Kazakhstan is strengthening its position as a key educational hub in Eurasia with 35,075 international students from 88 countries studying in the country’s universities in 2025, 11% more than in 2024, according to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
Most of the international students are from India (9,959), Turkmenistan (9,089), Uzbekistan (4,136), China (3,367), and Russia (2,426).
The high number of students from South Asia, Central Asia, and China reflects the growing demand for medical, engineering, IT, and economic programs, which Kazakhstan offers competitively with more affordable tuition compared to other countries in the region, international recognition of Kazakh diplomas, and an emphasis on practical training.
The majority of foreign students study in universities located in Kazakhstan’s three largest cities: Almaty (18,195), Astana (4,292), and Shymkent (3,645). These cities demonstrate Kazakhstan’s ability to compete with Tashkent, Bishkek, and Baku for regional leadership in education.
The Top 5 Kazakh universities by number of international students:
1. Al-Farabi Kazakh National University – 4,497
2. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University – 2,687
3. Gumilyov Eurasian National University – 2,483
4. Satpayev Kazakh National Research Technical University – 1,759
5. Auezov South Kazakhstan University – 1,730.
The most popular educational programs are medicine (12,950 students), pedagogical sciences (5,943), business and law (4,539), engineering (3,374), and information technology (2,141).
