Education Opportunities for Refugees and Asylum-Seekers in Kazakhstan

Republic of Kazakhstan Scholarship Program for Foreigners and Refugees

This Government-sponsored program provides foreign students and refugees with the opportunity to study at top universities in Kazakhstan while receiving full financial support for their tuition fees and monthly student stipends. Learn more about the application process, eligibility, and benefits of this opportunity. 


Note: UNHCR is not involved in the administration or selection process of this program.

 

What the Scholarship Covers: 

  • Full tuition fees for the duration of the program. 
  • Monthly allowance based on academic performance 

What the Scholarship Does NOT Cover: 

  • Travel costs. 
  • Accommodation expenses. 
  • Visa and medical insurance fees. 

How to Apply: 

  • Visit the Official Website: Start by gathering all necessary information from ENIC-KAZAKHSTAN .  
  • Register on the Portal: Complete your registration by providing required documents. 
  • Choose Your Program: Select a university in Kazakhstan and the educational program you wish to pursue. 
  • Pass the Online Testing: Complete an online test designed to assess your adaptive potential. 
  • Wait for the Online Interview Invitation: If shortlisted, you will be invited to an online interview. 
  • Check the List of Scholars: After the interview, check if you have been selected as a scholar. 

Selection and Enrollment Process: 

Eligibility: Applicants who meet the minimum entry requirements and provide the necessary documents are considered for the scholarship. 

The selection process is based on: 

  • Submitted documents. 
  • Results from online testing. 
  • Online interview outcomes. 

Announcement of Results: 

The final list of selected scholars will be posted on the website of the Bologna Process and Academic Mobility Center of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan. 


IMPORTANT!
Interested applicants should check the official website for the most up-to-date deadlines: ENIC-KAZAKHSTAN

 

Eligibility Criteria: 

  • Bachelor’s Degree Applicants: 

Foreign citizens (including persons of Kazakh nationality who are not citizens of Kazakhstan) and refugees who have completed secondary education with a minimum of “good” grades. 

  • Master’s Degree Applicants: 

Foreign citizens who hold a Bachelor’s or Specialist degree with a GPA of at least 2.33 (out of 4), or its equivalent. 

  • PhD Degree Applicants: 

Foreign citizens with a Master’s degree and a GPA of at least 2.33 (out of 4), or its equivalent, plus an international certificate confirming foreign language proficiency. 

Required Documents for Application: 

  • Copy of identification document. 
  • Copy of your previous level of education document (with transcript). 
  • Motivational essay (in Kazakh, Russian, or English). 
  • Letter of recommendation (in Kazakh, Russian, or English) from your educational institution or employer. 
  • Medical certificate confirming your eligibility to study abroad and the absence of HIV/AIDS (issued by the health authority of your country). 
  • Invitation letter from a Kazakhstan university (if applicable). 
  • Refugee certificate 

Contacts: 

 

Kazakhstan State Scholarship Program for Technical, Professional, and Post-Secondary Education Program

In line with new educational opportunities for foreign nationals, refugees, and asylum seekers in Kazakhstan, a grant program is now available for studying in colleges offering technical, professional, and post-secondary education programs. 

Who Can Apply? 

  • Refugees 
  • Asylum seekers 
  • Foreign nationals 
  • Stateless individuals 
  • Kazakhs from abroad (Kandas) 

Educational Programs: Scholarships are available for admission to pedagogical, medical, creative, technical, and professional specialties. Scholarships are available for both full-time and part-time studies. 

Required Documents: Applicants must provide documents confirming their status as refugees or asylum seekers, submitted by their legal representatives (for minors). 

Note: UNHCR is not involved in the administration or selection process of this program.

How to Apply? 

  • Applications must be submitted in person or through legal representatives (for minors). 
  • Specialty Selection: You can choose up to four specialties within one field of study. 
  • Status Confirmation: Applicants who are refugees or asylum seekers must provide documents confirming their status, submitted by their legal representatives. 

What You Should Know: 

State Educational Order: Grants and education are provided based on the state order, ensuring free education for those selected. 

Psychological and Medical Support: Education for individuals with special educational needs is conducted based on recommendations from a medical commission. 

Additional Information: 

All applicants can review conditions and submit documents through the Unified Contact Center 1414 and official websites. Educational institutions will provide information about the selection process and will notify applicants of results via SMS and official sites. 

For more detailed information, please read the official law regarding the program: Law on Educational Grants Program 

Application Deadlines:


The dates are not official. You should check the deadlines, required documents, and other information specifically at the college you are applying to.

  • Full-time study: until August 10.  
  • Part-time and evening study: until September 20. 
  • Creative specialties: from June 25 to July 20. 
  • Pedagogical and medical specialties: from June 25 to August 10. 

Free IELTS Vouchers for Refugees

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely recognized exam for evaluating English language proficiency. It’s essential for individuals who want to study, work, or immigrate to an English-speaking country. There are two types of IELTS exams: 

  1. Academic IELTS – Designed for those who plan to study at the university level or work in professional environments. 
  2. General Training IELTS – Measured for those looking to work, train, or migrate to English-speaking countries, typically for non-academic purposes. 

The IELTS test assesses your abilities in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The test format is consistent, and candidates can choose to take the test on paper or on a computer, with the Speaking section usually done in a face-to-face session. 

UNHCR, in partnership with IELTS partners, offers free IELTS vouchers for refugees, asylum seekers, stateless people, returnees, or internally displaced people (IDPs).

How to Apply for a Free IELTS Voucher 

Eligibility Criteria for Receiving a Free IELTS Voucher: 

UNHCR, in partnership with IELTS partners, has allocated limited IELTS vouchers to be distributed among eligible refugees. The following criteria must be met for a refugee to be considered for receiving a voucher: 

      1. Eligibility Based on Refugee Status 

           a. The applicant must be a refugee, asylum seeker, stateless person, returnee, or internally displaced person (IDP). 

      2. Opportunity Requirement 

           a. The candidate must have an offer for an opportunity that requires IELTS, such as: 

               i. Admission to a university or scholarship program 

              ii. Employment in a role requiring an English proficiency test 

             iii. A migration or visa program that mandates IELTS (note: Duolingo English Test may not be sufficient in these cases) 

      3. English Proficiency Level 

           a. The applicant must be at the appropriate level of English proficiency to take the IELTS test. For those unsure about their readiness, a diagnostic test is recommended. 

      4. Commitment to Preparation 

           a. The applicant must be willing to complete 20 hours of self-directed IELTS preparation before taking the test. This preparation is critical for ensuring success. 

      5. Documentation Requirement 

           a. The candidate must possess a valid passport, national ID, or a Convention Travel Document (CTD) that can be used for registration purposes.

How to Receive the Free IELTS Vouchers 

To receive a free IELTS voucher, eligible refugees must follow the steps outlined below. These vouchers are provided by UNHCR and can be used for registering for the IELTS exam. The process ensures that only those who meet the criteria are allocated vouchers to take the test. 

  1. Complete the Application Process
  • Step 1: Reach out to UNHCR office for details on the available IELTS vouchers ([email protected]). We will provide you with the necessary forms and instructions for applying. 
  • Step 2: Fill out the IELTS Voucher Application Form accurately. The form will ask for personal information, details of the opportunity you’re applying for (e.g., university admission, scholarship, employment, migration program), and confirmation of your current English proficiency level. 
  1. Test Preparation
  • As part of the voucher process, you are required to complete 20 hours of preparation before the test. 
  • Use the available online materials, practice tests, and resources provided by UNHCR to ensure you are fully prepared. 
  1. Test Day
  • On the day of the test, arrive on time with the necessary documents (passport, ID, or CTD) for identification. 
  • Ensure you follow the test center’s rules and guidelines for a smooth exam experience. 

Important Notes: 

  • Vouchers are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on availability and eligibility. 
  • You will be notified about the status of your application after review, and if selected, you will receive the voucher and further instructions. For eligible individuals with voucher the IELTS test will be provided for free. 
  • To apply for an IELTS voucher, please contact the UNHCR office via email [email protected].  
  • IELTS tests can be taken either online or in person. Please note that online tests may not be accepted by immigration authorities. It’s important to check with the test center for location availability and requirements. 
  • Keep in mind that IELTS results are valid for two years. Make sure you have a clear understanding of why you’re taking the test and the goals you’re working toward. 
  • You can also find additional resources and guidance on the official IELTS website. 

Free Vouchers for Registration in the "Real English" App

We are offering FREE vouchers for registration in the “Real English” app, a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to learn English in a convenient and effective way. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your skills, this app is designed to help you learn at your own pace with engaging, real-world lessons. 

Why Choose the “Real English” App? 

  • Interactive Learning: The app uses real-world scenarios to make language learning more engaging and practical. 
  • Learn Anytime, Anywhere: With flexible lessons, you can learn at your own pace, whenever it’s convenient for you. 
  • Comprehensive Skills Development: Improve speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through immersive exercises. 
  • User-Friendly: Simple interface designed for easy navigation and tracking your progress. 

With the free voucher, you’ll have full access to all the app’s features, helping you develop your English skills in an enjoyable way! 

How to Receive Your Free Voucher? 

Getting your free registration voucher is easy: 

  1. Contact Us: Reach out to us with your interest in receiving the free voucher. 
  2. Receive Your QR Code: We will send you a QR code that grants you free access to the app. 
  3. Start Learning: Scan the QR code to begin using the “Real English” app and start learning today! 

For more information or to request your free voucher, please contact us through [email protected]