you can make to be future-ready in today’s dynamic environment of heightened uncertainties and rapid changes. By the time you graduate, we are confident that, no matter the career path you choose, you can excel in your professional performance and make significant contributions to improving lives in the communities and countries to which you return.

To ensure you have an enriching and fulfilling experience, I encourage you to actively engage with your fellow students and faculty members to get the most out of your time here at the School.

We look forward to being a part of this important phase of your life and celebrating your achievements with you.

With best wishes, Dr Weng Tat HUI

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:

  • 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.

 

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 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 GSP. 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:

  • 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.

* Housing allocation for administrative staff is subject to University selection criteria

Job advertisement

OPEN RANK FACULTY POSITIONS AT THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY

  • Astana, Kazakhstan
  • Full-time
  • Department: Graduate School of Public Policy
  • Job Type: Faculty

Company Description

Nazarbayev University Profile

Nazarbayev University (NU), located in Astana, Kazakhstan, is an English-language research university.  It was established in 2010 as a flagship academic institution with ambitions to achieve global recognition as a top-tier research university in Kazakhstan in partnership with leading universities from around the world. Admission to NU is highly competitive and the University accepts the best students from the country and region. In a short 13 years since its inception, NU has achieved notable recognition, entering the Times Higher Education Global Ranking in 2024 and securing a position in the top 30% of research universities worldwide. Presently, NU stands as the leading university in Central Asia.

Graduate School of Public Policy Profile

NU’s Graduate School of Public Policy (GSPP) enrolled its first students in 2013 and offers degree programs in Master in Public Policy, Master in Public Administration and PhD in Public Policy. The School’s strategic partner is the National University of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.  Our Master programs have achieved full accreditation from the European Association for Public Administration Accreditation (EAPAA) since 2019 and the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) from 2023.

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.

Job Description

The Graduate School of Public Policy (GSPP) at Nazarbayev University, invites applications to join our international faculty and to share in our vision of being the leading public policy school in the Central Asia region. Candidates should have the requisite teaching, research and public policy experience to contribute to curriculum development, innovative pedagogy and international scholarship. Experience with public sector organizations, consultancies with international organizations, leadership in the development of relevant educational institutions and teaching experience in Asia will be regarded as strong additional qualifications.

Applications are particularly invited from candidates with an established record of research and teaching in the following areas:

  • Macroeconomic Policy
  • New Technology and Public Policy
  • Urban and Transport Policy
  • Crisis and Emergency Management

Qualifications

  • PhD in Public Policy, Public Administration, Economics, Political Science or a related discipline with a public policy focus
  • Relevant academic teaching and research experience: Full Professor – at least 2 years at full professor or 5 years at associate professor level, Associate Professor – at least 2 years at associate professor or 5 years at assistant professor level
  • International research profile – Publications in top international peer reviewed journals on policy-relevant topics; success in attracting competitive funding; awards and prizes from relevant professional/academic associations

Additional Information

Required Documents

Application Procedure: Candidates should submit the following documents in electronic form (MS Word or PDF file)

  • Cover letter indicating rank of position applied for
  • Detailed curriculum vitae
  • Names and contact details of three referees
  • Teaching dossier including teaching evaluations
  • Samples of course outlines
  • Brief statement of past and current research

Benefits

  • A three- and five –year renewable contract
  • Internationally competitive salary
  • Furnished accommodation
  • Two annual home round trip air tickets for faculty member and dependents
  • Education allowance for faculty member’s children
  • International health insurance

You can submit your documents via this link.

POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR AT THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY

Company Description

Nazarbayev University Profile

Nazarbayev University (NU), located in Astana, Kazakhstan, is an English-language research university.  It was established in 2010 as a flagship academic institution with ambitions to achieve global recognition as a top-tier research university in Kazakhstan in partnership with leading universities from around the world. Admission to NU is highly competitive and the University accepts the best students from the country and region. In a short 13 years since its inception, NU has achieved notable recognition, entering the Times Higher Education Global Ranking in 2024 and securing a position in the top 30% of research universities worldwide. Presently, NU stands as the leading university in Central Asia.

Graduate School of Public Policy Profile

NU’s Graduate School of Public Policy (GSPP) enrolled its first students in 2013 and offers degree programs in Master in Public Policy, Master in Public Administration and PhD in Public Policy. The School’s strategic partner is the National University of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.  Our Master programs have achieved full accreditation from the European Association for Public Administration Accreditation (EAPAA) since 2019 and the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) from 2023.

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.

Job description

The Graduate School of Public Policy (GSPP) at Nazarbayev University, invites applications for the full-time Postdoctoral Scholar position and join our international faculty  to share in our vision of being the leading public policy school in Central Asia. Initial appointment is on a 2-year renewable contract with a possibility of renewal for up to another 2 years maximum, subject to annual performance reviews. We offer an attractive internationally competitive remuneration package.

Qualifications

  • PhD in Public Policy, Public Administration, Economics, Political Science or a related discipline with a public policy focus
  • Candidates should have the requisite teaching, research and public policy expertise to contribute to innovative pedagogy and international scholarship.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Teach two courses per year in area of specialization or in a subject determined in consultation with the Dean
  • Conduct research  and prepare research proposals under the supervision of a senior faculty member
  • Participate in research and collaborative activities with other educational or research institutions
  • Publish in reputable  scientific  publications  and  disseminate  research  findings  using  other appropriate media
  • Make presentations at national and international conferences and events
  • Contribute to the preparation of research proposals and applications to external funding under the supervision of a senior faculty member

Required Documents for Application:

Candidates should submit the following documents in electronic form (MS Word or PDF file)

  • Cover letter indicating position applied for
  • Detailed curriculum vitae
  • Two reference letters
  • Copies of qualifications

Benefits

  • Internationally competitive salary
  • Furnished accommodation
  • One annual home round trip air tickets for Postdoc and dependents
  • Education allowance for faculty member’s children
  • International health insurance

You can submit your documents via this link.