Universities in Kazakhstan

Though still an emerging destination for international study, Kazakhstan and its universities are fast claiming a place on the higher education map.

Here we take a look at the country’s progress in establishing itself as a regional study hub for Central Asia, and what prospective international students need to know about universities in Kazakhstan, local life and the application process.

The largest and wealthiest of the countries nicknamed the ‘Stans’, Kazakhstan has long been an ethnically diverse country; in the 2009 census, only 63% of residents were native Kazakhs. This international element is also a key characteristic of the country’s higher education sector, in which global collaborations and exchanges are occupying an increasingly prominent role, with universities in Kazakhstan keen to welcome international students and academics from across the world.

Universities in Kazakhstan

There are approximately 150 universities in Kazakhstan, many located in former capital Almaty and current capital Astana. Eight universities in Kazakhstan are featured in the QS World University Rankings® 2016/17, of which the four highest entries are: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU), L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakh National Technical University named after K.I.Satpaevand Kazakh National Pedagogical University named after Abay.

Universities in Kazakhstan award three levels of degree: bachelor’s (four years), master’s (two years) and doctoral (five years). The country joined the European Higher Education Area in 2011, and is participating in the Bologna Process, which aims to standardize higher education provision and principles across the area.

For those who plan to study in Kazakhstan, here’s a closer look at some of the nation’s highest-ranked universities:

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) 

The country’s oldest and largest university is situated in the former capital city, Almaty. Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) was established in 1934 and currently teaches more than 20,000 students, both undergraduates and postgraduates. The university’s “Kazgugrad” campus is the largest in the country, covering a total area of 100 hectares, and holding all of the 14 faculties and 98 departments. International students number around 4,000, coming from more than 80 countries around the world. KazNU is ranked 236th in the QS World University Rankings® 2016/17, up from joint 275th last year.