Embassy of India

Astana, Kazakhstan

Updated on 22/09/2023

Information for Indian Students studying/willing to study in Kazakhstan

(i) Registration

Based on the data received from various medical universities of Kazakhstan, as on April, 2023, there were approximately 9500 students pursuing their studies in Kazakhstan.  Medical universities of Kazakhstan follows NMC’s guidelines which were published in the gazette notification of November, 2021 i.e. 5 year’s study and 1 year’s intern-ship.  However, aspirant students from India are advised to re-verify this from the particular university chosen by them to pursue their study.   They should also verify that the university selected for study is also registered with WHO.  Students should mentally be prepared to learn Kazakh or Russian language which will be required during their 1 years’ intern-ship period. 

• The term of study in the specialities of “General Medicine”, “Dentistry” and “Pediatrics” - 5 years

• The term of study as interns under the program of higher specialized medical education in the areas of “General Medical Practice” and “Pediatrics” is 2 years

• The term of study as interns under the program of higher specialized medical education in the area of “Dentistry” is 1 year

• At least 360 academic credits (6 years) in “Medicine”, “Pediatrics” educational programs;

• At least 300 academic credits (5 years) in “Dentistry” educational program;

After completing their education, Indian students are eligible to appear in the examination conducted in three languages (Kazakh, Russian & English) by the National Centre of Independent Testing for getting licence to practice as a doctor in Kazakhstan like other Kazakh students. Practising/working in Kazakhstan is subject to the labour and immigration laws of Kazakhstan.  

If students have plan to go for USMLE or PLAB etc. after finishing their study in Kazakhstan, they are advised to check the requirements of the respective country for USMLE or PLAB etc. where they intend to go for higher studies.  Also, students must ensure that the Kazakh medical university fulfills the requirements needed for USFMG, USMLE or PLAB etc. in respect of the country chosen by them for their future studies. 

According to Ministry of health & Family Welfare, GOI, it is mandatory to qualify National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) to pursue medical course in foreign country. Thus, the Indian Citizens intending to obtain primary medical qualification from any medical institution outside India, on or after May 2018, shall have to qualify the NEET for admission to MBBS course abroad.  The result of NEET shall be deemed to be treated as the Eligibility Certificate for such persons, provided that such persons fulfill the eligibility criteria for admission to the MBBS course prescribed in the Regulations on Graduate Medical Education, 1997. 

Medical universities/institutions have appointed ‘contractors’ for recruiting students and insist on using this channel for admission. The universities prefer to work through the ‘contractors’ for provision of hostel facilities, general welfare of the students, and even collecting fee. This is ostensibly for the convenience of students, who are new to the environment and do not speak the local language. These ‘contractors’ have their sub-agents in India. In many cases, senior Indian students themselves function as contractors and agents.  Prospective students are advised to verify from the authorised contractor of the university before making any payment to sub-agents in India.

Contractors/Consultancy Agencies in India may not have updated knowledge and may unrealistic promises and give outdated/misleading information. It is, therefore, in the interest of prospective students to do inquiries from the medical institutions directly about the courses/facilities available.

Medical colleges in Kazakhstan have separate department that teaches foreign students in English medium.  Medical Universities in Kazakhstan use simulators, mannequins for conducting practical training.

While ‘contractors’ collect the fee from students, it is advisable to pay the fee directly to the University. Where the fee is paid through the ‘contractor’, students must insist, as and when fee is paid, for a proper receipt issued by the university to ensure that their fee has been deposited with the university.

Most of the universities either don’t have their own hostels or don’t have enough space to accommodate all the students.  Private hostels are available in some of the cities.  It is suggested to the aspirant students to gather important informations i.e. quality of accommodation, availability of mess/kitchen, cleanliness and maintenance of hostel and distance from the university etc. either directly or through other senior students.  Recently, many Indian students pursuing medicine at the Kazakh National Medical University in Almaty have been denied hostel facilities by the university and asked to look for alternate accommodation on their own.  This has put the affected students under severe hardship.  List of hostels of the respective universities with contact details is provided at the end. 

IV. Travel Advisory

Indian students are required to get themselves registered with local migration police within five calendar days of their first arrival in the country, every time they visit Kazakhstan. It may be noted that even if the registration is delayed by one day, the immigration authorities may detain or penalize the Indian student.

Currency of Kazakhstan (Tenge) and foreign currency cash - equivalent to up to 3,000 US Dollars is allowed to be carried without written declarations. If students bring cash in dollars or any other acceptable foreign currency which is more than US$ 3000 equivalent, it is advisable to get it declared at the customs.

V. Useful links are given below:

(I) http://www.mzsr.gov.kz/en/node/327627
(Ministry of Health and Social Development)
(ii) https://kaznmu.kz/eng/memo-rules-admission-foreign-students/
(S.AsphendiarovKazakh National Medical University, Almaty)
(iii) https://semeymedicaluniversity.kz/en/admission/for-foreign-students/
(Semey State Medical University, East Kazakhstan region)
(iv) www.cism-edu.kz
(Caspian International School of Medicine, Almaty)
(v) http://www.qmu.kz/en/education
(NAO “Medical University of Karaganda”, Karaganda)
(vi) http://www.amu.kz/en/info/applicants/for-foreign-citizens.php
(Astana Medical University, Nur-Sultan)
(vii) https://zkgmu.kz/en/for-entrants/1720-admission-of-foreign-citizens-to-west-kazakhstan-marat-ospanov-state-medical-university
(West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov State Medical University, Aktobe)
(viii) http://medkrmu.kz/en/#
(Kazakh-Russian Medical University, Almaty)
(ix) http://skmakazakhstan.com/
(South Kazakhstan Medical Academy, Shymkent)
(x) http://www.kgu.kz/en/node/1159
(Kokshetau State University named after Shokan Ualikhanov, Kokshetau)
(xi) https://ku.edu.kz/
(Non-Profit Joint Stock Company- Manash Kozybayev North Kazakhstan university)
(xii) https://welcome.kaznu.kz/en/welcome/foreign
(Kazakh National University named by Al-Farabi, Almaty)