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

The PhD program in Petroleum Engineering in the School of Mining and Geosciences is designed to provide advanced skills and a sophisticated knowledge base at the expert level for individuals planning a career in academic, industry and research settings in Petroleum Engineering. The program focuses on the enhancement of Petroleum Engineering knowledge by advanced courses and development of research skills at high level.

By the completion of the program, students will be capable of designing and conducting independent, innovative and high-quality research related to a variety of topics in Petroleum Engineering. In addition, program graduates will be prepared for working in industrial and academic environments including positions of university faculty members, senior researchers, engineers and product developers.

Applicants applying to the PhD Program are expected to have

1. An undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
2. Master’s degree or equivalent. During the application period final year students may submit official current transcript for consideration.
3. A minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of a 4.00;
4. English proficiency:

1) Overall IELTS test score of 6.5 (with sub-scores no less than 6.0) or the equivalent TOEFL (except Home Edition) score as posted on the ETS website;
2) Applicants 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.
5. Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills as demonstrated by GRE or GMAT tests (optional);
6. High level of motivation and strong interest in the Program outlined in a statement of purpose.

1. Complete Application form;
2. National ID (for the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan) and passport (for international applicants);
3. Official document confirming name change (if applicable);
4. Degree diplomas (Bachelor’s and Master’s) with transcripts;
During the application period final year students may upload official current transcript for consideration;
5. An official electronic IELTS/TOEFL certificate (except Home edition) (valid at the time of document submission) sent to the University through IELTS/TOEFL VERIFICATION SERVICES. Code for IELTS: Nazarbayev University. Code for TOEFL: 6762;
6. Document confirming English as the language of instruction (only for applicants who earned their degree in a program which was taught in English and request an exemption from submitting IELTS or TOEFL);
7. GRE or GMAT certificates valid as of date of online documents submission (optional);
8. Statement of purpose describing applicant’s educational, professional, and research experience, reasons for applying to the School of Mining and Geosciences PhD program, further career perspectives and how new knowledge and skills obtained after the program completion would help to achieve those goals (up 1A4 page);
9. Two letters of recommendation written within the last 12 months (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy). You can find the Instruction for submission of recommendation letters here;
10. Curriculum vitae.

Important dates for those who are applying for the 2024-2025 academic year
Online application deadlines for PhD program:

• for International applicants: December 2023 – March 4, 2024 (1 p.m./13:00 Astana time)
• for the citizens of Kazakhstan: December 2023 – April 29, 2024 (1 p.m./13:00 Astana time)

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

• for International applicants: March 18, 2024
• for the citizens of Kazakhstan: May 6, 2024

Sending notifications about admission:

• for International applicants: from April 22, 2024
• for the citizens of Kazakhstan: from June 17, 2024

The start of orientation week (for newly enrolled students): August, 2024
First day of classes: August, 2024