Frequently Asked Questions

Immigration for the Purpose of Education (Republic of Kazakhstan)

In accordance with the migration legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, foreign citizens arriving for the purpose of education are classified as immigrants for educational purposes.

Such immigrants include students admitted to educational institutions that deliver general secondary, technical and vocational, post-secondary, higher, and postgraduate education programs, including participants of organized student exchange programs and preparatory courses. Admission is recognized on the basis of an official enrollment order or admission letter issued by the host educational institution.

Entry Requirements for Educational Immigrants

Foreign applicants entering the Republic of Kazakhstan for study purposes must provide the following documents:

• proof of financial solvency sufficient to cover tuition and living expenses in accordance with the agreement between the student and the host educational institution, as required by the authorized body in the field of science and higher education in coordination with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
• a medical certificate confirming the absence of diseases preventing study in the chosen field, and valid medical insurance, in accordance with established medical regulations;
• a certificate confirming the presence or absence of a criminal record, issued by a competent authority;
• confirmation of admission to an educational institution and/or an official invitation or consent from the host organization for training prior to entry into the Republic of Kazakhstan, on the basis of official admission documents.

All requirements are applied in accordance with the current legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Applicants to undergraduate programs must have completed secondary (high school) education. For Master’s degree programs, a recognized Bachelor’s degree is required. All educational documents must be apostilled. Upon arrival in Kazakhstan, applicants must provide notarized translations of their educational documents.

Applicants applying on a tuition-fee basis are required to pass a mandatory interview. No additional entrance examinations are required.

There are no strict age limits for admission. Each application is considered individually.

Detailed information about application deadlines is available on the main page of the University’s official website.

Yes, you may submit your application online through our official website or via the Study in Kazakhstan portal. At the online application stage, you are required to upload scanned copies of all necessary documents. Upon arrival in Kazakhstan and enrollment at the University, you must submit the original documents.

At the online application stage, you are required to upload scanned copies of all necessary documents. Upon arrival in Kazakhstan and enrollment at the University, you must submit the original documents.

Yes, an apostille is required for all educational documents and official documents issued by the authorized state authorities of your country.

Yes, our University offers Foundation programs focused on Russian and Kazakh language studies. The duration of the program ranges from 3 to 12 months.

Our academic programs are offered in Kazakh, Russian and English. You can look at the full list of programs on the main page of our official website or via the Study in Kazakhstan portal.

Applicants who provide an official language proficiency certificate will be given priority consideration. However, language proficiency may also be assessed during the admission interview.

We accept officially recognized language proficiency certificates, including IELTS, TOEFL, KAZTEST, and other equivalent certificates.

Minimum required scores vary depending on the academic program. The threshold requirements are established by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Yes. By decision of the Admissions Committee, applicants may be admitted without a language certificate based on the results of the interview.

Yes, each academic year we offer various foreign language courses. These may be included in the academic curriculum or provided separately through our Foundation programs and additional language courses outside the regular semester.

Tuition fees vary depending on the academic program and degree level. Detailed information on tuition fees for all programs is available on the main page of the website.

Additional expenses may include accommodation fees, health insurance, visa extension and renewal fees, as well as other related costs.

We assist international students in opening a Kazakhstani bank account, through which tuition fees can be paid. Payments can also be made from foreign bank accounts using the University’s official bank details.

Students are admitted only after full payment of the annual tuition fee has been made.

Information about Bolashak scholarships is available on the official website of the National Center for Higher Education Development. Please note that the University does not provide tuition discounts.

Link to Scholarship Programs
Link to Bolashak for Foreign Citizens 2025-2026
Link to Study in KZ - Toraighyrov University

In accordance with agreements concluded with European partner universities, student exchange opportunities may be discussed if such mobility is possible for non-Kazakhstani citizens under the specific agreement.

Yes, a student visa is mandatory in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Yes, the University issues an official invitation letter to admitted applicants to support their student visa application.

The visa application process takes approximately two months on average. However, the processing time may vary depending on whether there is a diplomatic mission or consular office of the Republic of Kazakhstan in your country. If there is no representation, applicants may need to apply through the nearest neighboring country where a Kazakhstani consulate is available.

Yes, we provide full visa and migration support to international students after their arrival in Kazakhstan.

To extend a student visa, applicants are generally required to pay the state fee and provide valid health insurance, a certificate confirming enrollment from the University, and a passport.

In case of loss of a passport or visa, you must immediately contact the official diplomatic or consular representatives of your home country for further assistance and instructions. And you must inform your academic advisor and the staff of the International Cooperation Center. Each case is handled individually, and the University will provide guidance and assistance to help resolve the situation.

Yes, student dormitory accommodation is available for international students. Rooms are allocated based on availability and prior application.

The cost of accommodation depends on the type of room and facilities provided. Dormitory fees are generally affordable and significantly lower than private housing options.

Dormitories are equipped with basic furniture, internet access, shared kitchen facilities, laundry areas, and study spaces. Additional amenities may vary depending on the building.

Roommate assignments are typically arranged by the university administration. Requests may be considered, but they cannot be guaranteed.

Yes, private apartments are available near the campus. However, rental costs are generally higher than dormitory accommodation.

Students are usually allowed to move into the dormitory several days before the start of the academic year, according to the official schedule provided by the university.

Airport pickup services may be available upon prior request. Students are advised to inform the university in advance to arrange this service.

Yes, the university organizes an orientation program designed to help international students adapt to academic and campus life.

Students must bring a valid passport, visa, admission letter, health insurance policy, academic transcripts, and any other documents required by migration authorities.

During the first days, students are required to complete registration procedures, submit necessary documents, obtain their student ID card, and attend orientation sessions.

Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all international students in accordance with national regulations.

International students must obtain a health insurance policy that complies with the legal requirements of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Yes, medical services are available on campus or through affiliated healthcare providers.

In case of an emergency, students should immediately contact emergency services or seek assistance from the nearest medical institution.

The academic year is typically divided into two semesters, each followed by an examination period.

The university applies a credit-based grading system in accordance with national higher education standards.

The number of required credits depends on the academic program and level of study, as defined by the curriculum.

Changes to a major or selected courses are possible in accordance with university regulations and require official approval.

Many academic programs include mandatory or optional internships as part of the curriculum.

Yes, students may participate in academic mobility and exchange programs, provided they meet the eligibility requirements and academic criteria.

Under the current legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, international students are generally not permitted to work off-campus while studying. Employment without proper authorization may lead to legal consequences. If the migration authorities identify unauthorized employment, both the student and the university may be held administratively liable. In serious cases, this may result in fines, cancellation of residence status, or even deportation. Therefore, international students are strongly advised to strictly comply with migration regulations.

Yes, international students may be eligible to work part-time within the university campus, provided that there is an officially available vacancy and the employment is arranged in accordance with university policies and national regulations. On-campus employment is the only legally permitted form of work for international students, subject to institutional approval.

The university does not provide internships involving employment, as international students are not legally permitted to work in Kazakhstan. All academic activities are strictly educational and comply with national legislation.

The university does not operate a dedicated career center or employment services for international students, due to legal restrictions related to student employment. All university activities for international students are focused on academic support and educational development in accordance with migration law.

Yes, the university offers various student clubs and extracurricular organizations focused on academic, cultural, creative, and volunteer activities. International students are welcome to participate in these activities as part of campus life.

Yes, international students may join university sports teams and participate in sports events and competitions. The university encourages student involvement in physical education and athletic activities.

Yes, the university provides access to libraries, reading halls, and designated study spaces. Students can use these facilities for independent study, research, and academic work.

Yes, Wi-Fi access is available throughout the university campus, including academic buildings and common areas, to support students’ educational needs.

Yes, halal and vegetarian food options are available on campus. The university cafeteria offers meals prepared in accordance with dietary preferences and religious considerations.

The cost of living in Pavlodar is generally affordable compared to larger cities. On average, monthly expenses (excluding tuition fees) may range between USD 250–400, depending on lifestyle, accommodation type, and personal spending habits. This typically includes housing, food, transportation, and basic personal expenses.

Yes, Pavlodar is considered a relatively safe city. It has a calm environment and a moderate population size. As in any city, students are advised to follow general safety precautions and comply with local laws and regulations.

Pavlodar has a sharply continental climate. Winters are cold and can be severe, with temperatures often dropping below −20°C. Summers are warm to hot, with temperatures reaching +30°C or higher. Spring and autumn are usually short and mild.

Public transportation in Pavlodar includes buses, minibuses and trams that connect different parts of the city. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also widely available and relatively affordable.

Yes, international students can open a bank account in Kazakhstan after completing the required migration registration and obtaining the necessary documents (such as a passport and Individual Identification Number – IIN). Local banks provide assistance in English or Russian where possible.

Yes, the university provides general academic and administrative guidance to help international students adapt to the local environment. The International Office assists students with documentation, orientation, and basic integration into university life.

While there is no formal buddy or mentor program, international students may receive informal support from faculty members, administrative staff, and fellow students when needed.

Yes, the university organizes cultural, educational, and social events throughout the academic year. International students are encouraged to participate in university-wide celebrations, cultural festivals, and student activities.

Students can improve their Russian or Kazakh language skills through preparatory courses (if enrolled), communication with local students, and daily interaction in the academic environment. Immersion in everyday life is one of the most effective ways to develop language proficiency.

Kazakhstan is known for its hospitality and respect for traditions. It is important to:

• Show respect to elders and university staff;
• Follow university rules and migration regulations;
• Dress appropriately in academic settings;
• Be punctual for classes and official meetings.

Students may contact the Center of International Cooperation or their faculty administration for assistance. Academic advisors and university staff are available to provide guidance and support in case of personal or academic concerns.