Currently, pursuing an overseas medical degree has become a core choice for thousands of international students who seek high-quality education, a global perspective, and manageable study-abroad costs. With its internationally recognized higher education institutions, modern supporting facilities, and study expenses that are far lower than those in most Western countries, Kazakhstan has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing destinations for international students pursuing medical education.
Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, one of the country’s top medical schools, is the primary target institution for international students applying to study clinical medicine in Kazakhstan. The school offers advanced curricula, research-oriented training, and scholarship support for international students, paired with an all-English-instruction, globally accredited MBBS program.
Prospective applicants may access the full details of this 2026 International Student Scholarship Guide through the official portal of MBBS in Kazakhstan.
About Nazarbayev University School of Medicine
Nazarbayev University School of Medicine (NUSOM), Kazakhstan’s top medical higher education institution, is located in the national capital of Astana. Its founding mission is to deliver world-class medical education and medical research opportunities that meet international standards.
The school collaborates with globally renowned medical institutions, and its teaching focuses on:
- Research-based learning
- Clinical practice
- Advanced medical training
Leveraging six core operational strengths—including full English-medium instruction, international faculty, and modern simulation laboratories—it has built a modern academic system adapted to support global career development in the medical field.
With its outstanding academic reputation, the school continues to attract international students from a wide range of countries to pursue their studies there.
Scholarship Benefits for International Students
The financial threshold of medical education blocks many applicants, while scholarships can reduce tuition costs and help talented international students gain access to high-quality education.
Nazarbayev University’s scholarships cover expenses including:
- Tuition
- Monthly stipends
- Accommodation
- Research funding
These benefits eliminate the financial pressure on high-achieving students and support them to complete their studies successfully.
Types of Scholarships Offered
International students applying to the Nazarbayev University School of Medicine may apply for various types of scholarships.
Eligibility for these scholarships is determined by applicants’ academic performance, admission category, and their chosen program.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Among these awards, Merit-Based Scholarships are granted to students with:
- Excellent academic records
- High entrance examination scores
- Outstanding grades in science-related subjects
Top applicants with high grade point averages (GPAs) receive priority application review.
Government Scholarships
Eligible international students may apply for government scholarships through education cooperation programs and international agreements.
These scholarships will cover partial or full tuition fees based on each applicant’s qualifications.
Research and Academic Excellence Scholarship
The Research and Academic Excellence Scholarship is open to currently enrolled students participating in:
- Scientific research
- Medical innovation
- Academic projects
The scholarship provides research funding.
Selection for the scholarship centers on academic performance and research contributions as its core criteria, and the application process is highly competitive.
Scholarship Coverage and Student Support
The scholarship benefits offered by the School of Medicine at Nazarbayev University to its international students vary based on the program an applicant applies for and their scholarship category.
Selected scholarship recipients can access a range of support across both financial and academic domains, which include five core benefits:
- Partial tuition reduction or full tuition coverage
- Access to on-campus housing support or partial housing subsidies
- A monthly stipend to cover personal expenses including meals and transportation
- Priority eligibility to participate in academic programs, scientific conferences, and medical research activities
- The opportunity to join international exchange programs, medical seminars, and transnational collaborative medical research initiatives
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarship Applicants
International students applying for the scholarship of Nazarbayev University School of Medicine must meet the specified academic and admission requirements.
Eligible applicants must hold:
- A high school or undergraduate diploma issued by a recognized institution
- Excellent overall academic performance
- Outstanding scores in biology, chemistry, and physics
Applicants must also prove their English proficiency via official certificates such as IELTS and TOEFL, as most medical programs are taught in English.
In addition, all applicants are required to complete relevant assessments including:
- Admission tests
- Online interviews
The university will comprehensively evaluate all applicants based on three core criteria:
- Academic excellence
- Communication skills
- Future potential
Indian students who intend to go to Kazakhstan to pursue an undergraduate medical degree (MBBS) must meet the latest application eligibility requirements released by India’s NMC, obtain a passing qualification in the NEET exam, and may review the relevant compliance rules on the official websites of WHO and WDOMS.
Scholarship Application Process 2026
The 2026 scholarship application process of the Nazarbayev University School of Medicine is transparent and competitive.
Step 1: Program Selection
The first step of the application requires applicants to select an intended program in medicine or healthcare, and only after completing this step may they submit their application.
Step 2: Online Application
The second step of the study abroad application process is the online application, which requires applicants to submit their admission and scholarship applications through the university’s official portal, and upload five categories of mandatory application materials.
Step 3: Document Review
The university will verify three categories of application materials:
- Academic materials
- Qualification materials
- Supporting materials
Step 4: Assessment and Interview
Step 4 is admission assessment or interview, which includes three types of assessments:
- Online interviews
- Academic assessments
- Scholarship reviews
Step 5: Admission and Scholarship Result
All selected candidates receive their admission and scholarship notifications simultaneously.
Step 6: Visa and Enrollment
After receiving the admission and scholarship notifications from the admitting institution, applicants complete the visa application process and finalize their enrollment registration.
Required Documents for Scholarship Application
International students applying for this university’s scholarship must prepare a total of 8 designated materials, including:
- A copy of their passport
- Academic transcripts
All materials must complete compliant translation and verification in line with the relevant requirements.
Campus Facilities and Student Environment
The School of Medicine at Nazarbayev University has developed an international learning environment for its students that supports their academic pursuits, research activities, and personal development.
Students can access:
- Digital classrooms
- Research laboratories
- Clinical simulation centers
- Medical libraries
- Student innovation centers
The university’s dormitories, which are open for international students to apply for, are equipped with:
- Furnished rooms
- Wireless internet
- Study areas
- Security systems
- Cafeteria facilities
When students from around the world study together to build a globalized educational atmosphere on campus, this practice can encourage cultural exchanges and establish international networks.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Graduates of the Nazarbayev University School of Medicine meet the medical practice licensing requirements of many countries, and may choose from five career development paths:
- Practicing medicine
- Pursuing graduate studies
- Conducting medical research
- Joining medical institutions
- Registering for international professional licensing exams
The university’s research-oriented training model lays a solid foundation of professional capacity to support their cross-regional career practice.
Why Choose Nazarbayev University School of Medicine?
Our university has seven core strengths:
- An internationally recognized education system
- Full English-medium instruction
- Scholarship opportunities
- Modern medical facilities
- Research-oriented training
- Kazakhstan’s low cost of living
- A safe environment for international students
Students seeking cost-effective overseas medical education often select their study institution through MBBS in Kazakhstan.
Conclusion
As Kazakhstan’s leading study-abroad destination that provides international students with high-quality medical education and access to scholarship opportunities, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine boasts:
- Modern infrastructure
- Globally aligned medical training programs
- A highly experienced faculty
- A research-driven learning model
Eligible students may reduce their financial burdens through these scholarships, and prospective applicants may visit the university’s official channels to obtain more details about its MBBS program.
