Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Campus: Astana, Kazakhstan
Language: English
Delivery mode: Full time, on-campus
Duration: 4 years
Total ECTS credit: 240
Language: English
Delivery mode: Full time, on-campus
Duration: 4 years
Total ECTS credit: 240
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Economics (BAE) degree program will offer a unique blend of required and elective courses that give students a solid theoretical background and overview of different economic fields. It aims to provide excellent training in the core economic theory and different fields within Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. The program is designed to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills for successful careers in the business and government sectors and graduate studies in Economics, Business Administration, International Relations, Law, and many others. The department will offer students to choose Economics as their major or minor. Economics students may pursue a standard Economics major or a math-intensive version of the same major. The math-intensive version provides additional training in sophisticated methods useful in modeling and forecasting complex market behavior. The Economics department also allows non-economics students to declare an Economics Minor. Students majoring in Economics must take six core courses and seven elective courses at 300- and 400- levels. To get a minor in Economics, students must complete five core courses and two elective courses at any level.
The BAE program is designed to be completed in four years. The strength of the program is in the large number of scholars who are experts in different areas of Economics. The program is rounded out by the overall BA curriculum in SSH which ensures that our students take a mix of mathematics, science, history, philosophy, and other classes to given them a well-rounded liberal arts education.
The BAE program is designed to be completed in four years. The strength of the program is in the large number of scholars who are experts in different areas of Economics. The program is rounded out by the overall BA curriculum in SSH which ensures that our students take a mix of mathematics, science, history, philosophy, and other classes to given them a well-rounded liberal arts education.
Program Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Develop critical thinking by applying economic analysis to everyday phenomena and to the evaluation of economic policies, to identify and understand the role of assumptions in theoretical and empirical arguments.
- Develop quantitative skills in order to evaluate the validity of economic arguments by the use of empirical evidence, apply statistical methods to the analysis of economic data.
- Develop problem-solving skills to analyze and evaluate behavior and outcomes by using economic concepts and methods.
- Acquire specialized knowledge in different fields of the discipline.
- Communicate effectively by written and oral form using the competencies acquired throughout their studies.
BA in Economics program runs 4 years (8 semesters) where you are required to complete 240 ECTS credits.
Economics requirements:
Introduction to Microeconomics
Introduction to Macroeconomics
Economic Statistics
Intermediate Microeconomics
Intermediate Macroeconomics
Econometrics I
General Economics Electives (300 level economics electives)
Advanced Economics Electives (400 and higher level economics electives)
Introduction to Microeconomics
Introduction to Macroeconomics
Economic Statistics
Intermediate Microeconomics
Intermediate Macroeconomics
Econometrics I
General Economics Electives (300 level economics electives)
Advanced Economics Electives (400 and higher level economics electives)
Distribution requirements:
Two Kazakh courses
History of Kazakhstan
Ethics course
Writing and Communication
Four Humanities Electives
Three Social Science electives
Natural Sciences and Math
Computer Science course
Business course
Any courses from SSH or SEDS
Two Kazakh courses
History of Kazakhstan
Ethics course
Writing and Communication
Four Humanities Electives
Three Social Science electives
Natural Sciences and Math
Computer Science course
Business course
Any courses from SSH or SEDS
The Minor in Quantitative Finance is designed to give students indispensable economic and mathematical tools used in modern finance. You will learn how to apply mathematical models to concrete real-world financial scenarios ranging from valuing complex financial instruments such as futures and options, to uncovering market trends and managing risk. Whether your aspirations lie in investment banking, risk management, or financial analysis, this Minor will boost your future career.
Students can apply for the Minor in Quantitative Finance at the end of the Fall of their 3rd year. The deadline to apply for the Minor is at the end of the Fall of their 4th year.
The requirement for the Minor declaration is the completion of the following courses:·
Section A Economics courses, at least one course (B+ and above):
Students can apply for the Minor in Quantitative Finance at the end of the Fall of their 3rd year. The deadline to apply for the Minor is at the end of the Fall of their 4th year.
The requirement for the Minor declaration is the completion of the following courses:·
- ECON101 Introduction to Microeconomics (B- and above)·
- MATH161 Calculus I (B- and above)·
- ECON201 Intermediate Microeconomics (B- and above)·
- ECON 211 Economic Statistics (B- and above)·
- One ECON Elective from Section A below (B+ and above)
Section A Economics courses, at least one course (B+ and above):
- ECON320 Money and Banking
- ECON326 The Economics of Financial Markets
- ECON337 Empirical Finance
- ECON414 Advanced Monetary Policy
- ECON418 Corporate Finance and Governance
- MATH323 Actuarial Mathematics I
- MATH423 Actuarial Mathematics II
- MATH424 Mathematical Finance
- MATH425 Stochastic Processes
- MATH455 Stochastic Calculus
The Minor in Economics provides students with a foundational understanding of economic principles, theories, and analysis techniques without requiring the extensive coursework of a major. This Minor is designed for students from diverse backgrounds (STEM, humanities, engineering, etc) interested in leveraging their technical or soft skills to build a career in fields such as business, management, economics and finance, public policy, and more.
Students can apply for the Minor in Economics starting from the 3-year of studies. The requirement for the Minor declaration is the completion of the following courses by the end of their 5th semester:
• ECON101 Introduction to Microeconomics
• ECON102 Introduction to Macroeconomics
• MATH161 Calculus I
• ECON201 Intermediate Microeconomics
• ECON202 Intermediate Macroeconomics
Students will need to receive a minimum of B- in ECON101, ECON102, and MATH161. Moreover, students must receive a minimum of B- in ECON101, ECON102, and MATH161.
To confirm the Minor in Economics, the students must have completed 42 credits outlined in the table below by the end of their studies. The passing grade for Introduction to Microeconomics and Introduction to Macroeconomics must be aminimum of B-. For non-Economics students, the combination of MATH321 Probability and MATH322 MathematicalStatistics/MATH310 Applied Statistical Methods is counted as a prerequisite for Econometrics I.
Course Categories
Elementary Economics Courses 12
Students can apply for the Minor in Economics starting from the 3-year of studies. The requirement for the Minor declaration is the completion of the following courses by the end of their 5th semester:
• ECON101 Introduction to Microeconomics
• ECON102 Introduction to Macroeconomics
• MATH161 Calculus I
• ECON201 Intermediate Microeconomics
• ECON202 Intermediate Macroeconomics
Students will need to receive a minimum of B- in ECON101, ECON102, and MATH161. Moreover, students must receive a minimum of B- in ECON101, ECON102, and MATH161.
To confirm the Minor in Economics, the students must have completed 42 credits outlined in the table below by the end of their studies. The passing grade for Introduction to Microeconomics and Introduction to Macroeconomics must be aminimum of B-. For non-Economics students, the combination of MATH321 Probability and MATH322 MathematicalStatistics/MATH310 Applied Statistical Methods is counted as a prerequisite for Econometrics I.
Course Categories
Elementary Economics Courses 12
- 6 credits Introduction to Microeconomics
- 6 credits Introduction to Macroeconomics
- 6 credits Intermediate Microeconomics
- 6 credits Intermediate Macroeconomics
- 6 credits Econometrics I
- Any courses
Careers in Economics
Our graduates are employed in private and public sectors in Kazakhstan and abroad. Below is a short list of some employers:
- Big 4 companies: Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC
- Big 3 and other consulting companies: McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company, Accenture, Oliver Wyman, Kearney
- Energy companies: Chevron Corporation, Eni S.p.A, ERG, TotalEnergies
- Banks and financial companies: Astana International Financial Centre, Freedom Holding Corp., Halyk Bank, Jusan Bank, Kaspiy Bank
- Other private companies: BAT, Beeline, General Electric, JTI, Mars, Philip Morris, Procter & Gamble, Tele2, Wabtec Corporation
- International organizations: World Bank, UN
- Public sector in Kazakhstan: National Bank of Kazakhstan, Samruk-Kazyna
Entry Requirements
Minimum requirements of language test results:
Additional requirements:
| Writing | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Overall |
Academic IELTS | 6.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 6.0 |
TOEFL iBT | 21 | 8 | 7 | 16 | 60 |
Additional requirements:
- There is no minimum requirements for winners of International or/and Republican Subject Olympiads for IELTS/TOEFL IBT;
- Superscoring does not apply to IELTS/TOEFL;
- IELTS Online or IELTS Indicator, TOEFL iBT Home Edition or TOEFL PDT are not considered;
- IELTS/TOEFL test certificates are considered valid if their results do not expire by the 1st of August of the relevant academic year to which Applicants are applying. Results of a test, taken before August 1, 2023, are not considered in the competition.
- Applicants recommended for admission to the Undergraduate program with IELTS certificates equal to 6.0 overall shall comply with certain conditions for study according to the internal documents of the University
Regular Entry Requirements
Regular Requirement | Minimum Score | Notes |
English Proficiency Test | IELTS Overall: 6.0; 6.0 - Writing, 5.5 - Listening, Speaking, Reading TOEFL iBT Overall: 60; Writing: 21; Reading: 8; Speaking: 16; Listening: 7 | - Paid at your own expense - IELTS/TOEFL tests are considered without superscoring - IELTS/TOEFL tests must be taken in person at the test center (not remotely) - You can provide improved language test scores later. The deadline will be available on the website. |
GPA or equivalent** and/or UNT in English*** | GPA: 4.0 out of 5.0 UNT: 1. Mathematical literacy: 8 out of 10 2. Reading literacy: 8 out of 10 3. Overall: 85 | - Applicants recommended for admission to the undergraduate program shall comply with certain conditions for study according to the internal documents of the university. - **Other grading scales shall be converted to a GPA 5.0 scale for equivalency. - ***Only the last provided certificate before the deadline will be considered. Superscoring is not applicable. |
Financial aid & scholarships
NUET applicants
Minimum entry requirements for NUET applicants category
NUET (NU Entrance Test) – test that evaluates academic training for studying at the University
SAT/ACT applicants
Minimum entry requirements for SAT/ACT applicants category
SAT/ACT test results are valid if their results do not expire by the 1st of August of the relevant academic year to which Applicants are applying. Within this admission competition, the SAT and ACT certificates expiration period is two years.
*SAT/ACT certificates are considered without superscoring.
**Only Digital SAT test is considered in the competition.
IB Diploma holders*
Minimum entry requirements for IВ Diploma holders**
*Only IB Diploma holders who have the final results of IB Diploma by the deadline of application period can participate in the competition under this category (Within this admission competition, IB diploma expiration period is two years). Diplomas of 2023 and 2024 years are considered in the competition.
**IB Diploma holders also may choose to participate in the competition by the one of the following categories: “SAT/ACT applicants” or “NUET applicants” or "Winners of International or/and Republican Subject Olympiads (see the minimum requirements for these categories on the website)
A-level/NIS Grade 12 Certificate holders*
Minimum entry requirements for A-level/NIS Grade 12 Certificate holders**
*Only A-level/NIS Grade 12 Certificate holders who have the final results of A-level/NIS Grade 12 Certificate by the deadline of application period can participate in the competition under this category (Within this admission competition, A-level and NIS grade 12 Certificate expiration period is two years). Certificates of 2023 and 2024 are considered in the competition.
**A-level/NIS Grade 12 Certificate holders also may choose to participate in the competition by the one of the following categories: “SAT/ACT applicants” or “NUET applicants” or "Winners of International or/and Republican Subject Olympiads" (see the minimum requirements for these categories on the website).
Winners of International or/and Republican Subject Olympiads
List of International Subject Olympiads
*Applicants can apply with both Republican and International Olympiads
Minimum requirements for the winners of the International or/and Republican Subject Olympiads category
Minimum entry requirements for NUET applicants category
Exam |
|
NUET | 120 total score and 50,50 passing scores per subject (Mathematics, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving) for participation in the competition. Applicants with a minimum passing score can be considered for NUFYP program |
Interview | At the request of the School |
NUET (NU Entrance Test) – test that evaluates academic training for studying at the University
- NUET is held in 2 subject sections - Mathematics and Critical Thinking & Problem Solving.
- Number of questions – 60.
- Test content – multiple-choice questions.
- Test duration – 120 minutes. Minimum passing score – determined by the Admissions Committee
- Test results are available in 6 weeks in a Personal account.
- The number of tasks and duration of the entry examination are subject for change by Test administrators.
- Information about access to the entry examination is placed in the applicant’s Personal account.
- Applicants are informed about examination date and venue, information on format, as well as required documents and Rules of conduct during the examination via email one week prior to the exams.
- If a violation of rules or conditions of passing the test occurs, the applicant's results are cancelled. In this case, the applicant is excluded from the competition. Disqualified applicants will not be able to enroll to NU in the future.
- There is no appeal procedure.
- NUET for all applicants is free of charge
SAT/ACT applicants
Minimum entry requirements for SAT/ACT applicants category
Exam |
|
Digital SAT Reasoning Test** or ACT | Digital SAT Reasoning Test – 1240 OR ACT – 26 composite score |
Interview | At the request of the School |
*SAT/ACT certificates are considered without superscoring.
**Only Digital SAT test is considered in the competition.
IB Diploma holders*
Minimum entry requirements for IВ Diploma holders**
Diploma |
|
IB Diploma results | 30 total score and 4, 4, 5 for 3 subjects of HL |
Interview | At the request of the School |
**IB Diploma holders also may choose to participate in the competition by the one of the following categories: “SAT/ACT applicants” or “NUET applicants” or "Winners of International or/and Republican Subject Olympiads (see the minimum requirements for these categories on the website)
A-level/NIS Grade 12 Certificate holders*
Minimum entry requirements for A-level/NIS Grade 12 Certificate holders**
Certificate |
|
A-level/NIS 12 Grade Certificate results | not less than ABB for any subjects |
Interview | At the request of the School |
**A-level/NIS Grade 12 Certificate holders also may choose to participate in the competition by the one of the following categories: “SAT/ACT applicants” or “NUET applicants” or "Winners of International or/and Republican Subject Olympiads" (see the minimum requirements for these categories on the website).
Winners of International or/and Republican Subject Olympiads
List of International Subject Olympiads
- International Mathematics Olympiad – IMO
- International Physics Olympiad – IPHO
- International Chemistry Olympiad -IChO
- International Biology Olympiad IBO
- International Olympiad in Informatics – IOI
- International Zhautykov Olympiad in Mathematics, Physics and Informatics
- International Mendeleyev Chemistry Olympiad
- Republican Mathematics Olympiad
- Republican Physics Olympiad
- Republican Chemistry Olympiad
- Republican Biology Olympiad
- Republican Informatics Olympiad
*Applicants can apply with both Republican and International Olympiads
Minimum requirements for the winners of the International or/and Republican Subject Olympiads category
Type of Olympiad | Medal type | Interview |
Republic Olympiad | gold and silver medals (I, II place) for the current academic year | Required |
International Olympiad* | gold, silver and bronze medals (I, II, III place) for the last three years |
Important dates for those who are applying for the 2025-2026 academic year
Online application deadlines for Masters programs:
For all types of grants:
For all types of grants:
First day of classes: August 2025
For all types of grants:
- Citizens of Kazakhstan: available until January 23, 2025, 2:00 P.M. (Astana time).
- International applicants: available until March 3, 2025, 2:00 P.M. (Astana time).
- Citizens of Kazakhstan: available until June 25, 2025, 2:00 P.M. (Astana time).
- International applicants from countries requiring a visa prior to arrival: available until March 27, 2025, 2:00 P.M. (Astana time).
- International applicants from countries eligible for visa issuance upon arrival: available until June 25, 2025, 2:00 P.M. (Astana time).
For all types of grants:
- Citizens of Kazakhstan: February 3, 2025
- International applicants: March 4, 2025
- Citizens of Kazakhstan: July 4, 2025
- Applicants from countries requiring a visa prior to arrival: March 31, 2025
- Applicants from countries eligible for visa issuance upon arrival: June 26, 2025
First day of classes: August 2025
Tuition fees
Undergraduate Degree Programs
The tuition fee for the undergraduate programs is $15,000 (7 665 000 KZT) for the 2025/2026 academic year for both local and international students.
To learn more about tuition fees please contact bursars_office@nu.edu.kz.
There are merit-based Abay Kunanbayev scholarships for top international applicants recommended for admission.
To learn more about financial aid and scholarship requirements, please visit nu.edu.kz
The tuition fee for the undergraduate programs is $15,000 (7 665 000 KZT) for the 2025/2026 academic year for both local and international students.
To learn more about tuition fees please contact bursars_office@nu.edu.kz.
There are merit-based Abay Kunanbayev scholarships for top international applicants recommended for admission.
To learn more about financial aid and scholarship requirements, please visit nu.edu.kz
How to Apply?
Applicants must go through the online application to participate in the competition:
Step 1. Create your Personal Account
Go to the http://admissions.nu.edu.kz portal and press the “Sign Up” button and fill out the required information in English. Please select the undergraduate program during choosing the academic level.
After completing the application, confirm it by clicking on the link sent to your mailbox.
Be sure to read the instructions about the application procedure given in your personal account.
Applicants meeting the following eligibility criteria can take part in the competition:
1. Students in the final year of secondary education institutions, technical, vocational, post-secondary and higher education institutions;
2. Students studying in higher education institutions;
3. Graduates from secondary, post-secondary or higher education institutions.
Step 2. Fill out the application form
Open the Foundation and Undergraduate Programs link at the “My Application Forms” page and fill out the Foundation and Undergraduate Application Form that includes a consent form for personal data processing. Make sure you have entered all the required information in the correct manner and press the “Upload” button.
Step 3. Submit the required documents
After filling out the application form, you are required to upload to your personal account:
1. a scanned copy of proof of your studies at a final grade/course with a photo (according to the template in a personal account in one of the languages) or a scanned version of a certificate/diploma with transcripts if you have already completed a relevant level of study.
2. a scanned copy of national ID card and/or passport. The copies from eGov or any other platforms/electronic services are not accepted. Important: to take the entry exam, an applicant must have an original of a passport or a national identity card that was uploaded to a personal account;
Upload a 3*4 photo for documents to the “Profile” section in your personal account.
1. a scanned copy of proof of your studies at a final grade/course with a photo (according to the template in a personal account in one of the languages) or a scanned version of a certificate/diploma with transcripts if you have already completed a relevant level of study.
2. a scanned copy of national ID card and/or passport. The copies from eGov or any other platforms/electronic services are not accepted. Important: to take the entry exam, an applicant must have an original of a passport or a national identity card that was uploaded to a personal account;
Upload a 3*4 photo for documents to the “Profile” section in your personal account.
The format of requested documents is available in the personal account.
Step 4. Pay the application fee and submit the application
To finalize the application process, please click on the "PAY AND SUBMIT APPLICATION" button in your personal account under the "My Application Forms" section. The application fee shall be paid online through the payment options available in the personal account. The use of other payment methods for the application fee are not acceptable.
The application fee is 10 000 tenge. The application fee is increased 3 times from the established amount when paid within the last two weeks before the first officially-approved deadline and during the extension period for accepting applications for participation in the admission process (30 000 tenge). The application fee is non-refundable, irrespective of the application outcome or payment errors.
If you don't have a personal card, you may use the card of another person.
After submission, applicants cannot make any changes in their applications and submitted documents.
The application fee is 10 000 tenge. The application fee is increased 3 times from the established amount when paid within the last two weeks before the first officially-approved deadline and during the extension period for accepting applications for participation in the admission process (30 000 tenge). The application fee is non-refundable, irrespective of the application outcome or payment errors.
If you don't have a personal card, you may use the card of another person.
After submission, applicants cannot make any changes in their applications and submitted documents.
The Admissions Department will check your application and contact you if there is an issue with the application or specify if some documents are missing and deadlines to submit them. Incomplete or incorrect (uncorrected) applications will not be considered in the competition.
Step 5. Submit IELTS/TOEFL certificate (only after paying the application fee and submitting the application)
In order to provide IELTS/TOEFL certificates, applicants should fulfill the following requirements:
Take care when entering information regarding codes for test certificate submission via the test administrator or the test center. See below:
- To send an official electronic report of valid IELTS/TOEFL certificate via the test administrator directly to NU;
- To upload its scanned copy and insert its TRF number to the “Upload IELTS/TOEFL results” section of a personal account. Applicants can submit any number of certificates for the competition, but the last certificate uploaded to their personal account will be considered.
Take care when entering information regarding codes for test certificate submission via the test administrator or the test center. See below:
- Code for IELTS: NU, Admissions Department
- Code for TOEFL iBT: 6762
- Minimum requirements for language test results are available in the “Entry examinations and requirements” section;
- Tests taken remotely, not in the Test Center, such as IELTS Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition and TOEFL PDT results are not considered in the competition;
- All provided certificates must be valid by August 1, 2025 - the beginning of the respective academic year.
- Deadline for submission of IELTS/TOEFL certificates is available in the “Important dates” section.
Please note that submission of IELTS/TOEFL certificates in the electronic database of NU is not within the competence of the university. You should independently contact the test center and make sure that your certificate has been sent. Please note that this action takes at least 7-10 working days. If the certificate is received after the deadline specified by the Admissions Department, results will not be considered in the competition.
Further steps
Please check your email 1-2 weeks before the NUET exam – the information about the upcoming exam date, time and venue along with exam rules will be sent there.
Please keep in mind that sometimes letters from the university may go to the spam box.
Apply Now
Follow our step-by-step process to complete your online application.
- Check the admissions requirements
- Click Apply Now to go to the University's Admissions portal
- Create an account and choose your desired Academic level and program
- Complete the application form and attach required documents
- Pay an application fee and Finish the application process
Take the first step.
Fill out the form to start the conversation, and one of our program specialists will follow up with you directly. You'll also receive a link to download our guides and program information emails.