Overview

The program focuses on the enhancement of knowledge by advanced courses and development of research skills at a high level.

The Physics program of the Nazarbayev University especially focuses on priority areas for Kazakhstan, serving as a foundation for future high-tech industries and knowledge-based economy. By the completion of the PhD program, students will be capable of designing and conducting independent, innovative, original and high quality research on a variety of topics in Physics as well as interdisciplinary topics. In addition, program graduates will be prepared for working in industrial and academic environments including positions of university faculty members, senior researchers, high-tech entrepreneurs, engineers, product developers and science & technology policy makers

The program consists of comprehensive course work and research activity. The courses are designed to enable students to acquire highly advanced and cutting-edge knowledge in Physics. After passing a comprehensive exam and PhD proposal defense, students are required to develop and practice novel research within the area of Physics or an interdisciplinary field related to Physics. Research components of the program and dissertation defense will be passed by each student to complete the program and graduate

Career and Internship Support

Students will benefit from a number of contacts with the international scientific community as well as industry. Strong scientific ties have already been established with other outside bodies engaged in research. All students have the opportunity to take part in a 6 to 12 month internship at an international host research institution. The host supervisor and supervisory team at NU will maintain communication with the student throughout the student’s stay in order to make an efficient use of the host premises and facilities for the benefit of the PhD student

Programme Structure

The PhD program will typically be conducted over 48 months full time. Each student will develop their personal and professional skills and their PhD program as part of the core curriculum courses.

The program includes the possibility of taught courses (during the first year) to support the development of postgraduate research students, to extend and test their knowledge in their research discipline.

Each student will be required to formally pass a comprehensive exam at the second year and defend their PhD proposal at the end of the third semester.
The program will then progress into a period dedicated to their research topic, from which a demonstrable original contribution to the knowledge pool will be assessed.

Continuation into a 5th year is possible upon approval and may come with specific requisites and stipulations.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-08-14 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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Credits

240 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Physics

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.

Get your student insurance now

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) and master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, to be determined by the Admissions Committee (Admission Committee is in charge to decide what discipline is relevant or not).
a minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.00 in their highest degree;
two confidential letters of recommendation in English (or with notarized English translation).
a statement of purpose not exceeding 1000 words, explaining the motivation to enroll on the Ph.D program in Physics, and the tentative choice of the research subject;

strong reading, analytical and mathematical skills as demonstrated by GRE test (optional). Although an official GRE score is not an essential requirement, an applicant can enhance her/his application with a competitive GRE score;
a curriculum vitae (up to two A4 pages);

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.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Physics.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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