Kazakhstan is becoming an important educational center in Central Asia
For a long time, students dreaming of quality education faced difficulties when applying to Western universities. However, Kazakhstan is experiencing a noticeable transformation that is becoming increasingly evident. The country is rapidly turning into a significant educational hub in Central Asia, actively attracting universities from Europe, the USA, and Asia. This is linked to Kazakhstan's transition to a "knowledge economy."
A Short Path to International Education
Kazakhstan is consistently developing its role as an international center for higher education, offering students from various countries educational opportunities through strategic partnerships and generous scholarships.
At the forefront of this transformation is the growing number of branches of foreign universities. Currently, there are 20 partner educational institutions from the UK, Italy, the USA, France, Germany, China, South Korea, Poland, Russia, and Uzbekistan operating in the country. Universities such as Heriot-Watt University, Queen’s University Belfast, Nazarbayev University, and the University of Arizona highlight Kazakhstan's ambitions in the field of education. Additionally, three independent British universities—Cardiff, De Montfort, and Coventry—are also present in Kazakhstan.
An Educational Bridge Between East and West
Kazakhstan is also actively expanding dual degree programs and will open 15 new branches of leading global universities. This will allow students to obtain internationally recognized diplomas. Among the universities to be represented are Michigan State University, the University of Minnesota, Illinois Tech (USA), and others.
Successful Paths to a Degree
For foreign students wishing to study in Kazakhstan, there are two main programs available: the state scholarship program "Study in Kazakhstan" and direct admission.
1. The "Study in Kazakhstan" program is intended for foreign citizens and ethnic Kazakhs without citizenship. It aims to promote Kazakhstani education, establish humanitarian ties, and attract talented students. Each year, 550 grants are allocated: 490 for bachelor's degrees, 50 for master's degrees, and 10 for doctoral degrees. The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and includes monthly payments.
The selection process occurs in three stages:
- Application submission. From March 30 to May 31, students submit applications through the program portal (studyin.kz/admission) with a complete set of documents.
- Testing. Candidates undergo online testing to assess their academic knowledge.
- Interview. At the end of the process, an interview is conducted with the selection committee, where motivation and readiness for study are evaluated. The program includes 37 leading universities in the country.
2. Direct admission. This option involves choosing a university or branch of a foreign university and subsequently submitting documents through the internal portal of the educational institution. The process includes selecting a program, preparing the necessary documents, and taking entrance exams. Many universities accept students for bachelor's programs based on the average score of their certificates, while for master's and PhD programs, passing the Comprehensive Test (CT) at the National Testing Center (app.testcenter.kz) is required.
After successful enrollment, the student receives an invitation to apply for a C9 student visa, which requires visiting the Kazakhstan consulate with the necessary documents. The visa is processed within 5-10 days, after which the student must register with the migration service within three working days.
A recent trend has been the opening of branches of Kazakhstani universities in Kyrgyzstan, significantly expanding educational opportunities for local youth. For example, a branch of the Eurasian National University named after L.N. Gumilyov has started operating at Osh State University, where students can study for the first two years in Osh and then continue their education in Kazakhstan.
Additionally, a branch of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University has opened in Bishkek, which has already obtained licenses to implement educational programs in various languages. This creates a new model of academic mobility that is becoming more accessible and tailored to the needs of the region.
Thus, the opening of branches of Kazakhstani universities in Kyrgyzstan provides applicants with the opportunity to obtain diplomas from prestigious universities without leaving the country during the initial stage of their education and to integrate into the educational and scientific space of Central Asia.
Kazakhstan actively promotes its educational initiatives through international partnerships and extensive scholarship programs, opening opportunities for students to receive world-class education. The Republic is increasingly becoming a leading center in the field of education, providing youth with access to the global scientific and career space.
