Overview

The program focuses on the enhancement of knowledge by advanced courses and development of research skills at a high level.

The Physics program of the Nazarbayev University especially focuses on priority areas for Kazakhstan, serving as a foundation for future high-tech industries and knowledge-based economy. By the completion of the PhD program, students will be capable of designing and conducting independent, innovative, original and high quality research on a variety of topics in Physics as well as interdisciplinary topics. In addition, program graduates will be prepared for working in industrial and academic environments including positions of university faculty members, senior researchers, high-tech entrepreneurs, engineers, product developers and science & technology policy makers

The Ph.D. program in Physics in the School of Sciences and Humanities at Nazarbayev University (NU SSH) is designed to provide advanced skills and knowledge base at an expert level for individuals planning a career in academia, industry, and research settings in Kazakhstan and abroad. The program focuses on the enhancement of knowledge through advanced courses and the development of research skills at a high level.

Career

The Ph.D. program in Physics especially focuses on priority areas for Kazakhstan, serving as a foundation for future high-tech industries and a knowledge-based economy. By the completion of the PhD program, students will be capable of designing and conducting independent, innovative, original and high quality research on a variety of topics in Physics as well as interdisciplinary topics.
In addition, program graduates will be prepared for working in industrial and academic environments including positions of university faculty members, senior researchers, high-tech entrepreneurs, engineers, product developers and science & technology policy makers.

Programme Structure

Course include:

Thesis Research
Classical Mechanics
Solid State Physics
Statistical Mechanics
Computational Modeling and Simulation

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

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

240 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Astana, Kazakhstan

Disciplines

Physics

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

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) 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).
a minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.00 in their highest degree;
two confidential letters of recommendation in English (or with notarized English translation).
a statement of purpose not exceeding 1000 words, explaining the motivation to enroll on the Ph.D program in Physics, and the tentative choice of the research subject;

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 her/his application with a competitive GRE score;
a curriculum vitae (up to two A4 pages);

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.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Physics.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Career

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Living costs

Astana

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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