Petroleum engineering is the field of engineering that deals with the exploration, extraction, production, and management of oil and natural gas resources.

Petroleum engineers are responsible for

• production of hydrocarbon resources from oil and gas reservoirs while ensuring environmental sustainability
• designing optimal drilling, completion, production, and reservoir management methods to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact
• developing oil and gas fields, improving production, and managing hydrocarbon resources
• leading the design and management of new developments in the energy sector

Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering is designed to provide students with a scientific background in hydrocarbon exploration, reservoir management, productions, and skills in the practical aspects of petroleum engineering. This program aims at training engineering professionals who can design, operate and manage petroleum operations as well as developing research skills and knowledge to provide support to the oil and gas industry to have sound, safe, and sustainable petroleum operations.

Applicants applying to the program are expected to have:

• An undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent). During the application period, final year students may submit the official current transcript for consideration
• A minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.00; or a minimum CGPA of 2,5 out of 4,00 for professionals with at least 2 (two) years of relevant experience;
• High level of English proficiency. The absolute minimum requirement for English language proficiency test reports for admission to the program is:

1. Overall IELTS test score (except Home edition) of 6.5 (with sub-scores no less than 6.0) or the equivalent TOEFL score as posted on the ETS website;
2. The absolute minimum requirement for the English language proficiency test report for conditional admission (NUZYP) is an overall IELTS test score of 5.5, with no more than one sub-score of 5.0, or the equivalent TOEFL scores (except Home edition) as posted on the ETS website;
3. Applicants, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, can 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 and/or graduate degree was earned in a program which was officially taught in English;
– the applicant is a graduate of Nazarbayev University

• Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills as demonstrated by GRE test (optional). Although an official GRE score is not an essential requirement, an applicant can enhance her/his application with a competitive GRE score;
• High motivation and a strong interest in the program as outlined in a statement of purpose.

Important dates for those who are applying for the 2023-2024 academic year

Online application deadlines for Masters programs:

• for International applicants: November 21, 2022 – February 28, 2023
• for the citizens of Kazakhstan: November 21, 2022 – April 18, 2023

Deadline for submission of IELTS/TOEFL, GRE/GMAT certificates:

• for International applicants: March 15, 2023
• for the citizens of Kazakhstan: May 3, 2023

Sending notifications about admission:
for International applicants: April – May, 2023
for the citizens of Kazakhstan: June – August, 2023

Online application deadlines for Local applicants for Chevron project: November 21, 2022 - April 09, 2023

Deadline for submission of IELTS/TOEFL, GRE/GMAT certificates for Local applicants (Chevron project): April 12, 2023

Sending notifications about admission to Local applicants (Chevron project): end of April - beginning of May, 2023
The start of orientation week (for newly enrolled students): August, 2023
First day of classes: August, 2023