Study in Kazakhstan: 2025 Rankings, Universities, Courses & Eligibility

Kazakhstan has become an increasingly popular destination for international students. The country is home to around 150 universities offering a wide range of educational opportunities in various fields, including engineering, business, IT, and medicine. Over 50,000 international students from various countries enroll in the universities of Kazakhstan each year. About 9,500 of these students are from India, particularly pursuing medical studies.

The higher education system in Kazakhstan is growing with the country joining the European Higher Education Area in 2011 and aligning its degrees with European standards through the Bologna Process. For Indian students, Kazakhstan presents a particularly viable option due to its adherence to the National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines for medical programs. Along with the basic academic admission requirements, the universities in Kazakhstan expect language proficiency in English, Russian, or Kazakh from Indian applicants.

In Kazakhstan, tuition fees for a bachelor’s program can range from 3,700 to 30,000 USD (~ 3.19 to 25.93 lakhs INR) per year. Fees for master’s and doctoral programs typically range from 3,200 to 6,300 USD (~ 2.76 to 5.44 lakhs INR) annually. Once graduated, the average monthly salary in Kazakhstan is approximately 213,000 KZT (~ 35,347 INR), reflecting a good return on investment.

Table of Contents

Why Study in Kazakhstan?
Study in Kazakhstan as an Indian Student
Top Universities in Kazakhstan
Top Programs in Kazakhstan
Admission Requirements at Universities in Kazakhstan
Cost of Living in Kazakhstan
Scholarships in Kazakhstan
Jobs and Salaries in Kazakhstan
FAQs

Why Study in Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan has become a popular destination for international students, attracting over 50,000 candidates each year. Here are the reasons to choose Kazakhstan for your higher education:

Welcoming Environment: Kazakhstan is an ethnically diverse country, with only 66% of the population being native Kazakhs. It is known for its friendly attitude toward international students and residents.
Affordable Education: The country offers quality education at affordable tuition fees compared to many other international destinations.
Diverse Higher Education System: From basic colleges offering fundamental programs to masters and doctoral degrees, Kazakhstan offers it all.
Global Recognition:
- Kazakhstan joined the European Higher Education Area in 2011.
- The country participates in the Bologna Process, aligning its degrees with European standards.

Study in Kazakhstan as an Indian Student

Over 9,500 Indian students are currently studying in Kazakhstan, mostly in medical programs. Some of the key factors to choose Kazakhstan as an Indian student are as follows:

Medical universities adhere to the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) guidelines (5 years of study + 1-year internship).
Students are advised to verify their chosen university's registration with WHO and confirm compliance with NMC guidelines.
Students should be prepared to learn Kazakh or Russian, this will be essential for the internship period.

Top Universities in Kazakhstan

A list of some of the most popular universities in Kazakhstan and their corresponding details are as follows:

THE World University Rankings, 2025	University	Location	Tuition Fees	Equivalent Tuition Fee for Indians
#501-600	Nazarbayev University	Astana	11,200 to 30,000 USD	9.68 to 25.93 lakhs
#1201-1500	Al-Farabi Kazakh National University	Almaty	4,700 to 6,000 USD	4.6 to 5.18 lakhs
#1501+	Satbayev University	Almaty	2,630 USD onwards	2.27 lakhs onwards
-	L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University	Astana	5,000 USD	4.32 lakhs
-	Karaganda State Medical University	Karaganda	3700 to 4500 USD	3.19 to 3.88 lakhs
-	Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University	Almaty	9,00,000 to 22,00,000 KZT	1.49 to 3.64 lakhs
-	Semey State Medical University	Semey	3200 to 3800 USD	2.76 to 3.28 lakhs
-	Akhmet Yassawi University	Turkistan	3,700 USD	3.19 lakhs
-	Almaty Technological University	Almaty	1,112 to 1,573 USD	96,102 to 1.35 lakhs
-	Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University	Almaty	6,300 to 7,500 USD	5.44 to 6.48 lakhs
-	Atyrau University	Atyrau	5,300 to 6,100 USD	4.58 to 5.27 lakhs
-	Civil Aviation Academy	Almaty	1,089 USD	94,105

Note: Students should consider an additional hostel fee of 700 USD (60,501 INR) per year across the universities in Kazakhstan.

Top Programs in Kazakhstan

The universities in Kazakhstan are known for their exceptional medical science programs. Here are some of the popular program fields in Kazakhstan and top universities offering the program:

Field of Study	Universities
Medicine	Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) \| Karaganda State Medical University
Engineering	Satbayev University \| Nazarbayev University
Business & Management	L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University \| KIMEP University
Education	Kazakh National Pedagogical University named after Abay \| Pavlodar State Pedagogical University
Information Technology	International IT University \| Almaty University of Power Engineering and Telecommunications

Admission Requirements at Universities in Kazakhstan

Indian students must meet specific academic and documentation requirements to secure admission to universities in Kazakhstan. These requirements vary based on the chosen program and university but generally include the following:

Academic Qualifications:
- For undergraduate programs: Completion of higher secondary education with qualifying grades (specific percentage requirements may vary by university).
- For postgraduate programs: A recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- For doctoral programs: A master's degree in a related discipline.
Language Proficiency:
- Proficiency in English, Kazakh, or Russian, depending on the medium of instruction.
- For English-taught programs:
  - IELTS: 6.5
  - TOEFL: 81 (internet-based test)
  - Duolingo English Test: 105 or above
  - PTE Academic: 58
Entrance Examinations:
- Some programs, particularly medical or technical courses, may require passing an entrance exam or additional assessments.
- Specific universities may also conduct interviews or require portfolios for certain fields.
Valid Passport:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended period of stay.
Application Form:
- Completed application form of the university.
Other Documentation:
- Academic transcripts and certificates from previous studies.
- A SOP or motivation letter.
- Health certificate and proof of medical insurance.
- LOR (for postgraduate and doctoral applicants).
- Proof of financial stability, if required by the university.
Kazakhstan student visa.

Cost of Living in Kazakhstan

International students can expect to spend approximately KZT 178,000 to KZT 265,000 (29,524 to 43,954 INR) per month in Kazakhstan. A breakdown of the estimated expenses in Kazakhstan is provided below:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (in KZT)	Equivalent Cost for Indians (in INR)
Accommodation	80,000 – 120,000	13,267 to 19,900
Food	60,000 – 80,000	9,950 to 13,267
Transportation	8,000 – 15,000	1,326 to 2,488
Utilities	10,000 – 20,000	1,658 to 3,316
Miscellaneous	20,000 – 30,000	3,316 to 4,975
Total	178,000 – 265,000	29,524 to 43,954

Scholarships in Kazakhstan

The Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan offers scholarship opportunities for international students, including individuals of Kazakh descent who are not citizens of Kazakhstan. These scholarships support full-time study for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs. The scholarship allocation includes 490 scholarships for the Bachelor’s program, 50 for the Master’s program, and 10 for the PhD program.

Documents Required for Scholarships in Kazakhstan:

For Bachelor’s/Master’s Programs:

Copy of identification document
Academic certificates and transcripts (translated into Kazakh, Russian, or English)
Motivational essay in Kazakh, Russian, or English
Letter of recommendation from an educational organization or employer
Medical certificate, including proof of being free from HIV/AIDS
Invitation letter from a Kazakhstani university (if available)

For PhD Programs:

All documents required for Bachelor’s/Master’s programs
PhD research proposal in Kazakh, Russian, or English
International language proficiency certificate

English Proficiency Requirements for Scholarships in Kazakhstan:

TOEFL iBT: 46
IELTS: 5.5 or equivalent.

Jobs and Salaries in Kazakhstan

The average salary in Kazakhstan is reportedly 213,000 KZT (35,347 INR) per month. Some of the popular professions in Kazakhstan are as follows:

Profession	Average Salary (KZT)	Equivalent Salary for Indians (INR)
Construction Managers	673,333	1.11 lakhs
Sales Professionals	2,699,748	4.48 lakhs
Marketing Professionals	5,939,894	9.85 lakhs
Aviation Professionals	8,029,300	13.32 lakhs
Mining Engineers	10,285,185	17.06 lakhs
Financial Managers	13,326,798	22.11 lakhs
Legal Professionals	13,417,969	22.26 lakhs
Medical Doctors and Specialists	14,021,996	23.26 lakhs
Oil and Gas Engineers	20,000,000	33.19 lakhs
IT Managers and Specialists	33,143,000	55 lakhs

Kazakhstan presents a strong and diverse educational opportunity at affordable rates for prospective Indian students. With over 150 universities and a growing reputation for its academic programs, the country aligns with global standards, making it a desirable destination for higher education. Coupled with an affordable cost of living and strong post-graduation employment prospects, Kazakhstan offers a promising academic and professional journey for everyone.

FAQs

Ques. What are the main admission requirements for Indian students in Kazakhstan?

Ans. Indian students must meet academic qualifications such as completion of higher secondary education for undergraduate programs or a bachelor’s degree for postgraduate programs. Additionally, universities require proficiency in English, Russian, or Kazakh, and some may require passing an entrance exam or additional assessments.

Ques. How much does it cost to study in Kazakhstan?

Ans. Tuition fees in Kazakhstan range from 3,700 to 30,000 USD per year for undergraduate programs, with master's and doctoral programs costing between 3,200 to 6,300 USD annually. Students should also account for accommodation fees, typically around 700 USD per year.

Ques. What is the average salary in Kazakhstan after graduation?

Ans. The average monthly salary in Kazakhstan is approximately 213,000 KZT (35,347 INR). Professions such as IT management, mining, and oil engineering offer significantly higher salaries, making Kazakhstan a good place for career growth post-graduation.

Ques. Are there scholarship opportunities for international students in Kazakhstan?

Ans. Yes, Kazakhstan offers various scholarships for international students, including those for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs. These scholarships cover tuition fees and are available through the Ministry of Education and Science of Kazakhstan.