Top Universities to Study in Kazakhstan for International Students

Kazakhstan, the largest landlocked country in the world, has emerged as a promising study-abroad destination for international students in recent years. Known for its affordable education system, English-medium medical programs, and growing reputation in research and technology, Kazakhstan attracts students from India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, China, and Europe.

Most international students choose Kazakhstan for its medical universities (MBBS/MD programs), which are recognized by WHO, UNESCO, and various medical councils worldwide. Apart from medicine, Kazakhstan also offers quality education in engineering, business, and humanities at affordable costs.

Why Study in Kazakhstan?

• 🎓 Globally Recognized Universities – Degrees are recognized by WHO, UNESCO, and ECFMG.
• 💰 Affordable Tuition Fees – MBBS in Kazakhstan costs between $3,000 – $5,500 per year, cheaper than Western countries.
• 🌍 International Student Hub – Over 50,000 international students study in Kazakhstan.
• 🏥 Medical Excellence – Kazakhstan is gaining popularity for MBBS/MD programs.
• 📚 English-Medium Programs – Many universities offer programs in English.
• ✈️ Strategic Location – Located between Europe and Asia, with growing global exposure.

Top Universities in Kazakhstan for International Students

Here’s a comparison table of the leading universities:

Detailed Overview of Top Universities

1. Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU)

• Established in 1934, ranked among the top 200 universities worldwide.
• Offers programs in medicine, law, engineering, economics, and business.
• Popular for its global partnerships with international universities.
• Tuition: $3,000 – $5,000 per year.

2. Kazakh National Medical University (KazNMU)

• Founded in 1930, one of the oldest and most prestigious medical universities in Kazakhstan.
• Offers MBBS, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing.
• Degrees recognized globally by WHO, UNESCO, and MCI (India).
• Tuition: $4,000 – $5,500 per year.

3. Nazarbayev University

• Established in 2010 in the capital city Astana (Nur-Sultan).
• Focuses on innovation, engineering, IT, and business programs.
• Entirely English-medium, with international faculty.
• Tuition: $4,500 – $6,000 per year.

4. Astana Medical University

• One of the most popular destinations for MBBS in Kazakhstan.
• Offers programs in Medicine, Nursing, and Dentistry.
• Provides modern clinical training opportunities.
• Tuition: $3,500 – $5,000 per year.

5. Karaganda State Medical University

• Founded in 1950, known for its practical medical training.
• Offers MBBS, Public Health, and Nursing.
• Tuition: $3,000 – $4,800 per year.

6. South Kazakhstan Medical Academy (SKMA)

• Located in Shymkent, with growing popularity among international students.
• Offers affordable MBBS, Dentistry, and Pharmacy courses.
• Tuition: $3,200 – $4,500 per year.

7. Semey State Medical University

• Established in 1952, one of the oldest universities in Kazakhstan.
• Offers MBBS, Nursing, and Pharmacy.
• Tuition: $3,000 – $4,200 per year.

8. KIMEP University

• The leading business school in Central Asia, located in Almaty.
• Offers Business Administration, Economics, Finance, and International Relations.
• Known for its international faculty and English-medium programs.
• Tuition: $3,500 – $5,000 per year.

9. Satbayev University (Kazakh National Technical University)

• Strong focus on engineering, mining, and IT education.
• Established in 1934 in Almaty.
• Tuition: $3,000 – $4,800 per year.

Admission Requirements for International Students

Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Programs)

• High school certificate with science subjects (for MBBS/Engineering).
• Minimum 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (for Medicine).
• Valid passport and student visa.
• Some universities may require English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).

Postgraduate (Master’s/PhD Programs)

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
• Entrance exam or interview (varies by university).
• Strong academic record.

Scholarships for International Students in Kazakhstan

• Bolashak International Scholarship – Government-funded, covers tuition and living costs.
• University Merit Scholarships – Offered by Nazarbayev University, KazNU, and KIMEP.
• Partial Tuition Discounts for high-performing students.

Cost of Living in Kazakhstan for International Students

• Accommodation: $600 – $1,200 per year (hostel) or $2,000 – $3,500 (private apartment).
• Food: $100 – $200/month.
• Transport: $10 – $20/month (very affordable public transport).
• Health Insurance: $100 – $150/year.
• Total Living Cost: $300 – $500/month.

👉 Kazakhstan is among the most affordable study destinations in Eurasia.

Benefits of Studying in Kazakhstan

✅ Affordable tuition and living costs.
✅ WHO and UNESCO recognized universities.
✅ English-medium MBBS and engineering programs.
✅ Large international student community.
✅ Easy admission process without complex entrance exams.
✅ Central location with exposure to both Europe and Asia.

FAQs – Studying in Kazakhstan

Q1. Is Kazakhstan good for international students?
👉 Yes, Kazakhstan offers affordable, globally recognized education, especially for MBBS and engineering.

Q2. What is the cost of MBBS in Kazakhstan?
👉 Tuition fees range between $3,000 – $5,500 per year, making it cheaper than India, Europe, or Western countries.

Q3. Do I need to learn Kazakh or Russian?
👉 No, many universities offer English-medium courses. However, learning local language helps in clinical practice.

Q4. Can I work while studying in Kazakhstan?
👉 Yes, international students can work part-time, but jobs may be limited for those who don’t speak Russian/Kazakh.

Q5. Which is the best medical university in Kazakhstan?
👉 Popular choices include Kazakh National Medical University, Astana Medical University, and Karaganda State Medical University.

Kazakhstan is a growing study-abroad hub that combines affordable education, globally recognized medical programs, and modern facilities. With top universities like Kazakh National Medical University, Astana Medical University, Nazarbayev University, and Al-Farabi KazNU, students can pursue degrees in medicine, engineering, business, and technology.

For students seeking a budget-friendly study destination with international exposure, Kazakhstan offers an excellent opportunity.