Kazakhstan is one of the growing study abroad destinations in 2026. It is an affordable and smart pathway for students to study MBBS without spending crores. An MBBS in Kazakhstan is a 6-year undergraduate medicine programme comprising 5 years of coursework and 1 year of internship. Some of the special characteristics of Kazakhstani universities are English-taught programmes, global recognition, and a decent FMGE pass rate (20-25%).
Most universities are designed to meet international medical standards and are listed in WDOMS (World Directory of Medical Schools). Some of the popular universities for the MBBS program featured by QS in 2026 are Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (#166) and Kazakh National Medical University (#1001-1200). The total cost of an MBBS degree is around 25-40 lakhs for the whole program, and the monthly cost of living is KZT 1.57-3.65 Lakh (INR 31,518-73,137).
Note: The MBBS degree in India is equivalent to “Doctor of Medicine (MD)/General Medicine” in Kazakhstan.
Check out: Top MBBS Universities in Abroad 2026
- Why Study in Kazakhstan?
- Top MBBS Universities in Kazakhstan
- Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in Kazakhstan
- Document Requirements for MBBS in Kazakhstan
- Admission Procedure for MBBS in Kazakhstan
- Cost of Living in Kazakhstan
- Scholarships for MBBS in Kazakhstan
- Visa Application in Kazakhstan
- Career Options after MBBS in Kazakhstan
- FAQs
Why Study in Kazakhstan?
Indian students who couldn’t secure a seat through NEET can apply abroad to pursue MBBS. As there is a shift in trends in the educational sector, students are starting to plan to study in Kazakhstan. As per the Economic Times news, there were 35,000 students enrolled in Kazakhstan last year, and it is expected to cross 1 lakh by 2028. Some of the reasons to choose Kazakhstan for MBBS are the following:
- Affordable Fees: Kazakhstan is one of the most affordable countries to pursue MBBS, with average fees around INR 25 to 40 lakh for the full program.
- Global recognition: Most medical universities are listed in WDOMS, which allows students to sit for further medical licensing exams like FGME (India), USMLE (USA), and PLAB (UK).
- NMC-approved: Most of the medical universities in Kazakhstan follow NMC guidelines, which means:
- English-taught programs
- 54-month course + 12-month internship
- Decent FMGE pass rate/ratio: Kazakhstan medical universities have a decent FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) pass rate. As per the official NBEMS reports of 2024, the average FMGE pass rate of the universities is 25%.
- English-Medium Programs: Medical colleges in Kazakhstan have a separate department for foreign students where the entire MBBS course is taught in English medium.
Top MBBS Universities in Kazakhstan
There are 150 universities in Kazakhstan, including public and private universities. Some of the top-ranked universities are featured by QS: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (#166) and Kazakh National Medical University (#1001-1200). Some of the popular universities offering MBBS degrees are the following:
| University Name | Program Offered | Annual Tuition Fees | FMGE Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kazakh National Medical University | MBBS | KZT 30 Lakh / INR 5.9 Lakh | 20.45% |
| Semey State Medical University | MBBS | KZT 22 Lakh / INR 4.3 Lakh | 21.86% |
| Astana Medical University | MBBS | KZT 27.5 Lakh / INR 5.4 Lakh | 35.9% |
| West Kazakhstan State Medical University | MBBS | KZT 18.5-22 Lakh / INR 3.6-4.3 | 25.84% |
| Al-Farabi Kazakh National University | MBBS | KZT 22-25 Lakh / INR 4.3-4.5 Lakh | 51.08% |
| South Kazakhstan Medical Academy | MBBS | KZT 22-23 Lakh / INR 4.3-4.5 Lakh | 25.19% |
Note: FMGE pass ratio = (Number of students passed/ Number of students appeared)*100
Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in Kazakhstan
The general eligibility criteria for MBBS in Kazakhstan are:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic qualifications | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology |
| Age requirements | Minimum 17 by 31st of December of the admission year |
| NEET Qualification |
For General category: 134 For SC/ST/OBC: 107 |
| English language proficiency | IELTS: 5-6.5 | TOEFL (iBT): 35 | Duolingo: 80 |
Important Note: Indian students who wish to practise medicine after completing MBBS from a foreign country are required to qualify for the NEET.
Document Requirements for MBBS in Kazakhstan
The documents required for admission to MBBS in Kazakhstan are listed below.
Document checklist:
- 10th and 12th certificates
- Passport-sized photographs
- University Application Form
- NEET UG Scorecard
- Valid passport copy
- Medical certificates
- HIV-negative reports
- Vaccination reports
- English proficiency certificate
Admission Procedure for MBBS in Kazakhstan
For admissions in Kazakhstan, most universities have their own authorised contractor for recruiting students. These contractors coordinate with students for accommodation, student welfare and even fees. The step-by-step procedure to apply for MBBS in Kazakhstan is mentioned below.
- Fill out the application form: The first step is to choose a medical university and fill out the application form. You need to apply through the authorised representative.
- Submission of Documents: Students are required to send all the necessary documents in PDF (in high quality).
- Interview: After verification of documents, universities conduct an interview (online or offline) to check your suitability for the program.
- Selection process: The selection process heavily depends on the students interview performance and the documents. If the student gets selected, the university communicates through the representative company.
- University enrolment: Once the student gets the acceptance letter, they are required to pay the university fee within the timeline.
- Apply for a visa: Use the invitation letter to apply for a student visa at the Kazakhstan Embassy in India.
Important Note: Most contractors have sub-agents to work for the convenience of students and universities. Even Indian students serve as contractors/agents. Students are always advised to verify the contractor on the university page.
Cost of Living in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is an affordable study destination with a low cost of living compared to many countries. The monthly expenses for students typically vary based on lifestyle and city. The average cost of living in Kazakhstan lies in the range of KZT 1.57-3.65 Lakh (INR 31,518-73,137).
Source: Numbeo
| Expense | Cost per Month (KZT) | Cost per Month (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accomodation | KZT 50,000-2 Lakh | INR 8,000-35,000 |
| Food and Groceries | KZT 40,000-80,000 | INR 24,000-27,000 |
| Transportation | KZT 8,000 | INR 1,600 |
| Utilities | KZT 34,589-37,687 | INR 6,918 - 7,537 |
| Miscellaneous Expense | KZT 25,000-40,000 | INR 5,000-8,000 |
| Total | KZT 1.57-3.65 Lakh | INR 31,518-73,137 |
Currency conversion used: 1 KZT = 0.20 INR as of 17 April 2026.
Note: Most universities, like Astana University, do not have accommodation options for students
Scholarships for MBBS in Kazakhstan
The Kazakhstan government scholarships have 550 seats for fully funded scholarships for international students enrolling in various bachelor's, master's, and PhD programmes. Most of the universities offer merit-based scholarships for students with strong academic scores. These scholarships cover full or half tuition waivers for deserving students.
Visa Application in Kazakhstan
To study in Kazakhstan, you need a student visa (C9), which is usually a one-year visa and must be renewed every year. Students need to apply to the Republic of Kazakhstan in New Delhi. The application process typically requires submitting documents to the embassy, often by appointment, and in many cases, applicants may need to visit in person for submission or biometric verification.
Documents required for visa:
- Valid passport
- Photographs
- NEET scorecard and 12th marksheet
- Proof of financial funds
- Acceptance letter from the university
- Visa payment receipt
After visa approval, you can collect your passport with the stamp. Indian students are required to register with the local migration police within 5 days of their arrival. Even if the registration is delayed by one day, students may face a penalty.
Note: Students can carry up to USD 3000 (INR 2.8 lakh) or equivalent Kazakhstani currency without any written declaration.
Career Options after MBBS in Kazakhstan
After completing the MBBS in Kazakhstan, students have many options for practising medicine. For Indian students who wish to practise medicine in India, it is mandatory to qualify for the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Exam). Students always ensure that the university and course meet the eligibility criteria to practise in India.
Students who wish to stay and practise in Kazakhstan can appear for the licensing exam conducted by the National Centre of Independent Testing. The exam is conducted in three languages: English, Russian and Kazakh.
Students can also appear for other foreign medical exams, like USMLE (practice in the USA) and PLAB (practice in the UK).
Overall, MBBS in Kazakhstan is a practical choice for students looking for low fees. Study abroad destinations. It opens doors for students who wish to practise medicine in India, Kazakhstan, the UK and other foreign countries.
FAQs
Ques. Is MBBS from Kazakhstan valid in India?
Ans. Yes, MBBS degree from Kazakhstan is valid in India. If the university is listed in WDOMS and follows NMC guidelines.
Ques. Is MBBS from Kazakhstan better than Russia or Georgia?
Ans. MBBS in Kazakhstan is often preferred for lower fees and a simpler process. However, each country has its own pros and cons.
Ques. How long is the visa processing time for Kazakhstan?
Ans. The visa processing time for Kazakhstan is usually longer than 5 days. The visa processing time can vary depending on the applications.
Ques. How to practise medicine in India after MBBS from Kazakhstan?
Ans. Indian students who are planning to return and practise medicine in India are required to appear for licensing examinations. Students are required to pass the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Exam).
Found 5 universities
| Ranking | College Info | Top Courses | Fees & Cost of Living | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 #1200/3118 THE Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, AlmatyAlmaty, Kazakhstan74%Acceptance Rate | Master of Science [M.S] Computer Science Course duration: 2 years | Tuition: (₸122,978/Yr)$0/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| -- |  Karaganda State Medical University, KaragandaKaraganda, Kazakhstan64%Acceptance Rate | Bachelor of Health Care Nursing Course duration: 4 years | Tuition: (₸935,568/Yr)$0/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| -- |  Semey State Medical University, SemeySemey, Kazakhstan62%Acceptance Rate | M.B.B.S Course duration: 6 years | Tuition: (₸1,971,802/Yr)$0/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| -- |  Kazakh National Medical University, AlmatyAlmaty, Kazakhstan75%Acceptance Rate | M.B.B.S Course duration: 6 years | Tuition: (₸3,000,000/Yr)$0/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| -- |  Astana Medical University, astanaAstana, Kazakhstan60%Acceptance Rate | M.B.B.S Course duration: 6 years | Tuition: (₸2,905,813/Yr)$0/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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