Ph.D. Programme in the Graduate School of Education
Admission to the Ph.D. in Education programme of the Graduate School of Education (GSE) at Nazarbayev University is highly selective, and there is a competitive application process. In order to be considered for admission to the Ph.D. programme, an individual must have completed an undergraduate degree programme and a master’s degree programme master’s degree in an appropriate area of study, and be able to demonstrate a level of English proficiency sufficient to allow her or him to work in an English-medium academic environment.
Applicants must submit the following documents in English (or with a certified translation) for consideration for admission to the programme:
• Completed application form (online). Online application form is available at http://admissions.nu.edu.kz;
• Notarized copy of identity card or passport;
• Notarized copies of diplomas and transcripts (or equivalents) from all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate education;
• Copy of English language proficiency test reports (IELTS or TOEFL equivalent), valid for the application period, or evidence of being a fluent user of English. The minimum admission scores are 7.0 on the IELTS test (with no score less than 6.0 in any subsection) for admission, or the equivalent;
• Copy of the valid GRE scores (if available);
• A personal statement outlining the applicant’s reasons for wishing to enroll in the Ph.D. programme, her or his long-term career objectives, and how the Ph.D. would help her or him to achieve these objectives;
• A research proposal, outlining the background, aims, methods and significance of a research topic the applicant would like to pursue in the Graduate School of Education. The maximum length should be 6 pages. (Note: If successful, applicants may change their research focus after entry.)
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are able to comment on the abilities of the candidate in academic and/or professional settings and are familiar with the applicant’s achievements and future aspirations.
Applicants whose applications are initially judged to be competitive will be asked to participate in an interview with the Admissions Committee, either live on campus or by Skype.