The world’s ninth biggest country and largest landlocked nation, Kazakhstan has a vast and diverse landscape which includes flatlands, steppes, hills, deltas, canyons, lakes, mountains, and deserts. A former Soviet state, life in Kazakhstan has changed dramatically since the communist era. Rich in oil and gas resources, it now ranks among the most economically free countries in Central Asia and has attracted much attention from Fortune 500 countries seeking to expand their businesses. The country has many modern cities, of which the two most important remain Almaty and Astana.
Originally, the Kazakhs were a nomadic tribe – and though much has changed, visitors may notice some lingering traces of nomadic traditions, especially in more rural regions, where agriculture remains among the largest employers. Perhaps the most memorable characteristic of Kazakhs is their tremendous tradition of hospitality, which means guests are always treated with great respect – and are likely to be offered a large meal! For those who choose to study in Kazakhstan, this means a warm welcome and no shortage of helpful faces along the way to help you get settled.
There are approximately 150 universities in Kazakhstan, many located in former capital Almaty and current capital Astana. Nine universities in Kazakhstan are featured in the 2013/14 QS World University Rankings®, of which the highest entries are: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU), L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakh-British Technical University and South Kazakhstan State University. Universities in Kazakhstan award three levels of degree: bachelor’s (four years), master’s (two years) and doctoral (five years). The country joined the European Higher Education Area in 2011, and is participating in the Bologna Process, which aims to standardize higher education provision and principles across the area.
For those who plan to study in Kazakhstan, here’s a closer look at three of the nation’s highest ranked universities:
