Study in Kazakhstan 2026: Universities, Admission Requirements and Costs
Kazakhstan has become a popular destination among Azerbaijani graduates in recent years thanks to its culture close to the Turkic world, affordable tuition and a growing network of international universities. Its closeness to Azerbaijan in culture and mentality makes the adaptation process easier.
MegaGroup has been operating since 2018 and has placed more than 1000 students in over 200 universities. In this guide we explain all the key aspects of studying in Kazakhstan.
Why is it worth studying in Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan is close to Azerbaijan in culture and mentality, which makes adaptation easier. Instruction is delivered in Russian, Kazakh and English; institutions such as Nazarbayev University offer world-class education entirely in English. Living costs are affordable and strong state support programs exist.
Kazakhstan is close to Azerbaijan in culture and mentality — both countries share a Turkic-Muslim heritage, Russian is widely spoken, and the adaptation process for Azerbaijani students is quite easy.
The country offers programs taught in Russian, Kazakh and English. International-level institutions such as Nazarbayev University cooperate with leading universities worldwide and offer fully English-taught education.
Living costs are at an affordable level within the Central Asian region, and strong state support programs are available for students.
What are the admission requirements for Kazakhstan universities?
Most Kazakhstan universities admit students based on a school certificate, without centralized exams. Competitive programs (e.g., at Nazarbayev University) require a high certificate GPA, an IELTS/TOEFL certificate and a motivation letter. Main documents: a notarized translation of the certificate, a passport, a photo and in some cases a language certificate.
Most Kazakhstan universities admit students based on a school certificate, without centralized exams. Competitive programs (e.g., at Nazarbayev University) may require a high certificate GPA, an English-language certificate (IELTS/TOEFL) and sometimes a motivation letter.
At other universities, a document check and the grades on the certificate are sufficient. For some specialties an additional online interview may be conducted.
Main required documents: certificate (with notarized translation), passport, photo and in some cases a language certificate.
Which are the most popular universities in Almaty and Astana?
Among the most chosen universities in Astana and Almaty are Nazarbayev University (annual tuition ~$4,000-8,000), Al-Farabi KazNU, KBTU, KIMEP and IITU. For medicine, Astana Medical University is selected. Most leading universities offer English-taught programs.
The universities most frequently chosen by international students in Kazakhstan are the following:
- ✦Nazarbayev University (Astana) — Kazakhstan's most prestigious university, fully English-taught education, world-class standards. Annual tuition: ~$4,000-8,000.
- ✦Kazakh National University (Al-Farabi KazNU, Almaty) — Kazakhstan's largest classical university, a wide range of specialties.
- ✦Kazakh-British Technical University (KBTU, Almaty) — English-taught engineering and IT programs.
- ✦KIMEP University (Almaty) — English-taught education in business, economics and social sciences.
- ✦International Information Technology University (IITU, Almaty) — IT and computer science.
- ✦Astana Medical University — medical specialty, programs in English and Russian.
Which specialties are most popular in Kazakhstan?
The most popular fields among international students are Engineering and Information Technology, Petroleum Engineering, International Relations and Diplomacy. In addition, Medicine and Healthcare Management, Business-Economics and Law specialties are also in high demand.
The specialty fields most frequently chosen by international students at Kazakhstan universities are:
- ✦Engineering and Information Technology
- ✦Petroleum Engineering (especially in the Mangystau and Atyrau regions)
- ✦International Relations and Diplomacy
- ✦Medicine and Healthcare Management
- ✦Business and Economics
- ✦Law (with an international law focus)
How much do studies and living cost in Kazakhstan?
Monthly total living expenses in Almaty are 170-340 dollars and in Astana 190-390 dollars. A dormitory or rented apartment in Almaty is 80-200 dollars, in Astana 100-250 dollars. Food in both cities is 80-120 dollars, and transport is 10-20 dollars.
Study and living costs in Kazakhstan are at an affordable level for the Central Asian region:
| Expense category | Almaty (monthly) | Astana (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Dormitory / rented apartment | $80-200 | $100-250 |
| Food | $80-120 | $80-120 |
| Transport | $10-20 | $10-20 |
| Total monthly living | $170-340 | $190-390 |
How to obtain a Kazakhstan student visa?
After receiving the admission letter, the Kazakhstan student visa process is relatively simple. After entering the country, a residence permit (registration) is arranged with the university's assistance. MegaGroup supports you at every step of this process.
After receiving the admission letter, the Kazakhstan student visa process is relatively simple. After entering the country, a residence permit (registration) is arranged with the university's assistance. MegaGroup supports you at every step of this process.
Is a Kazakhstan university diploma recognized in Azerbaijan?
Diplomas of accredited state and private universities in Kazakhstan are recognized in Azerbaijan and can be equated. Diplomas of international-level institutions such as Nazarbayev University have gained broad recognition worldwide.
Diplomas of accredited state and private universities in Kazakhstan are recognized in Azerbaijan and can be equated. Diplomas of international-level institutions such as Nazarbayev University have gained broad recognition worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
MegaGroup's team of education consultants has placed 1000+ Azerbaijani students into 200+ universities across Turkey, Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Germany, and Poland since 2018. These guides are written from hands-on placement experience, university requirements, and real cost data.
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