Study in Kazakhstan for Pakistani Students offers affordable, globally recognized degrees across engineering, computer science/AI, business/finance, petroleum, and medicine at 120+ universities in Kazakhstan (including leading national and technical institutions). Typical public/Private tuition ranges from ~US$2,600–9,000 per year, while English-medium programs can be higher. Monthly living costs are ~US$500–700 excluding rent in major cities, and university dorm beds often run ~35,000–50,000 KZT/month (~US$70–110)—a budget-friendly setup for newcomers. IELTS is often 5.5–6.0 for English-taught programs, but some universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter.
For the Kazakhstan study visa (C9), Pakistani students apply through the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Islamabad after receiving an offer, submitting standard documents and bank statements showing at least US$8k–12k for public/tech programs, or ~US$18k–23k. Competitive scholarships in Kazakhstan include annual government quotas plus university merit/need awards—helping cut costs further for strong applicants.
Quick Facts — Study in Kazakhstan
Teaching Language | English / Russian / Kazakh |
Top Study Fields |
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Course Duration |
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Minimum Education Required |
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Is IELTS Required? | Often 5.5–6.0 for English-taught programs some accept MOI/English-medium |
Part-Time Work |
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Average Monthly Expense | US$500–700 |
Tuition fee | US$2,600–9,000 per year |
Visa Type (Pakistan) | C9 (Student Visa) via Kazakhstan Embassy, Islamabad |
Top Universities in Kazakhstan for Pakistani Students
Kazakhstan hosts several strong public and technical universities. Below are popular picks with typical focus areas and indicative fees to help you budget (always check the program page for the latest).
University | Popular Programs | Tuition / (USD / year) |
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU), Almaty |
| F~$4,999/year |
L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (ENU), Astana |
| ~$3,398+/year |
Satbayev University (Kazakh National Research Tech Univ.), Almaty |
| Starts ~$2,630/year |
Nazarbayev University (NU), Astana |
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Kazakh-British Technical University (KBTU), Almaty |
| ~$6,405–8,998/year |
Scholarships in Kazakhstan (International Students)
Kazakhstan offers a mix of government-funded and university-specific scholarships that can lower or fully cover tuition—and in some cases provide monthly stipends. Competitive profiles (good grades, clear study plan, timely applications) see the best outcomes. Pakistani students should shortlist target programs early, then align documents to each scholarship’s exact criteria and deadline.
Scholarship | Provider | Benefits (Typical) |
Kazakhstan Government Scholarship (for International Students) | Ministry of Science & Higher Education (via ENIC) | Tuition coverage + monthly stipend (coverage varies by annual call); historical quota ~490 Bachelor, 50 Master, 10 PhD |
Nazarbayev University Merit-/Need-based Aid | Nazarbayev University (NU) | Up to 100% tuition coverage; graduate awards may include monthly stipends (program-specific) |
University Discounts/Grants | Satbayev University & other public/tech universities | Program-specific tuition discounts/fee waivers for internationals |
Tip: Government calls open annually—track updates on the ENIC-Kazakhstan portal and your university’s scholarship page for current deadlines, eligibility, and coverage.
Tuition Fees & Living Costs (Guide)
Expense | Typical Range | Notes / Examples |
Bachelor’s (Public/Tech) | US$2,600–6,500/year | e.g., Satbayev University from US$2,630; many national universities around US$4–5k |
Premium/Flagship (sample) | US$12,000/year | NU Foundation; program fees vary—check department pages (cps.nu.edu.kz) |
Dormitory (academic year) | ~US$250–450/year | Varies by university and room type |
Public Transport (monthly pass) | ~8,200 KZT | City-dependent |
Everyday Prices (food, basics) | Moderate compared to Western Europe | See Expatistan basket for KZT price examples |
Budgeting hint: A frugal student in a dorm spends far less than a private renter in Almaty/Astana. Use the dorm first, then explore shared apartments after settling in.
Step-by-Step Admission Process (Pakistan → Kazakhstan)
Here is step by step admission process:
Choose Program & University
Shortlist by language (English/Russian), fees, city, and QS presence; collect 2–3 options.
Check Entry Requirements
- Academics: 50–60%+ for most bachelor’s; higher for competitive majors (Medicine, CS).
- English: Many ask for IELTS 5.5–6.0 (or equivalent); KBTU may waive IELTS with an English-medium certificate/MOI.
Prepare Documents
Passport, transcripts, MOI/IELTS, CV, motivation letter/SOP, recommendation letter(s), and any university-specific form.
Apply Online & Pay Application Fee
Submit via the university portal; keep all receipts.
Receive Offer & Pay Tuition Deposit
Secure your seat; confirm accommodation (dorm request or private housing).
Apply for the Kazakhstan Study Visa (C9)
Apply at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Islamabad (Pakistan isn’t eligible for e-Visa). Provide: visa application, visa support, admission letter, passport + copy, photo, under-18 consent (if applicable), and fees (US$80 single entry; US$200 multiple). Processing times vary; apply early.
Fly, Register & Start Classes
Keep visas, insurance, fee receipts, and accommodation confirmations accessible. Some universities provide arrival support and student ID onboarding.
Kazakhstan Study Visa (C9) — Snapshot
- Who needs it? International students admitted to full-time programs/exchanges.
- Where to apply (Pakistan)? Embassy of Kazakhstan, Islamabad (as of 2025, e-Visa not available for Pakistan).
- Key documents: Visa application, visa support (MIA-approved), admission letter, passport + copy, photo; consent for under-18s.
- Fees: US$80 (single entry), US$200 (multiple).
Part-Time Work & Internships
International students typically rely on internships or summer work arranged via the national e-Labour exchange and university career centers. Part-time employment requires compliance with local work-permit rules; always confirm with your university’s international office.
FAQs
Is Kazakhstan good for Pakistani students?
Yes—affordable fees, QS-ranked universities, English-taught options, and strong programs in engineering, CS/AI, business, petroleum, and medicine.
Which intake is best for Pakistanis?
Fall (September) is primary; some universities also have Spring (January/February). Apply 3–6 months early.
Can I apply with academic gaps or backlogs?
Yes, but explain gaps (work, courses) and clear pending backlogs before enrollment.
How long does admission take?
Typically 2–8 weeks after a complete application; faster if documents are clean.
Is health insurance required?
Yes—university or private coverage is typically mandatory.
What are common student jobs?
Research/teaching assistantships, IT support, language tutoring, campus admin.
Is MBBS/Medicine in Kazakhstan recognized?
Degrees from recognized universities are widely accepted; confirm with PMDC/NMC (or relevant body) for licensing/return-to-practice rules.
