Admissions

Admissions & How to Apply to Universities in Kazakhstan

Many programmes admit on academic records rather than competitive entrance exams — a major advantage for international applicants. Here's exactly how it works.

Official platform of the Ministry of Higher Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Entry requirements by level

For a Bachelor's degree

Completed secondary school with certificate and transcripts.
Minimum grades that vary by programme.
Proof of English (for English-taught programmes) — typically IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced, usually no older than 1–2 years.
For medicine (MBBS): additional science requirements and, for some countries, a qualifying exam (e.g. NEET for Indian students). See the universities page.

For a Master's degree

A recognised Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
Transcripts, and for some programmes a motivation letter, CV or interview.
Language proof for English-taught programmes.

For a PhD

A relevant Master's degree.
A research proposal and, often, a prospective supervisor.

Key application deadlines

Intake	Typical application window
Autumn (main) intake	Varies by university — confirm per programme
Spring intake (where offered)	Varies by university
Funding rounds	Set annually — confirm with the university or the Ministry

Windows are set annually by each university and the Ministry — always confirm the current dates before you rely on them.

Funding deadlines come first. If you are applying for funding, its window usually closes before general admission — confirm the current dates with the university.

Apply early for visa runway. The earlier you're admitted, the more time you have for the invitation letter and visa.

Step-by-step: how to apply

Choose your programme — browse programmes and shortlist by subject, language and city.
Check that programme's exact entry requirements.
Prepare your documents (checklist below), including translations and notarisation.
Submit your application through the official student portal.
Receive your decision and, if successful, your admission letter.
Accept your offer — this triggers your invitation letter for the student visa.
Apply for any scholarship in parallel, if you haven't already.

Document checklist

Passport copy.
Academic certificates and transcripts (translated and notarised).
Proof of English proficiency (if required).
Passport-size photographs.
Completed application form.
Programme-specific extras (portfolio, motivation letter, CV, research proposal, qualifying-exam scorecard).

Tips for a strong application

Apply to more than one programme to keep options open.
Get documents certified early — translation and notarisation delays are the most common bottleneck.
Match the programme's language requirement exactly — don't assume; confirm the accepted tests and scores.
Watch the scholarship clock if funding matters.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an entrance exam to study in Kazakhstan?

Many programmes admit on academic records. Some competitive programmes — notably medicine — may require testing or a qualifying exam (for example, NEET for Indian medical applicants).

Can I apply to more than one university?

Yes, and we recommend it to keep your options open.

Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?

For English-taught programmes, usually yes (or an accepted equivalent), typically less than 1–2 years old. Some programmes accept alternatives — confirm on the programme page.

When should I start my application?

As early as possible — especially if you are applying for funding, whose deadlines are set annually and usually close before general admission.

Ready to apply?

Shortlist your programmes, then apply through the official student portal.

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