Overview

What will you gain?

Strong academic, research and analytical skills: Proficiency in problem-solving approaches taken by political scientists and other social scientists.
An understanding of the questions and theories of international relations and comparative politics.
The ability to conduct and complete a graduate thesis utilizing social science research methods and to explain the project’s contribution to academic and applied settings.

What can you do with the MAPSIR degree?

The Political Science and International Relations program at Nazarbayev University is a great choice if you intend to pursue a career in government, academia, or other fields related to governance and policy. MAPSIR graduates go on to work for national and local governments, international organizations, and firms that interact with government agencies. The degree also offers excellent training to students who wish to pursue further graduate work at the Ph.D. level. MAPSIR graduates have found attractive jobs in various government agencies and think-tanks.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Core Seminar in International Relations

Core Seminar in Comparative Politics

Advanced Research

Core Seminar in Political Theory

Thesis planning

Thesis Research and Writing

Electives

Thesis Writing

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-25 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-17 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

60

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

120 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Astana, Kazakhstan

Disciplines

International Relations Political Science

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

60

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

An undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) and a graduate/postgraduate degree (if applicable) in a relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of a 4.00.
During the application period final year students may submit official current transcript for consideration.
High motivation and strong interest in the Program as outlined in a personal essay (500 words);
Strong writing skills demonstrated in an essay in response to the essay questions provided in the application form;
Resume;
Three letters of recommendation (written within the last 12 months).

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Nazarbayev University and/or in Kazakhstan, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

16000 USD / year

≈ 16000 USD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

16000 USD / year

≈ 16000 USD / year

Living costs

Astana

Kazakhstan

151250 - 222349 KZT / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Political Science and International Relations.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

What can you do with the MAPSIR degree?

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Astana

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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