The Bolashak Scholarship is a prestigious government-funded scholarship that enables eligible citizens of Kazakhstan to study at leading universities and institutions abroad. This guide explains the Bolashak Scholarship eligibility requirements, benefits, funding, application process, and a reference list of ApplyBoard partner universities that align with the official Bolashak list of recommended foreign institutions.
Find Bolashak-Eligible Programs
Discover top-ranked partner universities across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland aligned with Kazakhstan's priority study fields and scholarship criteria.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Scholarship eligibility, funding arrangements, priority specialties, eligible institutions, program requirements, and application deadlines are determined by the Center for International Programs (CIP) under the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and may change between competition cycles. Always confirm current requirements and eligible institutions through the official Bolashak platform (bolashak.gov.kz) before applying.
Key Benefits and Coverage
The Bolashak Scholarship provides full funding to successful candidates. The award covers:
- Full Tuition Fees: Direct payment of academic tuition and mandatory university fees.
- Monthly Living Allowance: Monthly stipend/living allowance and applicable accommodation support.
- Travel Expenses: Round-trip international airfare at the start and end of the program.
- Health Insurance: Mandatory medical/health insurance for the duration of study.
- Visa Fees & Learning Materials: Visa application costs and a textbook/study materials allowance.
- Pre-sessional Language Training: Conditional funding for language preparation courses where applicable.
Note: Bolashak scholarship recipients are generally required to return to the Republic of Kazakhstan after completing their approved academic program or overseas internship and fulfill a post-study employment obligation.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility depends on the applicant category and level of study. In general:
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
- Academic Background: Requirements depend on the level of study. For example, master's applicants generally require an appropriate bachelor's/specialist qualification, while doctoral applicants require the relevant master's-level qualification.
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Language Proficiency:
- Kazakh Language: Passing score on the official state Kazakh language test (QAZTEST).
- Instruction Language: Standardized test scores matching the partner university's direct entry requirement (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or Duolingo English Test where accepted).
- Work Experience: Requirements vary substantially by applicant category. Some categories have specific minimum experience requirements, while internship applicants, for example, generally require at least 3 years of total work experience, including the required period in their specialization.
- Admission: Where admission is required, applicants generally need evidence of unconditional admission/enrollment at an eligible institution, subject to specified exceptions for financial and certain language conditions.
- Approved institutions and fields: The institution, program, and specialty must satisfy the applicable Bolashak lists and rules.
Tip! To confirm if your intended field of study is eligible for scholarship funding, explore the Bolashak Priority Specialties Directory.
Why Program-Recognized Institutions Matter
Because scholarship funding is strictly tied to securing an offer from a prestigious foreign institution, candidates must confirm that their target university and academic program are on the officially approved Bolashak list of foreign higher educational institutions before accepting an offer or finalizing their application.
Note: ApplyBoard supports program searches and school applications. The Center for International Programs (CIP) and Republican Commission for Training Personnel Abroad, not ApplyBoard, determines Bolashak scholarship eligibility, priority study fields, and qualifying institutions. Always verify your specific situation with official Bolashak authorities and your ApplyBoard counsellor before finalizing a decision.
Who ApplyBoard Is & How We Help
ApplyBoard is a global study-abroad platform that has helped more than 1.5 million students from over 180 countries apply to more than 1,500 partner institutions across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, and beyond. For Kazakhstani students exploring the Bolashak Scholarship to finance their studies abroad, ApplyBoard helps in four specific ways:
Finding Eligible Programs
Submit a single profile and apply to multiple partner institutions, with document checks along the way to help you efficiently secure the unconditional Letter of Acceptance required for your Bolashak application.
Streamlining Applications
Submit a single profile and apply to multiple partner institutions, with document checks along the way to help you secure a Letter of Acceptance efficiently.
Navigating Eligibility Questions
An ApplyBoard counsellor can help you understand program admission requirements, language prerequisites, and academic standards at our partner institutions as you prepare your study plans.
Visa Application Guidance
Your ApplyBoard counsellor will provide you with information on how you can submit the strongest possible study visa application to government authorities once you have your university offer and Bolashak funding in place.
One Profile, Multiple Universities
Save time by submitting one profile to apply to several partner universities in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland simultaneously.
Accredited ApplyBoard Partner Schools
The lists below reflect ApplyBoard's partner institutions in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland that are relevant for Kazakhstani applicants targeting these study destinations.
United States
Canada
United Kingdom
Australia
Ireland
Next Steps & Call to Action
If you are a Kazakhstani student considering the Bolashak Scholarship for study abroad, here is how to move forward:
- Check Priority Fields & Deadlines: Review current competition windows and the official list of priority specialties directly on the Bolashak website before applying, as intake deadlines and eligible majors are strictly enforced.
- Secure a Letter of Acceptance Early: Register with ApplyBoard to search eligible programs across partner universities in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland. Submit a single profile to apply to multiple institutions and secure your university offer letter efficiently.
- Verify Language & Academic Requirements: Confirm all entry prerequisites before submitting your application. Ensure you satisfy the foreign language scores required by your host university (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL) as well as the mandatory Kazakh language proficiency (QAZTEST) requirements set by Bolashak.
Start Your Study Abroad Journey Today
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