Kazakh National Pedagogical University Abai
Almaty, Kazakhstan
"Kazakhstan's leading teacher-training university, founded in Almaty in 1928"
At a Glance
Accept Rate
—
Avg Salary/Yr
—
Ranking
#628 (QS)
PSW VISA
N/A
About Kazakh National Pedagogical University Abai
Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University (Abai University) was founded in Almaty on 1 September 1928 and describes itself as the first university in Kazakhstan. It is the country's leading pedagogical university and trains teachers as well as specialists in sciences, humanities, arts, economics and international relations. It offers more than 150 programmes and has a Faculty for Foreign Citizens and Pre-University Training that runs preparatory language groups. It is a signatory of the Magna Charta Universitatum and has over 100 international partner universities. Kazakhstan has no post-study work visa; graduates who want to stay need an employer-sponsored work permit.
Rankings & Recognition
#628
Ranked #628 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 (#634 in QS 2027) and #138 in QS Asia.
Accreditations & Memberships
Magna Charta Universitatum
100+ international partners
QS 2026 Performance Breakdown
Score out of 100 across each QS evaluation pillar, with Kazakh National Pedagogical University Abai's global standing for that metric.
Academic Reputation
31.7#
Employer Reputation
34.9#
Faculty / Student
71.2#
Citations / Faculty
1.3#
Intl. Faculty
55.4#
Intl. Students
13.5#
Intl. Research Network
9.0#
Employment Outcomes
16.6#
Sustainability
35.6#
#
Key Facts
1928
Founded
14,207
Total Students
1,825
International Students
2,700
Faculty
150+
Programmes
Popular Programs
Teacher Education
Mathematics and Informatics
Biology and Chemistry
History
Arts
Psychology
Application Details
Application Route
Faculty for Foreign Citizens
Preparatory Year
1 year (Kazakh/Russian)
Selection
Interview by admissions
Intake
September
Standardized Test Requirements
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
|
IELTS (English-taught)
|
5.5 |
|
TOEFL iBT (English-taught)
|
46 |
|
Kazakh / Russian programmes
|
Preparatory year if needed |
Study Abroad & Visa Details
Visa Approval Rate
95%
I-20 Processing
Student visa + migration registration
Post-Study Work
N/A
Green Card Pathway
Work permit (employer)
Financials
Application Fee
N/A
Avg Scholarship
N/A
Career Outcomes
17%
Placement Ratio
N/A
Post-Study Work
Where Graduates Land
Faculty & Alumni
Faculty — 2,700
International Staff — 21%
—
Notable Alumni
Campus & Location
Abai University's main address is 13 Dostyk Avenue in central Almaty, with 12 academic locations and five student dormitories in the city.
Campus Details
1928
founded
14.2k
students
12
academic locations in Almaty
5
student dormitories
628
in QS 2026
Oldest
university in Kazakhstan
Campus Forecast
Warmest (Jul): 19 to 31 C
Coldest (Jan): -8 to 1 C
Climate: Humid continental
Student Life & Housing
Housing
Dorms: approx. KZT 30
000-60
000 / month
Dining
Campus canteens and cafes
Health & Wellness
Health insurance: Required for foreign students
Activities & Clubs
Music studios
Book club
Chess club
Coworking
Diversity & Demographics
Total Students
14,207
Undergraduate
89%
Postgraduate
11%
International Students
1,825
Cost Deep-Dive
Bachelor (2026-27)
approx. KZT 990,000-1.2M / year
Bachelor (foreign students)
approx. US$1,500 / year
Master's (foreign students)
approx. US$2,000 / year
PhD (foreign students)
approx. US$2,500 / year
Dormitory
approx. KZT 30,000-60,000 / month
Intakes & Deadlines
The academic year starts in September. Foreign applicants apply through the Faculty for Foreign Citizens and Pre-University Training, which also runs one-year preparatory groups in Kazakh and Russian. The KZT range shown is the 2026-27 bachelor fee reported by Kazakh media; USD figures are from an agent listing. Kazakhstan has no post-study work visa; graduates who want to stay need an employer-sponsored work permit.
Scholarships at Kazakh National Pedagogical University Abai
0 scholarships available
These are general eligibility guidelines. Always confirm exact requirements with the university's admissions office or your Sukhada counsellor.
Academic Requirements
Undergraduate
Recognised secondary education + interview; IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL 46
Postgraduate
Related bachelor's degree
English Proficiency
IELTS (English-taught)
TOEFL iBT (English-taught)
Kazakh / Russian programmes
Preparatory year if neededRequired Documents
Passport copy (notarised translation)
School certificate or diploma with transcript
Recognition (nostrification) of education documents
Medical certificate (form 075/U)
Vaccination record (form 063)
Passport-size photos (3x4 cm)
English or Russian/Kazakh test result
Application Process
1
Choose programme
Check the programme page for entry, language and document requirements.
2
Apply
Submit the application through the Faculty for Foreign Citizens and Pre-University Training.
3
Pay fee
Pay the application fee if one is charged.
4
Interview and offer
Foreign applicants are admitted after an interview with the admissions committee.
5
Get student visa
Use the university invitation to apply for a Kazakh student visa at an embassy or consulate.
6
Arrive and register
Enrol before the semester starts and register with the migration police through the university.
Campus & Location
Abai University's main address is 13 Dostyk Avenue in central Almaty, with 12 academic locations and five student dormitories in the city.
Master's
5
Kazakh National Pedagogical University Abai
📍 Almaty
Master's
Master of Arts
Kazakh National Pedagogical University Abai
📍 Almaty
Master's
Master of Biological Sciences
Kazakh National Pedagogical University Abai
📍 Almaty
Master's
Master of Chemistry
Kazakh National Pedagogical University Abai
📍 Almaty
Master's
Master of Ecology
Kazakh National Pedagogical University Abai
📍 Almaty
Master's
Master of History
PhD
1
Kazakh National Pedagogical University Abai
📍 Almaty
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