Language: English
Delivery mode: Full time, on-campus
Duration: 4 years
Total ECTS credit: 240
Our graduates with a BSc in Physics degree from NU School of Sciences and Humanities are prepared for careers and graduate studies in the physical sciences and engineering in the country and abroad. Additionally, we expose our students to working environments through academic and industrial research to become graduates primed for careers and opportunities that require them to work among teams and exhibit sound communication skills.
Students will develop comprehensive understanding of the fundamental laws of physics, abstract reasoning ability and creative scientific approach supplemented by mathematical, computational and experimental skills. Students are also expected to develop a mature understanding of their personal strengths and interests in physics research and beyond.
- An ability to identify, formulate, and solve broadly defined technical or scientific problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and fundamental laws of physics to describe the physical world.
- An ability to formulate a physical process, procedure or program to meet desired needs.
- An ability to develop and conduct physical experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data and use scientific judgment to draw conclusions.
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- An ability to understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of physical solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
- An ability to function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty.
- Lead a successful career as scientifically and technologically well-informed and ethical graduate students, researchers, educators, academics, and entrepreneurs
- Contribute to technological growth, establishment of a knowledge-based economy, development of policies and decision-making in government agencies and public service in Kazakhstan
- Dedicate themselves to lifelong learning and continuing professional development to meet complex and rapidly evolving technological and societal challenges in the country and Internationally
Key features:
a) Research-intensive curriculum. Our students have the opportunity to enroll in courses that span theoretical, computational, and experimental physics, that will constitute the background for their future careers
b) Hands-on experience. Our students have the opportunity to gain practical experience in state-of-the-art laboratories and research projects
c) Elective Courses in Specialized Fields. In the final year, students can choose elective courses that allow them to explore various specialized areas of physics. These electives offer opportunities to delve into:
- Theoretical, computational, and observational astrophysics.
- Experimental research on innovative nano- and meta-materials.
- Theoretical and experimental investigations in nonlinear optics, lasers, accelerators, and molecular physics.
- This approach ensures students receive a comprehensive education while having the flexibility to pursue their specific interests within the overarching program.
Download Program Outline here
Equipped with a robust foundation in research-intensive physics and a diverse skill set, our graduates emerge as versatile problem solvers ready to excel in a multitude of fields. Below is a non-exhaustive list of possibilities showcasing the transferable nature of the skills developed in our program. Physics opens doors to countless career paths and opportunities:
● Research and development in natural sciences and engineering (NSE)
● Astronomy and Space Science
● Aerospace and Defense
● Geophysics and Seismology
● Climate and Meteorology
● Oil and Gas
● Water Resources management
● Hazardous waste management
● Mining
● Finance and Banking
● Telecommunications
● Big data
● Biotechnology
● High-performance computing
● Nuclear Energy
| 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 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. |
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 |
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
Please keep in mind that sometimes letters from the university may go to the spam box.
- 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.