Study abroad
Study in Kazakhstan
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Kazakhstan
Thinking about studying in Kazakhstan? The country is in Central Asia, with higher education centred on cities such as Astana, Almaty and Shymkent. Programmes range from bachelor’s degrees to master’s and doctoral study, depending on the institution, and cover fields from engineering and computing to health, business and the arts.
Students interested in energy, mining and infrastructure may find the local context especially relevant. Many courses are taught in Kazakh and Russian, and some institutions also offer programmes in English. The sections below cover subjects, intakes, costs, funding and student visas so you can plan your next steps.
Why study in Kazakhstan?
Students choose Kazakhstan for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in Central Asia. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Energy, Oil & Gas, Engineering and Business & Management, with options differing between universities.
- Industry context: Energy, mining and infrastructure matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Cities and campus life: Astana, Almaty and Shymkent each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Kazakhstan means everyday contact with Kazakh and Russian and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Compare the structure of each programme, how it is assessed and what support is available for international students before you decide.
Top subjects to study in Kazakhstan
Below is an editorial selection of subject areas often worth exploring in Kazakhstan. It is not a ranking: the best subject is the one that fits your interests and goals.
- Energy, Oil & Gas
- Engineering
- Business & Management
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Computing & Information Technology
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
Because energy, mining and infrastructure matter locally, students in related fields may find useful context for projects and internships. Each subject has its own page for Kazakhstan on this site, with its specializations.
Before settling on a subject, compare a few programmes side by side: their modules, how they are taught and assessed, and the options they open up after graduation.
Universities in Kazakhstan
- Nazarbayev UniversityAstana City, Kazakhstan
- THE 2026 401–500
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National UniversityAlmaty, Kazakhstan
- THE 2026 1201–1500
- Kazakh National Agrarian Research UniversityAlmaty, Kazakhstan
- THE 2026 1501+
Scholarships to Study in Kazakhstan
Paying for study in Kazakhstan can involve more than one source of support, and it is worth researching them before you apply for a course.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Kazakhstan
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Funding is never guaranteed: check eligibility, deadlines and what the award includes, and have a plan in case you are not successful. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Kazakhstan
The academic year in Kazakhstan commonly begins around September. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Application deadlines can fall many months before the course begins, especially for competitive programmes and for students who need a visa. Start by checking the deadline for your specific course, then work backwards to leave time for documents, language tests, applications for funding and the visa process.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Kazakhstan
Before you commit to a course in Kazakhstan, work out the full cost of the programme, not just the first year’s tuition.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Longer programmes, foundation years and placements all affect the total you will need, so build your budget from the institution’s current published fees.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Kazakhstan
Whether you need a visa to study in Kazakhstan depends mainly on your nationality and the length of your programme.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Kazakhstan in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Kazakhstan
Living costs in Kazakhstan depend a great deal on where you live and how you live. Costs in Astana can differ noticeably from those in Almaty or Shymkent and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Ask your institution for its estimate of student living costs and plan for some extra money for arrival and emergencies.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Kazakhstan
What are the advantages of studying in Kazakhstan?
It depends on your goals. Kazakhstan offers programmes across many subjects, a location in Central Asia and study in Kazakh and Russian (with some English-taught options). Students interested in energy, mining and infrastructure may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Kazakhstan?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Energy, Oil & Gas, Engineering, Business & Management and Agriculture & Environmental Sciences. The subjects page for Kazakhstan lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When do courses start in Kazakhstan?
Many programmes start around September. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Kazakhstan?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Kazakhstan?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Kazakhstan.
Are scholarships available for international students in Kazakhstan?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Which cities are popular with students in Kazakhstan?
Astana, Almaty and Shymkent are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Kazakhstan?
Many courses are taught in Kazakh and Russian. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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