Incoming exchange students
KIMEP University offers one or two semesters for exchange, and the freedom to take courses from across our undergraduate, master, and doctoral programs following prerequisites requirements.
International Office Coordinator
Meruyert Oshanova (Mrs.)
Email: incoming@kimep.kz
Tel: +7 727 2374800 (ext. #1038)
Whats-app: +7 701 428 11 26
Monday-Friday: 08.00 – 17.00, break 13.00 – 14.00
How to apply
- A student should be nominated by partner university. Complete an online application via http://www2.kimep.kz/onlineappl/
Upload the following: - Scanned copy of your passport;
- Color photo (passport size);
- Scanned copy of your official transcript (bring original with you);
- Tick for the Dormitory (Residence Hall) through KIMEP online application if you need it.
By the end of May complete the application for exchange in Fall semester, and by the end of November for exchange in Spring semester, uploading the following:
- Scanned copy of your immunization/vaccination record;
– Scanned copy of a bank statement (demonstrating possession of $5000 if the duration of your study period is one academic year; and $2500 for one semester) or a letter from the university about a mobility grant (bring the original with you)
– Scanned copy of a document demonstrating that a student have no criminal background (bring the original with you) - Language proficiency (Letter from university/equivalent to IELTS 6.0).
Before arrival procedures:
- Receive from the Admission Office an Admission letter with a student ID number to proceed with visa, travel planning, registration for courses, etc.;
- Fill in the Visa form and send to Visa Coordinator at visa@kimep.kz along with the copy of the passport;
- Receive an Invitation Letter with a number from the Visa Coordinator and apply for visa from home country;
- Plan your trip;
- Register for courses using the ID number;
- Select via online tool a room in the dormitory or apply for an off-campus housing.
Accommodation:
KIMEP University guarantees a place in the dormitory for exchange students coming from partner universities, if it is so stipulated in the agreement between both institutions. However, upon availability, the remaining places can be allocated to students who indicated this need in the online application form. Those who would like to live off campus should request an assistance in finding a flat (to live alone or share with other students).
After Arrival Procedures:
- Visit Coordinator for incoming mobility who gives you the required documents and to whom you submit original certificates from your country.
- Daniil Litvin (Mr.)
International Office
Residence Hall bld.
Email: incoming@kimep.kz
Tel: +7 (727) 2374800 (ext. 1038)- Complete Medical check up in medical clinics of Almaty to obtain the following documents:
• Chest X-ray;
• Medical Certificate Form 086/y.
A KIMEP car will be organized and a Buddy will accompany you.
- Prepare and Submit the following documents to Visa coordinator:
• copy of passport;
• Migration card;
• 2 passport size photo;
• Student Statement Order;
• Residence address in Almaty (KIMEP dormitory (2 Abay avenue) if you stay there/ or an address of a rental apartment)
Visa Coordinator will give you a cheque for the Invitation letter and a student should pay in the Cashier office 118/Dostyk building.
Email: visa@kimep.kz
#111 Dostyk Building
tel. +7 727 2704229 ext. 2048- Get username and password for login to the computers on campus and Wi-Fi from Coordinator for incoming students;
- Get Entry Card and Student library Card (in #101/new library) submitting
• Copy of passport
• 3*4 size photo - Attend orientation session (See Calendar of events)
7. During Add/drop period you may withdraw from/add new courses
- Complete Medical check up in medical clinics of Almaty to obtain the following documents:
Academic Mobility Rules
- Eligibility criteria:
Applicants have to:
- have a solid command of English language (average GPA in English language courses min. B (3.0)/ IELTS 6/ TOEFL IBT 72/ TOEFL PBT 523) If the language of instruction of the home university is English, then a certificate from the international office is sufficient;
- be 18 years old or above;
- have GPA of 2.67 or above (out of 4.33);
- be a full-time degree student at the moment of application for the exchange program.
- Nomination and Application process
- Call for nomination is normally announced 4 months prior to a start of a mobility period
- Partner university makes nominations
- International Office informs nominated students 2 month prior the start of a mobility program
- Nominated students apply for academic mobility program through KIMEP online application portal
Application Pack:
Required at the pre selection stage:
- Copy of international passport;
- Copy of current official transcript;
- 3*4 colored photo.
Required at the pre arrival stage:
- Proof of English language proficiency (see above) ;
- Vaccinations records certificate
Submission of falsified documents leads to immediate dismissal from the exchange program and filing a complaint to the home university.
Nominated student:
is exempted from paying admission and tuition fees but
- is responsible for travel, visa, living expenses, health insurance, textbooks, supplies and deposits
- may register for any courses, including professional and research internship, master or PhD thesis if approved by a home universities but should be registered for at least 15 ECTS/9 KIMEP credits;
- has to pass a checkup at a local clinic and obtain local health insurance upon arrival;
- may extend his/her exchange period for the next academic semester if approvals of home and host universities are granted;
- agrees that his/her personal data may be disclosed to a third party;
- is expected to inform host and home universities within 5 (five) calendar days about hardship withdrawal from the program
FAQ questions of Exchange students
- Application & Admission
1.1 What documents do I need to upload to apply for the exchange program?
At the pre-selection stage:
- Copy of international passport
- Copy of current official transcript
- 3×4 cm colored photo
At the pre-arrival stage:
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Vaccination records certificate
1.2 When will I receive confirmation of my admission?
Once officially admitted, you will receive an Admission Letter from the Admission Office.
It includes:
- Your Student ID
- Confirmation of participation in the mobility program
- Next steps
- Visa & Arrival
2.1 When does the visa process start?
The visa process begins after your official admission, not after you submit your form.
Processing takes 5–10 working days.
Questions should be addressed to:
📧 visa@kimep.kz (Mrs. Yuliya Alimkulova)
2.2 Do I get help with airport transfer?
Yes. KIMEP offers a free 24/7 Airport Pick-Up Service for exchange students.
Arrival form submission:
- Early August (Fall semester)
- Early December (Spring semester)
Details will be shared closer to arrival.
2.3 Do I need a local mobile number?
Yes, it is strongly recommended to get a Kazakhstani SIM card and register it under your passport.
Globus Support Center assistants can help you purchase one.
- Housing & Arrival Procedures
3.1 Does KIMEP units help with finding off-campus housing?
Yes, the specialist from Residence Life and Housing department assists in finding off campus accommodation.
Housing questions:
📧 atokina@kimep.kz (Ms. Assel Tokina)
3.2 How do I book a room at the KIMEP Residence Hall?
Booking periods:
- End of July – Fall semester
- End of November – Spring semester
Booking is done through the Student Portal:
my.kimep.kz → Campus Life → Accommodation → Reservation
Exchange students are guaranteed on-campus housing.
Payment can be made via international transfer or upon arrival.
Housing questions:
📧 atokina@kimep.kz (Ms. Assel Tokina)
3.3 Which office should I visit first after arrival?
Your first stop must be the International Office.
We will guide you through the next steps and provide all instructions.
3.4 Do I need to visit the Visa Office after arrival?
YES. You must visit the KIMEP Visa Office on the first working day after arrival to pay for the invitation letter (2000 KZT in cash).
Send a picture of your passport and migration card/stamp immediately upon arrival to:
📱 WhatsApp: +77013600216
📧 visa@kimep.kz
- Medical Requirements
4.1 What medical documents must I submit after arrival?
You must visit a local clinic in Almaty and obtain:
- Chest X-ray
- Medical Form #075/y
Globus Support Center assistants will help you visit clinics.
4.2 Should I bring my vaccination records?
Yes. Bring a copy of your vaccination card showing all vaccines received since birth.
- Academic Information
5.1 How do I access the Student Portal?
Go to: https://my.kimep.kz
- Login: Your Student ID
- Initial password: Same as your Student ID
(You can change it later under “Personal Info.”)
5.2 Where can I find the course schedule?
Student Portal → Study → Schedule → General Schedule
Choose Fall / Spring semester.
Course code meanings:
- 1000–4999: Bachelor
- 5000–5999: Master
- 6000+: PhD
All courses are taught in English.
Course outlines:
https://www.kimep.kz/current-students/en/course-offerings/
If you need more outlines, email your list to:
📧 incoming@kimep.kz (Meruyert Oshanova)
5.3 How do I register for courses?
- Registration starts mid-July (Fall) and late November (Spring).
- Exchange students get early access (3 days before local students).
- Registration is first-come, first-served.
A step-by-step guide and an online info session will be provided.
5.4 How many credits do I need to take?
You must be a full-time student:
- Minimum: 9 KIMEP credits/15 ECTS
- Maximum: 18 KIMEP credits/30 ECTS
If you cannot find suitable courses, notify the IO coordinator.
5.5 Can I change my schedule or drop courses?
- During Add/Drop Week (first week of classes): changes are free.
- After Add/Drop: changes require a fee and instructor approval.
- Course withdrawals must follow dates in the Academic Calendar.
5.6 Is attendance mandatory?
YES. Attendance is strictly monitored.
Missing more than 5 classes results in automatic course failure.
- Living in Almaty & Safety
6.1 Is Almaty safe?
Almaty is generally safe, but as in any big city:
- Avoid walking alone late at night
- Prefer moving with friends
- Be cautious with your belongings
KIMEP campus:
- Has 24/7 security
- Is equipped with cameras
Always lock your apartment/room.
6.2 Do you have a Buddy Program?
KIMEP has the Globus Support Center, a team of trained assistants who help international students adjust and navigate daily life.
- Travel & Immigration
7.1 Can I travel inside or outside Kazakhstan?
Yes, if you have a multiple-entry visa.
You must notify the Visa Coordinator:
- At least 7 days before international travel
- When traveling to other cities in Kazakhstan
Other students follow rules according to their visa type.
- Campus Life & Events
8.1 Can I participate in cultural events?
Yes! KIMEP organizes many events, including:
- Orientation
- Welcome Party
- Culture Day
- Cultural Festivals (Spring Fest, Chinese New Year)
- Farewell Party
- Sightseeing trips
You may bring national clothes, souvenirs, or cultural items to present your country.
- Library Services
9.1 Can I borrow books from the KIMEP Library?
Yes.
- Reading inside the library: free
- Taking books home (week/semester): rental fees apply
Testimonials of exchange students
Edwin Wong, exchange student from Singapore Management University, Singapore
“Having my International Student Exchange Program at KIMEP University in Almaty is the highlight of my university life. Very rarely do one have the opportunity to travel, especially to a place that not many would be familiar with. Almaty and KIMEP is full of gems, from hospitable hosts to lifelong friends, beautiful streets to stunning mountains. The highlight of my exchange would be friends made over the 4 months, and who can really claim to have sat down and had a meal with over 9 nationalities at the same table? Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Almaty and KIMEP is full of pleasant surprises every corner, as long as you keep and open mind and a wide smile on your face. Come to Almaty, come to KIMEP for you student exchange!”
Ramazanova Bekzada, exchange student from Suleyman Demirel University, Kazakhstan
Hello! I am regular student of SDU who was glad to be an exchange student at the KIMEP university . Thanks to the international office I spent the most interesting semester here. During my exchange program I was a member of KF, KISA, GEEK, ENACTUS, KFI for some period of time and met great people. I participated in the MISS KIMEP. It was definitely a big experience. I wrote my research paper about Big Data Analytics and so grateful to my professor for all the support and knowledge which they gave me.
Thank you so much, KIMEP university!!!
Olivia Samuelsson, Exchange student from Uppsala University, Sweden
From the moment I got accepted to KIMEP University, I have felt welcome. The service from the international office has been excelent! Before I came, the correspondence went really smooth, with quick replies on my mails and always a kind tone. After I finally arrived, all staff at the international office has been very kind and always willing to help out with everything – from signing papers to help me find english speaking movies 😉 During my stay in Almaty I have found that this is a characteristic behaviour for Kazak people – always ready to help out, always warm and kind. I think Kazakhstan is a beautiful country with beautiful people, and I will always remember that from my exchange at KIMEP University.
Guy Benoit Marie Pascal Thierry, exchange student from IESEG School of Management, France
Hi I’m Benoit, and I come from France. I am studying in KIMEP through Exchange Program with my home school in Lille. I stay here from September to May, what I like in KIMEP is the general atmosphere within the beautiful campus. Moreover, BIS association is helping international students to adapt and socialize with local students. About courses, there is a very good level, the quality of courses is high and you can easily find materials through the website, which is instinctive.
Douglas Svedberg, exchange student from Uppsala University, Sweden
During the past four and a half months, living in Almaty while studying in KIMEP University has been a great and very unique experience for me as a Swedish student. The people of Almaty and Kazakhstan, including KIMEP students and staff, has been so kind and friendly throughout my visit. The spirit of the people is something that I definitely will promote once I’m back in Sweden.
I am very pleased with my exchange semester at KIMEP University. It has been a fun experience as well as very rewarding for my personal development. During the semester, KIMEP hosted alot of nice events which I enjoyed together with other fellow students. Finally, I would like to devote special gratitude towards the International Office. They are very inviting towards exchange students and if you have any issues or questions, they always help you out.
İsa Poçan, Exchange student from Middle East Technical University, Turkey
I would like to say thank you BIS organisation, international, admission and registration offices and others in KIMEP University who helped us very much and welcomed us very well. Education quality is higher than my expectation before coming here. Weather in Almaty during the winter was cold, soo awesome and eventhough the difficulties I enjoed it very much. I liked the tradition, culture in Kazakhstan. I liked the meals, pilov,samsa etc. I hope I would try again in my future life.I don’t regret coming here and I will remember all my memories here for the rest of my life. THANK YOU :):):)
Judit Czendrei an exchange student from National University of Public Service, Hungary
Why not Kazakhstan? Before I came to Kazakhstan the first thing everyone asked me was ’Why?’. My answer was always the same ’Why not?’. Sometimes you have to challenge yourself and find a way to step out of your comfort zone. I think that is the only way you can discover new places, get to know new cultures and people, understand the mentality and experience a different lifestyle. The new friendships, the memories, the feeling of being a foreigner, the culture shock, and the good and bad things you come across are priceless, what’s more they are going to affect you the rest of your life.
From the perspective of most European people, Kazakhstan is not so popular or familiar. Although it is the ninth largest country in the world, I personally think it doesn’t get enough recognition. During my stay in Almaty I have experienced the big city life and all the hustle it provides. However, we cannot forget about the beautiful panorama and the picturesque landscape that is all around us. Big Almaty Lake, Charyn Canyon or Tamgaly Tas are just a few natural beauties to mention.
Not only is the country worth the visit, but also the university. What I most love about KIMEP is that you cannot get bored, as it always has something to offer. During the Country Days I could get a lot of new information about other nations, at the International Day I and my fellow Hungarians could show the typical Hungarian dishes to the audience, while tasting the delicious cuisines of others. First in my life I tried paragliding in a breathtaking scenery in the outskirts of Almaty. I have visited Kyrgyzstan and also experienced the ‘Astana-cold’ in the capital.
One day I might come back to Kazakhstan, but until that I hope to see a lot of you in Hungary or anywhere in the world.
Lee Jungwong an exchange student from Chonnam National University, South Korea
During my stay here in KIMEP university, I was thankfully able to have 3 precious experiences. First, I was able to enjoy the abundant diversity. In this fall semester of 2016, there were various students of different nationalities that I have never met before. As I studied and enjoyed the semester with them, I learned how people of different cultures think and feel about the world. Therefore, I was able to enlarge my view of the world and different cultural boundary. Second, I was able to enjoy Central Asia’s abundant nature. While staying here, we exchange students were able to visit many natural places of Almaty and even other Central Asian countries. Since Central Asia is not popular for travel at the moment, we did not expect that much. But there were so many magnificent sites that people should visit. And now I am greatly thankful to see those beautiful places because I decided to come here. Third, I was able to meet the future leaders of developing country, Kazakhstan. While I studied here, I was able to meet so many students who are very clever and talented in many skills. Luckily, I got an opportunity in studying with them, I became motivated from these bright students in KIMEP and I am very thankful for that. Besides these, I have so many other things that I am grateful for. There was never a time when I regretted in choosing this university for my exchange program. Thank you KIMEP University!
Yeongho Suh – an exchange student from Pusan National University
My choice of KIMEP as my exchange student program was the best choice. To be honest, I was a little bit worry about studying in Kazakhstan because I did not know much about it, but it was just waste of time. My experience in Kazakhstan was the most precious one in my life. I traveled several Central Asia countries and it was quite unique and great. But the most meaningful memory was the time with the people. There were many students from many countries like Europe, Singapore, United States and etc. So, I made a lot of international students.
Daniel Csur – an exchange student from Oxford Brookes University
My exchange at KIMEP has been clearly the best experience of my life. Kazakhstan gave me loads of possibilities to see, learn and travel in Kazakhstan and in Central Asia. KIMEP is a very interesting place providing a „modern way“ education in the center of Central Asia. The education is quite comparable to the western schools, however a school still barriers a style of „soviet“ education based on authorities within the school. One of the most significant problems within KIMEP is the lack of feedback towards the teachers and sometimes impossibility to disagree with the view of the teacher and have a better opinion which is very normal in all the western schools. However KIMEP still offers the best business education in Central Asia hosting professors and teachers from all around the world.
Kazakhstan is however an awesome place which provides a loads of opportunities for all the foreigners and in my opinion it is one of the best place to spend a semester to study and travel. Central Asia has a lot to offer for not just Europeans and Americans but also all the people coming from around the world. Since Russian is a spoken language in Almaty the possibility to learn Russian as a foreign language has been a great opportunity for me as well. KIMEP provided us with a lot of traveling possibilities to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and other beautiful places around Almaty. To conclude my exchange semester at KIMEP has been the best experience of my life ever full of positive surprises and a huge change in my life
Margaret SZETO – an exchange student from Hong Kong Baptist University
Being an explorer from a developed city, Kazakhstan is definitely a novel wonderland for me. Comparing with Hong Kong, I prefer the simple life here. Having tea time on a daily basis is already a must for me. I really love this tea culture since I could chitchat with friends and share each other’s happiness and daily experience. Moreover, I enjoy every single moment walking on the roomy street in a slow pace. It is so relax for me to see the trees along the road and surrounding environment without blocking by high-rise buildings. The nature is also one of my favorites which can calm me down and refresh myself. When people ask me what impress me the most in Kazakhstan, the answer always comes to the PEOPLE. Honestly, I did not expect to experience my first inevitable cultural shock once I arrived, which was people here do not smile quite often. I thought that maybe they don’t like me. However, I was more and more surprised and enthusiastic day by day. I was pleased to stay with senior students in dormitory previously, the way they treated me was tremendously impressed. I have never met such generous and caring people who assisted me to break the language and cultural barriers by introducing me their culture and history, as well as inviting me to celebrate the festivals. I can’t forget the time my neighbors cooked me local food and gave me some local fruits that I haven’t seen.
I have spent some time to really learn about Kazakhstan as well as Kazakh culture and lifestyle, and now I am falling in love with it. The people are always the reason why I like Kazakhstan. You all are really awesome, my dear Kazakhs, Tajiks, Uzbeks, Turkmens and other international students. Thank you for being part of my exchange journey!
Chanan Catikkas – an exchange student from Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Turkey
When I selected KIMEP university, people asked me why Kazakhstan and KIMEP University? At that time, I definitely believed that Kazakhstan will be different for a people who are used to live closer to the Europe. Moreover, KIMEP University is an international and best university in Central Asia. I had a really fantastic exchange experience starting from my study and learning a lot from my professors, learning Russian and Kazakh, traditions, cultures and many other things. Every day I had a great chance to meet a new interesting people and what I observed that most of them was so friendly and always tried to help and support me in any situations. I will strongly recommend to get such an opportunity for all. Thanks for that opportunity and I will be waiting all my friends in Turkey!
ZhengDa Ang – an exchange student from Singapore Management University, Singapore
Exchange in KIMEP was about the most memorable time of my university life. Beautiful mountains, rich culture, trying out horse riding and skiing, the Green Market, travelling within and out of Kazakhstan, there is so much to love about it. But the above all, it was the friends I’ve got to make in KIMEP that have made it all so wonderful. Although I had some initial concerns about adapting to the different culture, my buddies and the staff at KIMEP were ever so helpful to make things easy and enjoyable. From taking us out to the rural countryside to inviting us for a short stay their homes, my friends in KIMEP have allowed me a taste of the true Central Asian culture. I love it, and I hope to be back again soon!