Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. As this program targets “pre-experience” recent graduates from undergraduate programs and young professionals, there is no work experience requirement.

A minimum GPA of 2.67. out of 4.00 on at least one of the applicant’s degrees (bachelor, master or PhD).

An overall IELTS test score of minimum 6.5, or the equivalent TOEFL. The TOEFL equivalent must be determined by the Admissions Committee according to the conversion table posted on the ETS website or through another official source. Reading, listening and speaking sub-scores must be no less than 6.0. The writing sub-score also should normally be around 6.0. The test scores must be valid on the application submission date. Applicants to the MSc in Finance program, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, may be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if: one of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country with English as the language of official communication, academic instruction and daily life; an undergraduate degree was earned in a program which was officially taught in English; the applicant is a graduate of Nazarbayev University; an applicant is determined as a native speaker.

The GMAT or GRE is required for all applicants to the MSF program. We recommend students to take training for this test well in advance of deadlines. Scores on all sections of the examination will be considered in an applicant’s profile for the purpose of admissions and ranking for scholarship opportunities. Incomplete examinations (where one section is not attempted) will not be considered and low score on any section will jeopardize an applicant’s chances for admission to the program. 

We require two letters of recommendation. The most valuable recommendations come from people who know your professional skills and abilities. We require you to submit one recommendation from your current supervisor. If you do not have an immediate supervisor, you may submit a recommendation from someone who knows you well in your current position and can critique your professional performance. We strongly encourage you to contact your references early in the application process. Recommendations from relatives or family and friends are strongly discouraged by the Admissions Committee. An application is not considered as “complete” until we have received all recommendations. Before you submit your application form, please check that you have included the corporate/institutional email addresses of your referees and they have agreed to provide recommendation letters for you. As soon as you press the “Submit application” button on your personal page, the reference form will be automatically sent to the referees’ email addresses you provided below. Please note that reference letters should be sent from indicated corporate/institutional email addresses. If your referees do not have corporate/institutional email addresses, they are required to submit the original/hard copies of recommendation letters in a sealed envelope.

A person essay describing the reasons for seeking to enter M.Sc in Finance program.

CV in English (it should not exceed one page).

Notarized copy of the applicant’s identity card or passport.

Documented proof of work experience with notarized English translation.

The registration fee in the standard round will be KZT 30 000.

• Admission is restricted to one NUGSB program, which means that individuals interested in pursuing graduate level education in a business program offered by NUGSB must carefully read the program descriptions and decide which program is most suitable for them in helping them to realize their career goals. Upon review of applicant files, the Admissions Committee reserves the right to interview an applicant to explore whether or not another NUGSB program may better fit with his/her profile and career objectives.
• All documents must be notarized and translated into English.
• Upon notification, shortlisted applicants must provide original copies of all documents to the Admissions department of the University: 53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave., office # 1127, Nazarbayev University, Admissions Department, Nur-Sultan, 010000, Republic of Kazakhstan.

• Applicants who obtained their degree diplomas/certificates from foreign educational institutions must request their official transcripts be sent directly to the University.
• The Admissions Committee may, at its discretion, add additional requirements to the admissions process.
• Submission of a complete application package does not guarantee admission to the MSc in Finance program.