Best universities in Kazakhstan 2025

• Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU)

The University learns specialists in more than 180 specialties, including humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, there are technical specialties. Additionally, there is a faculty of medicine. The foreign students can receive education in bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs.

KazNU cooperates in the international scientific and educational world, has partnerships with many foreign universities and research centers. The university has a strong scientific and innovative base, including research institutes, laboratories, innovation centers and a technopark. KazNU students and researchers regularly participate in scientific conferences, seminars and other events, publish their work in leading scientific journals.

• L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (ENU)

It is one of the largest universities in Kazakhstan, which is located in the capital of the country, Astana. The studying is conducted according to the personnel educational system: bachelor's degree – master's degree – PhD doctoral studies in Russian and Kazakh languages only in full-time. In order to understand all business processes and develop management skills, MBA/EMBA programs are provided. Admission is carried out on the basis of state educational grants and on a contractual basis.

ENU is an important educational and scientific center in the country and plays a key role in preparing top-level personnel for various sectors of the economy and society. The University has a significant impact on the cultural and scientific spheres of the region. All students have the opportunity to study abroad and a double-degree program. The university campus has all the necessary educational and scientific resources, comfortable dormitories for students, sports and cultural facilities.

• K. I. Satpayev Kazakh National Research Technical University (KazNTU)

It is one of the leading universities in Kazakhstan, located in Almaty. The University closely monitors the development of the mining and natural resource industries in the country and produces well-prepared specialists to work in this field.

The studying is conducted in Kazakh, Russian and English. KazNITU offers a wide range of educational programs in the fields of engineering, natural and exact sciences, information technology, economics and management. It is actively engaged in scientific and research activities.

The University has a modern material and technical base, including laboratories and research centers. KazNTU actively cooperates with leading universities and scientific centers of the world, attracts students and researchers to participate in international projects.

The foreign students can obtain higher education in the universities in Kazakhstan either as fee-paying or on a scholarship basis. The student can study for free or with partial payment in the following cases:

• If a student receives an educational grant, the state pays for his studies in full or in part;
• Employer sponsorship.

An educational grant is awarded to applicants on a competitive basis based on the results of the UNT (when applying for a bachelor's degree) or CT (upon admission to the Master's program). The grant is awarded to those who have scored the highest number of points. Grants are differentiated and awarded by a special Republican commission. To participate in the educational grant competition, the foreign students need to submit an application to the admissions committee of the OVPO or through the e-government web portal from July 13 to 20 of current year. Enhanced scholarships are available for top-performing students, as well as those with visual or hearing disabilities, orphans, or those under guardianship.

Additional scholarship options include targeted state grants for specific universities, local government Akimat grants for in-demand regional specialties, rector's grants for outstanding achievements, and scholarships from foundations and public organizations. The Bolashak scholarship supports Kazakh students pursuing master's, doctoral, residency, and internship programs abroad, with expanded opportunities in sectors like IT, geological exploration, and agriculture.

Tuition fees vary based on the educational institution, program type, and studying format. Public universities generally offer more budget-friendly options, starting at around US$ 5,000 per year. Private university fees, including those in countries with advanced education systems, can start at US$ 10,000 per year.