The Kokshetau University named after Sh. Ualikhanov, Higher School of Medicine (KUHSoM) is a major state-run institution in Kokshetau, Kazakhstan. It is recognized for its focused approach to medical education and its strong affiliation with regional clinical centers.
Official Designation: Kokshetau University named after Sh. Ualikhanov, Higher School of Medicine (KUHSoM).
Founding Year: The institution has a long history, with the medical faculty established later to meet the growing need for healthcare professionals.
Institutional Status: Operates as a State University, ensuring state governance and subsidized operating costs.
Governance: Directly supervised by the Ministry of Education and Science, Kazakhstan.
Degree Awarded: Graduates receive the Doctor of Medicine (MD) in General Medicine.
NMC Compliance: Fully NMC Approved. The MD degree is accepted as equivalent to MBBS for licensing in India.
Program Duration: The course is a mandatory 6 Years (5 years academic + 1 year mandatory clinical internship).
Instruction Language: The program for the international cohort is conducted primarily in English Medium.
Curriculum Basis: Follows modern educational standards, often aligned with the European credit system.
Global Recognition: Recognized by WHO WDOMS, ECFMG, and WFME.
Annual Intake: Maintains an approved intake capacity for international students, contributing to a diverse student body.
Entry Requirement: Mandatory NEET UG qualification for Indian citizens (minimum 50% in 10+2 PCB).
Faculty Profile: Features highly qualified faculty with significant clinical and academic experience.
Location: Strategically located in Kokshetau, the regional capital, providing access to essential clinical bases.
Program Structure: The curriculum shifts from basic sciences to intensive clinical rotations in the later years.
Kokshetau University operates from a well-established, integrated campus in the city, providing a centralized location for academic and administrative functions.
Campus Size & Layout: The university complex features several main academic buildings, administrative offices, and hostel blocks, designed for a focused educational environment.
Location Advantage: Situated in Kokshetau, providing easier navigation and proximity to government and clinical institutions.
Academic Blocks: Houses modern, spacious Lecture Halls equipped with contemporary A/V teaching aids (digital projection, audio systems).
Simulation Centers: Equipped with functional Clinical Skills Centers and Simulation Labs for mandatory procedural training.
Anatomy Facilities: Features dedicated Anatomy Labs and dissection halls for practical study.
Departmental Labs: Extensive laboratories for foundational sciences (e.g., Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology).
Central Library: Maintains a large, specialized Medical Library with a substantial collection of print and digital resources.
Digital Access: Provides institutional access to essential digital medical databases and e-journals.
Reading Halls: Provides spacious reading halls with ample seating capacity for focused study.
Wi-Fi Connectivity: High-speed Wi-Fi access is provided across academic buildings and libraries.
Student Support Center: Dedicated departments handle international student affairs and academic mentorship.
Internal Canteens: Multiple student canteens and cafeterias are available.
Sports Facilities: The campus includes internal sports facilities and courts.
Security: The academic areas are monitored by 24/7 security personnel and CCTV surveillance.
Heating & Utilities: Centralized utility management ensures effective heating and ventilation in all blocks.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Clinical exposure is mandatory and utilizes a strong network of major regional and city hospitals in Kokshetau.
Total Bed Strength: Students rotate across a collective clinical network utilizing 500+ teaching beds across integrated and affiliated bases.
Primary Teaching Hospital: The university utilizes the Regional Clinical Hospital and other major city hospitals as its primary teaching bases.
Affiliation Network: Clinical rotations are mandatory at several major Regional and City Hospitals in Kokshetau.
Patient Load: Exposure is guaranteed to a high volume of diverse pathology due to its role as a major regional referral center.
Training Method: Core method involves intensive bedside teaching and supervised patient interaction from Year 4 onwards.
Surgical Exposure: Significant surgical exposure is provided in affiliated hospital Operating Theatres.
Diagnostic Tools: Direct exposure and practical training using advanced imaging technologies.
Core Rotations: Structured, compulsory rotations in Internal Medicine, General Surgery, OBGYN, Pediatrics, and Traumatology.
Emergency/Trauma: Dedicated postings in high-traffic Emergency and Trauma Departments are compulsory.
Faculty Oversight: Clinical training is directly supervised by senior specialists and clinical faculty.
State University Affordability
The financial structure is transparent and highly economical, typical of state medical universities in Kazakhstan.
Annual Tuition Fee: Approx. $3,800 – $5,000 USD per year.
Total 6-Year Tuition: Approx. $22,800 – $30,000 USD (total academic fee).
Payment Mode: Fees are payable annually in USD or the KZT equivalent.
Tuition Stability: State fees are generally stable and non-escalating.
Hostel Fees (Annual): Approx. $400 – $700 USD per year (residential rent).
Mandatory Medical Insurance: Approx. $200 – $300 USD per year.
Mandatory Visa/Residency Permit Fee: Approx. $150 – $250 USD per year.
Initial Registration Fee: A small, non-refundable one-time enrollment fee is collected in the first year.
Caution Deposit (Refundable): A refundable caution deposit (approx. $100-$200 USD) is collected once.
No Capitation Fee: Absolutely no non-refundable development or capitation fees are charged.
Total 1st Year Payment (Approx.): Estimated to be between $4,800 – $6,200 USD (includes tuition, mandatory fees, and deposits).
Kokshetau is the administrative center of the Akmola Region, known for its scenic lakes and quiet, regional atmosphere.
General Atmosphere: Kokshetau is a smaller, quieter city than Almaty or Astana, known for its clean air and close proximity to nature (Burabay National Park).
Safety Profile: The city is generally regarded as very safe for students, offering a calm and focused environment.
Student Life: Life is predominantly focused on academics and local cultural events.
Climate: Experiences a severe continental climate with very cold, long winters and mild, short summers.
Transportation: Local public transport is reliable and affordable.
Famous Food: Traditional Kazakh foods like Manti, Plov, and Lagman are local specialties.
Indian Food Accessibility: Availability of specialized Indian grocery stores is very limited, making the self-cooking model essential for maintaining dietary preferences.
Language in Daily Life: Russian is widely spoken, along with Kazakh.
Accommodation Areas: Students primarily reside in the secure university hostels due to the integrated nature of the campus.
Cost of Living: The average monthly cost of living is highly economical.
Residential living is secured, mandatory, and structured for self-sufficiency.
Hostel Policy: Mandatory on-campus residency is usually required for the first year.
Accommodation Type: Rooms are located in secure, university-managed dormitory blocks.
Room Configuration: Primarily 2-seater or 3-seater shared occupancy.
Furnishings: Rooms include beds, study desks, chairs, and individual storage units.
Security: Hostels maintain robust 24/7 security staff presence and CCTV surveillance.
Heating System: Equipped with highly effective centralized heating systems.
Kitchen Facilities: Common, well-equipped kitchen areas are provided on each floor or wing.
Mess System (Self-Catering): The standard model is self-cooking.
Dietary Control: This allows Indian students complete adherence to specific dietary requirements.
Study Halls: Dedicated, quiet Study Halls/Reading Rooms are provided within the hostel blocks.
Admission Selection: Based on NEET UG merit and subsequent institutional screening.
No Service Bond: No mandatory service bond or financial penalty is imposed by the university or the Kazakh government.
Internship Requirement: Mandatory 1-year internship must be completed in a clinical base in Kazakhstan as part of the 6-year MD degree structure.
NExT Eligibility: Graduates must successfully complete the 6-year duration and pass the NExT to secure a license to practice in India.
Visa Requirements: Requires annual student visa and residency permit renewal coordinated through the university.
Language Requirement: Mandatory language training (Kazakh/Russian) is required for clinical posting eligibility.
Academic Calendar: The session typically commences in September/October.
Part-Time Work: Generally restricted on international student visas.
Age Requirement: Students must be 17 years old by December 31st of the admission year.
Postgraduate Options: Residency options are available locally.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus