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The program is unique in Kazakhstan because of its interdisciplinary focus and integrated research, communications and innovation approach. Starting from the first semester students interact closely with faculty and become members of a research team. Guided by the supervisor who acts also as a research advisor, the student will be immersed in an educational, teaching, innovation and research program to gain expertise and skills to transform biological data into biological information and knowledge, and to facilitate organizational decision-making in technology and data-rich situations. Graduates of the program will be highly qualified life sciences professionals who are expected to enter careers in academia, education or research and development in the private industry or government organizations.

Life Sciences is a rapidly growing interdisciplinary area of sciences that aligns with priority science and technology needs for the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Ph.D. program can be compared in scope and structure to available programs in internationally leading academic institutions. The Ph.D. in Life Sciences will provide excellent instruction in core and elective subjects and will train modern high-quality life science experts which are in high demand for both existing as well as anticipated industries in Kazakhstan. The program’s research focus in combination with pedagogical training that is in compliance with the Graduate Programs Framework of Nazarbayev University (NU) has the potential to attract regional and international students to the program.

Applicants applying to the Ph.D. in Life Sciences are expected to have:

An undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) and master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, to be determined by the Admissions Committee (Admission Committee is in charge to decide what discipline is relevant or not).
During the application period, final-year students may submit their official current transcript for consideration. Applicants may be enrolled conditionally based on evidence from graduating from university the applicants have completed the educational program and the applicant expects formal issuance of the final transcript and/or diploma by a certain date. In that case, the decision on enrollment shall prescribe the period of time within which the applicants shall provide the necessary documents to the University.
Applicants who obtained their degree diplomas/certificates from foreign education institutions must request their official transcripts to be sent directly to the Admissions Department of the University. In exceptional cases that the foreign education institution does not provide such service, the transcript can be submitted to the Admissions Department directly by the applicant upon confirmation by the foreign education institution via corporate electronic mail. When applicants provide a certificate of nostrification of a diploma issued by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan or an apostilled document by a foreign educational institution, sending an official transcript directly to the University Admissions Department is not mandatory;

A minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.00 in their highest degree;

The absolute minimum requirement for English language proficiency test reports for admission to the Ph.D. program is: 

overall IELTS test score of 6.5 (with sub-score requirements no less than 6.0), or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website.
Applicants to the Program, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:

one of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country with English as the language of official communication, academic instruction, and daily life;

a Master’s degree or equivalent was earned in a program that was officially taught in English;

the applicant is a graduate of the University.

An official electronic score report of a valid IELTS/TOEFL certificate from the Test Administrator and its scanned copy (if applicable) must be submitted;

Two confidential letters of recommendation in English (or with a notarized English translation). One of the two recommendations must be written by a current or previous employer or research supervisor. The second referee may be chosen at the applicant’s discretion;

A statement of purpose not exceeding 500 words, explaining the motivation to enroll in the Ph.D. program in Life Sciences, and the tentative choice of the research subject;

Valid GRE Test Report (general test). An applicant must indicate University as a recipient when registering for the test. In case the applicant passed the test earlier, he/she can contact the test center and indicate Nazarbayev University as a recipient. Although an official GRE score is not an essential requirement, an applicant can enhance her/his application with a competitive GRE score;

The relevance of the academic and experiential background, and the equivalency and appropriateness of earlier degrees, will be determined by the Admissions Committee.

Application package checklist for the Ph.D. in Life Sciences program

Complete the Application form for Ph.D. in Life Sciences program;

Undergraduate and graduate degree diplomas/certificates with transcripts (with notarized English translation);

Official electronic score report of valid Academic IELTS or TOEFL certificates from the Test Administrator. IELTS or TOEFL certificate is valid as of the date of online document submission (if applicable). An applicant must indicate University as a recipient when registering for the test. In case the applicant passed the test earlier, he/she can contact the test center and indicate the University as a recipient. Applicants can provide an official electronic score report of valid Academic IELTS or TOEFL IBT certificates from the Test Administrator and its scanned copy;

Document confirming English as the language of instruction (only for applicants who earned their degree in a program that was taught in English and request an exemption from submitting IELTS or TOEFL);

Official electronic score report of valid GRE test reports/certificates (optional). GRE test reports/certificates valid as of the date of online documents submission to the Ph.D. in Life Sciences program;

Two confidential letters of recommendation in English (with notarized English translation) written within the last 12 months (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy);

A statement of purpose not exceeding 500 words, explaining the motivation to enroll in the Ph.D. in Life Sciences program, and the tentative choice of the research subject;

Consent for Prospective Student’s/Student’s/Graduate’s personal data processing.

Applicants recommended for admission must provide hard copies of IELTS and GRE results (if applicable) as requested by the Admissions Department.

Admissions Option 2

Merit-based scholarships. Scholarships for International students are available.

Scholarships and Funding Option 2

BIOL 720 Statistical Methods in Life Sciences*

BIOL 750 Structural and Molecular Biology in Health and Disease*

(*) Courses may be waived according to the Regulatory Framework for Graduate Programs and Courses for NU graduates who have completed coursework at EQF level 7 or 8 with a minimum grade of B+ and replaced by EQF level 8 courses (core or elective) selected in consultation with the student’s academic advisors supervisory and approved by the departmental curriculum committee.

(**) All participating Schools and Departments with EQF level 8 courses.

Curriculum

In the industrial and academic environment in the positions of university faculty members, senior researchers, engineers, and product developers.

Research Assistant or Teaching Assistant positions are available

Career Opportunities

Gallery

2350 - 11 750 USD depending on a discount applied.

Program Tuition Fees Option 2

Facilities Option 1

Student Testimonials Option 1

Master

Life Sciences

Located in Astana, Kazakhstan, in Central Asia, Nazarbayev University is a research university with growing international renown combining education and innovation on a state-of-the-art 21st-century campus. NU scholars conduct research in a variety of fields and bring the most ambitious projects to life. Research is supported by internal and external funds each year and carried out in modern laboratories. English is the language of instruction and research at Nazarbayev University, and admission and progression systems are entirely merit-based.

PhD in Life Sciences

Introduction

Strategic partner

Admissions

Scholarships and Funding

Curriculum

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Career Opportunities

Gallery

Program Tuition Fee

Facilities

Student Testimonials

About the School

Questions