Al-Farabi Kazakh National University : Rankings, Fees & Courses Details | TopUniversities
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# 166QS World University Rankings

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About Al-Farabi Kazakh National University

Al Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) is the undisputed leader among Kazakhstan’s higher education institutions. The university was the first to receive the Presidential Award of the Republic of Kazakhstan “For Achievements in the Area of Quality” and also won the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Award for excellence in quality and service - a first in Kazakh history.

In the QS World University Rankings, KazNU has solidified its global standing: in the 2026 edition, it is ranked #166, remaining the highest ranked university in Kazakhstan.

In the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, KazNU secured 38th place, making it the only Central Asian university in the top 40.

In the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, which assess universities against the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), KazNU retains a position in the 401–600 band globally.

Subject-wise QS Rankings (2025):

•        Mathematics: 251–300

•        Natural Sciences: ~360th

•        Engineering & Technology: 304

•        Chemical Engineering (first-time): 401–450

•        Mechanical Engineering: 501–575

•        Arts & Humanities: 160th

•        Modern Languages: 101–150

•        English Language & Literature: 151–200

•        Economics & Econometrics: 251–300

•        Education: 351–400

•        Physics & Astronomy: 401–450

KazNU continues to deeply engage with global sustainability efforts. According to its 2025 THE Impact ranking, the university has shown meaningful progress in multiple SDGs: for example, on SDG 3 (“Good Health & Well being”) it improved from the 601–800 tier to 201–300. It has also made strides in SDG 4 (“Quality Education”), SDG 9 (“Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure”), SDG 10 (“Reduced Inequalities”), and SDG 16 (“Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions”).

In its 2024 Annual Report, KazNU highlights intensified internationalization, structural modernization, and sustainable infrastructure development. bkmisd.farabi.university The university is also the only Kazakh institution to rank among the world’s top 200 “green” universities, according to its sustainability strategy.

KazNU remains active on the international stage and within global academic networks. It is a long-standing member of key international organizations such as the International Association of Universities, the European Society for Engineering Education, the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience, and the International Observatory on Academic Ranking and Excellence.

The university was also among the first in Central Asia to join the UN Academic Impact (UNAI) program, and it continues to serve as a Global Hub for UNAI on sustainable development.

In collaboration with the UN Information Office in Kazakhstan, KazNU has established its flagship, student-led initiative “The UN Model – the New Silk Road”, part of the broader Global Model UN movement.

KazNU’s reach extends globally through its “Al Farabi” centers in partner universities and institutions around the world - including Shahid Beheshti University (Iran), Tsukuba University (Japan), Beijing University of Foreign Studies and Shanghai University of Foreign Studies (China), Istanbul University (Turkey), Jordan University (Jordan), University of Rostock (Germany), University of Karachi (Pakistan), Cairo University (Egypt), Belgorod State University (Russia), and Al-Farabi museum houses in Turkey and India.

Academically, KazNU runs regular international accreditation reviews through agencies such as ASIIN, ACQUIN, AQA, and FIBAA. Many of its programs have been awarded the European Quality Mark “Euro-Label.”

Currently, KazNU has 17 schools (faculties) offering:

•        ~ 134 Bachelor (BA) programs

•        ~ 268 Master (MA) programs

•        ~ 140 PhD / Doctoral programs

These cover a wide range of fields including engineering, natural sciences, humanities & social sciences, medical sciences, and economics.

Its main campus is centrally located in downtown Almaty, with panoramic views of the Alatau mountains, and it enrolls one of the largest student cohorts in Kazakhstan.

Educational program links:

•        Undergraduate: https://welcome.kaznu.kz/en/education_programs/bachelor/  

•        Master’s: https://welcome.kaznu.kz/en/education_programs/magistracy  

•        Doctoral: https://welcome.kaznu.kz/en/education_programs/doctorate/   

About Al-Farabi Kazakh National University

Al Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) is the undisputed leader among Kazakhstan’s higher education institutions. The university was the first to receive the Presidential Award of the Republic of Kazakhstan “For Achievements in the Area of Quality” and also won the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Award for excellence in quality and service - a first in Kazakh history.

In the QS World University Rankings, KazNU has solidified its global standing: in the 2026 edition, it is ranked #166, remaining the highest ranked university in Kazakhstan.

In the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, KazNU secured 38th place, making it the only Central Asian university in the top 40.

In the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, which assess universities against the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), KazNU retains a position in the 401–600 band globally.

Subject-wise QS Rankings (2025):

•        Mathematics: 251–300

•        Natural Sciences: ~360th

•        Engineering & Technology: 304

•        Chemical Engineering (first-time): 401–450

•        Mechanical Engineering: 501–575

•        Arts & Humanities: 160th

•        Modern Languages: 101–150

•        English Language & Literature: 151–200

•        Economics & Econometrics: 251–300

•        Education: 351–400

•        Physics & Astronomy: 401–450

KazNU continues to deeply engage with global sustainability efforts. According to its 2025 THE Impact ranking, the university has shown meaningful progress in multiple SDGs: for example, on SDG 3 (“Good Health & Well being”) it improved from the 601–800 tier to 201–300. It has also made strides in SDG 4 (“Quality Education”), SDG 9 (“Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure”), SDG 10 (“Reduced Inequalities”), and SDG 16 (“Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions”).

In its 2024 Annual Report, KazNU highlights intensified internationalization, structural modernization, and sustainable infrastructure development. bkmisd.farabi.university The university is also the only Kazakh institution to rank among the world’s top 200 “green” universities, according to its sustainability strategy.

KazNU remains active on the international stage and within global academic networks. It is a long-standing member of key international organizations such as the International Association of Universities, the European Society for Engineering Education, the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience, and the International Observatory on Academic Ranking and Excellence.

The university was also among the first in Central Asia to join the UN Academic Impact (UNAI) program, and it continues to serve as a Global Hub for UNAI on sustainable development.

In collaboration with the UN Information Office in Kazakhstan, KazNU has established its flagship, student-led initiative “The UN Model – the New Silk Road”, part of the broader Global Model UN movement.

KazNU’s reach extends globally through its “Al Farabi” centers in partner universities and institutions around the world - including Shahid Beheshti University (Iran), Tsukuba University (Japan), Beijing University of Foreign Studies and Shanghai University of Foreign Studies (China), Istanbul University (Turkey), Jordan University (Jordan), University of Rostock (Germany), University of Karachi (Pakistan), Cairo University (Egypt), Belgorod State University (Russia), and Al-Farabi museum houses in Turkey and India.

Academically, KazNU runs regular international accreditation reviews through agencies such as ASIIN, ACQUIN, AQA, and FIBAA. Many of its programs have been awarded the European Quality Mark “Euro-Label.”

Currently, KazNU has 17 schools (faculties) offering:

•        ~ 134 Bachelor (BA) programs

•        ~ 268 Master (MA) programs

•        ~ 140 PhD / Doctoral programs

These cover a wide range of fields including engineering, natural sciences, humanities & social sciences, medical sciences, and economics.

Its main campus is centrally located in downtown Almaty, with panoramic views of the Alatau mountains, and it enrolls one of the largest student cohorts in Kazakhstan.

Educational program links:

•        Undergraduate: https://welcome.kaznu.kz/en/education_programs/bachelor/  

•        Master’s: https://welcome.kaznu.kz/en/education_programs/magistracy  

•        Doctoral: https://welcome.kaznu.kz/en/education_programs/doctorate/   

Available programmes

University information

1) Campus admission open days/tours?

Our Call Center representatives are available for phone calls at + 7 (727) 377-33-33 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Our campus 3D tour is available on  http://3dtour.kaznu.kz/ .  Applicants are welcome to see faculty and departments’ profiles and pages. According to the request some additional virtual tours could be organized and conducted in on-line mode.

  2) How to contact the university

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University has simplified admission of foreign applicants for BA, MA and PhD doctoral programs. Applications are submitted all year-round  and admission is carried out 2 times a year, 5 days before beginning of the semester according to the academic calendar. The whole process of receiving documents is automated and carried out in a specially-developed application –

https://welcome.kaznu.kz/en/welcome/foreign;

Applicants are welcome for registration at  https://univer.kaznu.kz/abiturient_user/register/11 and get access to the online application form in the “Online Registration” on the section of the Personal Account. 

3) Cancelled exams 

The University supports all of the applicants whose exams were canceled. Entrance exams are conducting in on-line mode via Skype (Zoom and other platforms are also available) and could be easily scheduled and rescheduled according to the request. The system is flexible and supportive for applicants.

Currents semester exams and the whole educational process has been transformed into distance mode and implemented through the several information and educational systems:

4) English-language test

University is flexible to applicants who unable pass English-language test or exams and organize online interview via Skype. As the University conducts two entrance exams- language and profile (subject) exam, conducting interview in English or other languages on the subject could be enough for admission.

 In case when the proper English language certificates are obliged, applicants are given postponement till the moment it will be possible. So they may provide English language certificates later.

5)   Visa applications 

All of the applicants are provided by the visas. In case when visas are delayed, University contacts Embassies and Consulates with the request for supporting applicants. In some cases visas are prolonged. These cases are very random and usually it is not an issue for applicants.      

6)   Restrictions

Applications are accepting all year-round and no restrictions entered. International applicant follows the usual rules and at the moment they are free to submit documents online. https://welcome.kaznu.kz/en/welcome/foreign;

7) Accommodation

Applicants after enrolling in the University are offered two main options regarding their accommodation – campus dorms and private hostels (which have agreement with University on providing accommodation to al-Farabi students). Campus dorms and out campus hostels have all of the necessary facilities to provide students good conditions for educational process.

8)  Any changes to entry requirements      
  
University has no changes to entry requirements and the list of the documents is available at the University  https://www.kaznu.kz/en

In case of problems with registration, please write to the email address: [email protected]

Education is provided in three languages: Kazakh, Russian and English. If the applicant does not know one of the languages, then automatically is enrolled in the preparatory faculty

General

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Al-Farabi Kazakh National University holds a leading position at both national and international levels through its systematic advancement of science, innovation, and high-quality education. University scholars conduct fundamental and applied research within a broad scientific infrastructure that includes 8 research institutes, 39 scientific centers, 1 shared-use research laboratory, and 40 scientific-educational laboratories. The university’s modern innovation ecosystem – including the Farabi Hub Innovation Cluster, the Farabi Robotic Center, and the high-performance Farabi Supercomputer Center – provides a strong technological foundation for next-generation research.

To strengthen its scientific and global presence, the university has opened branch campuses in Bishkek, Istanbul, and Omsk, expanding opportunities for international academic collaboration and mobility. The university’s academic potential is shaped by distinguished scholars, with over 80% of academic staff holding advanced degrees and more than 35% demonstrating proficiency in foreign languages.

KazNU places strong emphasis on training young researchers by closely supervising the academic and research progress of master’s and PhD students. Over the past three years, the university has educated 1,235 international master’s students and 323 international doctoral students, reflecting its growing global demand and multicultural academic environment.

Over the last five years, university researchers have published 6709 scientific articles in leading international journals indexed in major global citation databases. The university maintains a wide global research network, collaborating with 3962 scientific institutions worldwide, resulting in co-authored publications across Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and South America. These partnerships enhance the university’s global scientific influence and contribute to new research directions, joint publications, and innovative projects.

The dynamic progress of Al-Farabi KazNU in research and innovation, its expansive international collaboration network, and the strong productivity of its scholars underpin the university’s growing position in global university rankings and reinforce its role as a significant contributor to the international scientific community.

19,545
76%
24%
5,538
69%
31%
4,077
72%
28%

Student life

Student life https://farabi.university/students/kampus?lang=en  

Cost of Living

Accommodation
$4,820
Food
$2,030
Transport
$190
Utilities
$1,110

Tuition fees

Overall Tuition Fees
Domestic
2,630 USD
International
2,630 USD

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

Employability

The Office of Professional Development and Career provides support to students and graduates in job search and career development. The main purpose of the Office is to help students gain practical skills that can be used in job hunting.


The Office provides a wide range of services, including:


Career counseling and career opportunity assessment;

Assistance in drawing up CV and cover letters;

Assistance in searching internships and vacancies;

Conducting workshops and trainings on various aspects of employment;

Conducting job fairs and meetings with potential employers;

Providing access to information about upcoming events and employment opportunities.

The Office of Professional Development and Career is available to all students and graduates of the university, and can provide individual assistance to each student depending on their needs.

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University is committed to providing international students with meaningful internship and placement opportunities that will enhance their professional development and increase their cultural awareness. Having the same opportunities as full program students, exchange students gain hands-on experience, develop practical skills, and engage with real-world projects in their fields of study in all of our research institutes, joint centers and laboratories . 

Rankings & Ratings

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University is one of the top public universities in Almaty, Kazakhstan. It is ranked #166 in QS World University Rankings 2026.

QS World University Rankings

  • 2015
    #=305
  • 2016
    #=275
  • 2017
    #236
  • 2018
    #=236
  • 2019
    #220
  • 2020
    #207
  • 2021
    #165
  • 2022
    #175
  • 2023
    #150
  • 2024
    #=230
  • 2025
    #163
  • 2026
    #166

QS World University Rankings

  • 2015
    #=305
  • 2016
    #=275
  • 2017
    #236
  • 2018
    #=236
  • 2019
    #220
  • 2020
    #207
  • 2021
    #165
  • 2022
    #175
  • 2023
    #150
  • 2024
    #=230
  • 2025
    #163
  • 2026
    #166

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Al-Farabi Kazakh National University advanced Public High 5 no 2630 5538 L 2146