At Nazarbayev University, we prioritize initiatives that enhance public health, support medical research, and foster a healthier campus environment. Through innovative programs, community partnerships, and evidence-based policies, we strive to create a lasting impact on both local and global health challenges.
In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-being, we are committed to promoting inclusive, accessible, and high-quality health and wellness initiatives that benefit our university community and beyond.
CURRENT COLLABORATIONS WITH HEALTH INSTITUTIONS
Our commitment to health and well-being extends beyond the classroom, ensuring that students, faculty, and staff have access to the care and resources they need to thrive. Through strategic collaborations with local, national, and international health organizations, we enhance healthcare accessibility, promote preventive programs, and provide essential mental health support—creating a holistic approach to wellness for our entire community.
Local and National collaborations
At Nazarbayev University, we are dedicated to ensuring access to high-quality healthcare for our students and staff. Through strategic partnerships with leading health institutions, we provide comprehensive medical support and services tailored to the needs of our university community.
Global cooperation
Health Outreach Programmes
NU actively engages with the local community through various health outreach programs aimed at promoting overall well-being. These initiatives include student volunteering opportunities, workshops, and awareness campaigns covering key health topics such as hygiene, nutrition, family planning, sports and exercise, mental health, and aging well.
In 2024 key activities included:
Maternity and Paternity Policies
Maternity Policy
Nazarbayev University is committed to supporting women in the workforce by offering maternity benefits that exceed state-mandated requirements. Female employees are entitled to maternity leave in accordance with the Labor Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as additional (financial) benefits outlined in the Policy on Remuneration and Incentives for Administrative Staff of NU and the Bylaws on Basic Trends on Social Policy of the autonomous organization of education Nazarbayev University.
1) For employees not covered by the Republic of Kazakhstan’s compulsory social insurance system (foreign citizens and stateless persons temporarily residing in Kazakhstan), childbirth maternity leave / newborn child (children) adoption leave payment is based on their average salary, provided they have been employed at NU for at least 12 months before the leave begins.
1.1. If such an employee has worked for less than 12 months, the leave payment is calculated using the following formula:
Average daily salary × Pay coefficient × Number of working days occurring during the leave. The pay coefficient is determined by dividing the number of days worked at NU by the total number of working days in the 12 months preceding the leave.
2) For employees covered by the Republic of Kazakhstan’s compulsory social insurance system (citizens of Kazakhstan, as well as foreign citizens and stateless persons permanently residing in Kazakhstan), childbirth maternity leave / newborn child (children) adoption leave payment maintains the average salary, minus the amount of social benefits received for income loss due to pregnancy, childbirth, or adoption, as per Kazakhstan’s compulsory social insurance laws.
These benefits reinforce NU’s commitment to a family-friendly work environment and uphold its core value of ensuring equal access to education, irrespective of race, religion, gender, physical ability, or socioeconomic status.
Paternity Policy
NU recognizes the essential role of fathers in childcare and fully supports male employees in taking parental leave, as stipulated in Article 100 of the Labor Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This regulation enables fathers to actively participate in caregiving responsibilities, allowing their spouses to focus on professional growth while maintaining a balanced family dynamic.
Notably, three male employees at NU have exercised this right, reflecting the University’s commitment to gender equity and workplace inclusivity.
By upholding these policies, NU continues to cultivate a supportive and equitable work environment that encourages both professional growth and work-life balance.
NU actively promotes physical activity and well-being by making its sports facilities accessible to the local community. These efforts foster community engagement, encourage a healthy lifestyle, and contribute to the overall well-being of the public.
Access to Sports Facilities
While the university maintains a structured fee system to ensure the sustainability of its infrastructure, it also offers various discounts and rental opportunities to make sports and recreational activities more accessible.
NU’s sports facilities operate on a charged-access model for all users. However, the pricing structure is designed to be affordable and inclusive:
Given the scale of NU’s sports infrastructure, significant resources are required for maintenance and operations. To optimize facility usage and provide additional funding, NU collaborates with third parties through rental agreements. These arrangements include:
Nazarbayev University strives to balance accessibility with operational sustainability. Through its flexible pricing structure, discounts for internal members, and rental agreements with external organizations, NU ensures that its high-quality sports facilities serve both the university community and the wider public.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Services For Students
At Nazarbayev University, the Health and Well-being Department recognizes the significance of sexual and reproductive health care services, as well as the need for accessible information and education. NU is committed to ensuring that students receive the necessary resources to make informed decisions about their health. Several initiatives have been implemented to provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services on campus.
NU ensures that students have the necessary resources to make responsible and informed health choices.
Access to Mental Health Support for Students
Ensuring the mental well-being of students is a key priority for the University. The Health and Well-Being Department’s Psychological Counseling Service (PCS) is committed to providing students with access to mental health support services, promoting a proactive approach to mental well-being, and creating a supportive campus environment where students can thrive academically and personally.
Students have access to a range of mental health support services designed to address their psychological and emotional well-being. These services include professional individual counseling, peer support programs, group sessions and workshops on stress management, coping strategies, emotional resilience and many other topics according to the Outreach calendar. The university recognizes the importance of both preventive and responsive support systems to ensure students receive timely assistance. Activities such as mindfulness sessions, stress-relief workshops, and art therapy programs are integrated into student life to encourage self-care and emotional well-being. The university also collaborates with student organizations to create peer-led initiatives that foster a culture of openness and mental health awareness.
In 2024, initiatives included:
Access to Free Mental Health Support For Students
To ensure inclusivity, students can access free mental health support services provided by the University. These include psychological counseling, mental health screenings, and crisis intervention services. Students have access to individual psychological consultations, available both in-person and online, ensuring confidential and professional support. Each student is entitled to up to 10 free counseling sessions per academic year.
Additionally, for those requiring specialized or long-term care, the university provides signposting to external mental health professionals and psychiatric services at City Center for Mental Health on a free basis and within voluntary health insurance services for students also on a free basis.
By providing a comprehensive approach to mental health support, the university aims to empower students to prioritize their well-being, access necessary resources, and navigate academic life with resilience and confidence.
Access to Mental Health Support for Staff
NU is committed to fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes the mental health and well-being of its staff. Recognizing that a healthy workforce is integral to institutional success, NU provides comprehensive mental health support services, actively promotes mental well-being, and offers clear pathways to both free and charged mental health resources.
Staff members at NU have access to a variety of mental health support services designed to address both personal and professional challenges. The university's Psychological Counseling Services offer individual and group counseling sessions on any mental health-related issues, providing support in crisis situations and assisting in finding ways to resolve concerns.
NU actively promotes mental well-being among staff through various initiatives. The Health and Well-being Department organizes specialized staff workshops, seminars, and wellness programs aimed at enhancing resilience, stress management, and overall mental health awareness among staff. These initiatives foster an open and supportive environment, encouraging staff to prioritize their mental health and seek assistance when needed.
Access to Free Mental Health Support For Staff
Staff have access to free mental health support services through the university's Psychological Counseling Services. These services include confidential counseling sessions and support in crisis situations. Additionally, the university provides information about external resources, such as the round-the-clock helpline of the City Center for Mental Health (CCMH): 54-76-03 (24/7).
Access to Charged Mental Health Support For Staff
For specialized or extended care beyond the scope of free services, NU provides information and referrals to external mental health professionals. While these services may incur costs, the university ensures staff are informed about available options and any potential financial support mechanisms.
Mental Health Support Resources