Nazarbayev University receives global accreditation

Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan has successfully completed its International Quality Review (IQR) and has been awarded global quality accreditation by QAA.

IQR comprises a rigorous process which benchmarks global higher education institutions against international quality assurance standards set out in Part 1 of the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG).

The review visit was conducted on 9-11 September 2024 by a team of three independent reviewers (including a student reviewer) appointed by QAA. The team concluded that Nazarbayev University meets the standards for International Quality Review and may therefore be granted QAA's global accreditation. 

Founded in Astana in 2010, Nazarbayev University comprises eight schools offering both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes: the School of Engineering and Digital Sciences; the School of Sciences and Humanities; the School of Medicine; the School of Mining and Geosciences; the Graduate School of Business; the Graduate School of Education; the Graduate School of Public Policy; and the Centre for Preparatory Studies. At the time of the review visit, there were 7,502 students studying at Nazarbayev University, including 272 international students from 32 countries – and 516 faculty members from 57 countries.

The IQR report identified six examples of good practice and made 14 recommendations for enhancement.

The areas of good practice listed by the IQR report included:

• strong collaborations with strategic partners to inform internal quality assurance;
• high levels of student engagement, including student representation on all committees in the governance structure;
• the university’s strong responsiveness to student feedback in programme design and delivery;
• the excellent range of campus facilities and services that enhance the student learning experience;
• the autonomy afforded to the university's Schools for the use of AI to inform innovation in learning and teaching;
• the university's diverse, varied, and extensive group of high-calibre international staff.

The review identified one condition, to be met within 12 months of the receipt of the initial report: that Nazarbayev University fully implement the Periodic Review Policy as soon as possible with sufficient emphasis on all programmes within the school. That condition was met by the submission of additional evidence from Nazarbayev University in May 2025.

President Waqar Ahmad, President of Nazarbayev University, said: 'The successful completion of the IQR signifies that Nazarbayev University adheres to the highest international standards of quality and governance in higher education. It underscores the sustained commitment to excellence by the entire university community of students, faculty and staff. As we celebrate our 15th anniversary, this achievement reflects our commitment to global standards of education, supported by world-class research, outstanding student experience and sector leading graduate employability.'

Piers Wall, QAA’s Head of International Quality Assurance and Enhancement, added: 'QAA is pleased to congratulate Nazarbayev University on its successful completion of its International Quality Review. We have very much enjoyed working with our colleagues in Kazakhstan, and we look forward to collaborating with them in the future.'

By securing IQR accreditation from QAA, institutions can clearly highlight their quality and standards internationally, and more easily start dialogues with institutions beyond their own regions.

You can read Nazarbayev University's full IQR report on our website, where you can also find out more about the IQR process and QAA International Membership. If you are interested in your institution seeking accreditation or international membership, and wish to discuss this further, please contact the QAA Global team at accreditation@qaa.ac.uk.