Each executive and sponsoring organization will have unique goals and perspectives that they bring to the program. The NU EMBA recognizes that the most successful EMBA students will be able to apply their education immediately at the workplace. To encourage this process each student will be required to work on a thesis that directly relates to their career objectives and which will be evaluated by NU faculty. Through this opportunity, the sponsoring organization has an ability to customize the education to have immediate and real application.

While your organization will need to part with your EMBA students during weekend programs and international residencies, their learning will be immediately applicable to the workplace upon their return. We encourage employers to be sensitive to the demands of the program, so as to realize the highest return on their investment.

The program requires a significant investment of time and attention. Students enrolled in this program successfully balance their significant professional and personal responsibilities with the rigors of the academic curriculum. Students are expected to spend substantial time each week on academics. Every EMBA student manages their time differently; some study for a few hours each day while others may study during weekends. It’s important to find a routine that works for each EMBA student, their team, family, and colleagues. Gaining the support of significant other, family, and co-workers – will be key to success. Some companies help to alleviate workload by providing their employees with additional support (e.g., staff support, time off), but most EMBA students can expect no relief in their responsibilities.

The program consists of 12 core courses, 3 electives, and 1 project/thesis. The core courses cover the foundation of a general management education: finance, operations, marketing, strategy, accounting, and leadership. The electives allow EMBA students to enhance skills in areas such as entrepreneurship, investments, negotiations, accounting, and operations. The project/thesis requires each EMBA student to apply this education to his/her career.

Success in the EMBA program demands a high-level mastery of quantitative skills, however, quantitative excellence alone is not sufficient as the program requires EMBA students to use and improve leadership, management, and other qualitative skills necessary in today’s global business environment.

Yes, attendance at all courses and residencies is a requirement. It is a program which requires you to move step by step at the same time as your classmates and you are required to move through the curriculum with your classmates. In areas in which a particular EMBA student has experience, he/ she is able to make a major contribution to the conversation in class, as well as in group work.

The NU EMBA program is an immersive and intense learning experience. Even if the EMBA student is a resident of Astana, he/she must live on campus during the weekend residencies or course delivery during course delivery. Residency adds to the group learning environment, and is essential for EMBA students to fully absorb the learning objectives for each course.

During the first week of the study, we provide a nine day orientation which part of it will focus on using necessary technology. Most EMBA students are comfortable with word processing, e-mail and the internet; now spreadsheets, electronic bulletin boards and other electronic tools become essential. We recommend that you have basic skills, at least Excel, Word, PowerPoint to help you succeed.

Every student in the program needs a reliable laptop as well as a stable internet service provider (ISP). These tools are essential for completing the program requirements. Once you are accepted to the program, you will receive more details about computer and software requirements.