Application process
STEP 1. ONLINE APPLICATION
Please take 10 minutes of your time before you start the application process to read and follow the guidance which is given below.
The whole application process is done via Nazarbayev University online admissions portal. All the applications and the documents required have to be submitted through the online admissions portal: no application or document will be accepted by email.
To apply online, you will be asked to set up a user account using your email address, and you should use this email for all enquiries. All correspondence during the selection process will take place by email.
Press the “Sign up” button to set up your account (see picture 1).
On the “Registration” page select “Masters” from the dropdown list, tick the program(s) you wish to apply for, fill in all the boxes below, and press the “Registration” button.
Attention! Make sure to provide accurate information (you must write your name in English as it appears in your passport) as this information will automatically appear in your application form.
In order to complete the registration process and activate your account you need to click the link that was sent to your email address. Once you activate your Nazarbayev University account, go to “My Application Forms” menu and choose the program you are going to apply to (Master in Public Policy or Master in Public Administration from).
Now you are able to open, complete and upload the application form (see picture 2).
The application form will be opened in a separate tab/window. Fill it in and attach a passport size picture of yourself. The fields highlighted in yellow are mandatory fields.
Please make sure you provide accurate information for your two referees (you can provide only one email address for each referee). As soon as you press the “Submit” button on your personal page, an email will be generated automatically and sent to the referees’ email addresses you have provided.
In addition, please ensure that your referees reply to our request with the scanned copy of the reference letter to gspp_admissions@nu.edu.kz within 10 days of receiving the email.
Applicants are not permitted to view their reference letters. They are strictly confidential and will only be read by those people responsible for assessing your application.
After you press the “Upload” button, your application form will automatically appear on your personal page (refresh the page if necessary).
The next step is to attach all supporting documentation.
After you press the “Submit” button, the application will be sent to the Graduate School of Public Policy and you will not be able to make any further changes.
Once your application is submitted, a confirmation email will be sent to your email address.
You will be asked to pay an application fee at the time of submission.
The fee can be paid online by credit card. Cash is not accepted. Your payment is non-refundable, even if you withdraw the application or if the application is denied. The fee can be applied only to the admission term indicated on your submitted application.
STEP 2. APPLICATION SCREENING
Once we get your application, fee, and supporting documentation, the NU Admissions Department will review your documents and contact you by email if additional information is needed. You will be notified if you are not eligible for the program. All eligible applications will be carefully reviewed and assessed by GSPP Admissions Committee members. Successful applicants will be invited to the interview.
GSPP Admissions Committee is composed of faculty members and/or senior administrative staff from GSPP and at least 1 representative from GSPP’s strategic partner.
STEP 3. INTERVIEW WITH THE ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE
Interview with the Admissions Committee members takes place on campus in Astana. Applicants may choose among 2 options: either to attend face-to-face interview or have it remotely (usually via skype). The interview lasts from 15 to 30 minutes. You will be asked questions about your background and your aspirations, and how the program you are applying to fits with your future career plans. We recommend that you prepare for this interview as you would for a job interview.
Before the interview starts every applicant is given 30 minutes to read, explore and resolve a case study. The case study is a specific public policy problem. Such approach allows the Admissions Committee to assess an applicant’s capacity to analyze, identify a problem, and find appropriate solution in an actual assignment.
STEP 4. ADMISSIONS DECISION
After all interviews have been conducted, the Admissions Committee will invite top bright and talented applicants to join the program. Every applicant will be notified of the outcome by email.
Successful applicants are expected to confirm their intention of enrolment.
