Studying Medicine in Kazakhstan: All Universities, Costs and Recognition

Which medical universities exist in Kazakhstan?

State Universities

• Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University (KazNMU), Almaty — the largest and best-known institution in the country. Human medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy.
• Astana Medical University, Astana — state-run, human medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy in English.
• Semey Medical University, Semei — admission via a selection interview in biology and chemistry, tuition officially 4,100 US dollars per academic year.
• South Kazakhstan Medical Academy, Shymkent
• West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe
• Karaganda Medical University, Karaganda — large international cohort.
• Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty — comprehensive university with a medical faculty.
• Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University, Kokshetau — five-year bachelor program followed by internship.
• Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, Turkestan
• M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University, Petropavlovsk
• Kazakh Medical University of Continuing Education, Almaty — predominantly postgraduate.

Private and Autonomous Universities

• Kazakh-Russian Medical University, Almaty
• Caspian University, International School of Medicine, Almaty — frequently mislocated in Aktau on intermediary portals; the campus is in Almaty.
• International Medical School at the University of International Business, Almaty
• Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana — six-year undergraduate and graduate MD program, at 15,000 to 30,000 US dollars per academic year the most expensive offering in the country.

English-language undergraduate medical programs in Zhezkazgan, Taraz, and Pavlodar could not be confirmed — these locations appear on portals without a traceable program for international students.

How much does the program cost?

State universities range from approximately 3,500 to 6,500 US dollars per academic year, equivalent to about 3,200 to 6,000 euros. Nazarbayev University stands out significantly at 15,000 to 30,000 US dollars.

For living costs, budget around 100 euros per month for a shared room and 200 to 300 euros for a private apartment in the capital. Dormitory places are, however, difficult to obtain for international students.

Important: Fee figures from intermediary portals sometimes differ by up to 30 percent, and several portals assign universities to the wrong city. Only Semei and Nazarbayev University are directly verifiable.

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Admission, Language, and Program Structure

No numerus clausus. Typically required are a secondary school certificate with biology and chemistry and a minimum age of 17; an IELTS or TOEFL certificate is not required at most institutions. Semei officially conducts an oral selection interview in English.

Classes are held in English-language groups, but clinical operations run in Russian and Kazakh. The study system follows a bachelor structure with a subsequent internship.

What is the degree worth in Germany?

Kazakhstan is not an EU member. The degree is followed by the knowledge test (Kenntnisprüfung) and then licensing. Details are in the article Approbation and Recognition.

On the positive side: Kazakhstan has two World Federation for Medical Education-recognized accreditation agencies — IAAR and ECAQA. This does not mean, however, that every university is accredited — accreditation status must be checked for each university individually in the World Directory of Medical Schools and ANABIN.

Who is suited for Kazakhstan

For applicants from non-EU countries and for those who want to work internationally, Kazakhstan is attractive in terms of price and organization. Those who want to practice with certainty in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland should factor in the additional recognition process. Comparable in price within Europe is the Medical Faculty Foca at 3,500 euros per academic year.

For those already studying there and wanting to transfer: How study transfer from Kazakhstan works.