Autumn / Fall Intake
September - October 2026
Closed
Study in Kazakhstan - Universities, Courses, Fees & Visa
Gain internationally recognised degrees and unlock global career pathways
Why Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan is Central Asia's largest economy and an emerging academic hub, offering affordable education with fully-funded programs at Nazarbayev University and rapidly growing international student enrolment.
Home to Globally Ranked Research Universities
Al-Farabi KazNU ranks #166 globally (QS 2026), the highest-ranked university in Kazakhstan and #1 in Central Asia. L.N. Gumilyov ENU ranks #317 globally.
Tuition from just USD 1,500/Year
Public Kazakh universities charge international students USD 1,500-5,000/year, a fraction of Western tuition costs, with some fully funded scholarship options.
WHO and NMC-Recognised Medical Programmes
Kazakhstan is a major destination for MBBS/MD students from India. Medical universities are recognised by WHO, NMC India, and UNESCO.
Flexible Work Permissions for Students
Kazakhstan's legislation allows international students to work while studying. Check individual visa conditions as rules vary by programme type.
Bridging Europe and Asia
Kazakhstan's unique geographic position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia offers international students unparalleled cultural exposure and regional career opportunities.
Bologna-Compatible STEM and Engineering
Kazakhstan is a participant in the Bologna Process. Degrees are compatible with European higher education standards, with strong STEM infrastructure.
Top Medical Universities in Kazakhstan
Ranking #355L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University
Astana, Kazakhstan
Kazakh-British Technical University
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Ranking #163Al Farabi Kazakh National University
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Satbayev University
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Top Courses to Study in Kazakhstan
L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University
Bachelors Management
Kazakh-British Technical University
Bachelors Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence
Al Farabi Kazakh National University
Bachelors Management
Satbayev University
Masters Applied Seismology
L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University
Masters Management
Kazakh-British Technical University
Masters Petroleum Engineering
Al Farabi Kazakh National University
Masters Management
Satbayev University
Bachelors Financial analytics
Intakes in
Kazakhstan 2026-27
Kazakhstan universities run two intakes: September (primary) and February. Apply by June - August for September entry. Nazarbayev University opens admissions separately in February-March.
Spring Intake
February 2027
Applications Open — Apply NowAutumn / Fall Intake
September - October 2027
Plan AheadCost of Studying in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan offers some of the most affordable tuition and living costs among international study destinations. Use this as a planning guide.
Program Level
Public University (UG)USD 1,500 - 4,000
Public University (Master's / PG)USD 2,000 - 5,000
Medical Programmes (MBBS/MD)USD 4,500 - 6,500
Private University (UG & PG)USD 3,000 - 10,000
MBAUSD 5,000 - 15,000
PhD / DoctoralOften fully funded via state grants
* Nazarbayev University offers fully funded undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, and living allowance for high-achieving international applicants.
Average Monthly Living Costs
Astana (Capital)USD 350 - 600 / month
AlmatyUSD 300 - 550 / month
ShymkentUSD 250 - 400 / month
KaragandaUSD 200 - 350 / month
Cost Of Living
Kazakhstan is one of the most affordable study destinations globally. University hostel accommodation costs USD 50-150/month; shared apartments USD 150-400/month.
LowHigh
Scholarships to Study
Kazakhstan offers scholarship opportunities for international students at its growing number of world-class universities.
Bolashak International Scholarship
Kazakh citizens under 40 years old; bachelor's, master's, PhD, or research internships at top world universities
Nazarbayev University (NU)
International and domestic students for bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs at NU, Kazakhstan
KIMEP University Merit Aid
High-achieving international applicants to KIMEP programs
Open Society Foundations Fellowships
Students, scholars, and civil society professionals globally; focus on open society and democracy values
Popular cities in Kazakhstan
Almaty
38+ Universities | 903+ Courses
Astana
46+ Universities | 500+ Courses
Shymkent
9+ Universities | 229+ Courses
Karaganda
6+ Universities | 150+ Courses
How to get your Kazakhstan Student Visa
A step-by-step guide to the Kazakhstan Student Visa. Nazarbayev University handles visa support for scholarship holders.
- 01
Receive University Offer
Get an admission letter from a recognised Kazakh institution.
- 02
Apply for Student Visa
Apply at the Kazakh embassy. Visa fee is $30-$80.
- 03
Submit Required Documents
Provide admission letter, financial proof, passport, and health certificate.
- 04
Await Visa Decision
Processing takes 2-4 weeks.
- 05
Travel to Kazakhstan
Arrive and convert your visa to a student residence permit within 30 days.
- 06
Register Locally
Complete local registration formalities upon arrival.
$30-$80
Visa Success Rate
2-4 Wks
Visa Application Fee
120+
Average Processing Time
50K+
Graduate Route (PSW) Visa
Still exploring your options?
Frequently
Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our programs and services
Public Kazakhstani universities charge international students approximately USD 1,500-4,000/year for undergraduate programmes and USD 2,000-5,000 for postgraduate. Medical programmes cost USD 4,500-6,500/year. Monthly living costs average USD 300-600, making Kazakhstan one of the world's most budget-friendly study destinations.
Yes. Many Kazakhstani universities offer English-taught programmes that accept TOEFL as an alternative to IELTS. Some universities conduct their own internal English assessments. Russian or Kazakh-language programmes do not require English proficiency proof.
Kazakhstan's legislation is relatively flexible regarding work during study, though specific conditions depend on your visa type and programme. It is advisable to confirm work permissions with your university's international student office before commencing employment.
Most Kazakhstani universities require 50-60% in qualifying examinations for undergraduate admission. Competitive programmes at Nazarbayev University or medical schools may require significantly higher academic standing. Foreign students are typically admitted on the basis of interviews and document review without sitting the national UNT exam.
Kazakhstan is particularly strong in Medicine (MBBS/MD), Engineering, Oil and Gas/Petroleum Engineering, IT and Computer Science, Business Administration, International Relations, and Natural Sciences. The country's vast energy and mining sector creates strong graduate employment prospects in technical fields.
Leading institutions include Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (#166 globally, QS 2026), L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (#317), Satbayev University (#541-550), Kazakh-British Technical University (#1001-1200), Nazarbayev University, and KIMEP University.
International graduates can apply to extend their stay in Kazakhstan for post-study employment purposes. Once employment is secured with a registered employer, graduates can convert to a work visa. Kazakhstan's growing economy, particularly in engineering, IT, and energy sectors, offers strong post-graduation employment prospects.
