Kazakhstan draws Indian students wishing to do their MBBS due to affordable costs, international standard universities, instruction in English, and easy-going enrollment regulations. Thousands of students go there because of the good facilities and the lower fees compared to private medical schools in India.
Most of the students forget to consider several hidden costs that MBBS in Kazakhstan actually incurs. Costs associated with documents, visas, and travel, along with medical insurance, daily expenses, university deposits, and several other costs add to the total cost of studying MBBS. Students must consider these costs in order to have a complete picture of the expenses that they will incur.
There are several hidden costs of studying MBBS in Kazakhstan. Students must consider the fees other than the tuition costs in order to understand the total costs of studying MBBS. Students understand the total expense of the education, and avoid the financial stress of MBBS studies.
Admission and Documentation Costs
Completing MBBS admission in Kazakhstan involves multiple official processes. Money is spent preparing and officially validating, translating, and attesting documents.
Each document can cause some or all of these expenses:
- Passport application or renewal
- Translation of academic records
- Notarization of documents
- Medical certificate
- Processing fee for an application
- Registration fee at the University
Students are advised to allocate additional funds to cover these costs because each university application may have a distinct process, resulting in different documentation expenses.
Visa and Immigration Costs
Kazakhstan requires a student visa for Indians wishing to travel to study MBBS in that country. The majority of students consider only the admission fee, but there are additional costs associated with the processing of the visa.
Expenses that are related to the visa may include:
- Visa application costs
- Embassy processing fees
- Travel costs related to other visa associated travel
- Processing fee for the invitation letter
- Immigration registration fee
In addition to the costs associated with the initial visa process, students may incur additional costs for the student visa process, as student visas are renewed throughout the course of study.
Travel Costs to Kazakhstan
Cost of flights to travel to Kazakhstan cannot be ignored. This cost will differ depending on which city of India is the point of departure, which airline is selected, and at what time flights are booked.
For students traveling for the first time, consider the costs for:
- One way flight at the time of admission to Kazakhstan
- Return flight tickets
- Baggage fees
- Transportation to and from the airport
Medical students travel during the holiday periods, so an efficient travel plan for the year will have a notable effect on budgeting.
Hostel and Accommodation Related Expenses
Most medical universities in Kazakhstan offer hostels to international students. While hostel fees are relatively low, students should keep in mind other accommodation-related expenses.
Other than hostel fees, students may spend on:
- Security deposits
- Room maintenance fees
- Beddings and other room accessories
- Laundry
- Internet
Some students, after getting used to the country, prefer to rent a private apartment. This can double or triple the living costs, especially in big cities.
Food and Daily Living Expenses
Food costs are one of the major hidden expenses for Indian students doing their MBBS in Kazakhstan. While hostel facilities are provided, students often spend money on groceries and Indian food in addition to their other necessities.
Monthly Living Expenses
- Grocery shopping
- Food
- Travel
- Mobile and Internet
- Daily necessities
Students are able to manage their costs if they prepare their own food. Students who prefer to eat outside, pay a lot more.
Medical Expenses and Insurance
Medical insurance is a must for students traveling overseas. Most universities have health insurance coverage as a prerequisite.
Insurance costs might include:
- Annual premium
- Health check-ups
- Emergency health
- Basic medications
Students should confirm the insurance with the university before traveling to Kazakhstan.
University Charges Other than Tuition Fees
Most students think that paying the tuition fee means that there are no other fee-related obligations to the university, however, this is not true.
These could encompass:
- Library fees
- Lab fees
- Fees for Exams
- Student ID Fees
- Administrative fees
- Graduation fees
These may be different at each medical university. Students must ask their selected university about the entire fee structure before accepting.
Language Learning and Communication Costs
Although there are many universities that provide MBBS programs in English, students may still need to learn a few of the local languages to deal with and understand the local people and patients during their clinical training.
Possible costs are:
- Language classes
- Books
- Translation apps
- Communication devices
Learning a local language will enable the students to integrate better and also enhance their clinical training.
Currency Exchange and Banking Costs
Indian students who study in Kazakhstan need to deal with the costs associated with the currency exchange between the Indian Rupee and the Kazakh Tenge.
Important costs to consider are:
- Foreign transaction fees
- Banking fees
- Currency exchange losses
- Banking fees on international cards
Having the right kind of financial control and choosing the right and friendly banks can minimize these costs.
Costs Associated During Clinical Years
While undergoing practical training, students will have additional costs associated with their hospital postings.
These costs include:
- Medical attire
- Lab coats
- Stethoscopes
- Medical Instruments
- Books
- Clinical aids
These costs may not be significant, but students should include them in their annual budget.
Emergency and Personal Expenses
While studying abroad, students can face a lot of unexpected events requiring extra spending. Saving an emergency fund can cover these instances such as:
- Medical needs
- Travel for personal emergencies
- Emergency travel to visit family
- Lost Documents
- Added Travel Expenses
Having savings enables students to have a secure financial state throughout their education.
Importance of Choosing a Recognized Medical Universities in Kazakhstan
When students consider the cost of an MBBS in Kazakhstan, they should consider the cost alongside the quality and recognition of the university. Properly recognized medical universities will offer students a legitimate medical education and enhance their career prospects.
Before enrolling, students should make sure the medical university is recognized by the WHO and is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
Students of India should follow the NMC Guidelines on Foreign Medical Education and verify they meet the other eligibility requirements including qualifying the NEET exam.
How Students Can Manage Hidden Costs Effectively
Studying MBBS in Kazakhstan is cost-effective if students keep unnecessary spending under control using the following suggestions:
- Form a precise budget for the year and stick to it.
- Research and compare universities to find cost-effective options.
- Choose budget-friendly accommodation.
- Eat home-cooked food.
- Avoid unnecessary expenditures.
- Maintain an emergency fund.
- Book flights ahead of time.
A budget without unnecessary expenditures allows for students to concentrate and improve on their studies.
Conclusion
For Indian students, pursuing the MBBS in Kazakhstan is an economical option with several advantages. However, considering the hidden costs is very critical. Education costs comprise more than tuition fees. Other costs associated with visa processing, travel, food and accommodation, insurance, and personal expenses need to be factored in.
With the right planning and preparation, students can ensure an uninterrupted medical education in Kazakhstan. Ensure that you check the recognition of the university, the eligibility criteria, and the complete fee structure from credible sources.
Students looking to pursue an MBBS abroad are encouraged to visit MBBS in Kazakhstan for assistance on the admission process, university selection, and cost estimates to make an educated decision.
