Master in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation

Campus: Astana, Kazakhstan, NU School of Medicine building

Language: English

Delivery mode: Full-time, on-campus

Duration: 2 years

Total ECTS credit: 120

General information

The Master's program in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation is a two-year degree that will equip the graduates with theoretical as well as hands-on knowledge in the said field. The program’s focus on research will help the graduates to develop analytical skills, promoting excellence as well as innovation in healthcare practice.


The long-term goal of this initiative is to promote the evidence-based practice of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in Kazakhstan.


The focus of the Master's program in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation will be to deliver a curriculum that is compliant with international standards and trains health professionals in evidence-based practice. The program will therefore produce graduates who will be able to deliver services in diverse areas of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at par with international standards of care.


The Master's program in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation is designed for those who have completed an undergraduate degree in clinical or basic science (with a minimum grade point average of 2.75 based on a 4.0 scale or equivalent).


The structure of the Master in Sports and Rehabilitation program is set out to begin with the basics of human body functions, including metabolism and nutrition, as it related to exercise and fitness. The program imparts knowledge about the mechanics of the human body during exercise and injury. Students will be stimulated to think about the application of this knowledge towards improving athletic performance and rehabilitating an injury.

Program aims

Program aims:

  • Using world-class facilities in NU Athletic Center, train skilled academics and professionals in the field of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at a level of competence at par with international standards;
  • With the help of a research-focused curriculum, promote critical and innovative thinking in the areas of exercise technology and injury rehabilitation;
  • Elevate the professional standard of care in Sports Medicine and Injury Rehabilitation in Kazakhstan.

Curriculum

The program in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation is a two-year master’s degree program, with 123 total ECTS credits, that will equip the graduates with theoretical as well as hands-on knowledge in the said field. The program’s focus on research will help the graduates to develop analytical skills, promoting excellence as well as innovation in healthcare practice. Long-term goal of this initiative is to promote evidence-based practice of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in Kazakhstan.


Semester 1:

  • MSMR 501: Musculoskeletal System;
  • MSMR 503: Exercise Genetics, Physiology and Endocrinology;
  • MSMR 504: Pharmacology in Sports and Rehabilitation;
  • MSMR 505: Exercise and Biomechanics;
  • MSMR 510: Biostatistics and Epidemiology;
  • MSMR 701: Ethics and Professionalism

Semester 2:

  • MSMR 502: Nutrition in Sports and Exercise;
  • MSMR 506: Seminar in Sports Medicine;
  • MSMR 508: Health Fitness and Wellbeing;
  • MSMR 509: Robots for Rehabilitation;
  • MSMR 511: Introduction to Research Project;
  • MSMR 514: Adaptive Physical Activity;
  • MSMR 515: Nutrition for Life;
  • MSMR 516: Clinical and Motivational Interviewing;
  • Electives;

Summer Semester:

  • MSMR 513: Internship in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation;

Semester 3:

  • MSMR 507: Management and Rehabilitation of Injury;
  • MSMR 514: Adaptive Physical Activities;
  • MSMR 601: Psychology of Sports and Rehabilitation;
  • MSMR 603: Master Research Project;

Semester 4:

  • MSMR 602: Advances in Sports and Rehabilitation;
  • MSMR 702: Master Research Project Thesis.

Course descriptions

Program learning outcomes

On successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Apply knowledge of musculoskeletal physiology, metabolism, biomechanics, exercise physiology, injury prevention, psychology, and nutrition to Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.
  • Apply this knowledge to design exercise regimes to achieve optimal athletic performance.
  • Strategize the best methods for the rehabilitation of injuries.
  • Apply critical and analytical skills to research problems in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.
  • Analyze and communicate complex scientific information as it relates to Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.
  • Conduct scientific research in full accordance with ethical and professional standards.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Master's program in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation will have the opportunity to pursue a PhD in Kazakhstan or abroad. Others will be able to work as:

  • Rehabilitation specialists
  • Physiotherapists
  • Sports team doctors
  • Fitness and strength training specialists for professional sports
  • Physical education teachers at high school and university levels
  • Specialists in military training and rehabilitation
  • Private sports and gymnastics company professionals

Faculty

Entry requirements

Applicants to the Master's program in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation program are expected to have:

Regular Requirement
Details

Undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant discipline;

Graduate degree (if applicable)

During the application period, final year students may submit official transcripts for current coursework for consideration. Applicants recommended for admission must provide final transcripts and diplomas before the end of the Programs’ enrollment term. Graduates of the University may be enrolled based on evidence of their final transcript confirming degree completion, with diploma submission required within a month;


  • Applicants may be enrolled conditionally based on evidence from their graduating university confirming program completion and that the applicant expects the formal issuance of the final transcript and/or diploma by a certain date. In that case, the decision on enrollment shall prescribe the period within which the applicant must provide the necessary documents to the University;
  • A minimum CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 (or equivalent) on the applicant’s degree (bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. if the program uses a GPA approach);

High level of English proficiency.

1. The absolute minimum requirement for English language proficiency test reports for admission to the Program is an Academic IELTS – overall 6.0 (writing 6.0, reading 5.5, listening 5.5, speaking 5.5) or the equivalent TOEFL score (except Home edition) as posted on the ETS website;

2. Applicants to the Program, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, may be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:

  • One of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country where English is the language of official communication, academic instruction, and daily life;
  • An undergraduate or graduate degree was earned in a program that was officially taught in English;
  • The applicant is a graduate of NU.

Strong reading, analytical, and mathematical skills

As demonstrated by GRE or GMAT (optional). Although an official GRE/GMAT score is not an essential requirement, an applicant can enhance their application with a competitive GRE/GMAT score;

Statement of purpose

A high level of motivation and a strong interest in the Program, as outlined in the statement of purpose;

Letters of recommendation

Two confidential letters of recommendation;

For Master's program in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation program only:

Evidence of any professional and/or voluntary experiences related to biological and/or medical research (optional). Although this is not an essential requirement, an applicant can enhance their application with such evidence.

Important dates

Online application deadlines for those who are applying for the 2025-2026 academic year

  • Citizens of Kazakhstan: available until June 25, 2025, 14:00 (Astana time).
  • International applicants from countries requiring a visa prior to arrival: available until March 27, 2025, 14:00 (Astana time).
  • International applicants from countries eligible for visa issuance upon arrival: available until June 25, 2025, 14:00 (Astana time).

The deadline for submission of IELTS/TOEFL, GRE/GMAT certificates:

  • Citizens of Kazakhstan: July 4, 2025, 11:59 P.M. (Astana time).
  • International applicants from countries requiring a visa prior to arrival: March 31, 2025.
  • International applicants from countries eligible for visa issuance upon arrival: June 26, 2025.

First day of classes: August 2025

Tuition fee

The tuition fee for Master’s Degree Program is $16,000 (8 176 000 KZT) per one academic year for both local and international students.


To learn more about tuition fees, please contact us at bursars_office@nu.edu.kz.

How to apply

Entry requirements

Candidates applying to the Master's program in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation are expected to have:

  • an undergraduate degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. During the application period, final-year students may submit official current transcripts for consideration. Applicants recommended for admission must provide final transcripts and diplomas before the end of the programs’ enrollment term. Graduates of the university are enrolled based on the evidence of the final transcript, confirming the degree completion followed by diploma submission within a month;
  • graduate degree (if applicable);
  • Applicants may be enrolled conditionally based on evidence from their graduation from a university, that the applicants have completed the educational program and the applicant expects formal issuance of final transcript and/or diploma by a certain date. In that case, the decision about enrollment shall prescribe the period of time within which the applicant shall provide the necessary documents to the university;
  • a minimum CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 or equivalent on the applicant’s degree (bachelor's, master or Ph.D. (if masters and Ph.D. have adopted a GPA approach);
  • the required level of English language proficiency;
  • strong reading, analytical and mathematical skills as demonstrated by GRE or GMAT test (optional). Although an official GRE/GMAT score is not an essential requirement, an applicant can enhance his/her application with a competitive GRE/GMAT score;
  • high level of motivation and a strong interest in the program outlined in the statement of purpose;
  • 2 (two) confidential letters of recommendation;
  • For Master's program in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation program only: Evidence of any professional and/or voluntary experiences related to biological and/or medical research (optional). Although this is not an essential requirement, an applicant can enhance his/her application with such evidence.

The required level of English proficiency:

1. The absolute minimum requirement for English language proficiency test reports for admission to the program is an academic IELTS – overall 6.0 (writing 6.0, reading 5.5, listening 5.5, speaking 5.5) or the equivalent TOEFL score (except the home edition) as posted on the ETS website;

2. Applicants to the program, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test report if:

  • one of their earlier academic degrees was earned in a country with English as the language of official communication, academic instruction, and daily life;
  • an undergraduate or graduate degree was earned in a program that was officially taught in English;
  • the applicant is a graduate of NU.

Important dates

Online application deadlines for Masters programs:

  • Citizens of Kazakhstan: available until January 23, 2025, 2:00 P.M. (Astana time).
  • International applicants: available until March 3, 2025, 2:00 P.M. (Astana time).

Deadline for submission of IELTS/TOEFL, GRE/GMAT certificates:

  • Citizens of Kazakhstan: February 3, 2025
  • International applicants: March 4, 2025

The start of orientation week (for newly enrolled students): August 2025

First day of classes: August 2025

List of documents to be submitted by the applicants

All submitted documents shall be in English or with notarized English translation:

  • Complete application form;
  • National ID or passport;
  • Official document confirming name changes (if applicable);
  • Degree diplomas with transcripts;
  • An official electronic IELTS/TOEFL certificate (except Home edition) (valid at the time of document submission) sent to the University through IELTS/TOEFL VERIFICATION SERVICES. Code for IELTS: NU. Code for TOEFL: 6762
  • Document confirming English as the language of instruction (only for applicants who earned their degree in a program which was taught in English and request an exemption from submitting IELTS or TOEFL);
  • GRE/GMAT test certificates valid as of the date of online documents submission (optional);
  • Two confidential letters of recommendation written within the last 12 month (to be provided by referees electronically or in hard copy). You can find the Instruction for submission of recommendation letters here;
  • Statement of purpose of 500 words or less;
  • 075у medical certificate (for Kazakhstani applicants) or a similar medical certificate with indication of general health (for international applicants);
  • A document stating the presence or absence of a criminal record;
  • Consent of the applicant/student to the processing of personal data;
  • For Master's program in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation program only: Evidence of any professional and/or voluntary experiences related to biological and/or medical research shown in a CV, recommendation letter or in any other document (optional).
  • The Admissions Committee and/or Admissions Department may request additional documents when necessary.

How to apply

Status assigned to the candidate

All registered candidates can check the status of their application in the Personal account. Description of the status below is presented in the order of assignment to the candidate in the Personal account.


Application in processing. This is interim status, which means that the application is being processed. Admissions Committee will evaluate the application and inform the candidate on further steps/stages. Notification on final results will be sent to your email address.


Does not meet entry requirements. The status is assigned to the candidates who do not meet the minimum entry requirements. It is given after checking the application forms and the documents by the Admissions Department.


Disqualified. The status is assigned to candidates who are disqualified for gross violations of the conditions of the competition. For example, provided deliberately false information.


Rejected by Admissions Committee. At one of the competition stages, the Admissions Committee decided to reject the candidate’s application.


Transfer to another program. At the stage of an application screening the Admissions Committee has decided to recommend the candidate for consideration by the Admissions Committee of another program within the same School.


Pending. Candidate’s application is pending.


Waiting list. The Admissions Committee has finished reviewing the candidate’s application and made a decision to put you on a waiting list. Such candidates should expect notification from the University, as there is a possibility that if other candidates reject to study, they may be sent an invitation letter to study.


Recommended for admission to program. Admissions Committee has decided to recommend candidate for the program without going through the Zero Year of Graduate programs.


Recommended for conditional admission. The Admissions Committee has decided to recommend a candidate for the conditional admission with a requirement to fulfill the condition by the deadline specified in the notification.


Withdrawn. Candidate decided to withdraw from the competition.


Accepted Program admission offer. The status is assigned to candidates who received offer letter, signed Enrollment confirmation form and fulfilled all the сonditions of the University indicated in the offer letter.


Refused admission offer. The candidate was recommended for admission, but refused to study.


Refused in favor of another NU program. The status is applicable for those candidates, who applied for several graduate programs at NU. The status is assigned when the candidate chooses another program.


Deferred. The status is assigned to candidates who were accepted for the program, but decided to postpone their studies until the next year.


Did not submit the documents/Refused. The status assigned to candidates who did not provide originals of the documents by the stated deadline, which means that the candidate refuses to study at University.


Did not come to Orientation week/Refused. The status is assigned to candidates who accepted the offer letter, provided hard copies of documents, but did not participate in Orientation week. The vacant place, if available, can be offered to the candidates in the Waiting list.


Enrolled to program. The status is assigned to candidates who enrolled to the main program by the Decision of the Provost. Candidate officially became a student.

What do our alumni say
  • Bauyrzhan Toktarbay
    Class of 2022
    I was one of the first students to graduate from the MSMR program, and I would describe the experience as life-changing. The program equipped me with the necessary research skills to continue my scientific journey, offering a good mix of theoretical and practical courses. During my studies, I received an invitation to work at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which allowed me to apply my newly acquired knowledge in the real world of sports science. Another benefit of the program is the university's Athletic Center, which is equipped with modern technology for sports medicine and rehabilitation research. The qualified staff and well-designed curriculum have greatly supported my career as a researcher.
  • Dina Kalinina
    Class of 2023
    With a master program in sport medicine and rehabilitation, I began my incredible journey in academia. As a medical doctor who worked in the rehabilitation field before, I gained a lot of insights and inspiration during my education.
    I really liked the organization of the program course, which begins with the fundamentals of anatomy, biomechanics, and genetics before moving on to more specialized disciplines related to sports medicine and rehabilitation processes. This allows you to gain a comprehensive understanding of the field. Furthermore, by the start of your second year, armed with this essential knowledge, you will be prepared to initiate your own research project.
    In addition, it would be impossible to avoid mentioning the incredible support that the faculty members have provided. Working with them and gaining insight into their experiences and perspectives in this area was a wonderful opportunity, and I am grateful to have had it.
  • Amna Riaz Khawaja
    Class of 2024
    The Master's program in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at Nazarbayev University has provided me with an extremely fulfilling experience. The curriculum offered a well-balanced combination of theoretical understanding and hands-on implementation, emphasizing the use of evidence-based methods and the most up-to-date rehabilitation technologies. The faculty's guidance and specialized knowledge were crucial in enhancing my research abilities, particularly in my involvement with the development of rehabilitation robots for children with cerebral palsy, in partnership with the Center of Medical Research and Robotics. The program's focus on research and the availability of state-of-the-art laboratories cultivated an atmosphere conducive to inventive thinking and cooperation. In addition, the interdisciplinary approach and varied perspectives have provided me with crucial communication and teamwork skills necessary for working in multidisciplinary healthcare environments. Although the program was commendable, boosting the number of clinical placements and incorporating specialized electives could further increase practical learning. Upon completion of their studies, students are thoroughly equipped to pursue future prospects in both academic research and the professional industry. The abilities I have acquired have provided opportunities for advanced research in rehabilitation robotics, presenting exciting possibilities for future graduates to contribute to state-of-the-art advancements in the field. I strongly endorse this curriculum for anybody aspiring to pursue a profession in sports medicine and rehabilitation.
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