Study in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan offers a large higher-education sector, Bologna-aligned degree pathways, programmes in Kazakh, Russian and English, major science and technical institutions and comparatively accessible costs at many universities. The best fit depends on the exact programme, accreditation, language, city and budget.

Official statistics recorded 116 operating higher-education institutions at the beginning of 2025/26. The number shown on Univs.com should be the live public catalogue count, which is a different measure.

The Ministry of Science and Higher Education reported 35,075 international students from 88 countries in 2025/26.

Yes, selected universities offer English-taught programmes. Availability and entry requirements vary, and clinical or workplace placements may still require Kazakh or Russian. Confirm the full teaching and assessment language with the programme.

Bachelor programmes commonly take about four years and 180–240 ECTS. Master's programmes often take one to two years and 60–120 ECTS. PhD study commonly takes about three years and 180 ECTS. Medicine and other regulated programmes differ.

The main intake is usually August or September. Some universities offer selected January starts, while summer terms are not a universal first-year intake. Use the programme's current admissions calendar.

There is no single national fee. A broad editorial planning range is about KZT 1.4 million–7.7 million per academic year across selected current bachelor-level examples, but medicine, aviation, premium English-medium and specialised programmes may cost more or less. The university's written fee schedule controls.

A cautious planning range is KZT 180,000–365,000 per month for accommodation, food, transport, utilities, insurance and personal expenses. Dormitory living may be lower and private housing in Astana or Almaty may be higher.

Many universities provide dormitories, but space, eligibility, room type and prices vary. Current official examples range from roughly KZT 40,000 to 108,050 per month. Apply early and keep a verified alternative because a place is not universally guaranteed.

Common items include a passport, eligible secondary-school certificate, transcript, photographs, language evidence and health documents. Recognition, apostille or legalisation, notarised translation, interview or subject tests may also be required.

Usually a relevant bachelor or specialist diploma, transcript, passport, language evidence and any required recognition or translation. Some programmes request a motivation letter, recommendations, interview, test or portfolio.

Often yes, especially when continuing study. ENIC Kazakhstan explains the recognition route and exceptions. Documents may also need apostille or legalisation and a notarised translation depending on the country and case.

First confirm the institution in the official higher-education directory. Then check current institutional and programme accreditation records through ENIC Kazakhstan's accreditation hub. Do not treat a commercial ranking as proof of accreditation.

Visa-required students normally use the C9 education visa. The correct route depends on citizenship, residence and programme. Check the current eGov visa-regime table and the responsible Kazakhstan mission.

Official guidance says visa issuance should not exceed five working days after a complete submission. Invitation approval can add three to five working days, and appointments, translations and document corrections add separate time.

Official C9 guidance lists USD 80 for a single-entry visa and USD 200 for a multiple-entry visa. Confirm the current amount, currency, exemptions and payment method with the responsible mission before paying.

Expect a completed application, photograph, passport, passport copy, registered invitation or visa support, admission letter and fee receipt, plus any mission-specific supporting evidence. Applicants under 18 may need notarised parental consent with translation.

Contact the university international office immediately. The institution may need to complete migration notification, address registration and a study-purpose temporary residence permit depending on citizenship, entry route and stay length.

A C9 visa is not an unrestricted work right. Current labour guidance includes a permit exemption for full-time students working at educational institutions in their free time, while EAEU citizens have separate treaty-based rights. Confirm any job before starting.

There is no automatic general post-study work period. Graduates must obtain an appropriate residence and employment basis before their study status expires. Citizenship and permit exemptions can change the route.

Students should arrange medical and travel coverage valid in Kazakhstan and confirm university, visa and residence requirements. The national foreign-student scholarship does not cover medical insurance.

Yes. The Republic of Kazakhstan scholarship programme offered 550 awards for 2026/27 across bachelor, master and PhD levels. Universities may also offer merit awards or discounts. Eligibility and deadlines change each intake.

It covers full tuition and a monthly allowance, subject to academic progress. It does not cover travel, accommodation, visa or medical-insurance expenses.

Astana and Almaty are the largest academic centres, while Shymkent, Karaganda, Turkistan, Atyrau, Aktau and other cities offer strong regional and specialised options. Choose by programme quality, language, housing, climate and travel needs rather than a generic city ranking.

Call 112 for urgent emergencies in Kazakhstan. Also save university security, dormitory, insurer and consular contacts.

Choose and verify the programme, check recognition and language requirements, prepare documents, apply through the official channel, complete testing or interview, accept the offer and fee terms, arrange C9 visa support if required, then secure housing, insurance and arrival documents.