Kazakhstan is becoming an important educational hub in Central Asia
For students seeking quality education, the doors of Western universities have traditionally been open, but Kazakhstan offers an alternative, increasingly becoming a prominent center for higher education in Central Asia. The country actively attracts leading educational institutions from Europe, the USA, and Asia, which indicates its strategic shift towards a "knowledge economy".
World-Class Education at Hand
Kazakhstan is emerging as a growing center for international higher education, developing its intellectual potential and attracting students from all over the world. This is achieved through effective strategic partnerships, generous scholarships, and active promotion of its universities on the international stage.
At the forefront of this process is a network of branches of foreign universities. Currently, there are 20 partner institutions operating in the republic from countries such as the UK, Italy, the USA, France, Germany, China, South Korea, Poland, Russia, and Uzbekistan. Notable among them are universities like Heriot-Watt University, Queen’s University Belfast, Nazarbayev University, University of Arizona, and the Sorbonne Institute Kazakhstan. Additionally, three independent British universities operate in the country: Cardiff, De Montfort, and Coventry.
A Link Between East and West
Kazakhstan is not limited to opening representative offices; the country is also actively developing dual degree programs. In the coming months, 15 new branches of leading universities from around the world are set to launch, allowing students to obtain internationally recognized diplomas. This positions Kazakhstan as a bridge between East and West in higher education. New institutions include Michigan State University, the University of Minnesota, Illinois Tech (USA), as well as universities from South Korea, Turkey, Italy, and Hungary.
Access to Education: Two Paths to a Diploma
For foreign students interested in studying in Kazakhstan, there are two main programs available: the state scholarship program "Study in Kazakhstan" and the option for direct admission.
1. The "Study in Kazakhstan" program is aimed at foreign citizens and ethnic Kazakhs without citizenship of the country. Each year, 550 grants are allocated: 490 for bachelor's students, 50 for master's students, and 10 for doctoral students. The grant covers the full cost of tuition and includes a monthly allowance.
The selection process occurs in three stages:
- Application: From March 30 to May 31, applicants can submit documents through the program portal (studyin.kz/admission), including a passport, diploma, translations, a motivation essay, and medical certificates. For master's and PhD programs, a language proficiency certificate is required.
- Testing: Candidates undergo an online test on academic knowledge and adaptation abilities.
- Interview: The final stage is an interview with a commission, where motivation and readiness for study are assessed. 37 leading universities in the country participate in the program.
2. Direct admission: This option requires students to independently choose a university or branch of a foreign university and submit documents through the internal system of the chosen educational institution. Required documents include a passport, diploma, photographs, and medical certificates. Many universities consider the average score of the diploma when admitting students to bachelor's programs, while for master's and PhD programs, passing a Comprehensive Test at the National Testing Center (app.testcenter.kz) is necessary.
After successful admission, students receive an invitation to apply for a student visa C9. For this, they need to contact the Kazakh consulate with the necessary documents. The visa is processed within 5-10 days, and upon arrival in Kazakhstan, students are required to register with the migration service.
Recently, branches of Kazakh universities have begun to open in Kyrgyzstan, significantly increasing educational opportunities for local youth. For example, a branch of the Eurasian National University named after L.N. Gumilyov has opened at Osh State University, where students can study for the first two years and then continue their education in Kazakhstan. This approach fosters the development of international cooperation in the field of science and education between the two countries.
The branch of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Bishkek has also become an important step in Kazakhstan's academic presence in Kyrgyzstan. Instruction is conducted in three languages: Kyrgyz, Russian, and English.
Thus, the establishment of branches of Kazakh universities in Kyrgyzstan opens new opportunities for academic mobility, making education more accessible and tailored to regional needs. For prospective students, this is a chance to obtain diplomas from prestigious universities while staying in their country during the initial stage of their education and integrating into the educational environment of Central Asia.
Kazakhstan continues to actively develop in the field of education, combining international partnerships and extensive scholarship programs. This creates opportunities for students at the intersection of cultures and ideas, making the country an important player on the global educational stage. For youth, Kazakhstan is becoming not just a neighbor, but a true window into the global world of science and careers.
