Master of Science in Life Sciences
"Biology is the most powerful technology ever created. DNA is software, protein are hardware, cells are factories"
- Arvind Gupta
What is MSc in Life Sciences?
The Master of Science in Life Sciences program is designed for graduates from biological sciences, biochemistry, and cellular and molecular biology programs. The degree program is based on the highest international standards and the unique research infrastructure of NU. This program serves the needs of students with a strong undergraduate biology background with an interest in fundamental research, biomedical sciences, and synthetic biology. It provides distinctive training in quanititative biology and modern research methods.
The program aligns with the Modernization 3.0 strategy to train a professional, competitive workforce able to succeed nationally and internationally and to promote research and development in Kazakhstan. Unique in Kazakhstan because of its interdisciplinary focus and integrated research, teaching and innovation approach.
The program complies with Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area (Bologna Working Group, 2005)
The program aligns with the Modernization 3.0 strategy to train a professional, competitive workforce able to succeed nationally and internationally and to promote research and development in Kazakhstan. Unique in Kazakhstan because of its interdisciplinary focus and integrated research, teaching and innovation approach.
The program complies with Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area (Bologna Working Group, 2005)
2 years, Cycle 2, Level 7, 120 ECTS
Program Learning Outcomes
- Scientific Problem Solving in Life SciencesIdentify, formulate, and solve broadly scientific problems by applying scientific knowledge in life sciences1
- Experimental Execution and Data AnalysisConduct in the areas of life sciences experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data and use scientific judgment to draw conclusions2
- Teamwork and Project Management SkillsFunction effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty3
- Effective Scientific CommunicationCommunicate effectively with a range of audiences4
- Ethics and Impact in Life SciencesUnderstand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of scientific and technological solutions in life sciences in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts5
- Design of Experiments and ProceduresFormulate or design in relation to life sciences a procedure, experimental plan, or a workflow to meet desired needs6
MSc in Life Sciences Courses
The curriculum of the program consists of three different types of courses:
- Core pillar courses (18+ ECTS),
- Elective pillar courses (24 ECTS),
- Research pillar courses (Thesis Research and Thesis Dissertation; 180 ECTS).
What is after MSc in Life Sciences?
Alumna of MSc in Chemistry pursue further education or careers in top local and international organizations
- PhD StudiesPostgraduate studies in world-class universities globally
- IndustryLocal or international industry
Research or laboratory employee - PositionsResearchers
Research assistants
Laboratory technician
Biological technician
Got Interested? Check Useful Information Below
Regular Admission Requirements
1. An undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
2. High level of English proficiency.
3. Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills as demonstrated by GRE test (optional).
- A minimum CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 (or equivalent).
- Final year students may submit the official transcript showing current courses during the application period for consideration.
2. High level of English proficiency.
- Academic IELTS – overall 6.0 (writing 6.0, reading 5.5, listening 5.5, speaking 5.5) or the equivalent TOEFL (except Home edition) score as posted on the ETS website;
- Applicants, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, may be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
- One of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country where English is the language of official communication, academic instruction, and daily life;
- An undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program officially taught in English.
3. 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 their application with a competitive GRE score.
Financial aid and scholarship requirements
Applicants applying to the program are expected to have:
– an undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program which was officially taught in English.
- An undergraduate degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent). During the application period, final year students may submit the official current transcript for consideration.
- A minimum CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 (or equivalent).
- High level of English proficiency. The absolute minimum requirement for English language proficiency test reports for admission to the program is:
- 1. Academic IELTS – overall 6.0 (writing 6.0, reading 5.5, listening 5.5, speaking 5.5) or the equivalent TOEFL (except the home edition) score as posted on the ETS website;
- 2. Applicants, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:
– an undergraduate and/or graduate degree was earned in a program which was officially taught in English.
- Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills as demonstrated by the 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.
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
Application package checklist
All submitted documents shall be in English or with notarized English translation:
Master of Science in Life Sciences |
National ID (for the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan) and passport (for international applicants) |
Official document confirming name change (if applicable) |
Bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree diploma with transcript; During the application period final year students may upload an official current transcript for consideration |
An official electronic IELTS/TOEFL certificate (valid at the time of document submission) sent to the University through IELTS/TOEFL VERIFICATION SERVICES. Code for IELTS: NU. Code for TOEFL: 6762 |
Document confirming English as the language of instruction (only for applicants who earned their degree in a program which was taught in English and request an exemption from submitting IELTS or TOEFL). Applicants should provide a detailed certificate/reference from the university indicating the number and list of subjects completed in English |
Curriculum vitae (up to 1 page) |
GRE certificate valid as of the date of online documents submission (if applicable) |
Tuition fees
The tuition fee for Master’s Degree Programs is $16,000 (8 176 000 KZT) per one academic year for both local and international students.
All fees apply for the 2024/2025 academic year.
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
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.