Nazarbayev University Profile

Nazarbayev University (NU), located in Astana, Kazakhstan, is an English-language research university.  It was established in 2010 as a flagship academic institution with ambitions to achieve global recognition as a top-tier research university in Kazakhstan in partnership with leading universities from around the world. Admission to NU is highly competitive and the University accepts the best students from the country and region. In a short 13 years since its inception, NU has achieved notable recognition, entering the Times Higher Education Global Ranking in 2024 and securing a position in the top 30% of research universities worldwide. Presently, NU stands as the leading university in Central Asia.

The Center for Preparatory Studies

The Center for Preparatory Studies (CPS) at Nazarbayev University was founded in 2010 in cooperation with University College London and was the first division of the Nazarbayev University.

In 2015, Nazarbayev University created its own Foundation Year Program (NUFYP). This Program was specifically designed for Kazakhstani students and provides academic instruction that prepares students to be successful in top English-medium universities around the world.

The vast majority of students who have completed NUFYP have advanced to successful undergraduate study in Nazarbayev University while a few students immediately pursued an international education.

As a NUFYP Mathematics Teaching Fellow, you would have 16-18 contact hours per week (e.g., lectures, seminars, office hours), and perform eight hours of support in working groups (e.g., materials development, assessment creation).

A successful candidate must demonstrate the qualifications and character required to effectively lead, teach, and work in an intensive undergraduate preparatory program in Kazakhstan.

• Completed Master’s degree in mathematics or in a related field combined with applicable experience
• Excellent teaching competencies with the ability to teach cooperatively to deliver a unified curriculum
• Evidence of a strong work ethic, mature professional behavior, and exemplary personal character
• Experience that demonstrates the ability to cooperatively work in a multicultural educational environment
• Excellent English and overall communication skills with the ability to follow written and oral instructions 
• The ability to contribute to NU’s core values

To Apply click the link and upload (in PDF if possible):

1. Curriculum Vitae: max 4 pages (normal font and spacing) and include (in the 4 pages) your Contact Information for at least two referees and the contact information of your current/most recent supervisor.  Note: referees/employer will not be contacted unless you are shortlisted and give permission.
2. A separate Cover Letter (max 1 page).
3. A separate document which includes: (1) a paragraph of about 100 words stating your reason(s)/motivation for applying, (2) a single sentence of 50 words or less that describes your teaching philosophy; and (3) the completion of the following sentences:
a) My educational background prepares me to teach in CPS because…
b) My professional experience prepares me to teach in a foundation program because…
c) My personality and character are suitable to work and live in Kazakhstan because…
Do not upload any other materials to your application at this time (only the three documents).
Prior to shortlisting, candidates may be asked to complete a Professional/Personality Task.
Candidates offered a contract must provide a background check, certification of degrees, and other documents as may be required.
We will begin reviewing applications immediately; applications received before 25 October 2026 will be accepted, with final interviews planned for early November; the position starts in early January 2027.
Additional information can be found at the official website of Nazarbayev University www.nu.edu.kz.
Nazarbayev University is an EOE.