Nazarbayev University Foundation Program

Program
Statistics of Students Applied, Accepted to Foundation Program and Progressed

to NU Schools
Student Support Services
Assessment of the Current Foundation Program
Main Features of the new Pre-University Program
Preliminary model of admission process
New Quality Assurance Framework
Pros of implementing Foundation Program in universities on Kazakhstan’s way to K12
Implementation of Foundation Programs in universities: issues to be addressed
Annex 1, 2

offered to prepare students for: Academic, Research and Linguistic challenges

they will meet at Nazarbayev University (hereinafter - NU) Undergraduate programs
Secondary education of Kazakhstan (11 years) does not prepare students for studies in academic environment of NU which is built based on best international experiences of its partners
Aims of the Foundation program are:
smooth transition of students into English academic environment;
to provide students with laboratory (hands-on) experience;
to help students with understanding of academic integrity (cheating, plagiarism), study skills (note taking, proper citation), time management, self-study skills, etc.;
a more informed choice of future degree programs

2009 and accepted first cohort of students (484 students) for

the Preparatory Certificate Program (hereinafter – Foundation Program) in 2010.
Foundation Program is a mirror program of the University College London.
The contract period is: 2010 (February) – 2015 (August).
Aim - to provide students with the academic and research, critical thinking and practical skills, conceptual tools, as well as the Academic English language and study skills required to be successful on any undergraduate degree program at the University
Academic year: September – June
Number of staff: Senior Staff -6, Administrative -6, Academic -67.

Progressed to NU Schools
* Successful completion of the Foundation Program

does not guarantee admission to NU Undergraduate Program

tutor (member of the CPS Academic English team).
30-minute weekly

tutorial individually or in small groups at a regular time. At tutorials students can discuss problems they experience, e.g. difficulties with friends, accommodation, health or any other aspect of their life and studies.

Moodle – a virtual learning environment.
Through Moodle courses students receive important academic information including homework and other sources that can help with their academic progress.

Self-Access Centre (hereinafter – SAC) provides comprehensive facilities for self-study.
Facilities include an on-line DVD library, Computer Assisted Language Learning, resource books, journals and newspapers.

Writing Centre provides additional help if students experience difficulty in writing for core modules.
EAP tutors offer 20-minute consultations. There are also workshops available throughout the year on subjects such as academic style and writing thesis statements.

Counseling Center – supports students through the individual counseling and psychological diagnostics, On-line counseling, trainings and lectures for students, long-term supporting groups.

new Pre-University Program (hereinafter – PUP) in cooperation with a

new strategic partner:
Intellectual Property of Nazarbayev University
The Foundation Program will have a national impact, providing other universities with a model for foundation level studies, which will enhance the quality of higher education across the country
Full integration with Nazarbayev University
Foundation program will be fully integrated with NU undergraduate schools and aligned with NU’s strategy and needs. The program will evolve based on the feedback given by professorship of NU.
Curriculum
New Foundation will have a NU Academic Calendar with 2 semesters: 1 semester – generalized timetable with a focus on Math, English and Kazakh languages; 2 semester – specialized timetable. Focus on Mathematics during 2 semesters for all students regardless of their track.
Student Support (in addition to all services provided at current Foundation program)
Office Hours
Academic examples classes: practical academic sessions where students can complete homework and assignments with support of undergraduate and postgraduate students
Careers information, advice and guidance: additional advice and support will be provided by student careers and skills team alongside the existing provision available at NU to support students’ progression to undergraduate study.
Local capacity building: to provide transition of the program to NU, a new partner will design and implement targeted professional development for program staff ; develop an increasing network of school-based partners; create opportunities for school improvement across the region

of standardized and internationally benchmarked entry assessments
Recruitment and admissions working

group

internal and external validation. NU will appoint an external auditor

to provide independent scrutiny and validation of the program.

Student progress will be monitored and improved through the six assessment points across the academic year with a sample of assignments moderated through second marking to ensure consistency of assessment and the validity and reliability of the data.

The quality of teaching will be monitored and improved through peer observation, regular staff training and sharing of best practices.

Students will have regular opportunities to provide feedback on their experience through a Staff-Student Liaison Committee and the regular completion of an online feedback form.

 

way to K12

addressed

- March
Stage 2: March - April
Stage 3: May
Results posted: August

(beginning)
Tests can be submitted in all regions of Kazakhstan.

Admission Criteria:
School of Science and Technology & School of Engineering – IELTS min 5.5 (with no component below 5.0);
School of Humanities and Social Sciences – IELTS min 6.0 (with no component below 6.0);

successfully complete the Foundation Program the student must:
Satisfy 80%

attendance requirements of all courses
Obtain the following minimum marks:
At least 60% in EAP;
At least 40% in Science & Society or Academic Research and Methods;
At least 40% in each of the two core modules.
3. Pass the final examination in two subject modules with more than 40%.

Successful completion of the Foundation Program does not guarantee progression to NU undergraduate programs.