Kazakhstan is becoming an important educational center in the region
For many students seeking quality education, the path to prestigious universities abroad has often been difficult and exhausting. However, a less noticeable but highly significant transformation is taking place nearby. Kazakhstan is actively becoming an educational hub in Central Asia, attracting leading universities from Europe, the USA, and Asia, which demonstrates the country’s strategic shift towards a "knowledge economy".
A New Generation Educational Center
Kazakhstan is consistently transforming its higher education institutions into a center for international education. The Republic is actively working on developing intellectual capital, attracting students from around the world through strategic partnerships and generous scholarships.
At the heart of this transformation are branches of foreign universities. Currently, there are 20 partner educational institutions in Kazakhstan from the UK, Italy, the USA, France, Germany, China, South Korea, Poland, Russia, and Uzbekistan. Prestigious universities such as Heriot-Watt University, Queen’s University Belfast, and Nazarbayev University confirm the country's commitment to international education standards. Additionally, three independent British universities operate in Kazakhstan: Cardiff, De Montfort, and Coventry.
A Link Between East and West
Kazakhstan is also actively developing dual degree programs. With the launch of 15 new branches of leading universities worldwide, students will be able to obtain internationally recognized diplomas, making the country a link between East and West in higher education. Among the new partners are Michigan State University, the University of Minnesota, Illinois Tech (USA), and others.
Two Paths to Obtaining a Diploma
International students considering Kazakhstan as an educational option can choose one of two clearly defined paths: the state scholarship program "Study in Kazakhstan" or direct admission.
1. The "Study in Kazakhstan" program is designed for foreign citizens and ethnic Kazakhs without citizenship. It aims to promote Kazakh education abroad, strengthen humanitarian ties, and attract talented students. Each year, 550 grants are available – 490 for bachelor's degrees, 50 for master's degrees, and 10 for doctoral degrees. The scholarship covers all tuition expenses (4 years for bachelor's, 2 years for master's, 3 years for PhD) and includes a monthly stipend.
The selection process occurs in three stages:
- Application submission. Students can apply from March 30 to May 31 on the program's portal (studyin.kz/admission), providing a complete set of documents.
- Testing. Candidates undergo online testing to assess their academic knowledge and adaptability potential.
- Interview. In the final stage, candidates have an interview with a commission to evaluate their motivation and readiness for study. The program involves 37 leading universities in the country.
2. Direct admission. This option involves independently 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 and preparing the necessary documents, including a passport, diploma, medical certificates, and language certificates for master's and PhD programs.
Upon enrollment, students receive an invitation to apply for a student visa C9. For this, they need to contact the consulate of Kazakhstan with the required documents. The visa is processed within 5-10 days, and upon arrival in Kazakhstan, it is necessary to register with the migration service within three working days.
In recent years, there has been a trend of opening branches of Kazakh universities in Kyrgyzstan, significantly expanding educational opportunities for the youth of this country. For example, a branch of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University has started operating at Osh State University, offering education for the first two years in Osh with subsequent transfer to Kazakhstan.
A branch of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University has also opened in Bishkek, which has received a license from the Ministry of Education of Kyrgyzstan and offers programs in Kyrgyz, Russian, and English.
Thus, the establishment of branches of Kazakh universities in Kyrgyzstan creates a new model of academic mobility, providing access to quality education without the need to leave the country at the initial stage. This opens additional opportunities for Kyrgyz students and promotes integration into the educational space of Central Asia.
Kazakhstan's progress in the educational sphere is the result of strategic international partnerships and extensive scholarship programs. For students, it is a chance to receive world-class education at the intersection of cultures and ideas. The Republic confidently occupies its place in the world of education, becoming an accessible window to the global scientific and career space for the youth.
