Kazakhstan Government Scholarships

Overview

The Kazakhstan Government Scholarships, officially known as the "Bolashak International Scholarship Program," is a prestigious educational initiative funded by the government of Kazakhstan. Established in 1993 by the First President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, the program aims to prepare future leaders by providing talented Kazakh citizens and international students with opportunities to study at the world's top universities. The program has expanded to include scholarships specifically for international students to study at leading Kazakh universities, promoting educational and cultural exchange while strengthening Kazakhstan's position in the global educational landscape.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Age:
    • For undergraduate programs: Applicants must be between 18 and 25 years old
    • For master's programs: Applicants must be between 21 and 35 years old
    • For doctoral programs: Applicants must be between 25 and 40 years old
  • Academic Background:
    • For undergraduate programs: Completed secondary education with good academic standing (minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent)
    • For master's programs: Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent
    • For doctoral programs: Master's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent
  • Nationality: Open to citizens of all countries except Kazakhstan.
  • Language Proficiency:
    • For programs taught in English: IELTS score of at least 6.0 or TOEFL iBT score of at least 75
    • For programs taught in Russian: Certificate of Russian language proficiency (TORFL level 1 or equivalent)
    • For programs taught in Kazakh: Certificate of Kazakh language proficiency
    • Preparatory language courses are available for those who do not meet the language requirements
  • Health: Applicants must be in good health, verified by a medical certificate.

Application Process

The application process for Kazakhstan Government Scholarships involves the following steps:

  1. Visit the official scholarship website at https://www.bolashak.gov.kz/en/ or https://www.edu.gov.kz/en/.
  2. Create an account on the online application portal.
  3. Complete the online application form with accurate personal and academic information.
  4. Select your preferred Kazakh universities and educational programs.
  5. Upload the required documents:
    • Scanned copy of passport
    • Recent passport-sized photographs
    • Academic transcripts and diplomas (with certified translations if not in English, Russian, or Kazakh)
    • Language proficiency certificates
    • Curriculum vitae/resume
    • Motivation letter
    • Two letters of recommendation
    • Medical certificate
    • Research proposal (for doctoral applicants)
  6. Submit the application before the deadline.
  7. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an online interview.

Deadlines

The application period for Kazakhstan Government Scholarships typically follows this schedule:

  • Application Opening: January-February
  • Application Deadline: March-April
  • Selection Process: May-June
  • Results Announcement: July
  • Academic Year Start: September

Note: Exact dates may vary each year. Please check the official website for the most current information.

Benefits

The Kazakhstan Government Scholarships provide comprehensive support to international students, including:

  • Tuition Fees: Full coverage of university tuition fees.
  • Monthly Stipend: Monthly allowance to cover living expenses (approximately 30,000-40,000 KZT depending on the city).
  • Accommodation: Free accommodation in university dormitories.
  • Health Insurance: Basic health insurance coverage.
  • Language Preparation: Free preparatory language courses if needed.
  • Visa Support: Assistance with visa application process.
  • Airport Pickup: Free airport pickup upon arrival in Kazakhstan.
  • Cultural Activities: Access to cultural events and excursions to learn about Kazakh culture and traditions.

Participating Universities

Kazakhstan Government Scholarships are accepted at several prestigious Kazakh universities, including:

  • Nazarbayev University (Astana)
  • Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (Almaty)
  • L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (Astana)
  • Kazakh-British Technical University (Almaty)
  • Kazakh National Research Technical University (Almaty)
  • KIMEP University (Almaty)
  • Suleyman Demirel University (Almaty)
  • Kazakh National Medical University (Almaty)
  • Astana Medical University (Astana)
  • Kazakh National Agrarian University (Almaty)
  • Karaganda State Technical University (Karaganda)
  • Auezov South Kazakhstan State University (Shymkent)

Available Programs

Kazakhstan Government Scholarships cover a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:

  • Engineering and Technology
  • Oil and Gas Engineering
  • Mining and Metallurgy
  • Medicine and Health Sciences
  • Business Administration and Economics
  • International Relations
  • Computer Science and Information Technology
  • Natural Sciences
  • Social Sciences and Humanities
  • Education
  • Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences
  • Arts and Architecture
  • Kazakh Language and Literature

Contact Information

For more information about Kazakhstan Government Scholarships, you can contact:

Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan
International Cooperation Department
8 Mangilik El Avenue, House of Ministries, Entrance 11
Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Email: international@edu.gov.kz
Website: www.edu.gov.kz/en/

Center for International Programs (Bolashak Scholarship)
25 Turan Avenue
Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Email: info@bolashak.gov.kz
Website: www.bolashak.gov.kz/en/

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