Admission requirements for Master’s programs
Comprehensive Testing (CT)
The CT is a mandatory entrance examination for all applicants to Master’s programs (both state-funded and fee-paying) and is conducted in electronic format.
Structure of the CT
The content and structure of the test depend on the chosen Master’s program track:
Track
Duration of study
Purpose and focus
CT structure
Scientific and pedagogical
2 years
Preparation for research and teaching activities.
- Foreign language
- Test of readiness for learning (TRL)
- Test in the profile of the educational program group
Professional
1–1.5 years
Advanced professional and managerial training (practice-oriented).
Test in the profile of the educational program group
Reading literacy
Mandatory
10
10
First профиль subject
By choice of the educational program
40
50
Second профиль subject
By choice of the educational program
40
50
Minimum passing scores (CT)
To participate in the competition for a state grant or for admission on a fee-paying basis, applicants must achieve the minimum required score.
Track
Total minimum score
Minimum score per block
Scientific and pedagogical
75 points
– At least 25 in the foreign language
– At least 7 in the Test of readiness for learning (TRL)
– At least 7 in each профиль discipline
– At least 7 in the Test of readiness for learning (TRL)
– At least 7 in each профиль discipline
Professional
30 points
– At least 7 in each профиль discipline
Foreign language requirements
If you apply for the scientific and pedagogical Master’s program or for a program taught in English, you must confirm your foreign language proficiency. You have two options:
Option 1: Replacement of the CT test (Foreign language)
Option 2: Taking the CT test (Foreign language)
Provide an international certificate:
IELTS (Academic): at least 6.0
TOEFL iBT: at least 60
TOEFL ITP: at least 543
German equivalents (TestDaF, DSH) or French equivalents (DELF, DALF)
IELTS (Academic): at least 6.0
TOEFL iBT: at least 60
TOEFL ITP: at least 543
German equivalents (TestDaF, DSH) or French equivalents (DELF, DALF)
If no certificate is available, you must take the “Foreign Language” block as part of the Comprehensive Testing (CT) and score at least 25 points.
Note: For the professional Master’s track, the foreign language test is not required.
Kazakh language requirement (KAZTEST)
All applicants, regardless of track, must provide a KAZTEST or Qazaq Resmi Test certificate with a minimum level of B1 (or a document confirming proficiency in the language of instruction, if it is not Kazakh).
Application deadlines
Applications for Master’s programs are accepted by the Institute’s Admissions Committee and/or through the National Testing Center (NTC) information system during the following periods:
– From June 1 to July 8
– From October 28 to November 10
– From June 1 to July 8
– From October 28 to November 10
Stage
Summer intake (Main)
Winter intake (Additional)
CT administration
July – August
November – December
Submission of grant documents
August
—
University enrollment
August 15–28
December 26 – January 10
The CT certificate obtained in summer is valid until December 1, and the one obtained in winter is valid until March 1 of the following year.
Admission of persons who completed compulsory military service
Persons who completed compulsory military service may be admitted to the professional Master’s program on a fee-paying basis within three years after service without entrance examinations, based on an interview conducted by the Admissions Committee during the calendar year.
Enrollment is carried out in accordance with the academic calendar five days before the start of the next academic period.
Enrollment is carried out in accordance with the academic calendar five days before the start of the next academic period.
Required documents
Standard package submitted to the Admissions Committee of the chosen university:
Application addressed to the Rector
Notarized copy of the higher education diploma (original required) with transcript
Copy of ID document (with original for verification)
CT certificate
Medical certificate (Form 075-U)
IELTS/TOEFL certificate (if available and to be counted)