Why More Students in Kazakhstan Choose to Study Abroad

Kazakhstan's higher education system is growing, with 678,100 students enrolled in the 2025–2026 academic year. Yet over 90,000 Kazakhstani citizens have chosen to pursue their degrees abroad — and that number continues to rise.

In an interview with Sanzhar Uvashev from InterPress Abroad, an organization specializing in university admissions, the main motivations became clear. Students seek access to higher-quality academic programs, international exposure, modern teaching methods, and practical training opportunities that may not yet be available at home. Better employment prospects upon graduation and the life experience of living in a new country are also major draws.

Top Destinations

The most popular study destinations for Kazakhstani students include the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada, which offer globally recognized qualifications and robust graduate job markets. China is increasingly popular due to rapidly rising university rankings and growing scholarship availability.

European destinations such as Italy and Austria attract students thanks to affordable or even free tuition at public universities, making a world-class education financially accessible.

The Skills Gap at Home

One key driver is the limited international integration at some domestic Kazakhstani universities. Without exposure to global academic environments, students can find themselves less competitive in international job markets. Studying abroad addresses this gap directly — developing language proficiency, cross-cultural communication, and globally relevant technical skills.

Scholarship Opportunities

Several government and international scholarship programs support Kazakhstani students in pursuing overseas education:

• Bolashak — Kazakhstan's prestigious presidential scholarship for study at leading world universities
• Stipendium Hungaricum — Hungary's program offering full scholarships for international students
• Erasmus Mundus — European Union joint master's and doctoral scholarships

For students considering international study, platforms like Study in Kazakhstan provide guidance on university selection, application processes, and visa requirements — making the journey abroad more accessible than ever.