Admission to the doctoral program
Prospective Doctoral (PhD) Applicants
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app.testcenter.kz
NTC Information System
NTC Information System
VKU Admissions Office
In-person document submission
In-person document submission
Testing Venue
Regional Testing Centers (computer-based format)
Regional Testing Centers (computer-based format)
The entrance exam fee must be paid during the online application process within one hour.
Payment methods:
- Via the Kaspi.kz app by scanning a QR code;
- Online payment with any bank card (Visa, MasterCard).
Exam fee
21 072 tenge
Doctoral admissions are held twice a year: a summer intake (main) and a winter intake. When submitting documents, applicants select 1 university and 1 educational program group.
🌞 Intake I — Summer
July 3 — August 3, 2026
Application period for entrance exams
August 4 — 20, 2026
Entrance exams (computer-based format)
By August 28, 2026
Enrollment into doctoral program (Intake I)
❄️ Intake II — Winter
October 25 — November 10, 2026
Application period for entrance exams
November 19 — December 11, 2026
Entrance exams (computer-based format)
By January 10, 2027
Enrollment into doctoral program (Intake II)
Master's degree diploma
Work experience of at least 9 months
Language certificates — a valid certificate confirming foreign language proficiency
KAZTEST certificate (for citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan)
Passing Score — 75 points (grant and paid basis)
30
points
Interview
Interview
20
points
Essay
Essay
50
points
Exam in the EP group profile
Exam in the EP group profile
Grant-funded place — at least 75 points
Fee-paying place — at least 75 points
Please note! Applicants holding a TOEFL ITP certificate must additionally sit an English language test before the entrance exam.
1Application addressed to the university rector (free form)
2Master's degree diploma (original required at the time of submission to the admissions office)
3Identity document
4Official KAZTEST certificate issued by the National Testing Centre confirming state language proficiency (except for foreign citizens)
5Certificate confirming foreign language proficiency
6Medical certificate in form 075/у
7Six photographs measuring 3×4 cm
8Document confirming employment in accordance with the Labour Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan (except for foreign citizens)
9List of scientific publications for the last 3 calendar years (if any), a research plan and an essay
The TOEFL ITP certificate requires an additional English language test before the entrance exam (100 questions / 100 points, passing score — at least 75).
| Certificate | Description | Min. Score |
|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 English | ||
| IELTS | International English Language Testing System | ≥ 5.0 |
| TOEFL IBT | Test of English as a Foreign Language — Internet-Based | ≥ 35 pts. |
| TOEFL PBT | Test of English as a Foreign Language — Paper-Based | ≥ 453 pts. |
| TOEFL ITP* | Institutional Testing Program (with additional testing) | ≥ 417 pts. |
| TOEIC | Test of English for International Communication | ≥ 550 pts. |
| Duolingo | Duolingo English Test | ≥ 80 pts. |
| 🇩🇪 German | ||
| DSH | Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang | ≥ B1/B2 |
| TestDaF | TestDaF-Prüfung | ≥ B2 |
| 🇫🇷 French | ||
| TFI | Test de Français International | ≥ B1 |
| DELF | Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française | ≥ B2 |
| DALF | Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française | ≥ B2 |
| TCF | Test de connaissance du français | ≥ B1 |
| EP Group | Code | Educational Program |
|---|---|---|
| 8D015 | 8D01502 | Physics |
| 8D01501 | Computer Science | |
| 8D01504 | Chemistry | |
| 8D01505 | Biology | |
| 8D01506 | Geography | |
| 8D017 | 8D01701 | Kazakh Language and Literature |
| 8D022 | 8D02201 | Philosophy |
| 8D02202 | History | |
| 8D041 | 8D04101 | Economics |
| 8D053 | 8D05302 | Chemistry |
| 8D05301 | Physics | |
| 8D054 | 8D05401 | Mathematics |
State Compulsory Educational Standards (SCES)
Entrance exam programs by specialisation
Doctoral Program Tuition Fees
Research and teaching track · Academic year 2026–2027
1 400 000 ₸
per year · Year 1
(RK residents)
(RK residents)
1 307 000 ₸
per year · Years 2–3
(RK residents)
(RK residents)
1 500 000 ₸
per year · Year 1
(international students)
(international students)
| Indicator | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition / year (RK residents) | 1 400 000 ₸ | 1 307 000 ₸ | 1 307 000 ₸ |
| Cost per credit (RK residents) | 23 333 ₸ | 21 783 ₸ | 21 783 ₸ |
| Tuition / year (international students) | 1 500 000 ₸ | 1 307 000 ₸ | 1 307 000 ₸ |
| Cost per credit (international students) | 25 000 ₸ | 21 783 ₸ | 21 783 ₸ |
Educational Programs
8D01501 — Computer Science
8D01502 — Physics
8D01504 — Chemistry
8D01505 — Biology
8D01506 — Geography
8D01701 — Kazakh Language and Literature
8D02201 — Philosophy
8D02202 — History
8D04101 — Economics
8D05301 — Physics (science)
8D05302 — Chemistry (science)
8D05401 — Mathematics
Information for International Applicants
Master's and Doctoral programs
Information will be added later
The document is currently being prepared
Information will be added later
The schedule will be published after approval
Admissions Office
Ust-Kamenogorsk, 30th Guards Division St., 34 — Academic Building No. 1, Room 231 | Mon–Fri: 9:00–18:00