Overview

The Civil Engineering program at Nazarbayev University focuses on the development of an in-depth understanding of the nature, implementation and evaluation of Civil Engineering principles and applications together with the growth of research skills.

The current areas of research interest for the PhD in Civil Engineering encompass a wide spectrum, with specific focus on priority areas for Kazakhstan, such as: energy green growth, urban and regional development, environmental care and equitable management, advanced transportation and sustainable engineering and digitalization.

Program Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the program, the students will be able to:

Review, analyse, and evaluate the body of scientific literature in their field of study in Civil Engineering.
Select appropriate research topics in their field of study in Civil Engineering, and generate hypotheses about such topics.
Plan, develop, analyse and communicate research in writing and verbally independently.
Make an original contribution to the knowledge in their area of specialization within Civil Engineering.
Judge technically and ethically and relate their research to the broader field of knowledge in their Civil Engineering sub-discipline.
Develop their academic/scholarly career through presentations, publications, and national and international networking.

Programme Structure

The program provides comprehensive technologic and scientific preparation for engineers in 6 (six) key areas:

Structural Engineering and Materials;

Geotechnical Engineering;

Environmental Engineering;

Construction Management;

Transportation Engineering and

Water Resources and Management, in perfect alignment with today´s technological challenges.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-02 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-31 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

46

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

5.5

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Astana, Kazakhstan

Disciplines

Civil Engineering & Construction

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Academic requirements

GPA

Required

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

46

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

5.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

An undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
A Master’s degree or equivalent
A competitive CGPA in applicant’s Master’s (or equivalent) degree.
High level of English proficiency
Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills as demonstrated by GRE test (recommended);
High motivation and strong interest in the Program as outlined in a statement of purpose;
Relevant research interest and knowledge of research subject as demonstrated in a written research proposal;
Resume;
Two letters of recommendation (one from academic source).

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Nazarbayev University and/or in Kazakhstan, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

23500 USD / year

≈ 23500 USD / year

Living costs

Astana

Kazakhstan

151250 - 222349 KZT / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.