Study Medicine in Astana – Nazarbayev University School of Medicine
Nazarbayev University School of Medicine · Kazakhstan
Nazarbayev University School of Medicine in Astana (Kazakhstan): English-taught Medicine programme.
At a glance
The key facts about this university at a glance.
Programmes
Medicine
Tuition fees
25,000 to 30,000 USD per year
Duration
4-year MD programme (requires a prior bachelor's degree)
Language of instruction
English (clinical work in Russian/Kazakh)
Admission process
Intake
August
Recognition
Recognition varies by country. Confirm your country's specific requirements with our advisors.
Living costs
approx. 200–400 EUR per month
Total students
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4-year MD programme (requires a prior bachelor's degree)
25800
Climate in Varna
In Varna, daytime highs reach 20°C and above from May to September. It gets warmest in August, averaging 28°C.
✓ Placement without a grade cut-off — we place you regardless of your school-leaving grades. We go through the specific requirements together.
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Why study medicine here?
The Nazarbayev University School of Medicine in Astana trains international students in Medicine. Teaching is in English, the standard duration of study is four years for the MD following a prior Bachelor’s degree. There is no numerus clausus (grade-based admission cap). Admission is decided not by your school-leaving average, but by the university's own procedure.
For patient contact in the clinical section you'll need Russian or Kazakh. This is the point applicants most often underestimate — plan the language requirement in from the start.
- Programme: Medicine
- Language of instruction: English (clinical work also in Russian and Kazakh)
- Duration: four years MD following a prior bachelor's degree
- Intake: August
- Requirement: General higher-education entrance qualification + bachelor's degree. Check in a free study consultation whether you meet the requirements for a placement at this or another university through Medschool Experts.
Programmes and languages of instruction
Structure, duration, language of instruction and degree — for every programme at this university.
- Medicine: The Medicine programme leads to a medical degree. The pre-clinical phase covers scientific and theoretical foundations; the clinical phase adds patient-facing work and practical training at affiliated hospitals.
Study conditions and campus life
The programme at Nazarbayev University School of Medicine lasts four years (MD) following a prior bachelor's degree. The pre-clinical section covers the foundational sciences and theoretical subjects; this is followed by the clinical section with examination courses and placements at affiliated hospitals. The final year is predominantly practical. Teaching is in English; for patient contact in the clinical section you will additionally need Russian or Kazakh.
Admission and entrance exam
The basic requirement for placement at this university is a general higher-education entrance qualification. When placed through Medschool Experts, there is no separate entrance test. Get in touch to find out whether we can place you at this university, and book a free study consultation.
NC-freie Medizinstudienplätze im In- und Ausland
- Passende Uni-Auswahl & sichere Vermittlung
- NC-freier Studienplatz im Ausland mit Anerkennung in Deutschland
- Betreuung bei Studienstart, Vorbereitung & Wohnungssuche
- Unterstützung beim Wechsel nach Deutschland
- Begleitung bis zum Berufseinstieg in DE oder CH
Preparing properly with Medschool Experts
We handle the complete application, including all formalities, and submit it on time. We support you with your study visa, enrolment, and dealings with local authorities. Because Kazakhstan is outside the EU, we plan the route to degree recognition in your target country from the outset — and are open with you about where the risks lie. We remain your point of contact after your studies begin.
Tuition fees and living costs
Tuition fees are approximately 25,000 to 30,000 USD per year. Ask the International Office to confirm the exact amount in writing, including whether accommodation, health insurance, and registration fees are included.
In addition to tuition, budget for one-off costs: application fee, visa, health insurance, and travel. Living costs in Astana are approximately €200–€400 per month.
Alumni now practising internationally
Former students of this university who, according to publicly available sources, now work as doctors or dentists internationally. Anonymised overview — not an indication of any cooperation with Medschool Experts.
The city as a place to study
Astana is Kazakhstan's capital and a modern, rapidly growing city on the steppe. Monthly living costs are approximately €200–€400 — significantly below Western European levels. We cover practical details — where to live, how to find your feet, and what day-to-day life really costs alongside a demanding programme — in your consultation call. We give you reliable numbers rather than marketing claims.
- City: Astana
- Country: Kazakhstan
- Living costs: approx. €200–€400 per month
- Language in clinical practice: Russian and/or Kazakh
- Entry: Study visa required
About the author
Marcel Kloos
Federally recognised dentist, founder and owner of Medschool Experts
Marcel Kloos founded the company while still studying abroad himself; since then more than 500 study places have been arranged. Originally from Stuttgart, he studied dentistry in Sofia from 2015 to 2021 and is a federally recognised dentist.
He now lives in Bern and runs the company full-time as its owner. He visits the partner universities in person on a regular basis.
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Student story
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Frequently asked questions about this university
What are the entry requirements for Nazarbayev University School of Medicine in Astana?
You need a bachelor's degree and a higher-education entrance qualification. There is no grade-based cap — admission is based on the university's own procedure, not your school average. You will also need English proficiency and a study visa.
How does Medschool Experts help me secure a place?
Medschool Experts places students at this university without a grade-based cap. Book a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your profile and which university suits you best.
What does the programme cost at Nazarbayev University School of Medicine?
Tuition fees are approximately 25,000–30,000 USD per year. Add one-off costs for application, visa, insurance, travel, and accommodation.
How much will I need per month in Astana?
Budget approximately €200–€400 per month — significantly below Western European cost levels.
Do I need Russian or Kazakh for the programme?
Teaching is in English. For patient contact in the clinical section you will need Russian or Kazakh. Plan this language requirement in from the start.
How is the programme structured and how long does it take?
Four years (MD) following a prior bachelor's degree: first the pre-clinical section, then the clinical section with hospital placements. The final year is predominantly practical.
Is the degree recognised internationally?
Recognition varies by country. Kazakhstan is outside the EU. Confirm the specific requirements for your target country with our advisors before you enrol.
Will I receive a Transcript of Records?
Yes — essential for any recognition process. Keep all documents; they are difficult to obtain retrospectively.
How does Medschool Experts support me during my studies?
We organise the application, support you at enrolment and with local administrative steps, and remain your point of contact after studies begin.
Ahmad
Sabrina
Rami
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500+ students placed.
Now it's your turn!
No daydreaming, no empty promises. Just a clear plan — for the start of your medical degree.
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