City guide
Astana: studying in Kazakhstan
Verified information about Astana in Kazakhstan and the universities located there.
Verified facts about Astana
- Home of Nazarbayev University, Astana IT University, MNU and ENU.
- NU describes a sharply continental climate: winter temperatures typically drop to about -35 C (can feel like -45 C) and summers can reach +35 C.
- NU estimates a monthly cost of attendance of about USD 400 including a ~USD 55 dormitory place.
Universities in Astana
Nazarbayev University (NU)
Astana · State (other ministry)
Tuition per academic year: Foundation Year USD 12,000; undergraduate USD 15,000; master's USD 16,000; doctoral USD 23,500; Doctor of Medicine USD 25,000 (USD 30,000 for non-residents); residency USD 11,200. The undergraduate page states the 2026/27 fee is the same for local and international students. Residents of Kazakhstan pay in tenge at an internal rate of 486 KZT per USD. 5% discount if the full annual fee is paid in one payment. Application fee 10,000 KZT (30,000 KZT in the last two weeks before the first deadline or in the extension period), non-refundable. The tuition-discount categories (75%, 50%, 25%) on the NU fees page are described for citizens of Kazakhstan only.
Astana IT University (AITU)
Astana · Private
Price list 2026-27: Bachelor's degree 2,500,000 KZT (the page does not state the period; probably per academic year - not verified). A credit price list is a separate document. The page does not show a separate rate for foreign citizens.
Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU, formerly KAZGUU)
Astana · Private
Tuition = price per credit x credits per semester, set in the educational services agreement; the rate is not published on the fetched pages. International scholarship programme IATS@MNU gives 20-99% tuition discount to bachelor applicants (2026 call, application by 30 Apr 2026; results by 1 Jun).
L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University
Astana · Public
2026 admission, foreign citizens, bachelor, per academic year: USD 4,400 (pedagogical sciences), 4,600 (natural sciences, social sciences, engineering), 4,800 (arts and humanities, services), 5,000 (business, law, ICT, international relations) - EUR equivalents are also listed. Master and PhD price lists are separate.
Kazakh National Academy of Choreography
Astana · Public
Kazakh National University of Arts
Astana · Public
S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical University
Astana · Public
Toregeldy Sharmanov National Medical University (formerly Astana Medical University)
Astana · Public
National Defence University of the Ministry of Defence
Astana · State (other ministry)
Esil University
Astana · Private
Eurasian Humanities Institute
Astana · Private
Kazakh University of Technology and Business named after K. Kulazhanov
Astana · Private
Turan-Astana University
Astana · Private
Astana International University
Astana
Kazakh National University of Sports
Astana · Private
Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Astana · Public
Qazaq AI Research University
Astana · Public
Cardiff University Kazakhstan
Astana · Private
Coventry University Kazakhstan
Astana · Private
MGIMO Kazakhstan Branch
Astana · Public
Lomonosov Moscow State University Kazakhstan Branch
Astana · Public
Cost information for Kazakhstan
The information below is not specific to Astana; it applies to Kazakhstan as a whole.
- Monthly living cost (country-level)
- Only institution-level figures could be verified. NU estimates about USD 400 per month on campus (dining ~300, dormitory ~55, transport ~15, laundry ~8) with accommodation guaranteed for international students. KIMEP dormitory bed 108,050 KZT per month plus 71,180 KZT deposit (2026-27). The national scholarship monthly allowance (2025, via KBTU) is 52,372 KZT bachelor, 117,098 KZT master, 262,500 KZT doctoral. No government cost-of-living figure was verified.Source
- Accommodation (country-level)
- NU guarantees accommodation to international students (about USD 55 per month dorm plus dining). KIMEP dormitory 108,050 KZT per bed per month with a 71,180 KZT deposit. KBTU runs the JASTAR CITY dormitory (applications from 1-6 July). The national scholarship does not cover housing.Source
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Information on this page is compiled from official sources and was verified on the date shown. Fees, dates and visa rules change often; check official sources before applying. Empty fields have not been verified yet; ask our advisor for the current information.