It is with immense pride that we welcome you to the School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence (SCAI) at Nazarbayev University. Our school is driven by a clear ambition: to become a leading center of education, research, and innovation in computing and artificial intelligence, with a meaningful impact on Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and the wider global community.
SCAI offers educational programs in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Robotics, and Mathematics. These programs provide students with a strong foundation in theoretical principles while developing the practical, analytical, and technical skills required to address complex real-world challenges. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students learn to design intelligent systems, analyze data, develop advanced technologies, and contribute to the rapidly evolving digital economy.
The main strength of SCAI lies in the integration of academic education, applied research, modern laboratories, industry-based projects, and comprehensive career preparation. By combining these elements, we create an environment in which students can transform theoretical knowledge into practical solutions and gain experience that prepares them for successful careers in academia, research, technology, and industry.
We consider our students to be at the heart of the School and the University. Therefore, we place significant emphasis on their development both inside and outside the classroom. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects, academic conferences, international exchange programs, innovation competitions, and industrial internships. These opportunities allow them to broaden their professional perspectives, collaborate with diverse communities, and gain valuable experience in solving technological and societal challenges.
Our research strategy is focused on advancing excellence in computing, artificial intelligence, data science, robotics, mathematics, and related interdisciplinary fields. We aim to conduct research that contributes to scientific progress while delivering practical value at the local, regional, and international levels. To support this mission, SCAI continues to strengthen its research infrastructure, laboratories, academic partnerships, and collaboration with industry and public-sector organizations.
The quality and dedication of our faculty form the foundation of our academic and research ambitions. We are committed to attracting, supporting, and retaining outstanding scholars, researchers, and educators from around the world. Their expertise enables our students to learn from internationally recognized professionals and participate in innovative research at the forefront of science and technology.
Whether you are a prospective student exploring your academic future, an industry partner interested in collaboration, or a faculty candidate seeking a dynamic research environment, we cordially invite you to explore our website. Here, you can learn more about our educational programs, curricula, courses, research activities, laboratories, admission requirements, and the achievements of our faculty, staff, and students.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to contact us or the representatives of the relevant educational programs. We look forward to welcoming you to the dynamic and innovative community of the School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence!
Generative artificial intelligence is driving a profound paradigm shift across every facet of human activity. Because this rapid evolution makes the future fundamentally unpredictable, our mission is simple: we prepare you to thrive in uncertainty. As Alvin Toffler famously observed, the illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn. At SCAI, we embody this philosophy by cultivating adaptable minds built for continuous change.
To achieve this, we are leaving traditional educational models behind. We weave teaching, research, and innovation into a single, cohesive experience. By bridging foundational theory directly with practical application, our students engage in cutting-edge discovery while creating real-world solutions. Our graduates do not leave as mere consumers of technology; they emerge as agile creators.
This philosophy extends across Nazarbayev University through our AI for X initiative. By integrating artificial intelligence into diverse fields, from medicine and advanced engineering to the social sciences, we are unlocking transformative interdisciplinary research to solve complex societal challenges.
Beyond our campus, SCAI serves as a vital strategic bridge. We unite global big tech, international academic institutions, local tech companies, and regional academia to foster an ecosystem where bold ideas flow freely and entrepreneurial partnerships flourish.
Our ultimate goal is profound global impact. We are building a premier education and research hub in Kazakhstan that competes at the highest international levels. We want our breakthroughs to be proudly created in Kazakhstan for the world.
I invite you to join us. Together, we will forge a lasting legacy of discovery and innovation.
Sincerely,
Prof. Huseyin Atakan Varol
Founding Dean, School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence
- MissionThe mission of the School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence is to advance knowledge and educate highly qualified specialists, researchers, and innovators in computing, artificial intelligence, data science, robotics, and mathematics. SCAI prepares students to become critical thinkers, independent learners, responsible professionals, and creators of technological solutions capable of serving Kazakhstan and the international community.
SCAI aims to become a leading center of educational, scientific, and technological excellence in Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and beyond. Through high-quality education, interdisciplinary research, industry collaboration, and innovation, the School will contribute to the digital transformation of society and support Nazarbayev University in strengthening its international academic and research reputation. - VisionSCAI will become one of the leading schools in the region and internationally, integrating best practices in education with cutting-edge research, technological innovation, and practical application.
The School will educate future leaders who combine strong technical expertise with critical thinking, creativity, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. SCAI graduates will be prepared for successful careers in leading universities, research institutions, technology companies, innovative start-ups, industrial organizations, financial institutions, governmental agencies, and other sectors undergoing digital transformation.
SCAI will offer some of the most innovative and competitive educational programs in computing and artificial intelligence in the Eurasian region. Its programs will attract talented students, researchers, faculty members, and industry partners from Kazakhstan and around the world. - ValuesThe values that guide the School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence in pursuing its mission and advancing its vision are:
- developing human potential through excellence in education, research, innovation, and professional growth;
- providing students with strong technical, analytical, communication, and teamwork skills;
- promoting academic integrity, ethical conduct, responsibility, and transparency among students, faculty, and staff;
- creating opportunities for students to explore new ideas, technologies, research directions, and entrepreneurial initiatives;
- encouraging creativity, curiosity, independent thinking, lifelong learning, and responsible innovation;
- supporting volunteerism, social responsibility, inclusion, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies;
- strengthening collaboration between education, research, industry, government, and society; and
- empowering students to achieve their highest academic, professional, and personal potential.
