Nazarbayev University Research Internship

The research internship at NU (NU RI) is a unique opportunity for scientific promotion, joint projects, or access to resources at the leading institution in Central Asia! The internship is also an opportunity for young scholars (Master's or PhD students or Postdoctoral Scholars) for research, or professional exchange of experience by attending classes or conducting joint research and implementing work assigned by a faculty supervisor.

ELIGIBILITY
Update in 2024г.
NU Schools may establish their specific requirements for accepting incoming interns, which should be approved by the Dean (English proficiency is highly recommended, with some exceptional cases, subject to the availability of proper supervision).
FEES
Update in 2024г.
The internship is provided on a fee-paying or non-fee-paying basis, which is resolved at the discretion of the Dean of the NU hosting School.

The cost for a fee-paying basis is determined within an agreement between NU and the partner institution / an intern or in an invoice issued to the partner institution / an intern, including terms of reference. Interns may be accommodated in on-campus housing upon availability of spaces.
PARTICIPATION
Update in 2024г.
The internship is organized following inter-institutional agreement or NU-Intern agreement and/or Confirmation Letter of Acceptance. Non-credit-bearing internships do not require formal enrollment.
For incoming applicants to the internship, the hosting NU School assigns a faculty member as a supervisor who is responsible for the safety and health induction and ensures the compliance of the intern with the health and safety rules established at NU. It is the responsibility of the intern to understand the specific policies of the School he/she is applying to.

Orientation and support for interns will be coordinated by respective NU Schools and other relevant units. The NU Department of Internationalization will support foreign applicants with the visa application process, registration with authorities, and other related issues. Upon completion of the research internship, a participant may receive a certificate of completion or a certificate of attendance issued by the corresponding School.
APPLICATION
Update in 2024г.
There are no fixed deadlines for applications for the internship. However, if otherwise is not stated by the program or respective agreements it is recommended to apply for the Fall semester in April, for the Spring semester in October, and for the Summer semester in March.
Application deadlines can be changed at the discretion of the hosting NU School in order to process late applications provided there is enough time to register the intern and to complete all necessary arrangements.
Applicants to the internship submit the following documents to NU School:
- CV;
- a copy of the transcript;
- a copy of passport;
- a personal statement indicating the motivation and expected benefits of participating in an internship.
NURI PHOTO GALLERY
Photos courtesy of Dr.Zhunusbekova and Dr.Berlikbayeva
FOR CONSULTATIONS:
NU RI coordinator -
ASKAT BEKZHANOV
abekzhanov@nu.edu.kz

Address: 53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave.,
Block C2, Astana, 010000
Kazakhstan
OUR INTERNS ABOUT NURI
Проходить стажировку в НУ — это лучший опыт, который я могла получить на данном этапе. Это было не просто полезно, но и вдохновляюще: работа в научной среде, общение с профессором, погружение в математику на другом уровне. Я увидела, как устроена академическая жизнь за пределами моего университета, как проводятся исследования и обсуждаются сложные теоретические вопросы. Помимо профессионального опыта, стажировка дала мне ещё и уверенность в том, что я двигаюсь в правильном направлении. Огромное спасибо профессору A. Castilla за поддержку и наставничество, а также университету за возможность погрузиться в такую атмосферу. Теперь я ещё больше хочу связать своё будущее с наукой.

Kristina Timoshina
Master student, Karaganda University named after Buketov
'This experience has been invaluable in providing me with a deeper understanding of "Research methodologies", "Academic English" and "Globalization". During my internship, I had the privilege of assisting with research projects, shadowing experienced professionals, participating in departmental meetings, and also participating in professor`s classes. I gained valuable hands-on experience in data analysis, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
I am particularly grateful for the guidance and mentorship of PhD associate professor of Duishon Shamatov`s, the supportive and inclusive work environment, and the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals. This internship has significantly enhanced my understanding of "Research methodologies" and has solidified my career aspirations in this field. I continue to carry these skills with me even though I'm finishing my studies. Professor Shamatov supported me even after completing my internship, he continuously sent some useful materials and links along with other PhD students from NU.
I always appreciated how Professor Shamatov’s classes challenged me to think critically and introspectively about the course material. Through the course assignments and discussions, I was consistently inspired to consider how the material related to my life and academic work, especially within the context of my doctoral thesis. I also had the opportunity to consult with PhD Associate Professor Daniel Torrano on the topic of my thesis. His consultation was very fruitful, I was grateful to him for the useful advice and resources.
I highly recommend this internship program to other students seeking to gain practical experience and expand their knowledge.'

Maira Berlibayeva
PhD Candidate, Kazak National University named after Abay
'I brought back so many new ideas and approaches to my work. Looking back, I can say this internship was one of the best experiences in my academic life. I'm so grateful for this opportunity and the wonderful people I met at NU who continue to support my academic journey.'
I want to share my incredible journey to Nazarbayev University! It all started when the NU delegation visited our Abai KazNPU on May 24-25, 2023. We had some really interesting meetings where Associate Provost Luis Ramon Rojas-Solorzano and the Provost Office managers, Gulnaz Bulebayeva and Askhat Bekzhanov, told us about how NU became a research university. During their visit, they offered an amazing opportunity - a chance for two scholars from our university to do an internship at NU. I was so excited when I was chosen after submitting my research proposal.
I spent two weeks at NU from October 10 to 25, 2023, and Professor Duishonkul Shamatov was my mentor. Professor Shamatov crafted a comprehensive program that provided deep immersion into university life. We had the opportunity to meet with the administration of the Graduate School of Education, including Dean Aida Sagintayeva, Vice-Dean for Academic Affairs Jason Sparks, Vice-Dean for Research Tsediso Michael Makoelle and Chief Administrative Officer Azamat Ashamayev. One of the most valuable aspects of my internship was the opportunity to attend lectures and seminars, particularly Professor Shamatov's sessions on qualitative research methods with first-year doctoral students. His innovative and engaging teaching approach not only helped me understand complex concepts but also inspired me to think differently about my own research methodology.
The NU library absolutely amazed me. They have such a huge collection of books in English, and I spent hours looking through psychology and education materials. I even got to read some of the master's and doctoral dissertations - it was incredibly helpful for my own research. Professor Shamatov also arranged enriching meetings with distinguished faculty members including Professors Mir Afzal Tajik, Anas Hajar, Janet Helmer, Naureen Durrani, Daniel Hernández Torrano, Lynne Kaye Parmenter, Zumrad Kataeva, Sulushash Kerimkulova, Kairat Kurakbayev as well as postdoctoral scholars Laura and Sholpan. These interactions offered fresh perspectives on my research and opened possibilities for future collaborative projects. What I love most about NU is that they didn't just say goodbye after my internship ended. Professor Shamatov continues to help me with my research questions. He responds to my emails and offers advice whenever I need it - this kind of support means so much to me as a researcher.
These two weeks changed how I think about research and education.'

Aziza Zhunusbekova
Postdoctoral Scholar, Kazak National University named after Abay