Nazarbayev University has improved its position in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for the second consecutive year, rising 200 places over two years. According to the university, it was ranked in the 501–600 band in 2024, moved up to 401–500 in the next ranking cycle, and in this year's ranking entered the 376–400 group, retaining first place among universities in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, infohub.kz reports.
The THE World University Rankings is considered one of the most authoritative global university rankings. This year, a record 2,297 universities from 118 countries and territories were included — 106 more than a year earlier. Amid growing international competition, Nazarbayev University has moved from the top 23% to the top 17% of universities worldwide over two years.
THE evaluates universities across five areas: teaching quality, research environment, research quality, international outlook, and industry engagement. In the new ranking, NU improved its results in almost all areas. Research quality remains its strongest indicator. In this metric, NU's result is comparable to that of the University of Geneva, the University of Arizona, and the University of Rochester, reflecting the university's growing research impact.
"First of all, I would like to congratulate the entire NU community and Kazakhstan on this result. For the first time, a Kazakh university has achieved this level in one of the world's leading university rankings. This is an important achievement not only for our university but also for the country's higher education system. Behind this result is many years of work by NU faculty, researchers, students, and staff. I thank everyone who contributes through their work to the development of the university, our science, and education," said NU President Waqar Ahmad.
Interest in studying at NU also continues to grow. This year, about 12,000 people applied for admission, and the enrollment of international students was the highest in the university's history. The graduate employment rate remains high — over 95%.
These results reflect the strengthening of NU's academic reputation and trust in the university both in Kazakhstan and abroad. Growth in international rankings confirms the university's sustainable development and its growing role in the global academic community.
In the current ranking, Kazakhstan is represented by ten universities. Among them are Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University (1201–1400), Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (1401–1600), Satbayev Kazakh National Research Technical University (1401–1600), and Gumilyov Eurasian National University (1601–1800).