4 best English universities in Kazakhstan

1. Affordability: Compared to European, Middle Eastern, and especially UK universities, branches of British higher education institutions in Kazakhstan offer relatively affordable tuition with quality education, maintaining UK standards.

2. Multilingual Environment: Education at British universities in Kazakhstan is in English. However, the country itself is multilingual: Kazakh is the official language, Russian is used for interethnic communication, and English is taught as a third language in all schools and universities. This makes Kazakhstan quite comfortable for expats.

3. Cost of Living: Life in the Kazakh capital remains affordable; the cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment long-term is no more than $250-300.

4. Tourism Opportunities: Kazakhstan is beautiful! With a rich history and cultural heritage, it's not only a great place to study but also to explore. International agreements with Russia and neighboring countries like Uzbekistan and Tajikistan allow students to immerse themselves in the history, culture, art, and folklore of these regions.

5. Diverse Scholarship Programs: British universities in Kazakhstan offer students the chance to access the same scholarships as in the UK under similar conditions. Education may be subsidized by the state, local authorities, or through specific funds and grants.

6. Work-Study Opportunities: Kazakhstani laws allow foreign students to work while studying. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms and without restrictions during breaks.

7. Comfortable Urban Environment: Major Kazakh cities are student-friendly with libraries, comfortable urban spaces for leisure, numerous dining establishments, cafes, museums, and public venues. Cities like Astana (now called Nur-Sultan) and Almaty have well-thought-out public transport systems.

1. Less-than-Ideal Dormitories: A significant portion of the housing in Kazakhstani university dormitories, even in the best and most modern institutions, isn't exactly up-to-date.

2. Stricter Admissions compared to other Kazakh Institutions: While private universities might admit students without an entrance exam, branches of British universities in Kazakhstan impose the same admissions requirements as their counterparts in the Middle East or the UK.

3. Low Average Income: On average, salaries in Kazakhstan range from $300 to $600, depending on the location and sector of employment. However, living costs are also relatively low compared to European standards.

4. Climate: Kazakhstan has a climate that may take some getting used to. Summers can be scorching, and winters are cold with up to two meters of snowfall. Living without an air conditioner can be challenging. Authorities in cities like Almaty and Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana) have taken measures to combat adverse climate conditions by planting protective forests around the cities and equipping many public transport stops with air conditioners, though such initiatives are still exceptions rather than the norm.

5. Higher Education in Kazakhstan:

   • Undergraduate Studies: Bachelor's programs at branches of British universities in Kazakhstan typically last from 3 to 4 years. These undergraduate courses are equivalent to the British Degree or Undergraduate Courses. According to statistics, among undergraduate students in these institutions, international students make up 30% to 40%, depending on the course of study. To enroll, expatriate students from CIS countries and graduates from Kazakh schools must undergo a year of Foundation courses.

   • Postgraduate Studies: Masters programs, like all levels of higher education after undergraduate, are termed Postgraduate. The duration can range from 1 to 2 years, but it might extend up to 5-6 years depending on the specialization. Alongside the traditional format, British universities in Kazakhstan offer specialized MBA business programs designed for professionals with prior degrees, aiming to elevate their managerial skills. These MBA programs last one or two years, and the proportion of international students is notably higher, reaching 60-70%.

   • Doctorate: A PhD program lasts from 3 to 5 years, upon completion of which students earn a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.

6. Admissions: Universities admit based on standardized language tests and exams. Since 2011, Kazakh universities have adopted the credit system identical to the European ECTS.

Among the diverse range of universities in Kazakhstan, British institutions hold a unique position. They offer opportunities and prospects for career growth and significantly enhance one's future outlook. The quality of education and depth of research in the country meet British standards, making them attractive not just for local residents but also for international students. Kazakh authorities are taking rigorous steps to position their country as a major hub for international educational tourism. This includes developing infrastructure, fostering a conducive environment, and inaugurating new institutions.

Some of the top British universities in Kazakhstan are:

1. Almaty Management University (ALMA, International Academy of Business): The first university from the CIS region to be ranked in the QS World University Rankings: Global MBA Rankings. It's also among the top new universities in the world and holds the 13th position in the ranking of the top 20 Asian universities for its MBA. A modern university, ALMA offers dual degree programs and is a regional leader with a vast number of international partnerships.

2. International IT University: A relatively new institution located in the outskirts of Almaty, it was established by the government in 2009. It's considered one of the best IT universities in the Central Asian region. It's the only institution in the country to have received a five-year international institutional accreditation. Notable features include its newly constructed spacious campus and an impressive stadium.

3. De Montfort British University: Newly opened in 2021, this branch (ranked among the top 200 emerging universities) is located in the suburbs of Almaty. Three-quarters of the faculty are international academics from the U.S., the UK, and Europe, boasting global recognition and impeccable academic reputation. The university offers over forty bachelor's and master's programs, with business and economics, computer studies, sociology, and cultural studies being the most renowned. A notable advantage is the opportunity for students to spend their fourth undergraduate year in Leicester and then avail a two-year work visa in the UK.

4. Kazakh-British Technical University (KBTU): Here, 80% of the program is taught in English, with a significant focus on practical work and internships. The strongest programs have technical, mathematical, and natural science components.