Al-Farabi Kazakh National University

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) is a leading public research university in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and is the country's highest-ranked institution. It was founded in 1934 and is named after the renowned Eastern philosopher Al-Farabi. 

Academics, Programs & Research

• Faculties / Schools: Many. It offers a multilevel system — Bachelor’s (BA/BSc), Master’s (MA/MSc), PhD/doctoral programs. 

• Language of instruction: Primarily Kazakh and Russian. But many programs are also offered in English, especially for international students. There are pre-university and language preparatory courses. 

• Duration:

  • Bachelor’s: ~4 academic years. 

  • Master’s: 1-2 years depending on program. 

  • PhD: ~3-4 years. 

• Research excellence: It has many research institutes / centers, labs. Some of the notable ones include institutes of physics, biology & biotechnology, chemical technologies, etc. It’s one of the top research universities in Kazakhstan.

• Rankings:

  • QS World University Rankings: in recent years among top globally, often #1 in Kazakhstan. 

  • Times Higher Education (THE) and other regional/Asia rankings also list KazNU among leading universities in Central Asia

For International Students (including admission, eligibility, etc.)

• Applicants / Foreign Students: The university has a section for foreign applicants. 

• Preparatory / Pre-University courses are offered to help with language / academic readiness. 

• Admission requirements typically include completion of secondary school (12 years or equivalent). Then depending on program, certain subject prerequisites. 

• Language requirement: If enrolling in English medium or in a faculty using English, ability in English. For Kazakh or Russian medium, language proficiency in those may be required. Preparatory courses help