Scholarships

🎓 Fully Funded Kazakhstan Government Scholarship 2026 — Bachelor, Master & PhD

Gradualin

May 1, 2026
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Kazakhstan is quietly becoming one of the most generous scholarship destinations in the world — and the 2026 Scholarship Program (operated under the Bolashak International Program Center) is proof of that. The government is offering 550 fully funded seats across Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs at top Kazakhstani universities — and the best part? If you completed your previous studies in English, you may not need to submit any IELTS or TOEFL score at all.

In this complete guide, you will find everything you need — the funding details, who can apply, what documents to prepare, how to apply step-by-step, and the official deadline. Whether you’re a fresh graduate, a working professional eyeing a Master’s, or a researcher ready for a PhD — this guide is for you.

📋 Quick Info Box

Detail	Information
Program	Kazakhstan Scholarship Program 2026
Operator	JSC “International Programs Center” (Bolashak)
Country	Kazakhstan 🇰🇿
Degree Levels	Bachelor, Master’s, PhD
Funding Type	Fully Funded (Government Grant)
Application Deadline	31 May 2026
Open To	International students worldwide
Application Portal	studyin.kz/admission
Official Website	bolashak.gov.kz

🎓 Scholarship Overview

The Kazakhstan Scholarship Program is a fully government-backed initiative, managed by JSC “International Programs Center” — the same organization behind the world-renowned Bolashak International Scholarship. This makes it one of the most credible and well-structured scholarship programs in all of Central and East Asia.

Kazakhstan has invested heavily in internationalizing its higher education system over the last decade. The country’s universities — many of which are located in the modern capital Astana and the vibrant city of Almaty — now regularly appear in international rankings and attract students from over 100 countries.

For 2026, the government has allocated 550 grant positions across three academic levels. This is not a competitive grant where only elite researchers get a chance — it’s designed to bring motivated international students across all fields of study into Kazakhstan’s dynamic academic environment.

What makes this program uniquely interesting is that it runs through Study In Kazakhstan (studyin.kz), a dedicated government platform, meaning the process is transparent, online, and centralized. No paperwork chaos, no back-and-forth with universities — one portal handles everything.

🎓 Benefits & Funding Coverage

This is a fully funded scholarship, meaning the Kazakhstan government covers your core academic and living needs. Here is what the program typically covers (verify specific amounts on the official website, as they are confirmed upon award):

✅ Full Tuition Fees — covered entirely for the duration of your degree
✅ Monthly Stipend — living allowance paid directly to scholarship holders (verify on official website)
✅ Accommodation Support — university dormitory placement or housing assistance
✅ Medical Insurance — health coverage for the duration of study
✅ University Enrollment Fees — included in the grant

To put this in perspective: university tuition fees at major Kazakhstani institutions typically range from $1,500 to $4,500 per year depending on the field. Add housing, living costs, and insurance — and this grant package is worth approximately $5,000–$8,000+ per year in total support. That’s a significant investment the government is making in your future.

Here’s the best part — you don’t need to repay anything. This is a grant, not a loan.

🎓 Eligibility Criteria

The requirements differ slightly by degree level, but here is a clear breakdown:

🎓 For Bachelor’s Applicants:

Must be applying for the first time at this education level
Must hold a secondary (high school) education certificate with a “Good” average grade or higher
Open to all nationalities, including refugees with valid refugee documents
Application can be submitted in Kazakh, Russian, or English
No IELTS/TOEFL required for Bachelor’s level ✅ (this is confirmed — no language certificate needed)

🎓 For Master’s Applicants:

Must hold a Bachelor’s or Specialist degree
Minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (or equivalent from your institution)
Language certificate required for most applicants:
- English: TOEFL iBT minimum 46 / TOEFL PBT minimum 453 / IELTS Academic minimum 5.5
- German: DSH or TestDaF at B2 level
- French: DELF/DALF B2 or TCF minimum 400 points
- Chinese: HSK Level 4 or above
💡 IELTS/TOEFL exemption applies if your previous degree was taught in English (or the relevant language) and was completed within the last 5 years

🎓 For PhD Applicants:

Same GPA requirement as Master’s (minimum 3.0/4.0)
Same language certificate requirements as Master’s
Same IELTS/TOEFL exemption applies if previous education was in the relevant language within 5 years
Must submit a dissertation research topic justification (in the language of study)

🎓 Who Should Apply (And Who Should Not)

✅ Apply if you:

Want a fully funded degree at a recognized Central Asian university
Are a student from anywhere in the world (including refugees)
Previously studied in English and don’t have IELTS (you may be exempt)
Want a Bachelor’s degree with NO language test required
Are a researcher looking for an affordable PhD with government backing

❌ Don’t apply if you:

Are already enrolled at the Bachelor’s or Master’s level (must be a first-time student at that level)
Have a Master’s or PhD and want another at the same level
Cannot provide a minimum “Good” GPA for Bachelor’s or 3.0/4.0 GPA for postgraduate levels
Are unable to obtain a medical clearance certificate including HIV/AIDS test from your local health authority

🎓 Available Programs & Fields of Study

The full list of participating Kazakhstani universities and available majors is published on the studyin.kz/admission portal at the time of application. Universities are spread across Kazakhstan’s major cities, including Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Karaganda, and others.

Historically, the following fields have been available:

🔬 Natural Sciences & Mathematics
💻 Information Technology & Computer Science
🏗️ Engineering & Technical Sciences
🏥 Medicine & Health Sciences
⚖️ Law & Social Sciences
📊 Economics, Business & Management
🎨 Arts, Humanities & Education
🌾 Agriculture & Environmental Sciences

Since the university list is updated each intake year, always check the portal for the current list of universities and programs before applying.

🎓 Required Documents

The following documents are required for all applicants (with level-specific additions noted):

Copy of identity document (passport or national ID; refugees may use refugee certificate)
Copy of previous education certificate — with transcript/academic record + notarized translation into Kazakh, Russian, or English
Motivational essay — written in Kazakh, Russian, or English
2 Letters of Recommendation — from your academic institution or employer, in Kazakh, Russian, or English
Medical clearance certificate — including HIV/AIDS status, issued by official health authority in your country of residence
Completed application questionnaire — downloadable from bolashak.gov.kz
Invitation letter from a Kazakhstani university (if already obtained — optional but helpful)

For Master’s and PhD only:

Language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) — unless exempt

For PhD only:

Research topic justification (in the language of instruction)

🎓 Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying is fully online. Here’s how to do it:

Visit the official portal: Go to studyin.kz/admission
Create your account: Register with a valid email address and fill in your personal profile
Browse universities & programs: Review the list of participating universities and available fields — choose one that matches your academic background
Prepare your documents: Gather all required files listed above and translate where needed
Fill the online application form: Upload your documents and complete the motivational essay fields
Submit before the deadline: Make sure your full application is submitted by 31 May 2026, 23:59 Astana time
Track your application: Log in to your personal cabinet at konkurs.bolashak.gov.kz to monitor your status
Await selection results: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps

💡 Pro tip: Apply as early as possible. Getting your documents translated and notarized takes time — don’t leave it to the final week.

🎓 Important Dates & Deadlines

Event	Date
Application Opening	30 March 2026
Application Deadline	31 May 2026 at 23:59 (Astana time)
Academic Year Start	September 2026 (verify on official website)

⚠️ Bookmark this page and check back for updates — deadlines and portal details can be updated by the organizers.

🎓 Why Apply — Why Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan is not just a scholarship destination — it’s a gateway to an entire region of opportunity.

The country sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, offering students a unique cultural and academic experience. Astana, the futuristic capital, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world and home to several of Kazakhstan’s top research universities. Almaty, the cultural heart, buzzes with international energy, modern cafes, and a thriving student scene.

Here’s what makes Kazakhstan a smart choice for your degree:

🌍 Strategic location — between Russia, China, and Central Asia; perfect for international career networks
🏛️ Rapidly rising universities — Kazakhstani institutions are increasingly appearing in QS World Rankings
💰 Low cost of living — outside of tuition (which is covered), your day-to-day expenses are affordable compared to Western Europe or North America
🤝 Welcoming to international students — the government actively invests in attracting global talent
🌐 Multilingual environment — study in Kazakh, Russian, or English depending on your program

Graduates of Kazakhstani universities have gone on to build successful careers across Central Asia, Russia, China, Europe, and beyond. This degree opens more doors than you might expect.

🎓 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need IELTS to apply for the Kazakhstan Scholarship 2026? A: It depends on the level. Bachelor’s applicants do NOT need any language certificate — this is confirmed. For Master’s and PhD applicants, an IELTS minimum of 5.5 (or equivalent) is required, UNLESS your previous degree was taught in English and completed within the last 5 years. In that case, you are exempt.

Q: What is the grant quota for 2026? A: The confirmed quotas are: 490 seats for Bachelor’s, 50 seats for Master’s, and 10 seats for PhD — totaling 550 grants.

Q: Can refugees apply for this scholarship? A: Yes. The program explicitly states that individuals holding a valid refugee certificate may apply for the Bachelor’s level, submitting their refugee document in place of a standard ID.

Q: Can I apply if I already hold a Bachelor’s degree and want a Master’s? A: Yes — as long as you have not already completed a Master’s degree. The condition is that you must be studying at a particular level for the first time.

Q: In which languages can I apply? A: The application form and all supporting documents can be submitted in Kazakh, Russian, or English. This makes the program highly accessible for students from a wide range of countries.

Q: Where do I apply? A: All applications are submitted exclusively online via studyin.kz/admission. There is no paper-based or email application process.

🎓 Official Sources & Contact

Resource	Link
Official Program Page	bolashak.gov.kz/kz/ctipendiyaly-badarlama
Application Portal	studyin.kz/admission
Eligibility Details	bolashak.gov.kz — Applicant Requirements
Personal Application Cabinet	konkurs.bolashak.gov.kz
Official Email	info@bolashak.gov.kz
Phone	+7 (717) 276-90-76

🎓 Full Summary Table

Detail	Information
Program Name	Kazakhstan Scholarship Program 2026
Managed By	JSC International Programs Center (Bolashak)
Host Country	Kazakhstan 🇰🇿
Degree Levels	Bachelor’s (490 seats), Master’s (50 seats), PhD (10 seats)
Total Grants	550 fully funded positions
Funding Type	Fully Funded — Tuition + Stipend + Accommodation + Insurance
Language of Study	Kazakh, Russian, or English
IELTS Required?	No — for Bachelor’s ✅
GPA Requirement	“Good” average for Bachelor’s; 3.0/4.0 for Master’s & PhD
Open To	International students worldwide (incl. refugees)
Application Deadline	31 May 2026, 23:59 Astana time
Application Portal	studyin.kz/admission
Contact	info@bolashak.gov.kz