Quick Summary
Situated in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University is a public established in 1934. Ranked #163 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 26000 students including 12% from outside Kazakhstan. Known for strengths in Modern Languages, Linguistics, Geography, it maintains an acceptance rate of 22%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is the leading university in Central Asia, consistently ranking highest in Kazakhstan, offering global recognition and affordable education in a vibrant cultural hub.
Subject Strengths
Modern LanguagesLinguisticsGeographyChemical EngineeringPhilosophyPhysics and Astronomy
Founded1934
TypePublic
Total Students26000
Intl Students12%
Faculty Ratio10.5
CampusUrban (KazGUgrad)
Campus Size100 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsCity Clinical Hospital No. 1,Scientific Center of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery
AccreditationFIBAA,ASIIN,ACQUIN,IAAR
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#163
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1201-1500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#901-1000
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor,Master,PhD,Post-Doctoral Research
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
36
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
FIBAA,ASIIN,ACQUIN,IAAR
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate22%
IELTS5.5
TOEFL72
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATOptional
ACTOptional
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · August 25
SPRINGApplication Deadline · January 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
International applicants should prepare for the internal entrance exam and ensure all documents are nostrified by the Ministry of Education in Kazakhstan.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Kazakhstani Tenge
UG Tuition
₸2,150,000/yr
per year · KZT
Living Cost
₸1,900,000/yr
per year · KZT
PG Tuition
₸2,600,000/yr
per year · KZT
Application Fee
$40
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
₸4,069,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · KZT
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$2,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor,Master,PhD,Post-Doctoral Research programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| International Relations | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Information Technology | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Petroleum Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Economics | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| General Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$12,000
Average Salary After Graduation
85%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Samruk-Kazyna, KazMunayGas, and international banks.
Industry Connections
SamsungMicrosoftHuaweiTengizchevroil
Notable Alumni
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (President of Kazakhstan - Honorary Degree/Faculty Association),Olzhas Suleimenov,Gulshara Abdykhalikova
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Olympic-size pool,KazNU Stadium,Gymnasiums,Tennis courts
Student Clubs
150
Library Resources
Al-Farabi Scientific Library, containing over 2 million volumes.
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available