Overview

The Mechanical Engineering program of Nazarbayev University focuses on the development of an in-depth understanding of the nature, implementation and evaluation of mechanical engineering principles and applications together with the growth of research skills. The current areas of research interest for the PhD in Mechanical Engineering encompass a wide spectrum, with specific focus on priority areas for Kazakhstan, such as: energy engineering, biomedical engineering, advanced design, manufacturing and control, advanced transportation and sustainable engineering.

By the completion of the PhD program, students will be capable of designing and conducting independent, innovative, original and high-quality research related to a variety of topics in mechanical engineering. In addition, program graduates will be prepared for working in industrial and academic environment in the positions of university faculty members, senior researchers, engineers and product developers.

Aims and Objectives

The overarching aim of the program is to develop high quality doctoral researchers who are ready and able to make a lasting contribution to addressing scientific, technological, economic, societal and environmental challenges of global significance. It is closely associated with the aim of Kazakhstan to increase its global competitiveness and join the top 30 most developed countries in the world by 2050.

The program aims to prepare:

specialists for advanced careers in (national and multinational) industry and academia in Kazakhstan, in neighboring countries and internationally;
future policy and decision makers for careers in governmental agencies, public service and the social economy, in Kazakhstan, and globally;
entrepreneurs who will be able to promote advanced and innovative science-rich technologies anywhere in the world;
new generation of commercially aware and technologically advanced scientists and technologists to lead future developments in the chosen mechanical engineering sub-discipline;
future academics and researchers in mechanical engineering sub-disciplines for careers as specialists in universities of Kazakhstan and other parts of the world

Programme Structure

These areas are also aligned with well-known international research priorities, such as:

Leadership in Enabling and Industrial Technologies (Information and Communication Technologies

Nanotechnologies

Advanced Materials

Advanced Manufacturing and Processing)

Environment, Future and Emerging Technologies

Health, demographic change and well-being (Improving diagnosis; Innovative treatments and technologies

Integrated, sustainable, citizen-centered care).

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-08-15 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-04-18 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2025-02-28 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Mechanical Engineering

Academic requirements

GPA

2.75

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

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Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Nazarbayev University and/or in Kazakhstan, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Other requirements

General requirements

An undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent)

A Master’s degree or equivalent

A competitive CGPA in applicant’s Master’s (or equivalent) degree

High level of English proficiency

High motivation and a strong interest in the Program as outlined in a statement of purpose

Research proposal

Resume

Two letters of recommendation (one from an academic source)

Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills as demonstrated by GRE test (recommended);

Tuition Fee

Living costs for Astana

151250 - 222349 KZT /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.