Nazarbayev University School of Medicine

- Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
Abroad

General Information

The Nazarbayev University School of Medicine (NUSoM), located in Astana (now officially Nur-Sultan again), is a premier institution established by the Government of Kazakhstan and patterned after top North American medical schools. It is distinct from other state universities in that it is significantly newer and operates with Western strategic partnerships.


Core Institutional & Program Facts

  • Official Designation: Nazarbayev University School of Medicine (NUSoM).

  • Founding Year: Established in 2015, making it one of the newest medical schools in Central Asia with a strong international focus.

  • Institutional Status: Operates as a State-Sponsored Autonomous University with a primary goal of achieving world-class standards.

  • Governance: Directly governed by the Nazarbayev University Executive Council.

  • Strategic Partnership: Collaborates closely with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (UPSOM) in the US, particularly for curriculum development and faculty training.

  • Degree Awarded: Offers a 6-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program (equivalent to MBBS).

  • Program Duration: The course is a mandatory 6 Years (1 year preparatory, 5 years academic/clinical).

  • NMC Compliance: Fully NMC Approved. The MD degree is accepted for Indian licensing, subject to clearing the NExT exam.

  • Curriculum Basis: Utilizes an integrated, competence-based curriculum, heavily influenced by the North American model.

  • Instruction Language: The entire program is conducted exclusively in English Medium.

  • Annual Intake: Maintains a competitive international intake, typically around 50-70 seats for the MD program.

  • Accreditation: Recognized by WHO WDOMS, ECFMG, and WFME.

  • Entry Requirement: Requires high academic standing in 10+2, a valid NEET UG qualification, and success in an institutional English test (IELTS/TOEFL).

  • High Selectivity: Admission is significantly more competitive and rigorous than other Kazakh universities, often requiring entrance examinations or superior academic profiles.

  • Research Focus: A strong institutional mandate emphasizes biomedical and translational research.

  • Faculty: Features a diverse international faculty (US, UK, European).

  • Location: Located in Astana (Nur-Sultan), the modern capital city.

Campus Facilities

NUSoM is housed within the architecturally distinct and high-tech campus of Nazarbayev University, a fully integrated academic city.

Physical Infrastructure & Learning Environment

  1. Campus Size & Layout: Part of the expansive, fully integrated Nazarbayev University campus.

  2. Architecture: Known for its striking, modern, and high-tech architectural design.

  3. Academic Blocks: Houses modern, high-tech Lecture Halls equipped with state-of-the-art A/V and digital conferencing systems.

  4. Simulation Centers: Features an advanced Clinical Skills and Simulation Center with high-fidelity simulators for mandatory procedural training.

  5. Anatomy Labs: Dedicated Anatomy Labs utilizing modern resources, including advanced imaging technologies.

  6. Departmental Labs: Extensive research and teaching laboratories for foundational sciences.

  7. Central Library: Maintains a substantial University Library with extensive digital access, reflecting the institution's research focus.

  8. Digital Infrastructure: The entire university is equipped with a superior high-speed Wi-Fi network.

  9. Student Amenities: Includes modern sports facilities, a gymnasium, and swimming pools.

  10. Security: Features top-tier campus security and surveillance systems.

  11. Proximity: The medical school is closely integrated with the university's clinical complex.

Hospital & Medical Facilities

Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution

Clinical training utilizes the integrated university complex, which is designed to be a national reference center.

Clinical Facilities & Exposure

  1. Primary Teaching Hospital: The National Research Center (NRC) and Nazarbayev University Hospital (NUH) are the primary integrated clinical bases.

  2. Total Bed Strength: The NUH operates as a major center with a capacity of 450+ teaching beds (high-tech specialty beds).

  3. Clinical Model: The hospital operates under a clinical model strongly influenced by American standards (due to the UPSOM partnership).

  4. Specialty Focus: Provides advanced tertiary and quaternary care, serving as a national referral center for specialized procedures.

  5. High-Tech Units: Equipped with specialized ICU, Cardiac Care Units, and high-tech Operation Theatres.

  6. Diagnostic Tools: Features the latest generation of diagnostic imaging equipment (e.g., advanced MRI/CT systems).

  7. Patient Load: While the overall city load is lower than in Almaty, the NUH attracts complex, specialized cases from across Kazakhstan.

  8. Training Method: Core training involves Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and rigorous supervised patient interaction.

  9. Surgical Exposure: Provides exposure to complex surgical specialties.

  10. Internship: The mandatory 1-year internship is completed within the university hospital system.


Fee Structure

State University Affordability

NUSoM is one of the most expensive state-sponsored universities in Kazakhstan, comparable to international private rates, due to its partnership model and infrastructure.

Financial Commitments

  1. Annual Tuition Fee (MD Program): Approx. $18,000 – $22,000 USD per year.

  2. Total 6-Year Tuition: Estimated to exceed $108,000 – $132,000 USD.

  3. Payment Mode: Fees are payable annually in USD or KZT.

  4. Tuition Stability: Fees are revised based on the university's financial needs, which are typically transparent.

  5. Hostel Fees (Annual): Approx. $800 – $1,500 USD per year (residential rent).

  6. Mandatory Medical Insurance: Approx. $300 – $500 USD per year.

  7. Mandatory Visa/Admin Fee: Approx. $300 USD per year.

  8. Total 1st Year Payment (Approx.): Estimated to be between $20,000 – $24,000 USD.

  9. No Capitation Fee: No non-refundable capitation fees are charged.

  10. Affordability Note: Despite being a state university, the high fee structure reflects the extensive Western-level resources and specialized education model.


City Details

Astana (officially renamed back to Nur-Sultan in 2022) is the highly futuristic and modern political capital of Kazakhstan.

Life in Astana

  1. General Atmosphere: The city is a showcase of futuristic, avant-garde architecture (designed by international architects) and functions as the political and administrative center.

  2. Safety Profile: Considered very safe for residents and international students, with high public security.

  3. Student Life: The student population is concentrated around Nazarbayev University, providing a focused, international, and academic social scene.

  4. Climate: Experiences an extreme continental climate, characterized by severely cold winters (one of the coldest capitals globally) and mild summers.

  5. Transportation: Features a modern, developing public transport network, including state-of-the-art bus systems.

  6. Infrastructure: Excellent, new urban infrastructure designed for a modern capital city.

  7. Must-See Spots: Includes the Bayterek Tower, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, and the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center.

  8. Cost of Living: The cost of living is moderate to high compared to Almaty, especially for imported goods and housing outside the subsidized campus.

  9. Language in Daily Life: Kazakh is the official language, but Russian is widely used in administration and daily conversation.

  10. Connectivity: Served by the major Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport.

Hostel & Mess

Residential living is provided in high-quality, modern university dormitories.

Residential Details

  1. Hostel Policy: On-campus residency is available and strongly recommended/mandatory for international students.

  2. Accommodation Type: Rooms are located in high-quality, modern university dormitory blocks.

  3. Room Configuration: Typically 2-seater shared occupancy, furnished to a high standard.

  4. Security: Hostels maintain robust 24/7 security staff and controlled entry systems.

  5. Heating System: Equipped with effective centralized heating systems throughout the academic year.

  6. Kitchen Facilities: Common kitchens are provided on each floor or wing.

  7. Mess System: The campus offers multiple dining halls and cafeterias (mandatory meal plans may apply).

  8. Laundry: Professional laundry facilities are available.

  9. Internet Access: High-speed Wi-Fi access is guaranteed in the residential blocks.

  10. Proximity: Hostels are centrally located within the integrated campus.


Miscellaneous

Key Student Obligations & Career Pathways

  1. Admission Selection: Highly competitive; based on superior NEET UG merit plus mandatory institutional interviews/screening (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL scores are critical).

  2. No Service Bond: No mandatory service bond is imposed by the university or the Kazakh government.

  3. Internship Requirement: Mandatory 1-year internship must be completed in Kazakhstan as part of the 6-year MD degree structure.

  4. NExT Eligibility: Graduates must pass the NExT to secure a license to practice in India.

  5. Visa Requirements: Requires annual student visa and residency permit renewal.

  6. Language Requirement: Clinical communication typically uses English, but students are encouraged to learn basic Kazakh/Russian.

  7. Postgraduate Options: The university offers competitive residency programs (integrated into the international model).

  8. Institutional Exclusivity: Nazarbayev University conducts its own admission process separate from the general state counseling system.

  9. Withdrawal Policy: Resignation mid-course generally results in the forfeiture of fees paid for the current academic term.

  10. Financial Status: The university's high fee structure reflects a premium educational product compared to other regional universities.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Students must typically have a minimum of 50% marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in the 12th standard (40% for reserved categories) and must have qualified NEET in the current or previous two years, as per NMC guidelines.

The duration is generally 6 years in total, which includes 5 years of academic study (54 months) and 1 year of compulsory internship (12 months), fully complying with the latest National Medical Commission (NMC) rules.

The process is simple: 1. Submit scanned documents (10th, 11th, and 12th mark sheets, NEET result, Passport scan, and a recent passport-size photograph with a white background). 2. Receive the Admission Letter from the University. 3. Process the Invitation Letter for Visa. 4. Complete the Visa application with our assistance.

Yes, all our partner universities are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Medical Commission (NMC). Graduate doctors can also write major global licensing exams such as USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), AMC (Australia), and the FMGE/NExT exam for India.

While most universities admit based on your 12th marks and NEET qualification, some may require a simple online entrance test or interview. We will guide you through any such requirement.

Fees typically cover the Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Medical Insurance, Visa Extension, and administrative charges. A detailed, transparent fee structure showing Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Mess Charges, Visa/Invitation Fee, and Medical Assurance Fee for each country and university will be provided upfront.

Payment schedules are determined by the individual university. Some universities allow semester-wise payments, while others require annual payments. We will provide clear guidance on the university's official payment schedule.

We are committed to transparency. All costs, including consultation charges and university expenses, are detailed in your offer letter. We strongly advise against any form of donation.

Yes, we coordinate group departures for students and assist with flight ticket booking. Our representative will meet the students at the destination airport and provide transport to the university hostel.

Hostels offer secure accommodation with separate facilities for boys and girls. Indian meals are generally cooked and served by Indian caterers within the hostel premises or mess hall to ensure a suitable diet for students.

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