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Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is situated in Central Asia, sharing its boundaries with Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and the Caspian Sea. Islam is the largest practiced religion with 70% of the population being Sunni Muslims. It is a highly transformed country since 1991 and is aiming to become one of the 30 most developed countries by 2050.
Economy
Kazakhstan has the largest and strongest performing economy in Central Asia. Supported by rising oil output and prices, Kazakhstan’s economy grew at an average of 8% per year until 2013, before suffering a slowdown in 2014 and 2015. Kazakhstan was the first former Soviet Republic to repay all of its debt to the International Monetary Fund, 7 years ahead of schedule.
Kazakhstan has attracted $330 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) from more than 120 countries since its independence. According to the US State Department, Kazakhstan is widely considered to have the best investment climate in the region. In 2002, the country became the first sovereign in the former Soviet Union to receive an investment-grade credit rating from an international credit rating agency.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) plays a more significant role in the national economy than in most other former Soviet republics. President Nazarbayev signed into law tax concessions to promote foreign direct investment which include a ten-year exemption from corporation tax, an eight-year exemption from property tax, and a ten-year freeze on most other taxes. Other incentives include a refund on capital investments of up to 30 percent once a production facility is in operation.
Life in Kazakhstan
Living in Kazakhstan is a unique, enriching experience, characterized by strong contrasts: old and new, Europe and Asia blend here together, creating a colorful, lively mix that appeals to many expats. Kazakhstan has free compulsory education up to the end of high school age, and very high national literacy levels. However, most expatriates living in Kazakhstan choose independent schools rather than state schools for their children.
There are several private international schools in Astana and Almaty, including two schools run under the Haileybury umbrella, which follow the UK national curriculum. There is at least one school run according to the American system.
As the ninth biggest country in the world, Kazakhstan covers an enormous 2.7 million square kilometers, and much of that land is remote and practically uninhabited, so it can be difficult to get around. There are many airports within Kazakhstan. Astana and Almaty both have their own international airports, as does Atyrau in the West, and domestic flights are often the quickest option if you’re traveling a significant distance.
Air Astana is the largest airline and the only Kazakh airline permitted to fly into European airspace. It operates scheduled international and domestic flights on 56 routes. The national rail system is essential, although it can be slow; it takes approximately 18 hours to get from Almaty in the south to Petropavi in the north by high-speed train.
Large stretches of Kazakhstan’s road network are crying out for modernization and repair, but car travel is still possible. In the mountains, there are four-wheel-drive minibuses, which can just about cope with the terrain, although it may be a slow and bumpy journey.
Why Study in Kazakhstan?
Still a new destination for international students, Kazakhstan is already garnering an impressive reputation for higher education. Kazakhstan is a Central Asian powerhouse, and is one of the wealthier countries in that area. The country is a mixing pot of ethnicities, which diversifies the culture and education system.
More than 50,000 international students enroll in Kazakhstan’s world-ranked universities each year. The country is welcoming to international citizens, both students and civilians. Only around 66% of residents are native Kazakhs, making the country ethnically diverse.
There are 5 of Kazakhstan’s universities in the 2019 QS World University Rankings top 500. The highest ranked of these is Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, which is placed at 220th.
Higher education in Kazakhstan is divided into three levels. You can study at a Basic College, which provides fundamental education and allows you to gain a bachelor’s degree. You can also gain specialist diplomas in specific areas of education. To gain a master’s degree, you will need to join a scientific programme, which takes 3 to 6 years to complete. This developing system produces graduates who are prepared for their next step in life, with a suitable and quality award.
While applying in Kazakh universities, it is important that you weigh your possibilities and know which university suits your requirements the best, other than having an exciting curriculum. Although there are around 150 registered Kazakh universities spread throughout the country, if you want to experience the best facilities, education system, curriculum, and student culture; head to the bigger cities with a larger population.
Another reason why you should consider Kazakhstan for your higher studies is because eight of its universities have been listed in the QS World University Ranking list. All of these are located either in Astana and Almaty (both former capitals) and Shymkent. These cities are also thriving with diverse population and put the unique Kazakh architecture, culture, history, food, clothing, population and all its specialties on proud display.
Almaty, the older capital city from 1929 to 1997, is also the cultural and commercial capital which means that this is where the Central Asian cultures, countries, and populations come together in an outstandingly exciting mix. This is where you will find the international programs in Kazakhstan.
As for Astana, the former capital city of Kazakhstan since 1997, this is the hub of urban buildings and all the major Central Asian studies programs. More than being the capital of Kazakhstan, there have been continuous efforts in making it the epicentre of Central Asia ensuring all conveniences are available at hand.
Shymkent, on the other hand, is the third largest city in Kazakhstan on the southern part of the country. More than its student scene, this place is of extreme historical importance as the city dates back to the 12th century and sits on the iconic Silk Route. For international students studying Central Asian studies, this place is of singular importance.
It also goes without saying that the cost of tuition fees, hostel fees, and the overall cost of living in Kazakhstan is considerably lesser than other Asian and Western countries. Compared to other Central Asian countries, Kazakhstan may seem to be on the higher side but that is because it is also the gateway to and the epicentre of the Central Asian nations, bringing opportunities that other nations in the region may not have access to.
Universities in Kazakhstan
Kazakh Medical University (Almaty)
Astana Medical University (Nur-Sultan)
Kazakh Medical University (Almaty)
• Established in 1931, it’s one of the oldest & top universities of Kazakhstan
• Number of Bachelors and Master’s programs
• Well-equipped, modern infrastructure and best medical instruments
• About 11,000 students from different countries do MBBS here
• High-quality medical education with English as a medium of instruction
• Course duration: 5 Years – MCI, WHO recognized
• Affordable tuition fees
• Separate hostels for girls and boys with Indian cuisine