Higher Education in Kazakhstan
It is possible to study here and the country even encourages international students to call it home. The country is a wealthy one compared to others in the area. The country's higher education sector has not always been a good one. And, as a result of numerous international exchange programs being set up, it is growing in popularity around the world. About 50,000 foreign exchange students coming from about 43 countries are present, as of 2013, studying in one of the various universities here.
What to Study
Those individuals looking for an opportunity to explore this country's educational system may wish to focus their area of study on one of the numerous areas of focus. The educational sector has focused on bringing in students in some specific areas of study, including in the areas of research and innovation. For this reason, over the last ten years, the country has developed excellent resources for lure students in, including:
- 5 National Laboratories
- 9 Technology Parks
- 15 Regional Laboratories
The goal is to develop a strong science focus here with students and include a push towards life sciences, energy efficiency, and technology. For this reason, many individuals who complete their higher education in this country are able to find outstanding positions right out of school, especially for those who have a proven track record in one of these above industries.
Universities in Kazakhstan
There are numerous schools in the country, including universities, academies, and institutes. There are three levels of education:
- Basic colleges provide fundamental education and allow students to work towards a bachelor's degree. Education here takes between three and four years.
- Specialized higher education provide students with more specific areas of education. Students completing a course here receive a specialist diploma.
- Individuals entering into scientific programs work towards earning their masters degree, which can take between three and six years to complete.
Additionally, students can also work towards earning their Doctor of Sciences, the equivalent of a PhD or their Kandidat Nauk, which is a Candidate of Sciences program. The following are some of the leading universities in the country:
- Academy of Public Administration
- Almaty Technology University
- Auezov South KZ State University
- East Kazakhstan State Technical
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
- Kazakh National Medical University (known as the leading school in the country for medical studies.)
Each of these universities establishes their own rules and requirements for admitting international students. This includes establishing costs for students planning to enroll here. It is often easiest (and ideal) to enter into an exchange program or an international course of study program rather than working independently with the schools.
Student Visas
Students who have selected a school and received successful admission into a school will then be able to apply for an MFA visa. To do so, the individual will need a letter written by the school's advisory board providing information about this acceptance. The Ministry of Education and Sciences must approve the admission. Individuals will then need to apply for a visa directly. This is often best done through an embassy.
Why Study in Kazakhstan?
There are many locations around the world to study in, but Kazakhstan offers diversity and outstanding opportunity not only for the international student, but also for the individual looking for a country and city to make his other mark in after achieving a quality education. With schools and programs welcoming international students, the process of obtaining your education here is easier to do than one might think. The rewards are numerous, too, especially for an individual that wants to learn about a diverse culture.