Nazarbayev University GSPP Master’s Programs Achieve Accreditation by NASPAA, Reinforcing Excellence in Public Policy and Administration Education

The Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy (NU GSPP) is pleased to announce the successful accreditation of its Master’s programs, Master in Public Policy (MPP) and Master in Public Administration (MPA), by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). This prestigious accreditation, regarded as the global standard in public service education, reaffirms NU GSPP’s commitment to providing quality education in the field of public policy and administration and recognizes the school’s dedication to the highest standards of academic and professional excellence. NU GSPP joins the ranks of 13 other institutions in 7 countries outside of the USA that have NASPAA-accredited Master’s programs. This remarkable achievement further solidifies NU GSPP’s position as a leader in public policy/administration education in Kazakhstan and the region.

“We are immensely thrilled to receive NASPAA’s full accreditation which is yet another significant milestone for NU GSPP, as it follows our full accreditation by the European Association of Public Administration Accreditation (EAPAA) in 2019.” said Dean Weng Tat Hui. “These dual accreditations demonstrate the high quality of our programs and the unwavering dedication and hard work of faculty and staff to delivering excellence in public policy and administration education.”

NU GSPP embarked on the journey towards NASPAA accreditation in January 2020, with a thorough and comprehensive preparation process to ensure that its programs are aligned with the NASPAA universal required competencies. The School undertook an extensive year-long self-study, documented in a report submitted in July 2022, highlighting various facets of the school’s curriculum, faculty expertise, student learning outcomes, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In March 2023, NASPAA conducted its site visit by a team of four external peer reviewers comprising seasoned public administration academics and practitioners.  The site visit team met with various stakeholders including faculty, students, alumni, employers and collaboration partners.

They were highly impressed by the several positive aspects about NU GSPP:

• teaching and research were closely aligned with the School’s mission; 
• the quality assurance system that is place; 
• the positive and enthusiastic feedback from our alumni and current students on their experience at NU GSPP; 
• the favorable professional experience with NU GSPP from our collaboration partners; 
• the consistent and effective performance of our graduates from employer representatives and
• the excellent quality of the support services provided by Nazarbayev University to all students.

Dr. Roger Hartley, Chair of the NASPAA Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation stated that, “The Commission applauds the incredible work of our accredited programs. They are leaders in building educational pathways to public service at a time when public sector agencies have tremendous needs for talent. This year’s cohort faced significant challenges both old and new. We applaud their resilience.”

Dean Weng Tat Hui added, “The accreditation process has been a rigorous and enriching experience, allowing us to review our programs and make necessary enhancements.”

The NASPAA accreditation brings numerous benefits to NU GSPP students. It assures them of receiving a high-quality education that aligns with international standards. The alignment with NASPAA competencies ensures that NU GSPP graduates will possess the necessary skills and knowledge to analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, make evidence-informed decisions, communicate effectively and lead in the public interest. This training, which includes the distinctive and transformational experiential learning journey to Singapore specially designed in collaboration with NU GSPP’s strategic partner, the National University of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, will prepare them to excel in their careers and be effective change agents to make a positive impact in the community.

As an accredited institution, NU GSPP will continue to strive for excellence, fostering innovation, and collaboration with industry leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders. The NASPAA accreditation lays a solid foundation for NU GSPP’s future growth and success, enabling the school to contribute significantly to the advancement of good governance.

In conclusion, Dean Weng Tat Hui remarked, “We are proud to be the only institution in the world with two Master’s programs that have received full accreditation from both NASPAA and EAPAA.  This distinction reflects the exceptional quality and rigor of our programs, and we are committed to maintaining this standard of excellence. With the NASPAA accreditation, we hope that more public servants from Kazakhstan and beyond, will recognize the value of our programs and be enabled to take up this unique opportunity to receive an internationally recognized education at NU GSPP.  We look forward to welcome more existing and aspiring public servants to study at NU GSPP, to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to address complex policy challenges and to be successful in their roles as public policy innovators and leaders.”

About the Graduate School of Public Policy (GSPP):

The Graduate School of Public Policy at Nazarbayev University is a leading public policy school in Central Asia dedicated to providing excellence in public policy/administration education. The mission of GSPP 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 facing governments and communities. In addition to the two MPP and MPA Master’s programs, GSPP also offers a PhD in Public Policy program which aims to advance research in applied public policy, to equip future faculty trained to international standards of teaching and research and to strengthen the research base of decision making in the public sector in Kazakhstan and beyond.