Quick Summary
Public in Karaganda, Kazakhstan — Karaganda Buketov University, est. 1938. Ranked #801-850 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 18500 students including 4% from outside Kazakhstan. Known for strengths in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, it maintains an acceptance rate of 72%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
KBU is a premier multidisciplinary university in Central Kazakhstan offering strong research facilities, high-quality faculty, and affordable living costs.
Subject Strengths
MathematicsPhysicsChemistrySocial SciencesPedagogy
Founded1938
TypePublic
Total Students18500
Intl Students4%
Faculty Ratio12:1
CampusUrban
Campus SizeLarge
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationIndependent Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (IQAA), ACQUIN
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#801-850
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1501+
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
Not Available
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor,Master,PhD
Programs
History,Physics,Mathematics,Chemistry,Biology,Law,Pedagogy
PhD Programs
Distance Learning for select Master programs
Online Programs
Institute of Molecular Nanophotonics,Center for Archaeological Research,Laboratory of Chemical-Metallurgical Processes
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Independent Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (IQAA), ACQUIN
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate72%
IELTS5.5
TOEFL72
Min GPA3.0
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · August 25
SPRINGApplication Deadline · January 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
International students should prepare translated and notarized educational certificates and participate in the university's internal interview process.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Kazakhstani Tenge
UG Tuition
₸1,050,000/yr
per year · KZT
Living Cost
₸2,150,000/yr
per year · KZT
PG Tuition
₸1,330,000/yr
per year · KZT
Application Fee
$25
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
₸3,212,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · KZT
Scholarships AvailableGovernment Educational Grants,University Merit Scholarship,Buketov Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$1,500
Financial AidAvailable for socially vulnerable categories
Work-StudyLimited opportunities in administrative offices
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor,Master,PhD programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Law | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Applied Mathematics | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Foreign Languages | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Nuclear Physics | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Economics | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$7,000
Average Salary After Graduation
84%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementPartnerships with Karaganda metallurgical plants and regional government agencies
Industry Connections
ArcelorMittal TemirtauKazakhmysBalkhashmedTengizchevroil
Notable Alumni
Serik Akhmetov,Nurlan Nigmatulin
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Olympic Swimming Pool,Athletics Stadium,Indoor Sports Halls,Boxing Center
Student Clubs
Student Parliament,Debate Club,Volunteering Center,Theater Studio
Library Resources
Scientific Library with over 1.7 million units,Electronic Resources Center,Rare Books Collection
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+,Mevlana,Global UGRAD
Summer Programs
Kazakh Language Summer School,Archaeological Field Work