M.A. in Eurasian Studies

The Eurasian MA is an interdisciplinary program that combines Anthropology, History, Literature, Political Science, Religious Studies, and Sociology. We define Eurasia inclusively, comprising not just the five post-Soviet republics of Central Asia, but Xinjiang, Mongolia, Afghanistan, the Caucasus, Russia, and Eastern Europe. We believe the Eurasian MA will allow you to explore a wide range of intellectual interests, receive rigorous training in your chosen field, and to take an interdisciplinary approach to whatever research questions you develop.

• The first multi-disciplinary Area Studies program in Kazakhstan and the wider region focus on Eurasia.
• 2-year funded all-English MA program of 120 ECTS credits.
• Taught by internationally recognized faculty.
• Advised and actively supported by the partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA).
• An exciting opportunity to explore the cultures, languages, histories, communities, societies, and politics of Eurasia.
• Includes the five post-Soviet Central Asian states, Russia, Eastern Europe, Mongolia, Xinjiang, and neighboring regions of South Asia, China, and the Middle East.
• An unrivaled concentration of scholars with Eurasian expertise, spanning the disciplines of Anthropology, Economics, History, Literature, Oriental Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, and Sociology.
• Advanced academic training for pursuing careers in research, government, international organizations, academia, or other fields.
• Study in Astana, at the heart of Eurasia, with unparalleled access to archives, fieldwork sites, government agencies, international organizations, and foreign diplomats.
• Housing on campus with modern facilities, labs, library, sports center, and a monthly stipend (only for Kazakhstani citizens).
• Awards “Master of Arts in Eurasian Studies” degree.

General information

• Campus: Astana, Kazakhstan
• Language: English
• Delivery mode: Full-time, on-campus
• Duration: 2 years
• Total ECTS credits: 120

School of Sciences and Humanities

The academic staff at Nazarbayev University’s School of Sciences and Humanities comprises scholars with doctoral degrees from leading universities around the world. We also have researchers involved in various studies, and our scientists in the natural sciences conduct research in about 90 laboratories. Some of our faculty members even specialize in Eurasian studies. Admitted students of NU SSH can rest assured of tapping from our faculty’s wealth of knowledge and experience, both inside and outside the classroom.

We keep our classes small so students can readily receive one-on-one attention from their instructors. Moreover, instructors can tailor classes to the need of each student for the best learning experience owing to our student-centered learning. Our professors can work with the weaknesses of every student and improve their strengths. Laboratory experience and research involvement are not spared from this approach: our students get practical laboratory experience and collaborate with their colleagues or their professors in research.

Strategic partner

University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA)

Other strategic partners of Nazarbayev University

• Duke University, Fuqua School of Business (USA)
• The National University of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (Singapore)
• The University of Pennsylvania (USA)
• The University of Cambridge (UK)
• Colorado School of Mines (USA)
• The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (USA)
• The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (USA)
• The Oak Ridge Associated Universities (USA)