Bolashak Scholarships for students from Kazakhstan - Bolashak Scholarships for students from Kazakhstan

What the Bolashak Scholarship covers

You will receive a full scholarship scholarship to study at a leading university abroad. This will cover your tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, accommodation, return flights and health insurance. For PhD and research positions, research costs will also be covered. The funding covers the entire duration of your studies, regardless of whether you are undertaking a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD programme. This is a government programme of the Republic of Kazakhstan, administered by the Centre for International Programmes. In return, you must return to Kazakhstan upon completion of your studies and work there for at least one year.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a citizen of Kazakhstan.
• University place: You have already received an unconditional offer of a place from a recognised foreign higher education institution.
• Level: You are applying for a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree programme, specialist medical training or an internship.
• Field of study: Priority is given to sectors that the Kazakh government considers to be of key economic importance, such as engineering, medicine and law.
• Grades (master's and PhD): In your previous degree programme, you achieved a grade point average of at least 3.0 out of 4.0/4.33 or 4.0 out of 5.0.
• Language: You must have passed the Kazakh state examination KAZTEST at Level B1 or above. For a Master’s programme, you must also demonstrate a level of English equivalent to IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 46 or above.
• Bachelor applicants: You have come first, second or third in an international subject Olympiad over the last three years.
• Work experience: For certain master’s degree and internship programmes (e.g. for engineers, medical professionals or civil servants), one to three years’ relevant professional experience is required.

How to apply

You apply online via the official 31 May portal. You must submit your school leaving certificate with a transcript of marks, your KAZTEST results and language certificates, as well as your unconditional offer of a place at the university. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview with an independent panel of experts. An admissions committee will then draw up the main and reserve lists.

How realistic are your chances?

Participation in this programme is restricted exclusively to Kazakh citizens and requires, prior to application, a firm offer of admission from a university, very good academic results and proof of language proficiency. This ensures that the pool of applicants is limited to well-prepared candidates. Places on each level are limited, so there is fierce competition at the top. If you clearly meet the requirements regarding language skills, grades and admission, and apply early, your chances are good.