Nazarbayev University marks 15th anniversary by doubling PhD scholarships
To commemorate its 15th anniversary, Nazarbayev University is doubling PhD scholarships to strengthen regional research and train the next generation of scholars
Nazarbayev University
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Nazarbayev University (NU), Central Asia’s leading research-intensive university, is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a major investment in doctoral education. In a bold move to reinforce its academic impact, NU is doubling the number of fully funded PhD scholarships it offers, from around 100 in previous years to 200 in 2025.
This strategic expansion underlines NU’s commitment to advancing research that addresses national and regional priorities. Funding for the additional scholarships comes from the university and its social development fund. The initiative forms part of NU’s broader vision to become a globally recognized hub for advanced research and to cultivate a new generation of researchers in Kazakhstan and beyond.
Waqar Ahmad, president of NU, emphasises the importance of the expansion in building research excellence. “As Central Asia’s leading research-intensive university, NU has established a strong reputation for the quality of its doctoral graduates. We have world-class faculty and outstanding research facilities,” he says. “We are therefore able to guarantee bright and ambitious doctoral students the environment to excel in their doctoral studies.”
He added that the doubling of PhD scholarships represents more than a numerical increase – it is a clear signal of NU’s mission to produce research that is relevant to societal and scientific challenges in the region.
The additional scholarships will be distributed across all academic disciplines at the university, with targeted growth in high-demand areas such as physical sciences, computer science, engineering and medicine. These fields are essential for Kazakhstan’s scientific and technological advancement.
As part of its plan to scale up doctoral education, NU is also launching a new doctoral institute. This academic unit will centralise support services for doctoral students, provide enhanced mentorship and develop new interdisciplinary programmes. According to Luis Ramón Rojas-Solórzano, associate provost for graduate studies at NU, the doctoral institute will play a key role in facilitating the university’s goal of supporting over 1,000 PhD and professional doctorate students in the coming years.
“We aim to foster interdisciplinary research and strengthen international integration for early-career scholars,” says Rojas-Solórzano. “The doctoral institute will help us manage growth while ensuring our students receive high-quality support and training.”
Ranked as the top university in Kazakhstan in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, NU has emerged as a beacon of academic excellence in the region. As it enters its 15th year, the university continues to uphold rigorous academic standards while expanding its influence in science, education and human capital development. The expanded PhD programme is expected to further consolidate the university’s leadership role in regional research and innovation.