Kazakhstan is in the best time to apply for its national and institutional scholarships as of April 25, 2026. The country has greatly expanded its “Study in Kazakhstan” programme, which aims to attract international students in STEM, International Relations, and Central Asian Studies.
Here are the most important ways to get money for the 2026–2027 school year.
1. Enic-Kazakhstan Government Scholarship
This is the main grant from the state for international students. It covers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels at dozens of top national universities.
- Current Status: The window for applications is open.
- • Due date: May 31, 2026.
- The Prize:
- Full Tuition: The whole time you’re getting your degree, you don’t have to pay anything.
- • Monthly Stipend: Given based on how well you do in school.
- • The universities that are taparticipatingre Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU), L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (ENU), and Satbayev University.
- Language Rrequirements: You can take the programin English, Russian, or Kazakh. Most of the time, you need an IELTS score of at least 5.5 (or the same) to get into an English-taught course.
2. Scholarships at Nazarbayev University (NU)
NU is the best research university in Central Asia. It has world-class facilities and fully funded grants just for the best international students.
- • The Abay Kunanbayev Scholarship:
- Benefits: full tuition coverage, a monthly allowance for living expenses, and basic health insurance.
- Selection: Very competitive and based only on merit.
- Status of the 2026 Deadline:
- For graduate programmes (Master’s and PhD), the main international deadline for funded spots was March 17, 2026.
- • The priority date for undergraduate programs was February 13, 2026.
- • If you missed this chance, get ready for the next cycle by November 2026 by studying for the GRE, GMAT, IELTS, and TOEFL.
3. ENU “Kultegin” and “Gumilyov” Grants
L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (ENU) in Astana gives its scholarships to international students who pay their own fees.
- The Kultegin Scholarship is for students who are working on their bachelor’s degree.
- • The Gumilyov Scholarship is for students in a master’s program.The Gumilyov Scholarship is for students in a master’s program.ram.ram.
- • Coverage: Free tuition, free housing in university dorms, and a monthly stipend.
- Anyone from any country can apply. Recently, many students from China, Turkey, and EU countries have come to ENU.
4. Research Grants and the “Smart City” at Al-Farabi KazNU
KazNU is the best university in the country, and it works with international organisations to offer specialised research assistantships and grants to international students.
- Research Focus: Lots of money is available for students studying biotechnology, space technology, and international law.
- Most institutional grants at KazNU require that you have a GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 from your last degree.
5. Kazakhstan’s Important 2026 Plan
To get a scholarship this month, you need to use a centralised digital process.
- The StudyIn.kz Portal: The official studyin.kz portal handles all applications for government scholarships. You have until May 31 to register and upload all of your documents.
- Kazakhstan has strict rules for getting in, including a medical certificate and an HIV test. You need to obtain a medical certificate from your home country that includes an HIV-negative test result and is valid for use abroad.
- • Motivational Essay: This document is an important part of the application for 2026. Your essay (in English, Russian, or Kazakh) should stress how your studies will help build a strong relationship between Kazakhstan and your home country.
6. A summary of the costs and life at the university
- Budget: Kazakhstan is very cheap. In Almaty or Astana, a student can usually live comfortably on $400 to $600 a month.
- Visa Help: Scholarship winners get easier help with the C9 (Student) Visa. Once the scholarship is confirmed, the university’s international office usually sends out the visa invitation (TELEX).