A Truly International Academic Experience
One of the most common concerns for students considering Kazakhstan as a study destination is the language of instruction. After all, Kazakhstan has two main national languages—Kazakh and Russian—which might seem intimidating at first glance.
But here’s the good news: Over the last decade, Kazakhstan has heavily invested in internationalizing its higher education sector. As part of its broader education reform strategy, many top universities now offer fully English-taught bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.
This is a game-changer for students from Africa, South Asia, the Middle East, and beyond—giving them access to high-quality education without needing to learn a new language before beginning their academic journey.
Popular Degree Programs Taught in English
Here’s a breakdown of the most in-demand English-taught programs among international students in Kazakhstan:
1. Medicine (MBBS) and Dentistry
- Offered at institutions like:
- South Kazakhstan Medical Academy (SKMA)
- Kazakh National Medical University (KazNMU)
- Astana Medical University
- Programs span 5–6 years, taught entirely in English.
- Globally recognized by WHO, ECFMG, GMC (UK), and NMC (India).
- Includes clinical practice, hospital rotations, and research exposure.
- No NEET/MCAT required in many cases, making it more accessible.
2. Engineering & Technology
- Fields include Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Software Engineering.
- Taught at universities like:
- Kazakh-British Technical University
- International Information Technology University (IITU)
- Nazarbayev University
- Curricula modeled on US, UK, and German frameworks, with access to lab-based practical training and startup incubators.
3. Business Administration & Economics
- Business programs at undergraduate and MBA levels are widely available in English.
- Subjects include:
- Finance
- Entrepreneurship
- Logistics and Supply Chain
- Marketing and International Trade
- Many universities have joint programs with UK, German, and Turkish institutions.
4. International Relations & Political Science
- Geared toward students who want careers in diplomacy, NGOs, or global business.
- Courses emphasize:
- Global governance
- Central Asian politics
- International law
- Peace studies
- Kazakhstan’s position between East and West makes it an ideal classroom for global affairs.
5. Information Technology & Data Science
- With Kazakhstan investing in digital infrastructure, IT is a growing sector.
- Programs include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Web and Mobile Development
- Data Analytics
- Many programs taught using modern tools and programming languages (Python, JavaScript, SQL, etc.).
Who Teaches These Programs?
- Many English-taught courses are delivered by international faculty or Kazakh professors with degrees from Western universities.
- Guest lectures by industry professionals, business leaders, and researchers are common.
- Universities often adopt problem-based learning, group work, and project-based assessments to align with international standards.
Academic Success and Career Outcomes
Studying in English not only helps with academic performance but also provides a strong platform for global careers:
- Graduates are well-equipped to work in multinational companies, NGOs, or research institutes.
- English proficiency enhances chances of post-graduate study abroad in Europe, Canada, or Australia.
- Technical and medical graduates can sit for licensing exams in countries like the US, UK, India, UAE, and South Africa.
Language Support Services at Universities
Even though the main instruction is in English, universities offer extra support to help students transition:
- English Foundation Year (Preparatory Year) for those who want to boost their academic English before entering degree programs.
- Language labs and writing centers to help with research papers, presentations, and projects.
- Free or subsidized Russian/Kazakh language courses to assist with daily life and social integration.
Testimonials from Real Students
“I was worried about the language, but my program was fully in English. I never faced any issue communicating with my professors. Plus, I now speak basic Russian thanks to my Kazakh friends!” — Precious, Nigerian MBBS student at KazNMU
“As a software engineering student, the English-taught curriculum at KBTU was well-structured and included international internships. It exceeded my expectations.” — Ahmed, Pakistani student at Kazakh-British Technical University
Conclusion: English is Your Gateway to Global Education in Kazakhstan
Choosing to study in Kazakhstan doesn’t mean you need to learn a new language before starting. With a growing portfolio of English-taught programs, the country offers the same international academic experience you’d expect in Europe or North America—but at a fraction of the cost.
Our agency specializes in helping students find the right English-medium programs, prepare strong applications, and settle into academic life with confidence.
Need help finding an English-taught course that fits your career goals? Contact us today for free guidance and university recommendations!
