KAZAKHSTAN · ALMATY
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
public · Founded 1934 · Languages: ru, kk, en
In short
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Almaty offers a wide range of programs with affordable tuition and a strong focus on career development, supported by partnerships with employers and modern facilities.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1934
- Students
- 20,000
- International students
- 3,000
- Acceptance rate
- 35%
- Tuition (intl)
- €2–5k/yr
- Languages
- RU, KK, EN
- Location
- Almaty, Kazakhstan
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is one of the country's leading public institutions for higher education. Established in 1934, the university offers a wide array of programs across various fields, from natural sciences and engineering to humanities and social sciences, at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. The university emphasizes both academic excellence and practical skill development. KazNU is committed to preparing students for successful careers, providing extensive career support and fostering connections with leading employers. Recent initiatives include the opening of international institutes and centers focused on digital technologies and robotics, reflecting the university's dedication to innovation and modern education. With a long history of academic achievement, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University continues to evolve, adapting its educational offerings to meet contemporary demands and supporting its students in becoming competitive professionals in a globalized world.
Why study here
- Strong career support with high employment rates across all study levels.
- Partnerships with major national and international companies for internships and job placements.
- Wide range of academic programs, including modern fields like Digital Technologies and Robotics.
- Located in Almaty, a dynamic and culturally rich city in Kazakhstan.
Student life
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University provides various resources and support for its students. This includes a robust professional development and career office that assists with job searching, resume building, internship placements, and employer connections. The university also has a comprehensive library, a registrar's office for academic administration, and various information systems to support student learning and engagement. The career office frequently organizes job fairs and workshops to connect students with potential employers.
Fees
InternationalInternational tuition is affordable by global standards, typically ranging from roughly EUR 1,800 to EUR 4,500 per year depending on the programme and level of study.
HomeDomestic students may study on state-funded grants (grant places) or pay tuition similar in range to international fees.
LivingLiving costs in Almaty are low to moderate; on-campus dormitory accommodation is available and inexpensive.
Specific tuition fees for international students vary by program and can be found on the university's official website.
Admissions
Secondary education certificateRequired for undergraduate admission (with transcripts)
Bachelor's degreeRequired for master's programmes
Language proficiencyKazakh, Russian or English depending on programme
IELTS5.5-6.0 for English-taught programmes
TOEFL iBT70+ for English-taught programmes
Rankings
QS World University Rankings#166
National (Kazakhstan)#1
University scholarships
Government of Kazakhstan Scholarship (Bolashak-linked / state grants)Full or partial tuition for eligible students
KazNU Merit Tuition DiscountPartial tuition reduction for high-achieving applicants
Accreditation
Accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Programs
a selectionScholarships
for Kazakhstanfull funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome International Training Fellowships
For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.
full
Funding
€150k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
European Commission - European Research Executive Agency (REA)
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships
Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will have defended their doctoral thesis by the call deadline) and have at most 8 years of full-time-equivalent research experience after the PhD. Applicants apply jointly with a host organisation - a university, research institution, business, SME, or other body based in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe. European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all nationalities for a project inside the EU or an associated country; Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are reserved for EU nationals or long-term residents who carry out a phase in a third country before returning to Europe. Researchers who have been displaced by conflict and those restarting a research career after a break are explicitly encouraged to apply.
full
Funding
€100k
Max
Sep 10, 2026
Deadline
full funding
Rotary Foundation
Rotary Peace Fellowships
For professionals committed to peace and development, with relevant work experience and (for the master's) a strong academic background and proficiency in English. Applicants apply through their local Rotary district and are selected globally by The Rotary Foundation for study at a Rotary Peace Center.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
May 15, 2027
Deadline
full funding
Independent Social Research Foundation (ISRF)
ISRF Europe Early Career Fellowship
Open to early-career researchers in the social sciences and humanities who are within 10 years of their PhD award (career breaks considered) and hold a salaried position at a higher education or research institution, or are independent scholars with a host institution. Research must be hosted at a European institution and address innovative, interdisciplinary social research questions. Open to scholars of all nationalities.
full
Funding
€82k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMassachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT Need-Based Aid for International Undergraduates
For international undergraduate applicants to MIT, which is need-blind in admission and meets the full demonstrated financial need of every admitted student. Aid is a grant (no loans in the standard package); the amount is set by each family's assessed need.
full
Funding
€80k
Max
Nov 10, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University?
+
International tuition fees at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University are considered affordable globally, typically ranging from approximately EUR 1,800 to EUR 4,500 per year. The exact cost depends on the specific program and level of study.
What are the admission requirements for international students?
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International students need to provide their secondary education certificate with transcripts for undergraduate admission, or a bachelor's degree for master's programs. Language proficiency in Kazakh, Russian, or English, depending on the program, is also required.
Does the university offer scholarships or financial aid for international students?
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Yes, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University offers scholarships such as the Government of Kazakhstan Scholarship, which can cover full or partial tuition for eligible students. There is also a KazNU Merit Tuition Discount for high-achieving applicants.
What is the graduate employment rate at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University?
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The university reports a high average graduate employment rate of 87% as of 2024, indicating strong career prospects for its students.
What is student life like in Almaty?
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The university is located in Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, known for its vibrant urban life and proximity to mountains. Living costs in Almaty are low to moderate, and inexpensive dormitory accommodation is available on campus.
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