Nazarbayev University - NU vs Arizona State University - ASU vs Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth - USJ vs Astana Medical University vs Astana IT University - AITU

Side-by-side comparison from 300 verified student reviews. Scan one row at a time — winners are highlighted

Quick verdict
Higher overall rating: Arellano University - AU - ABC (4.80)
Nazarbayev University - NU: wins 3/7 categories
Arizona State University - ASU: wins 2/7 categories
Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth - USJ: wins 0/7 categories
Astana Medical University: wins 0/7 categories
Astana IT University - AITU: wins 0/7 categories
D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University: wins 0/7 categories
Arellano University - AU - ABC: wins 2/7 categories
Comparing
Best programme: Chemistry
Tempe, Arizona, United States
4.50
Read more reviews
167 reviews
×
Best programme: Biology
Best programme: Food Nutrition and Dietetics
Best programme: Medicine
Best programme: Computer Science
Pasig City, Philippines
4.80
Top
Read more reviews
5 reviews
×
Best programme: Bachelor of Tourism Management
Category ratings
Facilities
4.59
Win
4.49
3.33
2.50
4.49
Not rated
4.20
Location
3.97
4.43
Win
4.00
3.00
4.30
Not rated
4.25
Professors
4.45
4.65
Win
3.67
4.00
4.28
Not rated
4.60
Internationality
4.36
4.35
3.33
4.00
2.99
Not rated
4.40
Win
Student life
4.58
4.28
3.00
2.50
4.09
Not rated
4.60
Win
Value
4.52
Win
4.39
3.33
4.00
4.10
Not rated
4.40
Accommodation
4.63
Win
4.41
3.67
2.50
4.36
Not rated
4.40
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • +Engaging teaching with real-world relevance
  • +Supportive and expert faculty
  • +Enriching campus life and culture
  • +Engaging community and supportive people
  • +Critical thinking development and personal growth
  • +Practical learning experiences and helpful advisors
  • +High-quality education and excellent teachers
  • +Well-equipped facilities and organized programs
  • +Strong reputation and career prospects
  • +Few professors are truly passionate and knowledgeable
  • +Curriculum is demanding but has a gap between theory and practice
  • +Administrative processes are frustrating with unclear communication and schedule changes
  • +Welcoming and supportive student community
  • +Engaging campus life and opportunities for involvement
  • +Modern facilities and practical, forward-thinking curriculum

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  • +Supportive teachers and personal growth
  • +Engaging events, organizations, and community
  • +Affordable tuition and quality facilities
Cons
  • -Administrative and management issues cause significant frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and technology hinder learning.
  • -Lack of clear communication and support from instructors is a recurring problem.
  • -Lack of support and consideration for online students, particularly those with work or family commitments.
  • -Poor quality of instruction and unhelpful teaching assistants.
  • -Administrative and management issues, including perceived dishonesty and unhelpfulness.
  • -Administrative and management issues cause significant frustration.
  • -Facilities are often outdated and poorly maintained.
  • -Course content and teaching methods are perceived as irrelevant or unengaging.
  • -Administrative and management issues are frequently cited.
  • -Outdated facilities and a lack of modern resources are a common complaint.
  • -The quality of teaching and curriculum is often criticized.

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  • -Administrative and management issues cause constant frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and a lack of essential resources are a significant drawback.
  • -The curriculum and teaching methods are frequently criticized as ineffective.
Rating summary
What students say

This institution receives excellent feedback, particularly for its **Accomodation**, which is rated the highest at 4.625. **Facilities** and **Student Life** also score remarkably well, both above 4.57. Conversely, **Location** emerges as the lowest-rated aspect, with a score of 3.97. Other areas like Professors, Internationality, and Value are all rated favorably above 4.36.

This institution performs exceptionally well in academics, with Professors earning the highest rating at 4.65. Facilities and Location also receive strong marks around 4.4. Student Life, while still positive, is the lowest-rated category at 4.28, indicating a potential area for improvement in extracurricular engagement and campus atmosphere.

The university presents a mixed profile, with its strongest rating in **Location** at 4. Areas of good performance include **Professors** and **Accomodation**, both scoring 3.67. Conversely, **Student Life** received the lowest rating at 3.0. Facilities, Internationality, and Value all fall in the mid-range with scores around 3.33.

This institution demonstrates particular strengths in its faculty expertise and international student engagement, both receiving a notable 4 out of 5. Conversely, the facilities, student life, and accommodation offerings are areas with room for improvement, each scoring 2.5. The university's location and overall value also received mid-range assessments.

This institution garners its highest marks for its facilities, scoring an impressive 4.49. Other strong areas include accommodation (4.36) and location (4.30). Student life, professors, and value also receive solid scores, all above 4.0. Conversely, internationality stands out as a weaker area, with a rating of just under 3.0.

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This institution demonstrates exceptional strengths in its academic and social offerings, with Professors and Student Life both achieving a high 4.6 rating. Facilities and Location are also well-regarded at 4.2 and 4.25 respectively. Accomodation, Internationality, and Value are solid performers, each receiving a 4.4. Overall, the university presents a very positive picture with no significantly weak areas identified.

Reviews summary
Highlights

University reviews are overwhelmingly positive (~100%), with a 4.43 average rating. Students praise well-rounded education, engaging professors, lively campus life, and excellent facilities.

With an average rating of 4.47/5 from 167 reviews, approximately 98.8% are positive, highlighting rewarding academic experiences, community, and facilities. A small fraction of feedback noted issues with online course structure and TA helpfulness.

University reviews are mostly positive, with 2 out of 3 (about 67%) giving high ratings. Students praised the high level of education and well-equipped facilities. One review (about 33%) expressed dissatisfaction, citing concerns about the university's focus on money over students and inconsistent support.

With one positive review and no negative feedback, sentiment leans positive (~50%). Students describe a demanding curriculum with some theory-practice gaps and outdated teaching methods. Administrative issues were also noted.

~92% of 88 reviews are positive, praising the welcoming student community, supportive environment, and engaging student life. Modern dorms and opportunities for involvement are also highlighted. There are no negative reviews.

Nothing to show

All five reviews are positive, with an average rating of 4.8/5. Students praise learning, personal growth, dedicated teachers, and modern facilities. Vibrant community, events, and organizations are also frequently mentioned.

Rating distribution
5★
46%
52%
33%
0%
9%
0%
80%
4★
51%
45%
33%
50%
80%
0%
20%
3★
3%
2%
0%
50%
11%
0%
0%
2★
0%
0%
33%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1★
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Most useful review
Most liked
Master of Public Administration

I am a graduate of Master in Public Administration, year of 2019. The program was amazing as well as academic team of the School of Public Policy. The program is designed for working professionals with various backgrounds and interests which makes this program unique. Your groupmates are going to be from different age groups and work environments, but they will all share the same goal of succeeding in their career as well as sharpening their skills. Also this kind of diverse environment gives you a great chance to learn about other’s experiences and grasp an opinion on how dilemmas in civil service or public policy are solved in their organizations and companies. Professor’s were great from the very first day, and became our friends by the end of the program. All the books and materials used were in compliance with the international best practices and this opinion comes from a person who did his bachelor’s in California back in 2015. If you are seeking for a program that can challenge your professionalism do not hesitate to apply for this program or choose NU as your next place to start your studies.

Learning

I like how comprehensive and well-rounded all of the knowledge I have so far learned during my studies has been. However, some instructors refuse to modernize their curricula and continue to teach in their antiquated ways.

Medical Laboratory School is recommended

I spent 3 years at USJ in the faculty of pharmacy, school of medical analysis laboratory technicians (ETLAM). The school was well organized, the lessons very clear with excellent teachers and access to the university's laboratories, which were also well equipped. I recommend those who wish to work as clinical laboratory technicians to continue their studies at USJ. The lessons are given in French, but we also had English lessons to improve our skills in this language. Student life at USJ is friendly, that said, it is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the timetable is decided beforehand, the student cannot choose his own schedule as in other universities in Lebanon.

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Life in Kazakhstan

Living in Kazakhstan while studying at Astana IT University has been a unique and enriching experience. Astana, the capital, is a city of contrasts, blending modern architecture with cultural heritage. The university’s location in the EXPO Business Center places it at the heart of this vibrant city, surrounded by iconic landmarks like the Nur Alem Pavilion. The city’s infrastructure is well-developed, with plenty of malls, cafes, and cultural venues like the Astana Opera, which I’ve enjoyed exploring. The university gives a comfortable and supportive environment. Student housing is modern, fostering a sense of community. Seasonal events and clubs have helped me make friends and feel connected. Winters are harsh but magical, while summers are warm and perfect for outdoor activities. Challenges include the high cost of living and the city’s remote location. Additionally, the university’s focus on IT limits opportunities for humanities students. Despite this, my time here has been a blend of academic growth and cultural immersion, making it a memorable chapter in my life.

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