Nazarbayev University soars 100 spots in global rankings within two years
Nazarbayev University (NU) has climbed 100 places in the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Released on October 9, the 2026 rankings now position NU among the top 301–350 universities globally. The leap follows years of targeted investments in research, teaching, and international partnerships.
This achievement also cements NU's status as the leading university in Central Asia and the Caucasus, as well as the fourth-highest-ranked institution in the post-Soviet region.
NU first entered the global rankings in 2024, starting in the 501–600 bracket. Since then, its progress has been rapid. The university's rise is credited to initiatives like the Nazarbayev University Research and Innovation System (NURIS), expanded STEM research facilities, and collaborations with top institutions such as the University of Wisconsin and University College London. Recruiting international faculty has further strengthened its academic standing.
Performance improvements were recorded across all three key areas assessed by THE: teaching, research environment, and research quality. NU President Professor Shigeo Katsuya acknowledged the efforts of the entire university community over the past two years as the driving force behind this success.
The latest rankings also highlight NU's dominance within Kazakhstan. Five Kazakhstani universities appear in the list, but NU remains the highest-ranked, surpassing regional competitors like the Higher School of Economics and the National Research Nuclear University 'MEPhI' in Russia.
Looking ahead, NU plans to build on these strengths. Its new institutional strategy will focus on the same areas that secured its ranking progress while maintaining its Kazakhstani identity. The goal is to establish NU as a globally recognised university without losing its local roots.
The Times Higher Education rankings are widely regarded as a benchmark for research universities worldwide. NU's jump to the 301–350 range reflects its growing reputation in academia. With continued investment in research, teaching, and global partnerships, the university aims to sustain its upward trajectory in the coming years.
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