Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE WUR)
Nazarbayev University (NU) is ranked in the top 23% of international research universities according to the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE WUR). THE WUR is globally recognized as the leading ranking table of university performance. NU has advanced into the 401–500 band, confirming its status as the #1 university in Central Asia and among the leading institutions in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
THE WUR uses a data-driven methodology that comprehensively evaluates university performance, with a strong focus on research, which aligns particularly well with NU’s research mission. THE WUR uses Elsevier research performance data, reputation data based on peer reviews of active researchers, and self-reported financial and international outlook data to calculate teaching and research scores.