The Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) Faculty of Medicine and Health Care is the leading state-run medical institution in Almaty, Kazakhstan. It is recognised globally and is a primary destination for Indian students due to its high standards and NMC recognition.
The Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) Faculty of Medicine and Health Care is the leading state university in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and a prestigious choice for international students seeking NMC-recognized medical degrees.
Official Designation: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) – Faculty of Medicine and Health Care.
Founding & History: The parent university was founded in 1934, positioning it as the largest and most established classical university in Central Asia.
Institutional Status: Holds the highest national status as a National State University of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Affiliation/Governance: Directly governed and funded by the Ministry of Education and Science, Kazakhstan.
Degree Awarded: Graduates receive the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in General Medicine.
Program Duration: The program is a mandatory 6 Years (comprising 5 years of academic study + 1 full year of clinical internship/rotation).
NMC Compliance: Fully NMC Approved. Graduates are eligible to appear for the NExT (National Exit Test) for practice in India.
Global Recognition: Recognized by WHO WDOMS, WFME, and the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
Curriculum Basis: The educational methodology adheres to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) standards.
Instruction Language: The entire 6-year course for the international cohort is conducted exclusively in English.
Academic Philosophy: Emphasizes advanced scientific research and integration of fundamental sciences with rigorous clinical practice.
Student Intake: Maintains a significant international intake, fostering a highly diverse and global student body.
Entry Requirement: Mandatory NEET UG qualification for Indian citizens, along with minimum 50% in 10+2 PCB.
Institutional Ranking: KazNU consistently ranks among the top 2% of universities globally (e.g., QS World University Rankings).
Language of Practice: Basic proficiency in Kazakh or Russian is incorporated into the curriculum to facilitate direct patient interaction during final clinical years.
Program Structure: The curriculum shifts from preclinical theory (Years 1-2) to intensive clinical disciplines and rotation (Years 4-6).
Faculty Expertise: The medical faculty is characterized by a high ratio of professors and senior clinicians holding PhDs and advanced clinical degrees.
Multi-disciplinary Support: The Faculty benefits from the extensive resources of a large, multidisciplinary university system.
Safety and Security: Almaty is recognized as a safe and stable metropolitan center for international students.
Accreditation Status: Undergoes regular international monitoring to ensure continuous quality improvement.
KazNU operates from the vast, secured, and integrated residential and academic area known as "Kazgugrad," set in a picturesque urban environment.
Campus Layout: Functions as an expansive, secure self-contained university town, integrating all academic, residential, and recreational areas.
Location & Environment: Located in a scenic area of Almaty, offering a peaceful and focused study environment near the Tian Shan Mountains.
Academic Blocks: Multiple modern, purpose-built academic blocks dedicated to the Faculty of Medicine.
Lecture Halls: Features spacious, gallery-style Lecture Halls fully equipped with digital projection and modern A/V teaching aids.
Anatomy Facilities: Dedicated, large Anatomy Dissection Halls with ample cadaver availability and high-standard preservation techniques.
Simulation Centre: A sophisticated Clinical Skills and Simulation Center for hands-on procedural training.
Departmental Labs: Extensive and separate laboratories for foundational sciences (e.g., Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology).
Central Library: The Al-Farabi Library is a major, multi-story resource center providing substantial seating capacity (1000+).
Digital Resources: Offers comprehensive access to the university network, digital medical databases, and extensive e-journals.
Wi-Fi Connectivity: High-speed Wi-Fi is accessible across the entire academic campus and residential blocks.
Sports Complex: Features a dedicated, large Sports Complex with facilities for football, basketball, and fitness training.
Indoor Recreation: Hostels include dedicated recreation halls and common rooms with basic indoor game facilities.
Gymnasium: A well-equipped on-site gym facility is available to students.
Banking/Financial Services: On-site Bank Branches and ATM facilities are available within the complex.
Food Courts/Cafeterias: Multiple student dining areas and self-service cafeterias are spread across the campus.
Security: 24/7 security personnel and CCTV surveillance are maintained across all campus areas.
Student Health: Dedicated University Health Clinic for primary care services for resident students.
Safety Regulations: Strict adherence to safety and fire regulations is maintained across the residential and academic buildings.
Transportation: The campus location provides convenient access to Almaty's public transport system.
Energy Efficiency: The campus incorporates centralized utility management systems, including highly efficient centralized heating.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Clinical training is a mandatory component of the 6-year program and is conducted across multiple state-affiliated clinical bases in Almaty.
Primary Teaching Hospital: The KazNU University Clinic serves as the main integrated teaching hospital.
Extensive Affiliation Network: Clinical rotations utilize 20+ major State and City Clinical Hospitals (CCHs) in Almaty.
Specialized Bases: Rotations include dedicated postings at specialized facilities such as Almaty City Children's Hospitals, Regional Oncology Centers, and advanced Cardiology Clinics.
Clinical Capacity: Students rotate across a collective network utilizing 700+ to 1000+ teaching beds in a high-volume urban environment.
Patient Load: Exposure is guaranteed to a high volume of diverse pathology, covering common regional diseases and complex tertiary care cases.
Training Method: Emphasis is placed on bedside teaching and active participation in clinical discussions and rounds from Year 4 onwards.
Surgical Exposure: Mandatory surgical rotations provide significant exposure to procedures in modern Operating Theatres (OTs).
Advanced Diagnostics Access: Students gain hands-on knowledge of using modern diagnostic tools, including MRI, CT scans, and laboratory diagnostics.
Emergency Medicine: Mandatory postings in high-traffic Emergency and Trauma Departments are included.
Faculty Oversight: Clinical training is supervised directly by senior consultants and specialized research faculty.
Global Standards: The clinical learning environment often adheres to international protocols due to the university's global ties.
Outpatient Exposure: Significant experience gained through rotations in large Outpatient Departments (OPD).
Community Rotations: Includes mandatory postings in Rural Health Centres for community medicine experience (relevant for Indian students).
Clinical Documentation: Students receive training in using modern Hospital Information Systems (HIS) for patient documentation.
Paediatric and OBGYN Focus: Dedicated, specialized clinical bases for intensive training in these two critical areas.
State University Affordability
Financial Commitments
Annual Tuition Fee: Approx. $5,000 – $5,500 USD per year.
Total 6-Year Tuition: Approx. $30,000 – $33,000 USD (total academic fee).
Payment Schedule: Fees are required to be paid annually at the beginning of each academic session.
Currency: Payments are typically remitted in US Dollars (USD) or the equivalent Kazakh Tenge (KZT).
Hostel Fees (Mandatory): Approx. $500 – $800 USD per year (residential rent).
Mandatory Medical Insurance: Approx. $200 – $300 USD per year.
Mandatory Visa/Residency Permit Fee: Approx. $150 – $200 USD per year.
Initial Registration Fee: A small, non-refundable one-time registration fee is charged upon initial admission.
Caution Deposit: A refundable caution deposit (amounting to approx. $100-$200 USD) is collected for hostel and library security.
Book/Materials Fee: Students must budget separately for physical academic materials and clinical tools, though digital resources are included.
No Capitation Fee: No non-refundable development or capitation fees are charged, consistent with its status as a state university.
Total 1st Year Payment: Estimated to be between $5,500 – $7,000 USD (includes tuition, mandatory annual fees, and deposits).
Tuition Stability: As a state university, the core tuition fee is generally stable, though subject to government review.
Bank Transfers: Payments are facilitated through authorized university bank transfers (Wire Transfer/SWIFT).
Cost of Living: Almaty's cost of living is manageable, allowing students to keep total annual expenses relatively low.
Residential Details
Hostel Policy: Mandatory on-campus residency for all international students, especially for the first year.
Accommodation Type: Rooms are located in secure, multi-storeyed, university-managed dormitory blocks.
Room Configuration: Rooms are furnished and shared, primarily in 2-seater or 3-seater configurations.
Furnishings: Includes individual beds, study desks, chairs, and individual storage units (wardrobes/cabinets).
Security: Hostels feature robust 24/7 security staff presence and monitored entry/exit points.
Heating System: The entire residential block is equipped with a highly effective centralized heating system for the extreme Central Asian winter.
Water Supply: Continuous supply of hot and cold water is maintained.
Mess System (Self-Catering): The core model is self-cooking.
Kitchen Facilities: Fully equipped common kitchen areas are provided on each floor or in designated wings.
Dietary Control: This self-catering model is preferred by Indian students as it allows complete adherence to specific dietary and religious requirements (pure vegetarian, Jain, etc.).
Canteen Proximity: Local canteens and university cafeterias are located nearby for quick meal options.
Study Halls: Dedicated, quiet Study Halls/Reading Rooms are provided within the hostel blocks.
Laundry: Common laundry facilities (often coin-operated or small fees) are available within the premises.
Internet Access: Wi-Fi access is generally available and stable in the hostel complex.
Social Environment: The residential blocks house students from diverse international backgrounds, fostering a multicultural student environment.
Key Student Obligations
Admission Selection: Based on NEET UG merit and subsequent screening by the International Office; selection is primarily non-competitive above a minimum qualifying NEET score.
Service Bond: No service bond or financial penalty is imposed by the university or the Government of Kazakhstan related to compulsory service post-graduation.
Internship Requirement: Mandatory 1-year internship must be completed in a clinical base in Kazakhstan as part of the 6-year degree structure to satisfy NMC criteria.
Licensing in India: Graduates must successfully clear the NExT (National Exit Test) to be granted a license to practice in India.
Visa Management: Requires meticulous, annual student visa and residency permit renewal coordinated through the university's International Relations Department.
Language Requirements: Basic conversational proficiency in Kazakh and/or Russian is integrated into the first three years of the curriculum, mandatory for clinical rotations.
Academic Calendar: The main academic session typically begins in September/October.
Transfer Policy: Student transfers are possible under international guidelines, subject to the university's transfer committee approval and specific NMC norms.
Required Documents: Admission necessitates notarized and legalized copies of 10th and 12th certificates, NEET Score Card, passport, and medical clearance.
Sponsorship: Indian students typically secure admission through authorized education consultants or directly with the university's international division.
Financial Stability: Students must demonstrate financial capability to cover the tuition and living expenses for the entire course duration.
Part-Time Work: International student visas typically restrict part-time employment.
Stipend: Stipends during the final year internship are nominal or dependent on the local clinical base.
Alumni Network: The university boasts a large global alumni base, including a growing network of Indian medical graduates.
Postgraduate Options: Residency (Postgraduate) options are available in Kazakhstan, though they are usually conducted in the Russian language.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus