№ 35-н/қ от 05.03.2026
Academic Policies and Procedures for Undergraduate Programs of the
autonomous organization of education Nazarbayev University
Category: Policy
Approval Date: 05.03.2026
Effective Date: 17.08.2026
Level of Access: Open to Public
Classification Number: 2.2 IE
Approving Authority: Provost
Registration Number: 35-н/қ
Owner: Office of the Registrar
Revision Date: 21.02.2029
Applicability: Nazarbayev University
Retired Documents:
Title: Academic Policies and Procedures for Undergraduate Programs of the
Date: 23.04.2020
Registration Number: 68-н/қ
Category: Policy
Retired Documents:
Date: 23.04.2020
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## 1.1. These Academic Policies and Procedures for Undergraduate Programs of

the autonomous organization of education Nazarbayev University (hereinafter “the
Policies and Procedures”) establish the academic policies and procedural instructions
for undergraduate programs of the autonomous organization of education Nazarbayev
University (hereinafter “the University”).

## 1.2. These Policies and Procedures apply to all students enrolled in any

undergraduate program at the University.

## 2.1. The following terms, definitions, and abbreviations are used in these

Policies and Procedures:
1) Academic calendar – a calendar of important teaching, learning and
assessment dates and deadlines along with holidays scheduled for an academic year.
2) Academic Council (hereinafter “AC”) – the executive and policymaking
body on teaching, learning, and other academic activities within its areas of
competence as defined in the internal regulations of the University.
3) Academic Advising Office (hereinafter “AAO”) – a structural division of
the University responsible for providing academic advising to students, as well as
organizing, coordinating and monitoring academic processes.
4) Add deadline – the period at the beginning of each semester when students
can sign up/register for courses until the deadline for adding courses.
5) Bursar's Department – a structural division of the University responsible
for monitoring and controlling financial operations associated with payment of
stipends, receipt of student fees, tuition fee, and student trips.
6) Cumulative Grade Point Average (hereinafter “CGPA”) or Grade Point
Average (hereinafter “GPA”) – a calculation of the average of all the grades a
student has obtained that contribute to their degree. The CGPA/GPA is computed by
dividing the sum of the earned grade points by the total graded credits attempted in
the whole period of study.
7) Dean refers to the Dean or Acting Dean of the student’s School, including
the General Director of the Center for Preparatory Studies.
8) Drop deadline - the period at the beginning of each semester when students
can deregister/drop from courses they were previously registered until the deadline
for dropping courses.
9) European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (hereinafter
“ECTS”) – a learner-centered system for credit accumulation and transfer, based on
the principle of transparency of learning, teaching and assessment processes. ECTS
credits express the volume of learning and the student workload required to attain
program/course learning outcomes.
10) Electronic Documentation Management System (hereinafter “EDMS”) –
an electronic document management system used in the University under procedures
established by the University.
11) The European Qualification Framework (hereinafter “EQF”) – a
common European reference framework that serves to make qualifications more
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readable and understandable across different countries and systems.
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The EQF aims to
relate different countries' national qualification systems to a common European
reference framework.

12) Higher Education Institutions / Institution (hereinafter “HEI” /
“Institution”) refers to all educational entities granting academic degrees in
Kazakhstan or outside the country.

13) Leave of Absence - a period during which a student temporarily leaves the
University due to specific reasons such as medical conditions, family circumstances,
or other approved grounds for a certain period of time.

14) Learning Management System (hereinafter “LMS”) – an electronic
system used in the University for maintaining the student’s learning process.

15) Nazarbayev University (hereinafter “University”) – the autonomous
organization of education that provides higher education programs and confers
academic degrees and other qualifications.

16) Nazarbayev University Foundation Year Program (hereinafter
“NUFYP”) – a two-semester academic preparatory program designed to help students
gain academic knowledge while acquiring study skills and developing the maturity
required to commence successful undergraduate study at the University.

17) Office of the Registrar (hereinafter “OR”) – a structural division of the
University responsible for maintaining the students database, organizing and
monitoring educational processes.

18) Schools – academic structural divisions operating in accordance with the
internal documents of the University.

19) Student – a person studying at one of the educational and/or mobility
programs at the University: Nazarbayev University Foundation Year Program, Zero
Year of Graduate Programs, Non-degree educational program, Bachelor programs,
Master’s programs, including Doctor of Medicine Program, Doctorate programs, and
Residency programs.

20) Student Information System (hereinafter “SIS”) – an electronic system
used in the University for maintaining the students database, registering students for
courses, documenting grades and transcripts, forming course schedules and managing
other educational processes.

21) Support for Students with Disability and Special Learning Needs
Policy and Procedures of the autonomous organization of education Nazarbayev
University (hereinafter “SDSL”) refers to the policy on special learning needs of
students of the University.

22) Vice Dean – the term referring to the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs or
the Vice Dean responsible for teaching and learning, or the equivalent School’s
authorized official.

23) Vice Provost for Academic Affairs (hereinafter “VPAA”) – the
leadership position assisting the Provost in carrying out his/her responsibilities on
academic matters such as academic planning, learning and teaching, integrating
research into teaching.
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## 3.1.1. In case of conflicts, the provisions of these Policies and Procedures take
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precedence over previous rules. Program requirements may be more stringent than
those described in these Policies and Procedures, and such requirements must be
indicated in the approved School/Program handbook (hereinafter “Handbook”).
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## 3.1.2. Issues that are not covered in these Policies and Procedures will be

regulated by the University's internal policies and regulations, and Handbooks.

## 3.2.1. Undergraduate programs operate on the basis of an academic year

divided into three academic periods: Fall and Spring semesters, and a Summer term.

## 3.2.2. Academic year functions within the academic calendar that is developed

in accordance with the Academic Calendar Guidelines.

## 3.2.3. An orientation period takes place for new students at the beginning of the

semester/term in order to allow them to adapt to the University environment,
academic expectations and program requirements.

## 3.3.1. Online Registration. The University uses an online course registration

system. Students are notified via email of the dates for the course registration period
prior to the event.
prior to the event.

## 3.3.2. By registering for a course, students commit to complying with all

course requirements, including the attendance policy and the examination procedures
chosen and announced by the course instructor.
prior to the event.

## 3.3.3. Priority Registration. The University conducts online course registration

on a priority basis. Priority in registering for particular courses can be given
according to a student’s School, major, year of study, and/or special needs status. The
registration schedule, including the specific dates when each priority group can begin
registering, will be announced in the official registration notice each semester or
term.
term.

## 3.3.4. Registration Accommodations. Students eligible under SDSL policy can

be allowed to register for a reduced load of courses and be considered full-time
students. This load will be a minimum of 18 ECTS credits (usually three courses) per
semester/term, such students may register for more courses if they wish. It is the
student's responsibility to request early registration from the OR a minimum of 3
(three) days prior to the beginning of registration.

## 3.3.5. Minimum Registration Load. Registration in a minimum of 24 ECTS

credits of coursework that count toward graduation is required in any given semester
(except in a summer term) to maintain status as a full-time student. Under exceptional
circumstances, a student may submit a “Course Underload Form” located in SIS to be
permitted to register for fewer than 24 ECTS credits. The form must be approved by
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the Dean or the authorized official of the student’s School and final approved by the
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## 3.3.6. Students on probation are limited to a maximum of 30 ECTS credits for

the entire duration of their probation. The student’s advisor and/or School
administration may limit the student to 24 ECTS credits if the student does not exit
probation and continues their studies. This also applies to students who, after exiting
probation, fall back into the probation status at a later date.

## 3.3.7. Maximum Registration Load. 36 ECTS credits of coursework is the

maximum registration for any given semester. Under exceptional circumstances, a
student may submit a “Course Overload Form” located in SIS to be permitted to
register for more than 36 ECTS credits. The form must be approved by the Dean or
the authorized official of the student's School and final approved by the VPAA.

## 3.3.8. Full or partial block (batch) registration may be implemented by the

AAO for first-year, first-semester students to ensure the registration of required core
curriculum courses.
Schools, AAO, and the Bursar’s Department have the authority to place holds
on students’ registrations under specific circumstances, including but not limited to
academic performance, financial obligations, and administrative requirements.
curriculum courses.

## 3.3.9. Time of Registration. Students must be registered by the end of the Add

period, or they will be subject to dismissal according to the procedures and standards
specified in the internal regulations of the University, unless certain unforeseen
circumstances happen or any justifiable reasons have been provided.

## 3.3.10. Course instructor’s access to class roster. The OR, the Dean’s Office of

the School, and course instructors will have access to online registration lists
throughout the registration process and during the semester. The class roster in the
SIS is the definitive source of class registration and takes precedence over any other
source, including LMS.

## 3.3.11. Adding and Dropping Courses. Students are permitted to add and drop

courses during the Add and Drop periods, respectively. Dates for Add and Drop
deadlines are published in the Academic Calendar. When a student drops a course
during the Drop period, no record of the original course remains in the student’s
transcript.
transcript.

## 3.3.12. Withdrawing from a course. A student may withdraw from a course

prior to the Withdrawal deadline as scheduled in the Academic Calendar. Unlike
dropping, a grade of “W” appears by the course title on the student’s transcript when
that course is withdrawn. The “W” grade does not affect the GPA or CGPA.

## 3.3.13. Waitlist. A student is waitlisted when the course they have attempted to

register for is full. The waitlist places the student in a queue. When a place in the
course becomes available, the top student on the waitlist is then registered in the
course and notified by email. Once the waitlist period ends, the student will have time
to register for alternate courses before the end of the Add deadline.
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## 3.4.1. Students are expected to attend all classes in courses for which they are

registered at the University.
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## 3.4.2. Penalties, as set forth in relevant internal documents of the University,

will be applied if attendance falls below that stated in course syllabi or Handbooks.
Students are required to be present at the beginning of the semester or term and to
remain until the semester or term is completed (which includes final examinations).

## 3.4.3. Students who do not attend classes from the first day may be penalized

or dropped from the class, in accordance with relevant Handbooks. An exception may
be made for justifiable reasons.

## 3.4.4. Students who exceed the maximum number of absences in the current

and previous semester or term, as defined in the Handbook, will not be eligible for
University-sponsored study abroad programs or other University-sponsored events.

## 3.4.5. At the start of each academic period, the course instructor is responsible

for informing students in the course documentation of the attendance rules, its impact
on their learning opportunities, and on their potential grade. Faculty have the right to
initiate a drop/withdrawal from a course if there is a violation of the attendance rules.

## 3.4.6. Only the instructor may approve a student’s request to be absent from

class. In the event of a dispute, the matter may be reported to the Vice Dean or the
authorized official of the School. The determination of the Vice Dean or the
authorized official of the School shall be final.

## 3.4.7. Full-time undergraduate students are required to be present in

Kazakhstan throughout the duration of their academic program, unless the School
Dean has granted permission for off-site research or personal trips of up to 6 (six)
months in total during their studies, or the student has an approved leave of absence,
subject to the University’s regulations. Violation of this condition may result in
dismissal of the student from the University, with the exception for those approved
for joint/dual degree programs, academic mobility, and approved internships.

## 3.5.1. Time for declaration of a primary major. A student must make their

formal declaration of a primary major by the end of their first year of study in
accordance with procedures specified in the Handbook. All students must be
accepted into the primary major no later than the end of their second year of study at
the University. Organization and coordination of the primary major declaration
process fall under the duties of AAO.

## 3.5.2. If a student fails to be approved for the primary major at the end of their

second year of study, the student is subject to dismissal from the University. Students
will receive support to facilitate the declaration of their primary major. Failure to
declare the primary major may result in dismissal from the University.

## 3.5.3. The declaration of the primary major is processed through the “Primary

Major Declaration Form” located in SIS. The form is submitted by a student with
further requirement of final approval by the Dean or the School’s authorized official.
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## 3.6.1. Minors must be declared, the latest, by the end of the first semester of the
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student’s last year, upon approval by the Dean or School’s authorized official. Minors
do not provide priorities for course registration. The “Minor Declaration Form” is
located in SIS and submitted by a student with further requirement of final approval

## 3.6.2. Secondary major. The program of study for a secondary major consists

of courses required to meet the degree requirements for each of the two majors,
together with the other courses needed to meet the general education.
If there is a difference in the overall number of credits required for the
completion of the degree between the two major programs, the larger credit
requirement will apply. Each School shall adopt rules governing the declaration of
secondary majors, which shall be specified in the Handbook.

## 3.6.3. Time for declaration of secondary major. A student should initially select

only one primary major but may add an additional major at any time after in

## 3.6.4. Rules and the form for declaration of secondary major. A student

applies for a declaration of the secondary major by submitting a “Secondary Major
Declaration Form” located in the SIS with attachments for approval by the Dean or
the School’s authorized official. Supporting documentation and course planning
worksheets showing how the coursework and credit hour requirements for each
program shall accompany the required form.
Secondary majors do not provide priorities for course registration. Only the
primary major’s School, program, and degree will be indicated in the student’s
transcript.
transcript.

## 3.6.5. The School shall verify that the agreed graduation requirements of the

secondary major have been satisfied.

## 3.7.1. Transfers between the majors within the same School. After entering the

University, students may discover that their first choice of major does not correspond
to their interests or intellectual abilities.
Those students may seek to change their major. The University supports these
decisions by allowing internal transfers between undergraduate majors.
In order to transfer to another department, the student has to meet the transfer
requirements of the department they are willing to transfer to. The transfer between
majors within the same School is processed through the “Transfer between Majors

## 3.7.2. Newly admitted Undergraduate students and re-admitted students must

remain in their School of admission until the end of their first academic year of study.
At that time, they will be eligible to transfer to another School if they are in a good
academic standing and satisfy any additional requirements.

## 3.7.3. Transfers between the Schools. Students who choose to transfer between

Schools should consult with the AAO. If the student is no longer willing to study
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their initially chosen major in their original School, the student could be reassigned to
an advisor in the AAO.
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This advisor will consult with that student until the new
School has formally accepted her/him as a transfer student.
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## 3.7.4. The transfer between the Schools is processed through the “Transfer

between Schools Form” located in SIS. The form is submitted by a student with
further requirement of final approval by the Dean or the authorized official of the
Receiving School.
Receiving School.

## 3.8.1. Coursework completed in NUFYP cannot be transferred into any

undergraduate program.
Receiving School.

## 3.8.2. All transfers of courses for first-year students must be completed by the

end of their first semester of studies after admission to the University.

## 3.8.3. No more than 24 ECTS can be transferred into the student’s records of

the University. Exceptions will be joint/dual degree programs, academic mobility,
and exchange programs.

## 3.8.4. Subject to program-specific guidelines, credit for courses taken at other

accredited HEI may be transferred to a student’s University record.

## 3.8.5. Only courses with English language instruction can be transferred unless

it is a language course.

## 3.8.6. All transcripts must be submitted when applying to the University as a

transfer student, and approved by the appropriate receiving School.
To transfer credits from another HEI, a School submits a completed “External
Transfer of Credits Form” along with an official transcript confirming the credits
awarded and the grade received to the OR.
In cases where the status of a course completed at another HEI is in doubt, the
Dean or School’s authorized official shall decide which will govern all future
instances in which a student seeks to transfer credits from the same courses from the
same institution.
Transfer credit is not awarded for courses in which the student earned a grade
lower than C (or equivalent).
All transfer credits will be annotated as such on the student’s University
transcript.
same institution.
transcript.

## 3.8.7. Grades earned at other HEI will be recorded as a “TC” on the student’s

transcript and are not included in computing the student’s CGPA or GPA at the
University.
University.

## 3.8.8. Courses taken at other HEI, which are graded on a Pass/Fail system, are

not eligible for transfer for letter-graded courses of the University.
In case of transfer of credit based upon approved Academic Mobility programs,
up to 36 ECTS credits may be transferred. Discretion may be made with the approval
of the Dean or the School’s authorized official for a student who was on an approved
Academic Mobility program. An exception can be made for more than 36 ECTS for
joint/dual degree programs.

## 3.8.9. Transfer credit must be approved by the Dean or the School’s authorized

official.

official.
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official.
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## 3.8.10. Credits earned by students at other HEI during their active enrollment

official.
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and study period spent at the University shall be processed in accordance with
appropriate internal regulations of the University.
official.
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## 3.9.1. If a student was previously enrolled as an undergraduate student at the
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University and returns to pursue an undergraduate degree, all courses taken at the
University at an undergraduate level in the preceding 5 (five) academic years will be
recorded in the transcript and included in computing the student’s CGPA in
accordance with Regulations on Readmission of the Undergraduate students of the
autonomous organization of education Nazarbayev University.

## 3.10.1. The following Common Grading Scale in Table 1 is applied to letter-

graded courses in all University undergraduate programs:
Table 1. UG Letter Grading
Letter Grade % Grade Explanation
(quality)
points
A 95-100 4.00 The student has exceeded expectations for
all LOs (Learning Outcomes), with evidence
A- 90-94.9 3.67
of highly comprehensive and in-depth
knowledge, understanding, and skills.
B+ 85-89.9 3.33 The student has achieved all the LOs of the
assessment, exceeding expectations for some
B 80-84.9 3.00 LOs with evidence of thorough knowledge,
B- 75-79.9 2.67
C+ 70-74.9 2.33 The student has achieved all the LOs of the
assessment with evidence of satisfactory
C 65-69.9 2.00
C- 60-64.9 1.67
Threshold
D+ 55-59.9 1.33 The student has partially achieved the LOs of
the assessment with evidence of only limited
D 50-54.9 1.00
F 0-49.9 0 The student has failed to achieve the LOs of
the assessment with very little or no evidence
of knowledge, understanding, and skills.
| Table 1. UG Letter Grading |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Letter Grade | % | Grade
(quality)
points | Explanation |
| A | 95-100 | 4.00 | The student has exceeded expectations for
| A- | 90-94.9 | 3.67 |  |
| B+ | 85-89.9 | 3.33 | The student has achieved all the LOs of the
| B | 80-84.9 | 3.00 |  |
| B- | 75-79.9 | 2.67 |  |
| C+ | 70-74.9 | 2.33 | The student has achieved all the LOs of the
| C | 65-69.9 | 2.00 |  |
| C-
Threshold | 60-64.9 | 1.67 |  |
| D+ | 55-59.9 | 1.33 | The student has partially achieved the LOs of
| D | 50-54.9 | 1.00 |  |
| F | 0-49.9 | 0 | The student has failed to achieve the LOs of
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## 3.10.2. A grade of “P” (Pass) or “F” (Fail) will be reported for students

enrolled in program elements approved for such grading.
A “Pass” will not be used in calculating the student’s GPA or CGPA; a “Fail”
grade is assigned 0 grade points for purposes of calculating the GPA and CGPA. The
grade of “Pass” is equivalent to a C or above.
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## 3.11.1. Special administrative grades and notations are used on transcripts

which apply to all University programs. The administrative notations in Table 2 do
not affect the calculation of either the GPA or the CGPA but may impact normal
student progression:
Table 2 Administrative Grades
Grade Comment Grade (quality) Included in
Points earned credits
AU Audit N/A No
AW Administrative Withdrawal N/A No
I Incomplete N/A No
IP In-Progress N/A No
TC Transfer Credit N/A No
W Withdrawal N/A No
AU Audit N/A No
I Incomplete N/A No
W Withdrawal N/A No

## 3.11.2. Audit (AU)

The course Audit option provides students the opportunity to register for a
course for enrichment and/or exploration. Audited courses are designated “AU” on
the student’s transcript; no grade is recorded, and no academic credit is earned. As an
auditor, the student is considered a passive learner and may not recite in class or take
examinations. Regular class attendance is expected. The credit value of audited
courses is included in the semester program load for purposes of determining fees and
maximum credits carried. A student may register for a course on an audit basis
provided:
1) the course is approved for audit (courses with laboratory or performance
skills may not be audited);
2) there is space in the course;
3) the student has appropriate academic preparation;
4) the student has a valid reason for taking the course;
5) the permission of the instructor is obtained;
6) AU courses cannot be switched to credit-bearing courses;
7) AU grade cannot be changed to letter grade;
8) AU course cannot be re-taken as a credit-bearing course in the following
semesters; and
9) AU option cannot be allowed for core and program-specific courses.
provided:
semesters; and

## 3.11.3. Administrative Withdrawal (AW)
| Table 2 Administrative Grades |  |  |  |
| Grade | Comment | Grade (quality)
Points | Included in
earned credits |
| AU | Audit | N/A | No |
| AW | Administrative Withdrawal | N/A | No |
| I | Incomplete | N/A | No |
| IP | In-Progress | N/A | No |
| TC | Transfer Credit | N/A | No |
| W | Withdrawal | N/A | No |
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This grade indicates that a student has been required to withdraw from a course
based on:
1) disciplinary grounds, following the procedures and standards specified in the
internal regulations of the University;
2) non-attendance of classes; or
3) non-payment of tuition where appropriate, following the procedures and
standards specified in the internal regulations of the University.
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based on:

## 3.11.4. Incomplete (I)

When a student has completed a substantial portion of the requirements for a
course but, due to extenuating circumstances, is unable to complete all requirements,
the course instructor may assign a temporary grade of “I”.
The grade of “I” can be given only on the basis of a prior written agreement,
which describes the work that is expected and the terms under which it is to be
completed, between the student and the instructor, and approved by the Dean of the
relevant School. The date for completion of the work is to be determined by the
course instructor.
All work must be completed no later than the Add/Drop deadline of the
subsequent semester (by the end of the second week of the Fall/Spring semester and
by the end of the first week of the Summer term). When the work or examination that
is required under the agreement of a grade of “I” is completed, the course instructor
shall request a change of the grade of “I” to the appropriate grade for the course, at
which time the grade of “I” will be removed from the student’s transcript.
A grade of “I” may also be applied to a student who cannot take part in a final
examination in a course because of personal health problems or those of the
immediate family. A new deadline will be set for the completion of the final
examination.
The “I” grade is assigned 0 (zero) credits, has no grade points, and is not
included in the calculation of the GPA.
A grade of “I” that is not completed by the end of the Add/Drop deadline of the
subsequent semester (by end of the second week of Fall/Spring semester and by end
of the first week of Summer term) automatically reverts to the grade indicated in the
agreement between the course instructor and the students. If no grade is indicated in
the agreement and the instructor does not submit the change of grade request, the “I”
grade will revert to an “F”.
In no case shall a student be granted a degree while there are unresolved grades
of “I” on their record.
In case of the outstanding grade of “I” at the time of granting leave of absence,
students shall follow the leave of absence procedures established by the internal
course instructor.
examination.
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## 3.11.5. In-Progress (IP)

An In-Progress grade is assigned as an interim semester grade for students
registered in courses that are approved to extend over several semesters or terms,
commonly research projects or theses.
In-Progress grades do not contribute to the semester GPA or CGPA
calculation.
The final letter or P/F grade, as appropriate, is recorded, and ECTS credit is
awarded in the semester of the course requirements' completion.
In-Progress grades may not be used for courses approved for standard delivery
in a semester or term.
An Incomplete “I” grade may not be used for courses eligible for In- Progress
grading.
calculation.
grading.

## 3.11.6. Withdrawal (W)

A grade of “W” denotes a student who has withdrawn from the course and who
has not completed the course requirements. Unlike dropping, the grade of “W”
appears by the course title in the student’s transcript when that course is withdrawn.
The grade of “W” is automatic; in a context in which a grade of “W” is
appropriate, the instructor may not assign any other grade.
The “W” grade is not included in the calculation of the student’s semester GPA
and CGPA and does not count toward the completion of the requirements for
graduation.
graduation.

## 3.12.1. Students who achieve a 3.75 GPA or above are eligible to be placed on

the Dean’s list. The School provides recognition of this award at the end of the
semester.
semester.

## 3.13.1. Mid-semester status reports are required from course instructors in

undergraduate courses to help the University to identify and assist students who may
need additional academic guidance.
Mid-semester status reports and other provisional grades are not permanent,
and changes will not be accepted.

## 3.13.2. Mid-semester grading will be based on the following system:

1) Satisfactory (S) – a student who is at a minimum C or above with excellent
attendance;
2) Non-Satisfactory (NS) – a student who is at a C- or below with attendance
problems and other issues that may keep them from successfully completing the
courses.
attendance;
courses.
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## 3.14.1. Final grades are awarded to each student in each registered course at the

end of the designated grading period.
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## 3.14.2. Instructors must submit all final grades no later than midnight on the

date posted in the Academic Calendar. The faculty should enter grades directly into
the SIS system.
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the SIS system.

## 3.14.3. Any delay and extension in grade submissions resulting from

extenuating circumstances shall be informed to the OR. The School Dean requests an
extension of the grade submission period from the Provost via EDMS, with
consecutive execution assigned to the OR and for information to the Bursars’
Department.
Department.

## 3.14.4. Any delay and extension in grade submissions may affect the timely

provision of stipend payments and academic reports.
Department.

## 3.14.5. The OR will make all final grades available for students on the date

stated in the Academic Calendar unless there has been any delay or extension in
grade submission.
grade submission.

## 3.15.1. Total grade (quality) points are calculated by multiplying the number of

credits by the grade (quality) points of the grade awarded for each course.
grade submission.

## 3.15.2. The GPA for one academic period is computed by dividing the sum of

the earned grade points by the total graded credits attempted in this period.
The CGPA is computed by dividing the sum of the earned grade points by the

## 3.15.3. The total graded credits attempted, not the credits earned toward

graduation, are used in computing the GPA and CGPA.

## 3.16. Good Academic Standing, Academic Warning, and Academic

Probation

Probation

## 3.16.1. To continue and complete the degree in any undergraduate program at

the University, a student must be in Good Academic Standing at the conclusion of the
Fall and Spring semesters, excluding the Summer term.

Probation

## 3.16.2. A student with both CGPA and GPA of 2.00 or above is considered to

be in Good Academic Standing.
Probation

## 3.16.3. A student with 3 (three) or more NS grades is placed on Academic

Warning after the Mid-term (mid-semester) status reports are released. This status
warns students that they are at risk of being placed on academic probation at the end
of the semester.
Notification of Academic Warning will be sent by the OR to the student, the
School administration (Dean, Vice Dean, and academic affairs admins) and the
student’s advisor. The student will be advised to limit their social activities following
the period of the receipt of Academic Warning notification, and may not be
considered for University-sponsored travel.
of the semester.
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14

## 3.16.4. A student who fails to satisfy conditions for Good Academic Standing

at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters will be placed on Academic Probation.
At the end of one semester of Academic Probation, students are subject to
dismissal from the University if they have not achieved the necessary conditions as
stated above to return to Good Academic Standing.
In exceptional cases, the Dean of the relevant School may recommend
extending an Academic Probation for a second semester based on the evidence of
improvement, overall academic progress, and the student’s potential to return to
Good Academic Standing and eventually to graduate on time.
This recommendation must be submitted to the VPAA, indicating the grounds
for the recommendation. The final decision on an extension of the Academic
Probation for another semester is made by the VPAA.
In case a student fails to return to Good Academic Standing after the extended
or 2nd probation, he/she is subject to dismissal unless the Dean of the relevant School
allows a student to be granted an additional semester of study. This recommendation
final decision on the additional semester of study for another semester is made by the

## 3.16.5. Limit to Consecutive Semesters on Academic Probation. Under no

circumstances may a student be on Academic Probation for more than 2 (two)
consecutive semesters or for more than 3 (three) semesters in total. In an exceptional
case, refer to clause 3.16.4. Grades received at the end of the Summer term will not
affect a student’s academic standing unless it is their final term of study.

## 3.16.6. End of Term Report. The Dean of the relevant School and AAO will

receive an End of Term (probation) report at the end of each semester from the OR.
Students will receive notification from the OR informing them of any change in their
Academic Standing.
Academic Standing.

## 3.16.7. Students who were placed on Academic Probation anytime during their

studies but have successfully exited it and are currently not subject to Academic
Probation for their latest semester will not receive any notification from the OR
regarding a change in their academic status.

## 3.17.1. The grade assigned to a student by the course instructor at the end of

the semester/term is the student’s final grade for that course. Final grades, except “I”
and “IP,” are final and permanent.
No grades can be changed after the first day of the next semester or after the
final decision on appeal.
No grades can be changed after a degree has been awarded.

## 3.17.2. Procedures for final course grade change:

1) If a student’s grade has been assigned incorrectly due to a technical or
procedural error, or miscalculation of grade, the course instructor should complete a
“Change of Grade Form” located in SIS.
2) The “Change of Grade Form” must be initiated by the course instructor and
approved by the Dean or the authorized official of the relevant School.
15
3) The Dean or the School’s authorized official will review the requested
change to ensure that the University policies have been followed.
15

4) The request is subsequently reviewed by the Associate Registrar.

If any
questions or concerns occur, they will be directed to the course instructor or Dean, or
the authorized official of the relevant School, or VPAA, if needed.

5) Once the grade change is approved, the new grade is entered into the
student’s transcript, and the student’s GPA is automatically updated.

If any

## 3.18.1. Grade appeals. All students have the right to appeal any grade that they

believe is in error. The error must be based on one of the following criteria:
1) error in calculation;
2) error in application of the class grade policy as presented in the course
syllabus;
3) incorrect entry of the grade into the database;
4) incomplete marking of an assessment.
syllabus;

## 3.18.2. Appeal process for exam grade.

A student must first consult with the course instructor within 3 (three) working
days of the receipt of the contested grade. If the course instructor does not respond to
the student's appeal within 3 (three) working days, the student must contact the Vice
Dean or the School’s authorized official of the relevant course.
The course instructor has 3 (three) working days in which to address the
concern and file a “Change of Grade Form” if needed, or to deny the request.
If a student is still dissatisfied, he or she may appeal to the Dean or Vice Dean
of the relevant course within 3 (three) working days upon receipt of the denial from
The Dean or Vice Dean shall consult with the course instructor before making
any decision. The decision of the Dean or Vice Dean shall be final.

## 3.19.1. The student must first consult with the course instructor within 3 (three)

working days of the date the grades are posted on the SIS system. The date to be used
for calculating the time for an appeal of a final course grade is the date that grades are
released to students, as published in the Academic Calendar.

## 3.19.2. The course instructor must respond to the student within the next 3

(three) working days. The time may be extended by the Vice Dean or School’s
authorized official if the course instructor is shown to have been unavailable during
the period following the student’s receipt of their final grade.

## 3.19.3. If the student still believes the grade is incorrect or the course instructor

has not replied within 3 (three) working days, he or she may appeal to the Dean or
Vice Dean or the authorized official of the relevant School within 3 (three) calendar
days after.
days after.

## 3.19.4. The Dean or Vice Dean, or the School’s authorized official shall

consult with the course instructor before making any decision. If the Dean or Vice
16
Dean, or the School’s authorized official decides to grant an appeal, they will
communicate the new grade to the OR directly using the “Change of Grade Form”.
16

## 3.19.5. The decision of the Dean or Vice Dean, or the School’s authorized

official shall be final.
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## 3.20.1. Any student who receives a grade that would prevent academic

progress in their program of study may retake that course. Retakes, initiated for the
purpose of increasing GPA/CGPA, are not allowed.

## 3.20.2. All attempts will remain in the student record and on the transcript and

will be counted toward the semester GPA, semester earned credits, semester
attempted credits, and total attempted credits. Only the last retake will be counted in
the final CGPA and total earned credits

## 3.20.3. A fee-based retake of the course. Any retake registered in any semester

may be charged. The cost and the payment process of the re-taken course will be
approved by the Managing Council of the University.

## 3.21.1. Satisfactory Progress towards degree. The University expects students

to complete their degree requirements within the defined program period. Students
shall have a minimum of 240 ECTS or as designated in the Handbook toward degree
completion.
completion.

## 3.21.2. The following progression must be met by all students to achieve

satisfactory progress. Failure to meet any of the criteria below may result in dismissal
First-year students shall have successfully completed a minimum of 40 ECTS.
Second-year students shall have successfully completed a minimum of 90

## ECTS.

Third-year students shall have successfully completed a minimum of 150

## ECTS.

## ECTS.

Fourth-year students shall have successfully completed a minimum of 180
## ECTS.

## ECTS.

## 3.21.3. OR shall submit a list of students who do not meet the above

requirements to the Dean of each School.
## ECTS.

## ECTS.

## 3.22.1. Students may be considered for the fifth year of study if they are unable

to meet graduation requirements by the end of the last semester of their final year and
are expected to be able to complete their degree within one to two additional years of
studies.
studies.

## 3.22.2. Schools shall identify potential fifth-year students.

The Dean or the School’s authorized official in each School will recommend
the final list of fifth-year students by submitting it, through the Provost’s approval, to
the AAO and OR via EDMS. This should include an individual study plan indicating
17
the specific course(s) for which the student is to be registered during the fifth year
and the potential semester of graduation.
17

Any changes to the list of students or their
study plans must be sent additionally via EDMS following the original approval
route.

The AAO collects an electronic acceptance form from each fifth-year student.

Upon the signing of the acceptance form, the student will be enrolled as a fifth-
year student.

The student must register for the courses according to their study plan
provided by the School.

A fifth-year student is not allowed to withdraw from the
registered course(s).

When the student is registered for the courses, the AAO shall send the list of
students with registered courses to the Bursar’s Department via EDMS.

The Bursar’s Department shall generate an invoice and payment contract,
which will be sent to the students.

The Bursar’s Department shall be responsible for
the execution and registration of the contract.

When the contract has been executed, the Bursar’s Department will send a
copy of the contract to the OR and School of the student.

The School will ensure each fifth-year student meets regularly with their
academic advisor.
academic advisor.

## 3.22.3. Housing may be provided with accommodation on campus during a

student’s fifth year of study, depending on availability.
academic advisor.

## 3.22.4. Fifth-year students will be charged an accommodation fee if they

choose to live on campus.
academic advisor.

## 3.22.5. Students who receive discounts or waivers on tuition fees for the fifth

year will have limited access to student benefits, including medical insurance,
medical, and counseling services.

## 3.22.6. All academic requirements for graduation must be completed within the

Fall and Spring semesters of the fifth year.

## 3.22.7. Under certain circumstances, a sixth year will be considered upon the

consent of the Dean, Provost, and President, and provided that the tuition fee and all
other study-related expenses during the sixth year shall be borne by the student. The
Dean or the School’s authorized official in each School will recommend the final list
of sixth-year students by submitting it, through the Provost and President’s approval,
indicating the specific course(s) for which the student is to be registered during the
sixth year and the potential semester of graduation. Any changes to the list of

## 3.22.8. All provisions related to fifth-year students shall be applied to

sixth/seventh-year students.
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18

## 3.23.1. In-semester Examination Policy. Examinations given outside of class
18

time on a Friday after 4:30 pm (16:30) or at any time Saturday or Sunday should be
The course instructor administering an examination that falls outside class time
must:
1) Announce the date and time at least two weeks prior to the examination
date, and
2) make reasonable accommodations to provide an alternative time to students
who have academic conflicts with the proposed time slot.
must:
date, and

## 3.24.1. No student shall be required to take more than 2 (two) scheduled final

examinations within a single calendar day. Students who find conflicts in their final
examination schedules should seek to resolve them with the course instructors
involved at the time the final examination schedule is posted.
Course instructors are encouraged to be accommodating whenever possible. If
a course instructor refuses to accommodate a conflict in a situation where a student is
scheduled for more than two final examinations on the same calendar day, the student
may appeal to the Dean of the course instructor’s School.

## 3.25.1. All scheduled final examinations, or equivalent final graded exercises,

are held at the end of the semester during the University’s official final examination
period as indicated in the respective academic calendar.

## 3.25.2. Final papers or other assignments that are assigned in lieu of a final

examination will be due during the University’s final examination period. Additional
rules determining the schedule of final examination or equivalent graded exercises, or
the schedule for the submission of final papers or equivalent graded work, will be
determined by each School.

## 3.25.3. Students are expected to arrive at the examination room on time.

Rules governing the admission of students who arrive late to an examination or
leave an examination early shall be specified in each Handbook.

## 3.25.4. All rules concerning the administration of examinations must be

explained to the students before the administration of the examination.

## 3.26.1. Any student shall be permitted to review their corrected, graded final

examination in the presence of a faculty or staff member.
The Individual Handbook will explain School-specific rules governing access
to examinations and appointments for review of examination papers.

## 3.26.2. A final examination that is not returned to a student will be stored in a

secure location for a minimum period of twelve months for review purposes.
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19

## 3.27.1. All oral examinations shall be conducted in English unless it is a
19

foreign language examination.
19

## 3.28.1. Students absent from an examination without permission may be
19

awarded a mark of zero for the examination.
19

## 3.28.2. Students who are absent without permission from other forms of

assessment or who do not submit coursework for assessment may be awarded a mark
of zero for that assessment unless the course instructor determines that there were
extenuating circumstances.

## 3.28.3. If a medical or other emergency causes a student to miss an

examination or other form of assessment, it is the student’s responsibility to contact
the course instructor as soon as possible prior to the assignment of final grades.

## 3.29.1. Students may be required to present the University’s current student

identity card when entering an examination hall and to display this card on their
desks during the examination.

## 3.29.2. Students are required to observe all instructions given by examiners,

supervisors, proctors, or other officers responsible for the conduct of examinations.

## 3.29.3. The following rules apply to all examinations:

1) Talking or otherwise communicating by any means with anyone other than
the proctor in the examination room is not permitted.
2) students may not have and use cell/smart phones, pagers, or any other
electronic devices unless authorized to do so;
3) students must stop working at the end of the time allowed for the
examination;
4) continuing to work on the examination after the allowed time is considered
academic misconduct.
examination;

## 3.29.4. Communicating answers to other students is as serious as receiving

answers. Students who assist others are subject to disciplinary actions and penalties.
See the Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures of the University.

## 3.29.5. Rules governing materials permitted in examinations will be developed

and implemented by each School and by individual course instructors.

## 3.30.1. Rules governing the conduct of classes during the End-of-Semester

period. The End-of-Semester period is a time of reduced social and extracurricular
activity, starting with the last week of classes and continuing through the final
examination period. In this period, students concentrate on academic work and
prepare for final examinations.
20
20

## 3.30.2. The following rules govern the conduct of classes during the End-of-

Semester Period.
During this time, course instructors should neither make extraordinary
assignments nor announce additional course meetings to “catch up” in course
presentations that have fallen behind. Course instructors may choose to conduct
optional review sessions and to suggest other activities that might seem appropriate
for students preparing for final examinations.
No graded homework assignments, mandatory quizzes, or examinations should
be given during the last week of classes, except:
in classes where graded homework assignments or quizzes are routine parts of
the instruction process, or
in classes with laboratories, the final examination will not test the laboratory
component. In such a case, the laboratory sessions during the week preceding the
examination period may be used to examine students on that aspect of the course.
Take-home final examinations, given in place of the officially scheduled in-
class examination, may be distributed in the week preceding the examination period.
During the End-of-Semester period, no events may be conducted that involve
compulsory student participation (e.g., extracurricular musical, social, athletic events,
committee meetings).
Semester Period.

## 3.30.3. Conduct of courses during the final examination period. No other

coursework, including laboratory or studio work, will be due during the final
examination period unless it is assigned in advance and in lieu of the course’s final
examination.
Regardless of whether there is a final examination in the course, no classes
other than review sessions shall be held during the final examination period.
examination.

## 3.31.1. Students will be allowed to graduate upon completion of all

requirements listed below. All students shall complete a minimum of 3.5 years.
Students shall maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Students shall be in good academic standing. If a student’s final term of study
is the summer term, and they earn a GPA of 1.67 (C-) or receive a “P” in a Pass/Fail
course resulting in a term GPA of 0.00 or no GPA, but their cumulative GPA
(CGPA) is 2.00 or higher, they will be allowed to complete their degree.
Students shall successfully complete all University and program requirements.
University requirements include but are not limited to:
University’s Undergraduate Core Curriculum Framework, including 12
ECTS/2 subjects of Kazakh language courses and the History of Kazakhstan course
(exception is 2-year undergraduate programs, Bachelor of Applied Nursing and
Bachelor of Nursing);
Exemptions to the Core Curriculum requirements may be allowed for joint/dual
degrees on a case by case basis;
Other seminars may be added when approved.

## 3.31.2. Students cannot have any outstanding “I” or “IP” grades on their

transcripts.

transcripts.
21

transcripts.
21

## 3.31.3. Students shall normally complete all degree requirements within 7

transcripts.
21

(seven) years, including any leave periods, of the initial program registration date.
transcripts.
21

## 3.32.1. The University reserves the right to withdraw an awarded degree should
21

there be discovery of academic misconduct.
21

## 3.32.2. At the time a degree is withdrawn from a former student, public

notification is made.

## 3.33.1. This section outlines the policies and procedures governing Double,

Joint/Dual, and Consecutive Degree programs of the University. These programs are
designed to enhance academic collaboration and provide students with diverse
educational opportunities.
The specific terms, requirements, and academic provisions for each program
may be determined and formalized in separate agreements between the University
and the respective partner institutions and/or appropriate decisions of the authorized
official/body.
official/body.

## 3.33.2. Double Degrees.

A Double Degree program allows students to earn two distinct degrees from
either University or in collaboration with another institution. This may involve
completing two separate theses or a single thesis that meets the requirements of both
institutions.
Students must fulfill the specific requirements set by each institution involved.
A formal agreement must be established between the institutions outlining
shared learning outcomes, assessment methods, and credit allocation.
Clear policies regarding credit transfer must be developed to prevent double
counting of ECTS credits.
A comprehensive curriculum map must be created to outline which courses
will be taken at each institution (or department) and specify learning outcomes for
each course.
Any shared courses must be clearly defined in terms of their contribution to
each degree's learning outcomes.
institutions.
each course.

## 3.33.3. Joint/Dual Degrees.

A Joint/Dual Degree program requires students to complete a unified
curriculum that integrates courses from both institutions (or departments within the
University) and receive one joint/dual diploma.
A formal agreement is necessary to ensure that all learning outcomes are met
and assessments are standardized across institutions.
The curriculum must be designed collaboratively, ensuring that all courses
contribute to the learning outcomes of both degrees without overlap.
Agreements must comply with national educational regulations and outline
responsibilities regarding intellectual property rights related to joint/dual research
projects or theses.
projects or theses.

## 3.33.4. Consecutive Degrees.
22
A Consecutive Degree program allows students to transition from an
undergraduate degree to a master’s program within the University or between the
University and another institution.
22

The transition should ensure a coherent progression that meets the learning
outcomes of both degrees.
22

Students must meet specific admission criteria for the master's program
following their undergraduate studies.

Clear guidelines should be established regarding credit transfer from
undergraduate to master's program ensuring that students do not exceed maximum
allowable credits.
allowable credits.

## 3.33.5. Duration Flexibility for Double, Joint/Dual and Consecutive Degrees.

For programs offered in Double Degree, Joint/Dual Degree, or Consecutive Degree
modalities, the minimum duration requirements outlined in the Regulatory
Framework for Undergraduate Programs and Courses may be adjusted to
accommodate the specific agreements between partnering institutions or departments
within the University. Such adjustments must be documented in the respective
program agreements and approved by the relevant academic authorities to ensure
compliance with the academic standards and integrity of the degrees conferred.

## 6.1. These Policies and Procedures shall be revised every three years or as

needed.

needed.

## 7.1. Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures of the autonomous

needed.

## 7.2. Policy and Procedures on Leave of Absence, Dismissal and Voluntary

Withdrawal for students of the autonomous organization of education Nazarbayev
University.

needed.
University.

## 7.4. Policy and Procedures on Student Mobility of the autonomous
University.

## 7.6. Regulations on Readmission of the Undergraduate students of the
University.

## 7.7. Bylaws of the Career and Advising Center.