Study in Kazakhstan

Still a new destination for international students, Kazakhstan is already garnering an impressive reputation for higher education. Kazakhstan is a Central Asian powerhouse, and is one of the wealthier countries in that area. The country is a mixing pot of ethnicities, which diversifies the culture and education system.

Kazakhstan for international students
Language Requirements
Courses

Why choose Kazakhstan as an international student

More than 50,000 international students enrol in Kazakhstan’s world ranked universities each year. The country is welcoming to international citizens, both students and civilians. Only around 66% of residents are native Kazakhs, making the country ethnically diverse.

Higher education in Kazakhstan is divided into three levels. You can study at a Basic College, which provides fundamental education and allows you to gain a bachelor’s degree. You can also gain specialist diplomas in specific areas of education. To gain a masters degree, you will need to join a scientific programme, which takes 3 to 6 years to complete. This developing system produces graduates who are prepared for their next step in life, which a suitable and quality award.

International Student Visas

International students must obtain a Student Visa (C9) for studying in Kazakhstan, applied for after receiving university enrolment. The application process includes documentation and an embassy interview.

For more information about visas, see our International Student Visas advice article.

Universities in Kazakhstan

There are over 90 universities in Kazakhstan, and they can be divided into the following categories:

Public/State universities – Publicly funded and either organized at a regional or national level, these universities provide a wide range of study options at bachelors, masters and doctoral levels. Examples of these institutions include Karaganda State Medical University, Shymkent University, West Kazakhstan State University and Nazarbayev University.

Private universities – Private universities began to appear in Kazakhstan in the early 1990’s, and they include Turan University and University of Central Asia. Some private universities in kazakhstan are not-for profit, such as KIMEP University.

National academies & institutes – Academies and Institutes in Kazakhstan are higher education institutions that typically focus on providing high quality teaching of a specific discipline, such as the arts, engineering, law or business. Degrees are usually available at bachelors level, whilst some institutions also offer masters level degrees. Examples of academies in Kazakhstan include Adilet Law Academy and Central Kazakhstan Academy, whilst institutes include Atyrau Institute of Oil and Gas and Rudniy Industrial Institute.

The top ranked universities in Kazakhstan

University	Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2024	Best Global Universities	QS World University Ranking
Nazarbayev University	501-600	1275
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University	1201-1500	1664	230
L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University	1501+		355
Satbayev University	1501+		481
Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University	Not yet ranked		681-690
Akhmet Yassawi University	Not yet ranked		781-790
Almaty Technological University	Not yet ranked		801-850
Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University	Not yet ranked		901-950
Atyrau University	Not yet ranked
Civil Aviation Academy	Not yet ranked