SKMA operates from an integrated urban campus in Shymkent, providing centralized academic, clinical, and administrative functions.

Physical Infrastructure & Learning Environment

1. Campus Size & Layout: The university complex is well-established within the urban landscape of Shymkent, featuring several main academic and hostel buildings.

2. Location Advantage: Strategically located in Shymkent, providing efficient access to affiliated hospitals and city amenities.

3. Academic Blocks: Houses modern academic blocks with spacious Lecture Halls equipped with contemporary A/V teaching aids.

4. Simulation Centers: Equipped with functional Clinical Skills Centers and Simulation Labs for mandatory procedural training.

5. Anatomy Facilities: Features dedicated Anatomy Labs and dissection halls, maintaining high standards for specimen availability.

6. Departmental Labs: Extensive laboratories for foundational sciences (e.g., Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology).

7. Central Library: Maintains a large, specialized Medical Library with a substantial collection of print and digital resources.

8. Digital Access: Provides institutional access to essential digital medical databases and e-journals.

9. Reading Halls: Provides numerous spacious reading halls with ample seating capacity for focused study.

10. Wi-Fi Connectivity: High-speed Wi-Fi access is provided across academic buildings and libraries.

11. Student Support Center: Dedicated departments handle international student affairs and academic mentorship.

12. Internal Canteens: Multiple student canteens and cafeterias are available.

13. Sports Facilities: The campus includes internal sports facilities (gym, courts).

14. Security: The academic areas are monitored by 24/7 security personnel and CCTV surveillance.

15. Heating & Utilities: Centralized utility management ensures effective heating and ventilation in all blocks.

Clinical exposure is mandatory and utilizes the major regional and city hospitals in Shymkent.

Clinical Facilities & Exposure

1. Total Bed Strength: Students rotate across a collective clinical network utilizing 1000+ teaching beds across integrated and affiliated bases.

2. Primary Teaching Hospital: The university utilizes the SKMA University Hospital and other major city hospitals as its primary teaching bases.

3. Extensive Affiliation Network: Clinical rotations are mandatory at several major Regional and City Hospitals in Shymkent, including specialized clinics.

4. Patient Load: Exposure is guaranteed to an exceptionally high volume of diverse pathology due to Shymkent's large population base and status as a major regional referral center.

5. Training Method: Core method involves intensive bedside teaching and supervised patient interaction from Year 4 onwards.

6. Surgical Exposure: Significant surgical exposure is provided in affiliated hospital Operating Theatres.

7. Diagnostic Tools: Direct exposure and practical training using advanced imaging technologies.

8. Core Rotations: Structured, compulsory rotations in Internal Medicine, General Surgery, OBGYN, Pediatrics, and Traumatology.

9. Emergency/Trauma: Dedicated postings in high-traffic Emergency and Trauma Departments are compulsory.

10. Faculty Oversight: Clinical training is directly supervised by senior specialists and clinical faculty.

The financial structure is highly economical, typical of state medical universities in Kazakhstan.

Financial Commitments

1. Annual Tuition Fee: Approx. $4,500 – $5,500 USD per year.

2. Total 6-Year Tuition: Approx. $27,000 – $33,000 USD (total academic fee).

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

4. Tuition Stability: State fees are generally stable and non-escalating.

5. Hostel Fees (Annual): Approx. $400 – $700 USD per year (residential rent).

6. Mandatory Medical Insurance: Approx. $200 – $300 USD per year.

7. Mandatory Visa/Residency Permit Fee: Approx. $150 – $250 USD per year.

8. Initial Registration Fee: A small, non-refundable one-time enrollment fee is collected in the first year.

9. Caution Deposit (Refundable): A refundable caution deposit (approx. $100-$200 USD) is collected once.

10. No Capitation Fee: Absolutely no non-refundable development or capitation fees are charged.

11. Total 1st Year Payment (Approx.): Estimated to be between $5,500 – $7,000 USD (includes tuition, mandatory fees, and deposits).

Shymkent is one of Kazakhstan's largest and oldest cities, known for its warm climate, bustling markets, and cultural diversity.

Life in Shymkent

1. General Atmosphere: Shymkent is a major commercial center, offering a warm climate, active cultural scene, and a vibrant, entrepreneurial spirit.

2. Safety Profile: The city is generally regarded as safe for students, but it is a bustling metropolis requiring standard urban awareness.

3. Student Life: Features an active student community with diverse academic and social events.

4. Climate: Experiences a warm, semi-arid continental climate with very hot summers and cold, but typically shorter, winters compared to the north.

5. Transportation: Local public transport (buses, minibuses) is reliable and highly affordable.

6. Famous Food: The cuisine features Central Asian staples like Plov, Manti, and Lagman. Shymkent is known for its excellent fresh fruit markets.

7. Indian Food Accessibility: Availability of specialized Indian restaurants or grocery stores is moderate compared to Almaty.

8. Language in Daily Life: Kazakh is widely spoken, along with Russian, essential for daily communication.

9. Accommodation Areas: Students primarily reside in the secure university hostels or nearby affordable residential zones.

10. Cost of Living: The average monthly cost of living is highly economical, often lower than other major Kazakh cities.

Residential living is secured, mandatory, and structured for self-sufficiency.

Residential Details

1. Hostel Policy: Mandatory on-campus residency is usually required for the first year.

2. Accommodation Type: Rooms are located in secure, university-managed dormitory blocks.

3. Room Configuration: Primarily 2-seater or 3-seater shared occupancy.

4. Furnishings: Rooms include beds, study desks, chairs, and individual storage units.

5. Security: Hostels maintain robust 24/7 security staff presence and CCTV surveillance.

6. Heating System: Equipped with effective centralized heating systems.

7. Kitchen Facilities: Common, well-equipped kitchen areas are provided on each floor or wing.

8. Mess System (Self-Catering): The standard model is self-cooking.

9. Dietary Control: This allows Indian students complete adherence to specific dietary requirements.

10. Study Halls: Dedicated, quiet Study Halls/Reading Rooms are provided within the hostel blocks.

Key Student Obligations & Career Pathways

1. Admission Selection: Based on NEET UG merit and subsequent institutional screening.

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

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

4. NExT Eligibility: Graduates must successfully complete the 6-year duration and pass the NExT to secure a license to practice in India.

5. Visa Requirements: Requires annual student visa and residency permit renewal coordinated through the university.

6. Language Requirement: Mandatory language training (Kazakh/Russian) is required for clinical posting eligibility.

7. Academic Calendar: The session typically commences in September/October.

8. Part-Time Work: Generally restricted on international student visas.

9. Age Requirement: Students must be 17 years old by December 31st of the admission year.

10. Postgraduate Options: Residency options are available locally.