Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) is a public research university in Almaty, founded in 1934 as Kazakhstan’s oldest classical institution. It is ranked #166 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, remaining the highest-ranked university in Kazakhstan and the top institution across Central Asia.
The university operates 16 faculties and delivers over 153 bachelor’s, 262 master’s, and 129 PhD programmes across natural sciences, engineering, medicine, philology, and social sciences. Select programmes including MBBS, Physics, and International Relations are taught in English, and the September intake serves the largest cohort of Indian applicants each year. Indian students also access universities in Kazakhstan for internationally recognised MBBS pathways.
- QS World Ranking: #166 (QS 2026)
- Acceptance Rate: 45% (estimated)
- Intakes: September (primary), February (secondary)
- Annual Tuition (International): $4,999 to $5,400 (₹4.83 to 5.21 lakh)
- Student Body: 20,321 total, 26% international
- Flagship Programme: MBBS at $5,400 per year (₹5.21 lakh)
Also Check: MS Universities in Kazakhstan
Foreign applicants pay differentiated tuition and can compete for state-funded scholarships alongside internal merit awards. The Kazakh embassy in New Delhi issues student visas within 5 to 10 working days, and Almaty’s cost of living remains among the most affordable across Asian study in Kazakhstan destinations.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 96.55 as of July 2026
Admission Status: Open (September 2026 intake). The 2026 international deadlines have not yet been published on Q App, though applications typically close mid-August based on prior cycles. The next cycle, for February 2027 entry, is expected to open November 2026 on a rolling basis with no fixed close date.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University 2026
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Admission 2026
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2026
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Acceptance Rate 2026
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2026
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Scholarships 2026
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Rankings 2027
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Placements and Career Outcomes 2026
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National University vs Peer Universities
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National University FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University 2026
KazNU fees are quoted per academic year and are tiered by faculty, with medical and business tracks carrying the highest sticker. Bachelor’s programmes span 4 years, master’s programmes 2 years, and PhD programmes 3 to 4 years. Foreign-student tuition begins at $4,999 per year and rises to $5,400 for the flagship MBBS track.
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Popular Master’s Programmes 2026
The following master’s tracks are the ones Indian applicants most commonly pursue. Total fees below assume the standard 2-year duration.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Computer Science | $10,000 to $10,800 | 9.66 to 10.43 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Physics | $9,998 to $10,600 | 9.65 to 10.24 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Chemistry | $9,998 to $10,600 | 9.65 to 10.24 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Biotechnology | $9,998 to $10,800 | 9.65 to 10.43 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MS International Relations | $9,998 to $10,800 | 9.65 to 10.43 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Economics | $9,998 to $10,800 | 9.65 to 10.43 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MA Journalism | $9,998 to $10,400 | 9.65 to 10.04 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MA Oriental Studies | $9,998 to $10,400 | 9.65 to 10.04 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MSc Mathematics | $9,998 to $10,600 | 9.65 to 10.24 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Automation and Control | $9,998 to $10,800 | 9.65 to 10.43 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Popular Bachelor’s Programmes 2026
Bachelor’s tracks run 4 to 6 years depending on discipline. MBBS is the longest and most sought-after by Indian applicants, followed by engineering and life-sciences degrees.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBBS (6-year) | $32,400 | 31.28 lakh | Class 12 with 50% in PCB + NEET qualified |
| BS Computer Science (4-year) | $19,996 to $21,600 | 19.31 to 20.85 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BS Biotechnology (4-year) | $19,996 to $21,200 | 19.31 to 20.47 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BA International Relations (4-year) | $19,996 to $21,200 | 19.31 to 20.47 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BS Physics (4-year) | $19,996 to $21,200 | 19.31 to 20.47 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian applicants overwhelmingly choose the 6-year MBBS track for its NMC-listed status and English-medium instruction, followed by MS Computer Science and BS Biotechnology for their affordability relative to European peers.
Read More: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Fees and Cost of Living Guide
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Admission 2026
KazNU runs two annual intakes for international applicants, with the September intake serving over 90% of Indian entrants. A short summary appears below; the full step-by-step guide sits in the linked admissions silo.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Application deadline (September intake) | Expected mid-August 2026 (based on 2025 cycle) | 2026 deadline not yet published; verify at Q App portal |
| Credential verification (WES) | Start 8 weeks before deadline | Notarised transcripts and apostille required |
| Programme start (September intake) | 1 September 2026 | Orientation runs the last week of August |
| February intake application | Expected mid-January 2027 | Limited to select master’s and PhD programmes |
| Programme start (February intake) | 1 February 2027 | Available for research-heavy tracks only |
Planning note: Indian applicants should start medical certificate (Form No. 075/U) processing at least 6 weeks before the deadline, as apostille and translation together take longer than most students plan for.
Read More: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2026
KazNU applies distinct academic and language thresholds for postgraduate and undergraduate Indian applicants, with a two-stage online entrance test forming part of the process.
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University PG Requirements for Indian Students 2026
- Academic: Bachelor’s degree with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) in a related discipline
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.0 overall or TOEFL iBT 87 (verbatim from official page)
- Credential verification: WES-attested transcripts plus notarised degree certificate
- Entrance: Two-stage online test covering specialised subject and foreign language proficiency
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University UG Requirements for Indian Students 2026
- Academic: Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended); MBBS applicants need 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology with NEET qualification
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 87; ITP 460 accepted for select programmes
- Additional: Medical certificate Form No. 075/U, valid passport, and 6 photographs (3x4 cm)
Key insight: KazNU offers an IELTS waiver route for Indian applicants who completed their Class 12 in English medium and can provide a Medium of Instruction certificate from their board, which cuts one full test cycle from the timeline.
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Acceptance Rate 2026
KazNU does not publish its official acceptance rate, though third-party admission data places the university’s international acceptance rate at 45% (estimated) for 2026. The estimate reflects moderate selectivity, with MBBS and Computer Science tracks running significantly tighter than humanities and language degrees.
Indian applicants historically face slightly higher scrutiny on English proficiency and prior academic ranking. Programme-specific competition varies widely, particularly for the 6-year MBBS cohort that has NMC recognition.
Reality check: A meeting-the-minimum application rarely gets through for MBBS, where NEET percentile above 60 and Class 12 PCB average above 65% clear the informal bar Indian students report during the admissions cycle.
Read More: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Acceptance Rate
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2026
Indian students at KazNU should budget between $8,600 and $11,400 per year (₹8.30 to 11.00 lakh) covering tuition, hostel, and monthly living costs in Almaty. The city ranks among the most affordable Asian study destinations by a wide margin.
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) Fees for Indian Students 2026
Foreign-student tuition follows a differentiated schedule, with faculty-based tiering rather than programme-level pricing.
| Programme Level | Annual Fee (USD) | Annual Fee (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s (non-medical) | $4,999 to $5,400 | 4.83 to 5.21 lakh |
| MBBS (6-year, English) | $5,400 | 5.21 lakh |
| Master’s | $4,999 to $5,400 | 4.83 to 5.21 lakh |
| PhD | $4,999 to $5,800 | 4.83 to 5.60 lakh |
Monthly Cost of Living in Almaty for Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Indian Students
The estimates below reflect on-campus hostel accommodation and standard student consumption patterns.
| Expense | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) | Annual (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (hostel) | $67 to $100 | ₹6,469 to 9,655 | 0.78 to 1.16 lakh |
| Food | $150 to $200 | ₹14,483 to 19,310 | 1.74 to 2.32 lakh |
| Transportation | $15 to $20 | ₹1,448 to 1,931 | 0.17 to 0.23 lakh |
| Books and supplies | $10 to $20 | ₹966 to 1,931 | 0.12 to 0.23 lakh |
| Personal and utilities | $58 to $160 | ₹5,600 to 15,450 | 0.67 to 1.85 lakh |
| Total | $300 to $500 | ₹28,965 to 48,275 | 3.47 to 5.79 lakh |
[Source: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University official student estimate + Expatistan Almaty {2026} guidance]
Insider note: Hostel spots book out within 10 days of the offer letter release each September, and off-campus one-bedroom apartments in the KazGuGrad neighbourhood run $100 to $150 a month, materially cheaper than city-centre Almaty.
Read More: Study in Kazakhstan Cost of Living Guide for Indian Students
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
KazGuGrad is Kazakhstan’s largest single-site university campus at 100 hectares, sitting on Almaty’s southern edge with direct city-centre bus links.
- Location and transit: Al-Farabi Avenue in Bostandyk district, 20 minutes by bus to central Almaty; the monthly public-transport pass costs $8 (₹772)
- Housing: 17 on-campus dormitories with Wi-Fi and 24/7 security; hostel spots guaranteed for first-year international students
- Facilities: Al-Farabi Library holding 2.8 million volumes, a 5,000-seat sports stadium, and the Keremet Student Service Center
- Indian community: Over 5,000 Indian students across Kazakhstan, with an active Indian Students Association at KazNU running festival celebrations and academic mentoring
What Indian students say: Indian students report that the weather is the hardest adjustment, that hostel food skews Central Asian and vegetarians should budget for outside meals, and that Almaty’s Indian grocery stores meaningfully cut homesickness.
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Scholarships 2026
KazNU offers a mix of Kazakh government scholarships and internal merit awards, with limited India-nationality-restricted funding but strong access to state grants for high performers.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kazakhstan Government Scholarship | Full tuition + stipend | Full tuition + monthly stipend | International applicants across all levels via Ministry of Education | Verify at official portal |
| KazNU State Monthly Stipend | Merit stipend | Bachelor’s ₹4,328/month; Master’s ₹11,263/month; PhD ₹17,308/month | Enrolled students meeting academic thresholds | Continuous |
| Erasmus+ ICM Programme | Exchange | Tuition + travel + living stipend | Partner-university students for 1 to 2 semesters | Verify at Erasmus+ portal |
| POSCO Asia Fellowship | Merit + internship | Financial aid plus internship placement | Second to fourth-year undergraduates | Verify at official portal |
| AP Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi | Government (India, SC) | Up to ₹10 lakh | Andhra Pradesh SC students enrolled at KazNU | 10 August 2026 |
[Source: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University official scholarship page + Government of Andhra Pradesh SC Welfare Department]
Planning note: The Kazakhstan Government Scholarship is the highest-value option but is capped at approximately 500 places across all universities annually, so Indian applicants should treat KazNU’s internal merit stipend as the realistic funding baseline.
Read More: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Scholarships Guide
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Rankings 2027
KazNU is the highest-ranked university in both Kazakhstan and Central Asia, holding #166 globally in QS 2026 and #38 in QS Asia 2026. The QS 2027 edition was released on 18 June 2026 with the university’s specific 2027 position pending public confirmation from KazNU.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World | 2027: verify at qs.com | 2026: #166 | 2025: #163 |
| THE World | 2026: #1201-1500 | 2025: #1201-1500 | 2024: #1201-1500 |
| US News Global | 2025-2026: #1075 | Not verified | Not verified |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad | Not currently ranked | NA | NA |
[Source: QS, THE, US News, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University official ratings page]
By subject, KazNU is ranked #251-300 in Mathematics, #304 in Engineering and Technology, and #360 in Natural Sciences in the QS Subject Rankings 2026, giving the university its strongest programme-level pull in STEM disciplines.
Key insight: The #166 QS position brings KazNU under Indian NMC recognition thresholds for MBBS, and the sub-200 QS band eases the tier-1 employer scan for graduates seeking placements back in India.
Read More: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Rankings Analysis
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Placements and Career Outcomes 2026
KazNU does not publish an aggregate placement rate or verified median salary, and Indian graduate outcomes typically depend on the return-to-India job market rather than local Kazakh recruitment.
- Median starting salary (Kazakhstan roles): Not officially disclosed by the university
- Median MBBS internship stipend (Kazakhstan): Not officially disclosed
- Recruiter sectors: Oil and gas, IT services, healthcare, and public research institutes; representative employers include KazMunayGas and POSCO through the corporate-partner programme
- Careers support: Annual on-campus job fair, 400+ international partnerships enabling exchange semesters, and internship access via the Keremet Student Service Center
- Post-study rules for Indians: Kazakhstan does not offer a general post-study work visa; MBBS graduates typically return to India for FMGE and NMC-mandated internship
Insider note: Indian MBBS graduates report FMGE first-attempt clearance rates comparable to peer Kazakhstan medical universities, and Almaty-based internship placements during the final MBBS year meaningfully improve NMC-timeline compliance.
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University vs Peer Universities
KazNU sits at the top of the Kazakh higher-education ladder for Indian applicants, and its natural peer set includes other South Asia-adjacent universities offering English-medium programmes at similar price points.
| University | QS Rank 2026 | Avg Annual PG Fee (USD) | Avg Annual PG Fee (INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Farabi Kazakh National University | #166 | $4,999 to $5,400 | 4.83 to 5.21 lakh | Top QS rank in Central Asia, NMC-listed MBBS |
| L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University | #420 | $4,500 to $5,200 | 4.34 to 5.02 lakh | Capital city (Astana), government-sector pipeline |
| Kazakh National Medical University | #941-950 | $5,200 to $6,000 | 5.02 to 5.79 lakh | Medicine-specialist, oldest medical school in Kazakhstan |
| Nazarbayev University | Not ranked in QS 2026 | Full tuition scholarship model | Government-funded | English-medium research university, US and UK partnerships |
| Astana IT University | Not ranked | $3,200 to $4,000 | 3.09 to 3.86 lakh | IT-specialist, industry-tied curriculum |
[Source: QS World University Rankings 2026, university official fee schedules]
KazNU’s edge over its Kazakh peer set is the combination of the QS #166 rank with the NMC-listed MBBS track, which no other Kazakhstan university currently matches at the same tuition band.
For Indian students who fit KazNU’s profile, the annual $8,600 to $11,400 investment (₹8.30 to 11.00 lakh) delivers strong ROI against the university’s QS #166 rank and NMC-recognised MBBS. The study in Kazakhstan pathway also cuts admission complexity relative to Western options for medical aspirants.
KazNU is not the right fit for applicants targeting European post-study work visas or high-paying local jobs, since Kazakhstan does not offer a general post-study work permit. Indian students prioritising work-abroad routes should look at Georgia’s Tbilisi State Medical University or Russian federal universities as more portable alternatives.
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University FAQs
Ques. What English-taught programmes does Al-Farabi Kazakh National University offer for Indian students?
Ans. KazNU offers full English-medium instruction for its 6-year MBBS programme, along with select tracks in International Relations, Physics, Chemistry, and Computer Science at both bachelor’s and master’s levels. Most other programmes are delivered in Kazakh or Russian and require a foreign-language proficiency test at admission. The English-medium catalogue expands each year, so applicants should confirm current-year availability with the international admissions office before applying.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at KazNU?
Ans. Kazakhstan permits international students on a student visa to work part-time up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods. Roles typically pay $3 to $5 per hour, most commonly in cafes, delivery services, or as language tutors. Indian students should register any work arrangement with the university’s international office to avoid visa complications when renewing or exiting the country.
Ques. Does KazNU offer an IELTS waiver for Indian applicants?
Ans. KazNU accepts Medium of Instruction certificates from Indian Class 12 boards including CBSE, ICSE, and state boards as an IELTS waiver for select programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Waiver eligibility applies primarily to English-medium bachelor’s tracks and does not apply to MBBS, where a valid IELTS or TOEFL score is mandatory. Confirmation from the admissions team is essential before finalising the application.
Ques. How much is the KazNU application fee for Indian students?
Ans. KazNU charges an application processing fee of approximately $50 to $100 (₹4,828 to 9,655) per programme depending on level, payable online through the Q App platform at submission. Fee-waiver options exist for high-scoring merit-scholarship candidates and applicants sponsored under Kazakhstan-India bilateral programmes. The fee is non-refundable, and applicants should complete document notarisation before paying to avoid resubmission costs.
Ques. Which Indian education loan providers finance study at KazNU?
Ans. State Bank of India, HDFC Credila, Bank of Baroda, and Punjab National Bank all finance Kazakhstan education loans for KazNU, including MBBS candidates. Loan amounts up to ₹40 lakh without collateral are typical for the 6-year MBBS track, with interest rates between 9% and 11.5% for 2026 applicants. Applicants should secure the university’s I-20-equivalent invitation letter before initiating the loan disbursement paperwork.
Ques. What are the dependent visa rules for Indian students at KazNU?
Ans. Kazakhstan issues dependent visas to spouses and minor children of enrolled international students under the C9 category, subject to proof of accommodation and financial capacity of $500 per dependent per month. Dependent-visa holders may work part-time under the same 20-hour weekly cap that applies to students. The process runs through the Kazakhstan embassy in New Delhi and typically clears within 10 to 15 working days after student-visa issuance.
Ques. Are KazNU degrees recognised for postgraduate study back in India?
Ans. KazNU degrees are recognised by the Association of Indian Universities via the standard equivalency certification process, and MBBS graduates qualify for the FMGE and the newly-notified NExT exam under NMC rules for practicing in India. Bachelor’s and master’s holders in non-medical disciplines can pursue Indian PG admission after obtaining equivalency, which typically takes 6 to 8 weeks and costs approximately ₹5,000 in processing fees.
Ques. Does KazNU require an interview for Indian master’s applicants?
Ans. KazNU requires a two-stage online entrance process for international master’s applicants that includes a specialised subject test followed by a foreign-language proficiency exam. A separate departmental interview is not standard for most programmes, but research-track master’s degrees in Physics, Chemistry, and Biotechnology may include a supervisor-led video interview. Applicants should prepare a research statement of purpose regardless, as it strengthens both admission chances and scholarship consideration.
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