Applicants from Kazakhstan have an advantage that is rarely said out loud: virtually every destination is open — from the USA and the UK to Korea and Hong Kong, without the visa restrictions their neighbours face. Here is where Kazakhstani students actually go in 2026, where the grants are and how the process works.
Where Kazakhstani students go
The most popular destinations are Turkey, Italy, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, the USA and the UK; Korea and Hong Kong are growing fast, with universities coming to recruit students directly. The choice usually builds around three axes: budget (Turkey and China — from $1,000–2,000 per year), grants (Italy, Turkey, China, Hungary) and career plans (the UK and USA for those aiming at the global market).
Where the grants are
There are more grant routes for Kazakhstani students than commonly believed. Italy offers the income-based DSU scholarship. Turkey — the state Türkiye Bursları plus generous private-university discounts. China allocated 73 intergovernmental grants to Kazakhstan for 2026–2027 with a stipend of about ¥2,500 per month — apply via egov.kz or directly to the university. Hungary collects Stipendium Hungaricum applications until mid-January. Plus Korea’s GKS — Kazakhstan is on the list of participating countries.
Documents and apostille
The base package is almost universal: the school certificate (11 years of Kazakhstani school are accepted directly in Turkey, Korea, China, Hungary and most of Asia; the UK requires a Foundation year), an IELTS/TOEFL certificate and a motivation letter. The apostille for the certificate is issued online via egov.kz — allow a couple of weeks. Foreign universities do not need the ENT: admissions look at the GPA and the language certificate.
Costs by country
- Turkey (private universities) — from $2,000–3,000 per year, lower with university discounts.
- China — $1,700–7,000 (realistically free on grants).
- Italy (public universities) — a fee of €900–4,000; DSU can cover living costs.
- Korea — $3,000–6,000 per semester in Seoul, cheaper in the regions.
- UAE / Dubai — $7,000–20,000.
- UK — £10,000–25,000 plus living costs.
How to choose a country
The working formula: first the budget for all 4 years (not one!), then the language of instruction, then the post-graduation plan — stay in the country, return home or move on. And if you want the short route — we will tell you in a free consultation where a Kazakhstani applicant gets the maximum discount for their profile.
FAQ
Where is it easiest to get in from Kazakhstan?
Turkey, China and Hungary: the Kazakhstani school certificate is accepted directly, most universities have no entrance exams, and prices are moderate.
Is the ENT required for studying abroad?
No, foreign universities do not ask for the ENT. What matters is the certificate GPA, a language certificate and a motivation letter.
Which grants are available to Kazakhstani students?
Türkiye Bursları (Turkey), DSU (Italy), Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary), GKS (Korea) and China’s intergovernmental quotas — 73 grants for 2026/27.
How do I apostille my school certificate?
Online via egov.kz. The procedure takes up to a couple of weeks, so do it in advance — before university deadlines.