KIMEP University International Student Scholarship

Overview

KIMEP University in Almaty, Kazakhstan, offers merit scholarships to newly admitted international bachelor's students that cover between 50% and 100% of tuition fees depending on your background and academic standing. The university — Kazakhstan's leading English-medium private university — runs two main tracks: a 50% tuition scholarship for international students from countries outside Central Asia, and a 100% full tuition scholarship for students from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Separate 100% and 50% scholarships are also available through KIMEP's annual Intellectual Olympiad for competition winners.

KIMEP was established in 1992 and has built its reputation on English-medium business, law, and social science education in a country where the dominant academic languages are Kazakh and Russian. Its alumni hold positions in major Kazakhstani enterprises, international organisations, and government agencies across Central Asia. The scholarship programme is designed to attract students from outside the region who meet rigorous academic and English proficiency standards, making international experience a genuine feature of the campus environment rather than an afterthought.

For students from Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, or anywhere outside Central Asia, the 50% tuition scholarship is particularly accessible: the academic threshold is a high-school GPA of 4.50 out of 5.00 (90%) and an IELTS of 5.5 or equivalent. Both the scholarship and the KIMEP programme are conducted entirely in English, making it genuinely possible to study in Kazakhstan without knowledge of Kazakh or Russian. If you're a strong student looking for an internationally recognised business or law degree in Central Asia at significantly reduced cost, KIMEP's scholarship structure is worth serious consideration.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

For the international student scholarship (50% tuition), you need a minimum high-school GPA of 4.50 out of 5.00 — equivalent to 90% or higher. During your studies, you must maintain a GPA of between 3.0 and 3.5 to retain the scholarship (the specific threshold is stated in your award letter). The scholarship is non-renewable after the four-year award period ends.

English Proficiency Requirements

KIMEP sets minimum English proficiency standards that must be met for scholarship eligibility. Accepted tests and minimum scores include: IELTS Academic 5.5 (with each component at 5.0 or above), TOEFL iBT 3.5, Duolingo 95 (each component 90 or above), or Cambridge FCE 160. KIMEP teaches exclusively in English, so proficiency is both an admission and a scholarship criterion.

Scholarship Tracks

There are four scholarship tracks available to newly admitted students. First, international students from countries outside Kazakhstan and Central Asia can receive 50% tuition (10 slots available). Second, students from Central Asian countries — Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan — can receive 100% tuition (10 slots). Third, Intellectual Olympiad winners can receive 15 scholarships at 100% and 15 at 50% tuition. Fourth, students with national or international academic achievement certificates may qualify for additional award consideration.

Duration and Renewability

All scholarship tracks at KIMEP are awarded for four academic years and are non-renewable beyond that period. Maintaining the required GPA throughout is essential to keep the award for the full four years.

What the Scholarship Covers

• 50% of annual tuition fees for international students from outside Central Asia (up to 100% for Central Asian country nationals)
• 100% or 50% of tuition for Olympiad competition winners (15 full scholarships and 15 half scholarships awarded at the annual Intellectual Olympiad)
• Duration: four academic years (non-renewable)
• Note: stipends, accommodation, meals, and university fees other than tuition are not included in the scholarship

How to Apply

1. Check your eligibility: Confirm you have a high-school GPA of at least 4.50/5.00 (90%) and an IELTS of 5.5 (or equivalent English proficiency score). Confirm whether you qualify for the international track or the Central Asian track.
2. Register through KIMEP's official form: Complete the registration through KIMEP's online scholarship application form as specified on the scholarships page. The deadline for the current cycle is July 12, 2026.
3. Prepare and submit required documents: Gather your ID or passport copies, English language test certificates, high-school diploma with transcripts, and any national or international academic achievement certificates.
4. Apply for programme admission: Submit your admission application to KIMEP for your chosen bachelor's programme. The scholarship is awarded to newly admitted students, so the admission application must be completed in parallel or before the scholarship form.
5. Consider the Olympiad route (optional): If you want to compete for a 100% tuition scholarship and the Olympiad has not yet occurred, register for KIMEP's annual Intellectual Olympiad (held on-campus in March each year). The competition covers mathematics, world/Kazakhstani history, or language studies depending on your programme.
6. Receive your award notification: KIMEP notifies scholarship recipients as part of the admission offer. Confirm your acceptance of both the admission offer and the scholarship within the stated window.

Required Documents

• Copies of national ID or passport
• Official IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, or Cambridge English certificate
• High-school diploma or leaving certificate
• Official high-school academic transcripts (showing GPA of at least 4.50/5.00)
• National or international academic achievement certificates (if applicable)
• Completed online scholarship registration form

Key Dates & Deadlines

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• If your high-school GPA is above 90% and your English score comfortably exceeds the minimum, apply early — the 10 slots for international students fill on a rolling basis
• If you are interested in the 100% tuition scholarship and are mathematically or historically strong, registering for the Intellectual Olympiad in March is worth the effort — 30 Olympiad scholarships are available across the two award levels
• Getting an IELTS score clearly above 5.5 (e.g. 6.0 or higher) gives you flexibility in both the scholarship and the overall admission review
• Contact KIMEP's admissions office before applying to confirm current slot availability — if the 10 international-track slots are filled, you may be considered for a waitlist position

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying after the July 12 deadline — KIMEP does not process late scholarship applications for the current intake
• Submitting an IELTS score below 5.5 or below 5.0 in any component, which disqualifies you regardless of your GPA
• Letting your GPA drop below 3.0 during your studies — this triggers scholarship withdrawal mid-programme
• Overlooking the non-renewable four-year term — plan your financial situation for any potential fifth year or programme extension

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the KIMEP University International Student Scholarship?

A merit scholarship at KIMEP University in Almaty, Kazakhstan, covering 50% of tuition for international students from outside Central Asia, or 100% tuition for students from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Separate Olympiad scholarships award 100% or 50% tuition to competition winners.

Who is eligible for the KIMEP University International Student Scholarship?

Newly admitted international bachelor's students with a high-school GPA of at least 4.50/5.00 (90%) and IELTS 5.5 or equivalent. Eligibility and award level depend on your country of origin: non-Central Asian internationals get 50% tuition; Central Asian nationals get 100%.

Does the KIMEP University International Student Scholarship cover full tuition?

For non-Central Asian international students, the standard award is 50% of tuition. Full tuition (100%) is available to students from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, or Uzbekistan, and to Olympiad winners in the top 15 award places.

What English test scores do I need for the KIMEP International Student Scholarship?

IELTS Academic 5.5 with each component at 5.0 or above; TOEFL iBT 3.5; Duolingo 95 (each component 90+); or Cambridge FCE 160. KIMEP teaches entirely in English, so this is both a scholarship and an admission requirement.

When is the deadline for the KIMEP University International Student Scholarship?

The application deadline for the current 2026 cycle is July 12, 2026. The Intellectual Olympiad for competition-based full/half scholarships is held on March 29, 2026.

What GPA do I need to maintain the KIMEP International Student Scholarship?

Between 3.0 and 3.5 CGPA during your studies (the precise threshold is stated in your award letter). Falling below this results in scholarship withdrawal.

How long does the KIMEP International Student Scholarship last?

Four academic years. It is non-renewable — if your programme extends beyond four years, you are responsible for tuition in any additional year.

What is the KIMEP Intellectual Olympiad scholarship?

An annual on-campus competition (held each March) where top performers win either a 100% or 50% tuition scholarship at KIMEP. In 2026 it covers Mathematics, World/Kazakhstani History, or Language Studies. 15 full scholarships and 15 half scholarships are awarded through this route.

Does the KIMEP scholarship cover accommodation or living costs?

No. The scholarship covers tuition only. Stipends, accommodation, meals, and other fees are not included. Budget separately for living costs in Almaty.

Can students from Kazakhstan apply for the KIMEP International Student Scholarship?

This specific scholarship is for international students (non-Kazakhstani citizens). Kazakhstani students are subject to separate domestic scholarship arrangements at KIMEP.