NUGSB Full-Time MBA 2015-2016 E-brochure

1. NUGSB FULL-TIME MBA
PROGRAM

2. CONTENT
Dean’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
The NUGSB Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Strategic Collaboration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Why Should I Choose FT MBA Program at NUGSB?. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Program Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Curriculum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Students’ Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Admission Requirements and Application Deadline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
FAQ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Financial Aid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Astana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Contact Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

3. DEAN’S MESSAGE
It is my honor and privilege to serve as the founding Dean of the Nazarbayev University Graduate School of
Business.
The Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Business aspires to become the leading school in Central Asia.
Our mission is to develop the next generation of globally minded business leaders who will become drivers
of social and economic development in the 21st century. We are committed to providing the highest quality
educational experience supported by impactful research and active engagement with the business community.
We achieve these goals by delivering world-class MBA and Executive Education programs, and by creating
and disseminating actionable knowledge and insights through business research.
In our MBA program, you will learn how to apply decision- making tools to structure and analyze complex
business problems. You will be challenged to explore new ideas and ways of thinking. You will improve your
personal and professional leadership skills. Our MBA program will prepare you to succeed in the complexity
and uncertainty of an interdependent global economy. As you go through the MBA program, you will grow your
sense of self, expertise, and confidence. The experience, both in and out of the classroom, will transform you.
By joining our community of leaders and scholars, you will expand your network with peers from across
industries and geographies. These are individuals with different educational and professional backgrounds,
highly motivated, representing the next generation of business leaders.
Welcome to our school, welcome to the future!
(sign)
Ramon O’Callaghan
Dean, Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Business

4. The mission of the Nazarbayev University Graduate
School of Business is to develop the next generation of
globally minded business leaders who will become driv-
ers of social and economic development in Kazakhstan
in the 21st century. We help students develop compe-
tencies that will make them smarter entrepreneurs, more
effective managers, and more responsible leaders.
THE NUGSB STORY
2009
The signing
of the first agreement
on cooperation
with Duke University (USA)
2011
2012
2013
2014
2014
The opening
of the NUGSB
new building
The signing of an
agreement on long-
term cooperation with
Duke University (USA)
The launch of
Executive MBA
Program
The Establishment
of the Nazarbayev
University’s Graduate
School of Business
The launch
of Full-Time
MBA Program
4

5. ARAY BEKEMBAYEV
Nazarbayev University was created as a result of the personal initiative of the First President of Kazakhstan,
Nursultan Nazarbayev, and is an insignia of Kazakhstan in global education. The University represents the
quality of education, politics, and life in Kazakhstan.
Masters graduates are an example for young working generation to raise their professional level.
As the Head of the Graduate Students Committee, I am proud that I had the opportunity to earn a Master’s
degree at Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Business.
The 14-month period it takes me to complete the requirements for becoming a Master of Business Administra-
tion is an exceptionally fine educational experience. The competency and the professionalism of the professors
are nothing less than outstanding.
When I started the program in 2014, I had just entered a key point in my career, and my focus was beginning to
sharpen. One of the things that most shaped my experience was my direct exposure, as part of the program,
to global elite individuals in both the private and public sectors.
I wholeheartedly endorse Nazarbayev University and everything for which it stands.
STUDENTTESTIMONIAL 5

6. STRATEGIC COLLABORATION
We don’t just lecture about the power of team work and collaboration — we live it every day. The NUGSB was
conceived in collaboration with Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. In 2014, Fuqua was ranked #1 for its
Full-Time MBA Programs according to BusinessWeek 2014 ranking.
One of the youngest of the top ten business schools in the United States, Fuqua shares our ambitious vision, and
has been a powerful ally in everything from the design of our buildings to the structure of our curriculum. Duke
faculty professors even teach in our programs.
Our students, therefore, get the best of both worlds—the agility and dynamism of a brand-new program, in a new
and growing economy, combined with the support and expertise of an established world-renowned university.
6

7. DIANA SULTAN
I finished my bachelor’s degree in finance at the University of International Business (Almaty, Kazakhstan).
I have a CIMA Diploma in Russian. I worked in a gold mining company called Altyntau Kokshetau.
After graduation I was in no hurry to apply for my master’s degree, because I was looking for a special univer-
sity. When I heard about Nazarbayev University, I wrote immediately asking about the full-time MBA program.
However, two years later, I am here. When I received an offer from the university, at first I was in a doubt,
because at that time I was on maternity leave and my child was only 8 months old. Looking back, I think it
was my best decision, because this program has surpassed all my expectations.
During my studies, I met a lot of highly qualified professors with whom ten academic days seem so little. You
think there is a lot more to learn from them and there are many unasked questions. I met so many talented
students who contributed hugely to class discussions. I received a lot of invitations to various projects. I met
many entrepreneurs and business people from around the globe who were willing to share their keys to suc-
cess and give advice. All of the above in just one year of studies, but the experience and knowledge will last a
lifetime. This program helped me to understand the business environment more and I gained a life-changing
experience. Whenever I read news now, I analyze it differently applying all my knowledge from my courses.
Moreover I understand myself more. Definitely this program has been an excellent investment in myself.
If you are still thinking of applying or not, I can surely say do not hesitate – apply! I am certain that Nazarbayev
University is the best place to study in Kazakhstan and I am extremely grateful that I had this opportunity.
STUDENTTESTIMONIAL 7

8. WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE
FT MBA PROGRAM AT NUGSB?
The NUGSB MBA is a rigorous and comprehensive Full-time program specifically designed to hone the skills sought
after by the most influential national and international companies. The fourteen months you spend at the NUGSB
will prepare you to secure — and succeed in — a wide range of business roles following graduation.
• Immerse yourself in a program designed to discover and develop Kazakhstan’s next generation of
entrepreneurs and business leaders.
• Play a role in permanently shaping the future of your MBA program.
• Learn from some of the brightest thought leaders in academia: professors who have taught, worked, and
researched around the globe.
• Develop a solid foundation in business through a multi-disciplinary curriculum designed in collaboration with
The Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.
• Study in Astana, a dynamic, innovative, and growing city on the forefront of business development in Central Asia.
8

9. ABUL KEKILBAYEV
Prior to joining the Full-time MBA class at NUGSB, I went through a rigorous path with a strong aviation cur-
riculum. This course of study and training helped me to go all the way to a point in my professional career
where I was in leadership positions. But I felt the lack of new challenges. Moreover, I felt the necessity to gain
a broader set of managerial and entrepreneurial skills. I was confident that an MBA degree would be the best
way to fulfil my endless desire for self-improvement and personal development, combined with ambition to
build a foundation for business success later in my career.
I’ve gone through the admission process for several top-ranked MBA programs, but the idea of being part
of a team which is building a world-class business school here in Astana encouraged me to pursue my MBA
at NUGSB.
I have discovered that the Full-time MBA program at NUGSB was designed to immerse students in an excit-
ing approach to business, built around the principles of entrepreneurship, whilst cultivating a responsible and
conscientious awareness of the world around us. Strategic collaboration with Duke University’s Fuqua School
of Business is an example of this exciting approach to business.
The quality of education at NUGSB is really excellent. In my opinion, the professional and personal qualities
of the staff and faculty, especially the visiting professors, has made an important and deep impact on me and
on my classmates, allowing us to become worthy representatives of NUGSB, effectively applying knowledge
gained to achieve even better results and becoming better business leaders. The school tries to induce career
growth in students by earning our trust and respect plus adapting to continuous changes. NUGSB is a place
where I can expand my professional opportunities and become as effective as possible.
I’m excited that our school brings such diverse and dynamic groups together, and we look forward to the
contribution and knowledge that you, as a future candidate, will bring to the program. I also hope that the
NUGSB experience will help to broaden not only your approaches to business, but also your outlook on life.
I can’t claim to be perfect because I consider myself to still be on a learning curve, and I expect to learn
something new with each passing moment of my NUGSB experience.
STUDENTTESTIMONIAL 9

10. PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The curriculum of the Program is focused and intense. You will enroll in one course at any given time. All courses
are taught in two week modules - ten teaching days – with small breaks to prepare for exams; two courses, on
average, are covered in the span of 5 weeks. In addition to 18 core courses, you will have a choice of 4 out of 9
electives, which will allow you the opportunity to tailor the program to pursue topic-specific professional interests
and preferences. To further enhance your MBA experience, your curriculum will be augmented by the Distinguished
Speaker Series and Practicum.
The Full-Time MBA program takes 14 months of study to complete. It begins in September and lasts till November
of the following year. The program is designed with the rigor of a traditional top tier MBA program, accelerated to
match the intensity and pace of the business environment in Kazakhstan.
Beginning with a week Orientation, you will take core courses that build a foundation of business knowledge and
prepare you for elective courses that will hone specific business skills and cover focused topics specific to your
personal or career goals.
10

11. MURAT AKSHALOV
Enrolling in the NUGSB MBA program has been one of the best decisions of my life in terms of self-develop-
ment. Before entering the program, I had significant experience working both in the private field and in the
government-affiliated sector. Even though I had nice career growth from a manager to the vice chairman
of a national company, I always felt that I needed to obtain a Master of Business Administration degree in
order to be more confident facing the upcoming challenges in the very dynamic business world. NUGSB
was the perfect opportunity for me as the place to go get my Masters. I didn’t have to leave home; I could
get a world-class MBA degree right here in my home town of Astana without having to leave my family. The
most impressive fact about the NUGSB MBA is that we study the same program and are taught by the same
faculty as our colleagues at The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University in the United States. The pro-
gram is high quality and the material is very up-to-date on current global trends. I also praise the quality of
the professors who teach our classes. NUGSB has done a fantastic job at bringing top-notch professors to
our MBA program.
Kazakhstan has tremendous potential for future economic growth, and our President has set very ambitious
goals for the young generation to achieve in the upcoming years. The biggest challenge, in my mind, to ac-
complishing those goals is to prepare the professional leaders who will be ready to take on regional and global
challenges to take our country into the most developed countries list by 2030. I strongly feel that NUGSB has
the perfect system developed in terms of infrastructure, academic curriculum, corporate network, quality of
professors, and business engagements to produce the most professional future business leaders in the world.
STUDENTTESTIMONIAL 11

12. CURRICULUM
The NUGSB MBA will teach you the tools
and skills to be a successful manager.
Term Course
Orientation
Consequential Leadership
Business Mathematics
and Business Computer Application
Term 1
Financial Accounting
Probability and Statistics
Business Communications
Global Financial Management
Term 2
Managerial Effectiveness
Managerial Economics
Marketing Management
Foundations of Strategy
Term 3
Managerial Accounting
Operations Management
Macroeconomics
Decision Models
Term 4
Corporate Finance
Entrepreneurship
Negotiations
Financial Statement Analysis
Term 5
Elective
Elective
Elective
Elective
Terms 1-5
Distinguished Speaker Series
Practicum
List of Potential Electives
Supply Chain Management International Finance Competitive Analysis
Valuation Raising Capital/Venture Capital Entrepreneurship Management
Investments Marketing Strategy Leadership
CURRICULUM
12

13. Distinguished Speaker Series
Throughout the program, senior leaders from industry and government are invited as guest speakers to engage
with the class on various business and policy topics on a regular basis. The sessions are hosted by student teams
who solicit questions from all class members based on the topic(s) of interest, the profile/background of speakers
and information about their companies which are then shared with the speakers prior to their classroom visit to
assist them with their preparations. You will be invited to engage these speakers and make connections between
the theory studied in the classroom and practical business experience. Because this is a credit-bearing course, as
a member of a team, you will be responsible for writing up a brief report which includes key lessons learned from
the speaker your team will host.
Practicum
This team-based experiential learning course capitalizes on individual strengths, experiences, and interests of the
students to build their business competency. It is a field study course that places you in direct contact with domestic
and/or international organizations, the objective of which is to help you increase your knowledge of the complexities
of organizations, and the role that the institutional environment plays in the conduct and performance of business.
A faculty advisor will work with each student team over the course of study to identify a topic of interest and to map
out the appropriate methodology to address it. As such, this capstone course is intended to represent a synthesis
of the MBA learning outcomes and demonstrate business competence, exceptional teamwork skills, knowledge
of core business theory, and effective communication skills, all of which will be considered in the evaluation of
deliverables: a research paper and a presentation in which all students must participate.
13

14. STUDENTS’ FACILITIES
LIBRARY
Students have access to the Library at Nazarbayev University, which collection
grows by thousands of new materials, including books, CDs, periodicals and
reference materials every week.
SPORTS CENTER
Nazarbayev University has built a stateof- the-art multi-functional sports
complex aimed to provide extracurricular activities and to support the devel-
opment of athletic life on campus. The complex includes areas for: basketball,
handball, volleyball, soccer, gymnastics, boxing ring, martial arts, fitness gym,
and dance studio.
CLUBS
You are encouraged to augment your intellectual and leadership pursuits
with self-directed programs that provide a bridge between your academic
and extracurricular experiences. Student-led organizations provide you with
opportunities to put your ideas into action. These groups allow you to assume
an active and progressive role in shaping your social environment. There are
many benefits to creating and joining a student organization, some of which
include: making new friends, developing new skills and abilities as you work
as part of team, learning to set and achieve goals, as well as having fun.
HOUSING
Astana is a dynamic city where you will be residing. Housing options are
plentiful in the Astana area. You can find accommodations off campus, or
there is graduate student housing on campus for which you may apply. You
are encouraged to secure housing before you arrive.
CAREER SERVICES
NUGSB will provide you tools and services that will assist you in defining and
launching your career. During the program, time will be allocated for you to
explore career options. You will receive individual attention and coaching to
assist you in clarifying your career goals and mapping out a plan to help you
to achieve your aspirations.
14

15. ANVAR NIZAMOV
I was working as a translator for a large mining company when I realized I needed to move out of my comfort
zone and explore other opportunities to reach my professional potential. High quality education was a critical
component of my vision, and I started looking at different graduate programs. I had heard about NUGSB from
a colleague who had visited one of the information sessions here.
My very first contact with the NUGSB team made it clear to me that this was a wonderful place with the right
spirit – vibrant, innovative, and welcoming. The entire admission process was organized extremely effectively,
with clarity and timeliness in each aspect. However, the thing that struck me most about interacting with the
NUGSB team was their friendliness and personal touch; it was obvious to me that this program was going
to be an extremely exciting journey.
My highest expectations were exceeded when I eventually was accepted and the program started. In addi-
tion to high-tech classrooms, an amazing library offering an enormous collection of academic resources, and
superior dining and sports facilities, NUGSB has something else very important to offer – an opportunity to
meet and interact with a lot of very special people. Thanks to this program I have been able to meet and talk
on a regular basis to some of the most remarkable individuals from all over the world. Our professors, staff,
and administrators are amazing in the way they manage to find the right balance between keeping us moti-
vated to learn and ensuring we comply with challenging academic requirements. Another crucial part of my
experience here has been an opportunity to work together with my outstanding classmates, each of whom
has added their unique contribution to our team.
In conclusion, what amazes me most about this program is the design that balances a healthy competitive
environment with the spirit of collaboration, facilitating hard work, synergy and creativity in everything we do.
STUDENTTESTIMONIAL 15

16. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants to the NUGSB Full-Time MBA program are expected to have:
• Work experience is not required but encouraged.
• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree diploma (or equivalent).
Applicants must submit the following documents (in English or with official English translation):
• Completed application form on the official University website (http://admissions.nu.edu.kz);
• Three essays (questions are available in the application form);
• Two letters of recommendation (forms will be sent to recommenders by NUGSB);
• Resume (A4 format, 1 page);
• Official or notarized copy of Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree diploma with transcript including an official
or notarized English translation. Applicants who obtained their degree diplomas/certificates from foreign
educational institutions must request their official transcripts to be sent directly to the University;
• Official IELTS certificate with an overall score 6.5 (with no score below 6.0 in any element)
or TOEFL equivalent, valid as of commencement of the program);
• Mathematical skills as demonstrated by ALEKS test/GMAT or GRE;
• Official or notarized copy of the applicant’s identity card or passport;
• Copy of the applicant’s employment record book (or equivalent) with notarized English translation;
• Application fee of KZT 10,000 payment receipt;
• Corporate support letter, commitment letter for self-sponsored applicants or scholarship request form.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Submission of completed application package by the applicant does not guarantee admission into the NUGSB
Full-Time MBA program.
• Applicants may be invited for an interview by the Admissions Committee.
All the original documents must be sent to:
Graduate Admissions Department (Office 1127),
53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave., Astana 010000, Republic of Kazakhstan.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Deadline: May 1
*Given the competitive applicant pool, you are encouraged to apply as early as you can.
16

17. AKMARAL MYRZABEKOVA
Having graduated with a BSc (Hons) Economics and Statistics in 2005, I worked for various national develop-
ment institutions such as the Public-Private Partnership Center and the Kazakhstan Development Bank. When
I looked at all MBA programs (both local and international), I wanted to find a program in English, practice
oriented, based on an international curriculum, and more importantly, with world-class professors. NUGSB
really was the environment in which I wanted to study.
The admissions process for Full-time MBA program was simple and transparent. Admissions managers not
only guided me during the application process, but they also were very professional, friendly, and supportive.
I knew immediately that this program was going to be at an international level.
The NUGSB Full-time MBA program has been a great and memorable experience. I enjoyed every single
class I have taken. The classes are well organized, well equipped, and built around small group activities with
real-world cases and assignments. Both the NUGSB and the visiting professors from the Duke University are
highly professional with international experiences. Their lectures opened my mind, developed skills I lacked,
and enriched me with new knowledge. The staff are always open, available, and highly interested in each
student’s progress. The team building and career weeks, as well as the Distinguished Guest Lecture Series,
are bonuses I would not miss – these events interconnect people, building long lasting friendships and pro-
fessional networks.
Other things that really shaped my experience were my exposure to global leaders in business and govern-
ment. Where else can you interact in person with the founder of the largest private equity company in the
world, a famous US general, the Presidents of different countries, and the world’s billionaires?
NUGSB is building a strong ground for Kazakhstan’s future leaders!
STUDENTTESTIMONIAL 17

18. FAQ
Can I request a language test waiver?
Applicants to the Full-Time MBA 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.
How can I prepare for ALEKS test?
You can access a free trial on the ALEKS test website: www.aleks.com or purchase a monthly subscription:
http://www.aleks.com/buy_aleks_now. The section we require for admission purposes is Essential Math Skills for
Business.
How should I submit my transcripts if I have studied outside of Kazakhstan?
Applicants who obtained their degree diplomas/certificates from foreign educational institutions must request their
official transcripts to be sent directly to the School.
What is the required format for recommendation letters? Whom should I ask to write them?
We expect that when possible one recommendation letter will be written by a current or former supervisor. An appli-
cant may also request letters from individuals with whom they have had significant professional/academic interaction
such as a supervisor, professor or a major client. It is important for recommenders to be able to reflect/describe the
applicant’s value as an employee, his/her professional accomplishments, and personal qualities and interpersonal
skills in an organizational context. Recommendations from relatives and friends are strongly discouraged.
An applicant should indicate contact details (name, corporate email, phone numbers) of their recommenders in the
application form. The recommendation forms are automatically generated by the admissions system and sent to the
recommenders via email. The recommendation forms should be filled in and emailed to mba.admissions@nu.edu.kz
with the applicant’s name in the title and subject line.
Is work experience required? Can I apply if I am still an undergraduate student?
We do accept candidates with limited or no experience who are motivated and exhibit maturity, strong leadership
and professional potential and are involved in various extra-curricular activities and community service during their
undergraduate studies.
Does GSB accept transfer credits from other schools?
No, we do not accept transfer credits from other schools.
What other programs do you offer?
At this moment we offer a Full-Time MBA and an Executive MBA degree programs.
In addition, NUGSB offers non-degree professional training programs.
What’s the best way to contact the Admissions Office?
You may contact us by phone or email:
Graduate School of Business: mba.admissions@nu.edu.kz. Phone: +7 (7172) 70 90 28, 70 91 74.
Graduate Admissions Department: graduate@nu.edu.kz. Phone: +7 (7172) 70 65 68, 70 90 54.
We accept the phone calls regarding the admissions portal Monday to Friday only from 2 to 5 pm.
18

19. BAKHYTZHAN SAGADIYEV
I have been a student at NUGSB for 6 months now and here are the things I want to share. The program is
extremely hard, challenging, and demanding. It is stressful and consumes a lot of your time. So, why would
you want to apply here?
There are a lot of reasons, but I really want to focus only on three: world class professors; high level of stand-
ards and values; and the opportunity to meet incredible people.
I consider it a privilege to have had an opportunity to study and learn from the best professors at the top of
their professional fields. They meticulously organize and plan their lectures, challenge your views and opinions
and demand the best from you. You are constantly pushed out of your comfort zone and engaged in exciting
debates.
I also want to mention the high level of professionalism and standards of performance and values instilled
in NUGSB students. Students are not just expected to follow the rules and procedures, but are held to the
highest and strictest standards of world class business schools.
Lastly, I have had an opportunity to meet and interact with amazing people, including leaders in business and
government through my MBA program. You get to listen and share ideas with people all over the world that
have achieved great successes in their professional and personal lives.
STUDENTTESTIMONIAL 19

20. FINANCIAL AID
NUGSB offers scholarships of up to 60% of the tuition fee to qualified applicants based on academic achievements,
professional experience, and the need for financial support.
In addition, a limited number of state grants covering 100% of tuition may be available.
The state grant also includes a monthly stipend and for non-Astana residents, on-campus housing.
NUGSB offers payment plans that permit students to pay tuition fee in up to 5 equal installments
over the course of the program
20

21. SALTANAT BESIEMBINA
I was looking for an MBA program that could suit me for a long time.
First of all, the prestigious School needs the best-profiled candidates. Right after my bachelor’s degree, I went
to work abroad and decided to gain international working experience. I worked for a year and it sharpened my
professional and personal skills to a higher level. Afterwards I had a chance to work at a Career and Advising
Center and provide students with needed tools in order to choose a right direction in their career path.
Second of all, I needed the values and mission of a great MBA School to fit to my personal values and vision
for the future. I have volunteered a lot towards youth development, because I believe that the youth is the next
generation of leaders and drivers of progress. I have traveled around the world and visited many countries in
order to see the similarities and uniqueness of each and every culture. I understood tolerance, respect and how
it is to be an open-minded person. I have met diverse people from different ages and backgrounds, learning
new things and sharing what I knew was the life changing experience for me. I understood one small but very
important thing: that the world has no boarders or territories; that we are all similar and at the same time so
different; that one can change the world for the better with the right people around him/her.
Last but not least, I was looking to get the world’s best education in my home country. It doesn’t mean that
I was against getting a degree abroad; it was circumstances for that time and that moment that helped me
decide. What could be better, when you study and get support from your beloved family right away; when you
give a chance to professors from all over the world to meet your country and culture; when you simply apply
your countries reality to the everyday class discussions with your classmates.
All those points together made my decision stronger and clearer when the time came to decide. I knew that
this chance would be given only once in my life and I applied to the Full-time MBA program that was offered
by Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Business. I am proud of being one of the first pioneers of the
FT MBA program.
FULL-TIMEMBACANDIDATE2015 21

22. ASTANA
Nazarbayev University is located in Astana, the new capital of Kazakhstan. Described as “brash and grandiose,
and wildly attractive” by National Geographic, and “the futuristic frontier of architecture” by The Guardian, Astana
“The City of Future” has been chosen as the venue to host the International Exposition EXPO-2017.
Rich in natural resources, Kazakhstan has experienced extraordinary economic growth since its independence
from the Soviet Union two decades ago; and by 2016, its GDP per capita is expected to reach the World Bank
threshold to classify as a “high income economy.” The World Bank has also ranked Kazakhstan as one of the
world’s 20 top locations for direct foreign investment.
As a student in the NUGSB MBA program you may reside on-campus or in the city proper. It is the responsibility of
each student to secure housing for the NUGSB MBA program; you will receive more information on your options
during the recruiting and admissions process.
22

23. ASSEL NURAKHANOVA
For me, the MBA program began with inspiration ...
Inspiration that I saw in those colleagues who had already
graduated from the Executive MBA Program. They were so
passionate about the learning process, their communication
with their professors, and the opportunity to share their ex-
periences and knowledge with their classmates.
When deciding on applying to the program, I was guided by
two important factors. The first thing for me, a professional
lawyer working in an in-house legal department in the field
of corporate governance, was acquiring the new knowledge
and skills about other vital components of enterprises, such
as strategic planning, accounting systems, organizational
structure, costs and revenues, etc.
Of course, I also considered the quality of education. The
opportunity to enroll at a new university in Astana to a pro-
gram created in collaboration with a leading business school
in the USA was invaluable. The high quality of the program
was obvious from the moment of submitting my documents.
Now that I’m in the program, I realize more than ever how
crucial it was to collect such a team. Among my fellow
students are the graduates of foreign universities who
know three to four foreign languages, who have amazing
experiences, with talents as musicians, artists and chess
players. Above all, they are very responsible and supportive
people.
Meeting each new professor is a new opportunity to learn
not just theoretical aspects, but rather practical ones. You
have to come prepared in advance for each class as all the
materials are issued before the course starts. We are taught
to interact in groups during case-study analysis, which is
very important for further real work. My experience is that
the teamwork is the key, without which success is impos-
sible. Therefore, today’s lessons can become tomorrow’s
achievements.
Other than studying, the school actively involves us in the
process of career development, and networking with busi-
ness leaders. Two unforgettable meetings for me were a
lecture by Mr. Azides and a meeting with a leading investor,
Mr. Bond.
The first day at the university, president Shigeo Katsu said
that this program would change us. Looking forward, I can
say with confidence that we’ve become a team of true pro-
fessionals, ready to improve not only ourselves for the future
but also our country.
STUDENTTESTIMONIAL

24. All inquiries about the Full-Time MBA Program
can be submitted to:
Office of NUGSB Admissions
Nazarbayev University,
53 Kabanbay batyr Ave.,
Astana, 010000 Republic of Kazakhstan
Теl.: +7 (7172) 70 90 28
Теl.: +7 (7172) 70 91 74
Теl.: +7 (7172) 70 91 83
mba.admissions@nu.edu.kz
www.gsb.nu.edu.kz
www.facebook.com/GSBNU
www.twitter.com/NUGSB