2026-2027 academic year




















All scholarships will be subject to a 38-credit limit.

Scholarships for Psych Challenge Winners (BAP)

Scholarship covers: 100% and 50% coverage of tuition
Important! Deposits and fees (accommodation and library), as well as compulsory fees (student, medical, etc.), are not covered by scholarship
Duration: 4 academic years (cannot be extended)
Quantity: 2 scholarships (100%) and 2 scholarships (50%)
Citizenship: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
Selection criteria: 2026 graduates of high schools or vocational schools applying to the “Psychology” study program
Application deadline: June 30, 2026
Event Date: Tuesday July 14, 2026
Starting Time: 11:30 – 16:00
Location: KIMEP University
Criteria for maintaining this scholarship throughout the entire period:
– keep full-time status in Fall and Spring semesters – register at least for 4 courses or 12 credits per indicated semester;
– maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.50 after each semester;
– retaken and withdrawn courses are not covered by the scholarship.

Competition Format and Procedure

The competition consists of two stages. All participants begin with Stage 1, which includes two assessment components. After a break, participants proceed to Stage 2, which includes a lecture and an essay. The second stage is designed to assess higher-order thinking, including the ability to apply knowledge and demonstrate critical analysis in psychology.

1. Stage 1: Initial Assessments (Total Duration: 2 Hours)
1.1 Multiple-Choice Exam (40 minutes)
– Participants will complete a 50-question multiple-choice test covering a broad range of topics in psychology, as well as related fields such as social sciences, biology, and statistics.
– This component evaluates participants’ foundational academic knowledge relevant to the study of psychology.
1.2 Mathematical Challenge (40 minutes)
– Participants will answer 20 mathematics questions, including elements of elementary calculus.
– Pocket calculators are permitted.
– Each question requires a written answer.
– This component assesses analytical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills.

2. Break (1 Hour)

3. Stage 2: Lecture and Argumentative Essay (90 minutes)
– All participants will attend a 30-minute lecture delivered by a psychology professor on a core topic in the field.
– Participants may take notes during the lecture; these notes will not be graded.

– Following the lecture, participants will have 60 minutes to write an argumentative essay based on the lecture topic and a provided prompt.
– Essays must be handwritten and written in English.
– Participants may use their notes during this stage.

The essay will assess the participant’s ability to:

1.Demonstrate knowledge of the topic
2.Apply psychological concepts
3.Think critically and analytically

Evaluation

– Multiple-Choice Exam: Assesses knowledge in psychology and related disciplines. A total score is calculated based on correct answers.
– Mathematical Challenge: Assesses mathematical knowledge, logical reasoning, and accuracy of problem-solving.
Essay Evaluation Criteria:
• Global Structure (25%) – Logical organization and coherence of ideas; clear introduction, body, and conclusion; smooth flow between paragraphs.
• Knowledge and Understanding (25%) – Accurate use and understanding of psychological theories and concepts.
• Critical Evaluation (25%) – Use of evidence, depth of analysis, and demonstration of independent thinking.
• Quality of Written Communication (25%) – Clarity, grammar, spelling, and effective academic writing.

Result Announcement

– All submissions will be reviewed after the competition.
– Winners will be announced approximately two weeks after the event.

How to apply:
Please apply via the following registration link: PsychChallenge
Telephone number: +7 (727) 270-43-68 (ext. 2263)
Email: g.pluck@kimep.kz

Scholarships for Cognitive Science Challenge Winners (BACS)

Scholarship covers: 50% coverage of tuition
Important! Deposits and fees (accommodation and library), as well as compulsory fees (student, medical, etc.), are not covered by the scholarship
Duration: 4 academic years (cannot be extended)
Quantity: 5
Citizenship: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
Selection criteria:
– 2026 high school graduates for the “Cognitive Science” study program
– completed application with the required documents
– competition:
Stage 1: Reading Comprehension (1 hour): multiple-choice test
Stage 2: Argumentative essay writing (1.5 hours)
Criteria for maintaining this scholarship throughout the entire period:
– keep full-time status in Fall and Spring semesters – register for at least 4 courses or 12 credits per indicated semester;
– maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.50 after each semester;
– retaken and withdrawn courses are not covered.
How to apply for the scholarship:
Registration is available at the following link: Register here. If you have any questions, please contact Nurbeine Kossylganova – nurbeine@kimep.kz ; +7 (727) 270-43-68 (ext. 2263).
Application deadline: April 30, 2026 inclusively

Scholarships for Cognitive Sciences (BACS)

Scholarship covers: 50% coverage of tuition
Important! Deposits and fees (accommodation and library), as well as compulsory fees (student, medical, etc.), are not covered by the scholarship
Duration: 4 academic years (cannot be extended)
Quantity: 5
Citizenship: Kazakhstan
Selection criteria:
– 2026 high school graduates for “Cognitive Science” study program;
– excellent English proficiency (minimum IELTS Academic – 5.5 (not less than 5.0 in each section); TOEFL iBT – 51-66 (R 12-15; L 12-15; S 17-18; W 14-18); Duolingo – 95 (not lower than 90 in each section); CEFR – B2; Cambridge FCE – 160; LanguageCert Academic – 60; PTE Academic – 39);
– high school GPA – 4.50 out of 5.00 (90%);
– the highest UNT score with matched specialized subjects.
Additional criteria:
– “Altyn Belgi”; High School Diploma with Honors;
– academic merits of national or international level within the recent 3 years;
– other criteria as required by the Financial Aid Office (English level, high school GPA for grades 5–11/12, interview, etc.).
Criteria for maintaining this scholarship throughout the entire period:
– keep full-time status in Fall and Spring semesters – register for at least 4 courses or 12 credits per indicated semester;
– maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.50 after each semester;
– retaken and withdrawn courses are not covered.
How to apply for the scholarship:
1. Fill out the Scholarship Registration form.
2. Upload an electronic copy of the identity card/passport.
3. If you have IELTS Academic/TOEFL iBT/Duolingo/CEFR/Cambridge FCE/LanguageCert Academic/PTE Academic certificates, upload valid copies.
4. Upload to the Registration form a copy of the certificate of general secondary education (attestat) with its supplement.
5. Upload the UNT certificate to the Registration form.
6. Upload to the Registration form copies of academic merits of national or international level within the recent 3 years (if available).
Application deadline: June 30, 2026 inclusively

Scholarships for Two Foreign Languages (BAFL)

Scholarship covers: 60% coverage of tuition
Important! Deposits and fees (accommodation and library), as well as compulsory fees (student, medical, etc.), are not covered by the scholarship
Duration: 4 academic years (cannot be extended)
Quantity: 25
Citizenship: Kazakhstan
Selection criteria:
– 2026 high school graduates for the “Two Foreign Languages” study program;
– excellent English proficiency (minimum IELTS Academic – 5.5 (not less than 5.0 in each section); TOEFL iBT – 51-66 (R 12-15; L 12-15; S 17-18; W 14-18); Duolingo – 95 (not lower than 90 in each section); CEFR – B2; Cambridge FCE – 160; LanguageCert Academic – 60; PTE Academic – 39);
– high school GPA – 4.50 out of 5.00 (90%);
– the highest UNT score with matched specialized subjects.
Additional criteria:
– “Altyn Belgi”; High School Diploma with Honors;
– academic merits of national or international level within the recent 3 years;
– other criteria as required by the Financial Aid Office (English level, high school GPA for grades 5–11/12, interview, etc.).
Criteria for maintaining this scholarship throughout the entire period:
– keep full-time status in Fall and Spring semesters – register for at least 4 courses or 12 credits per indicated semester;
– maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.50 after each semester;
– retaken and withdrawn courses are not covered.
How to apply for the scholarship:
1. Fill out the Scholarship Registration form.
2. Upload an electronic copy of the identity card/passport.
3. If you have IELTS Academic/TOEFL iBT/Duolingo/CEFR/Cambridge FCE/LanguageCert Academic/PTE Academic certificates, upload valid copies.
4. Upload to the Registration form a copy of the certificate of general secondary education (attestat) with its supplement.
5. Upload the UNT certificate to the Registration form.
6. Upload to the Registration form copies of academic merits of national or international level within the recent 3 years (if available).
Application deadline: June 30, 2026 inclusively

Scholarships for Jurisprudence (BLLB) and International Law (BIL)

Scholarship covers: 100% coverage of tuition
Important! Deposits and fees (accommodation and library), as well as compulsory fees (student, medical, etc.), are not covered by the scholarship
Duration: 4 academic years (cannot be extended)
Quantity: 20
Citizenship: Kazakhstan
Selection criteria:
– applicants applying to the “International Law (BIL)” and “Jurisprudence (BLLB)” among 2026 high school graduates;
– excellent English proficiency (minimum IELTS Academic – 7.5; TOEFL iBT 102-110; TOEIC 835-900; CEFR or Cambridge Level C1/Advanced);
– highest high school GPA;
– the highest UNT score with matched specialized subjects;
— interview;
Interview topics to be:
1. Motivation for and interest in becoming a lawyer;
2. Extracurricular activities, particularly related to public speaking/debate, access to justice and/or the rule of law;
3. Evidence of ability to take on and persevere in the completion of difficult challenges, especially in the case of hardship.
4. Address deficiencies in qualification- a dip in grades, a low UNT subject, lack of extracurricular activities, etc.
5. Other questions addressing leadership, potential life choices, ethical considerations, etc.

Interviews in person except for candidates from outside Almaty proper, in which case online may be scheduled.
Additional criteria:
– “Altyn Belgi”; High School Diploma with Honors;
– academic merits of national or international level within the recent 3 years;
– other criteria as required by the Financial Aid Office (English level, high school GPA for grades 5–11/12, interview, etc.).
Criteria for maintaining this scholarship throughout the entire period:
– keep full-time status in Fall and Spring semesters – register for at least 4 courses or 12 credits per indicated semester;
– maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.50 after each semester;
– retaken and withdrawn courses are not covered.
How to apply for the scholarship:
1. Fill out the Scholarship Registration form.
2. Upload an electronic copy of the identity card/passport.
3. If you have IELTS Academic/TOEFL iBT/TOEIC/CEFR/Cambridge certificates, upload valid copies.
4. Upload to the Registration form a copy of the certificate of general secondary education (attestat) with its supplement.
5. Upload the UNT certificate to the Registration form.
6. Upload to the Registration form copies of academic merits of national or international level within the recent 3 years (if available).
Application deadline: June 30, 2026 inclusively

Scholarships for Information Systems (BISB) and Computer Science (BSCS)

Scholarship covers: 100% and 50% coverage of tuition
Important! Deposits and fees (accommodation and library), as well as compulsory fees (student, medical, etc.), are not covered by the scholarship
Duration: 2026-2027 academic year (cannot be extended)
Quantity: 2 per each program of study
Citizenship: Kazakhstan
Selection criteria:
– 2026 high school graduates for “Information Systems (BISB)” and “Computer Science (BSCS)” study programs;
– excellent English proficiency (minimum IELTS Academic – 5.5 (not less than 5.0 in each section); TOEFL iBT – 51-66 (R 12-15; L 12-15; S 17-18; W 14-18); Duolingo – 95 (not lower than 90 in each section); CEFR – B2; Cambridge FCE – 160; LanguageCert Academic – 60; PTE Academic – 39);
– high school GPA – 4.50 out of 5.00 (90%);
– the highest UNT score with matched specialized subjects.
Additional criteria:
– “Altyn Belgi”; High School Diploma with Honors;
– academic merits of national or international level within the recent 3 years;
– other criteria as required by the Financial Aid Office (English level, high school GPA for grades 5–11/12, interview, etc.).
Criteria for maintaining this scholarship throughout the entire period:
– keep full-time status in Fall and Spring semesters – register for at least 4 courses or 12 credits per indicated semester;
– maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.50 after each semester;
– retaken and withdrawn courses are not covered.
How to apply for the scholarship:
1. Fill out the Scholarship Registration form.
2. Upload an electronic copy of the identity card/passport.
3. If you have IELTS Academic/TOEFL iBT/Duolingo/CEFR/Cambridge FCE/LanguageCert Academic/PTE Academic certificates, upload valid copies.
4. Upload to the Registration form a copy of the certificate of general secondary education (attestat) with its supplement.
5. Upload the UNT certificate to the Registration form.
6. Upload to the Registration form copies of academic merits of national or international level within the recent 3 years (if available).
Application deadline: June 30, 2026 inclusively

Scholarships for BCB Case Study Winners

Scholarship covers: 50%, 25% and 15% coverage of tuition
Important! Deposits and fees (accommodation and library), as well as compulsory fees (student, medical, etc.), are not covered by the scholarship
Duration: 2026-2027 academic year (cannot be extended)
Quantity: 5 50% scholarships, 5 25% scholarships, and 5 15% scholarships
Citizenship: Kazakhstan
Selection criteria:
– 2026 high school graduates, entering the programs “Accounting and Auditing (BACTA)”, “Finance (BFIN)”, “Management (BMGT)”, “Marketing (BMKT)”;
– Winners of the BCB Case Study Competition;

Scholarships for citizens of Central Asian Countries

Scholarship covers: 100% coverage of tuition
Important! Deposits and fees (accommodation and library), as well as compulsory fees (student, medical, etc.), are not covered by the scholarship
Duration: 4 academic years (cannot be extended)
Quantity: 10
Citizenship: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
Selection criteria:
Important! Currently enrolled KIMEP students are not eligible (with the registration in Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026)
– high/vocational school graduates of 2025 and 2026;
– excellent English proficiency (minimum IELTS Academic – 5.5 (not less than 5.0 in each section); TOEFL iBT – 51-66 (R 12-15; L 12-15; S 17-18; W 14-18); Duolingo – 95 (not lower than 90 in each section); CEFR – B2; Cambridge FCE – 160; LanguageCert Academic – 60; PTE Academic – 39);
– high/vocational school GPA (attestat) – 4.50 and above out of 5.00 (90%). Important! All grades listed on all pages of the document are taken into account.
Additional criteria:
– academic merits of national or international level within the recent 3 years;
– other criteria as required by the Financial Aid Office (English level, high school GPA for grades 5–11/12, interview, etc.).
Criteria for maintaining this scholarship throughout the entire period:
– keep full-time status in Fall and Spring semesters – register for at least 4 courses or 12 credits per indicated semester;
– maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.00 after each semester;
– retaken and withdrawn courses are not covered.
How to apply for the scholarship:
1. Fill out the Scholarship Registration form.
2. Upload an electronic copy of the identity card/passport.
3. If you have IELTS Academic/TOEFL iBT/Duolingo/CEFR/Cambridge FCE/LanguageCert Academic/PTE Academic certificates, upload valid copies.
4. Upload to the Registration form a copy of the certificate of general secondary education (attestat) with its supplement.
5. Upload to the Registration form copies of academic merits of national or international level within the recent 3 years (if available).
Application deadline: June 30, 2026 inclusively

International Scholarship

Scholarship covers: 50% coverage of tuition
Important! Deposits and fees (accommodation and library), as well as compulsory fees (student, medical, etc.), are not covered by the scholarship
Duration: 4 academic years (cannot be extended)
Quantity: 10
Citizenship: non-Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
Selection criteria:
– 2026 high/vocational school graduates;
– excellent English proficiency (minimum IELTS Academic – 5.5 (not less than 5.0 in each section); TOEFL iBT – 51-66 (R 12-15; L 12-15; S 17-18; W 14-18); Duolingo – 95 (not lower than 90 in each section); CEFR – B2; Cambridge FCE – 160; LanguageCert Academic – 60; PTE Academic – 39);
– high/vocational school GPA – 4.50 out of 5.00 (90%). Important! All grades listed on all pages of the document are taken into account.
Additional criteria:
– academic merits of national or international level within the recent 3 years;
– other criteria as required by the Financial Aid Office (English level, high school GPA for grades 5–11/12, interview, etc.).
Criteria for maintaining this scholarship throughout the entire period:
– keep full-time status in Fall and Spring semesters – register for at least 4 courses or 12 credits per indicated semester;
– maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.50 after each semester;
– retaken and withdrawn courses are not covered.
How to apply for the scholarship:
1. Fill out the Scholarship Registration form.
2. Upload an electronic copy of the identity card/passport.
3. If you have IELTS Academic/TOEFL iBT/Duolingo/CEFR/Cambridge FCE/LanguageCert Academic/PTE Academic certificates, upload valid copies.
4. Upload to the Registration form a copy of the certificate of general secondary education (attestat) with its supplement.
5. Upload to the Registration form copies of academic merits of national or international level within the recent 3 years (if available).
Application deadline: June 30, 2026 inclusively

KAEF Scholarship

Sponsor of Scholarship: KIMEP Alumni Endowment Fund
Duration: 4 academic years
Quantity: up to 10
Citizenship: Kazakhstan
Application is here: kaefund.kz
Application deadline: May 31, 2026. For more details, please visit the sponsor’s website and social media pages.
Instagram: @kaefund
E-mail: kaefund@kimep.kz

Kazenergy Association Scholarship

Sponsor of Scholarship: Kazenergy Association
Scholarship covers: 100% coverage of tuition
Important! Deposits and fees (accommodation and library), as well as compulsory fees (student, medical, etc.), are not covered by the scholarship
Duration: 2026–2027 academic year
Quantity: total ~30~35 for current and newly admitted undergraduate and graduate students
Citizenship: Kazakhstan
Application is here: kazenergy.com
Statement (spravka) for applying:
Freshmen students will be able to apply for spravka after being admitted. Freshmen students should contact the KIMEP University Student Learning Support Center via the link link to get a recommended number of credits by semesters. Then contact contracts specialist of KIMEP Corporate Development Department by cdd@kimep.kz to get admission and tuition fee statement. Freshmen students in email should provide:
– Full name (official from your personal state ID);
– Scan of your personal state ID;
– Student ID;
– Credits to be taken in each semester – Fall 2026, Spring 2027 and Summer 2027 based on information from KIMEP E-Advising. Spravka will be sent to your email within 3 working days after application.
Criteria for maintaining this scholarship throughout the entire period:
– withdrawn courses are not covered.
Application deadline: July – August (see details on sponsor’s website)
Contact phone (Kazenergy): 8(7172)794975
E-mail: candidate@kazenergy.com

Scholarships for the Winners of the Intellectual Olympiad

Scholarships cover: 100% and 50% coverage of tuition
Important! Deposits and fees (accommodation and library), as well as compulsory fees (student, medical, etc.), are not covered by the scholarship
Duration: 4 academic years (cannot be extended)
Quantity: 15 with 100% and 15 with 50% tuition
Citizenship: any
Selection criteria: 2026 graduates of Kazakhstan high/vocational school
Date: March 29, 2026 (Sunday)
Starting time: 10.00
Location: KIMEP University
Application deadline: March 15, 2026 inclusively

This information is intended for applicants entering the programs of the following Colleges:
– Bang College of Business
– College of Social Sciences
– College of Education and Humanities
– School of Computer Science and Mathematics

For applicants of “International Law” and “Jurisprudence”, an Olympiad will be held in the form of a Debate Tournament.

Important! You can take part in only one of the events – either the Debate Tournament or the Intellectual Olympiad

Criteria for maintaining this scholarship throughout the entire period:
– keep full-time status in Fall and Spring semesters – register for at least 4 courses or 12 credits per indicated semester;
– maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.50 after each semester;
– retaken and withdrawn courses are not covered.

How to apply for the KIMEP Intellectual Olympiad:
1. Fill out the Scholarship Registration form.
2. Upload an electronic copy of the identity card/passport.
3. Upload a copy of the certificate from the school/college, which confirms graduation (11/12).
4. Upload a valid certificate of IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo, CEFR, Cambridge FCE (B2 First), LanguageCert Academic or PTE Academic.
5. Check the status of your application in the Registration Form in the “Account” link, “Status Application” tab, and also expect a letter from us (finaid@kimep.kz) within 2-3 weeks after filling out/updating your application.

Participants with incomplete application will not be allowed to participate in the Olympiad

PROCEDURE OF OLYMPIAD

The Intellectual Olympiad will be conducted on KIMEP University campus and will consist of 2 stages:

Stage 1. English Proficiency

Until March 15 (inclusively) participants should provide international certificates of IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo, CEFR, Cambridge FCE (B2 First), LanguageCert Academic or PTE Academic.
Passing score for the second stage: IELTS Academic — 5.5 (not less than 5.0 in each section); TOEFL iBT — 51-66 (R 12-15; L 12-15; S 17-18; W 14-18); Duolingo — 95 (not less than 90 in each section); CEFR — B2; Cambridge FCE — 160; LanguageCert Academic — 60; PTE Academic — 39.
Students who have scored passing points will be invited to the second stage of the Olympiad.
Stage 2. Math Exam / World History and History of Kazakhstan / World History and Translation studies, language teaching and learning

Important! All exams will be held on March 29, 2026 in Almaty on KIMEP University campus

Math Exam

The Olympiad participants applying for “Management”, “Marketing”, “Finance”, “Accounting and Audit”, “Information Systems”, “Computer Science”, “Economics” will take Math Exam.
Exam duration: 2 hours
Exam participants are evaluated based on the results of solving mathematical tasks. The proposed mathematical tasks are not standard and can be compared with classical tasks of the Olympiad type. Competitors are expected to demonstrate their logical and analytical thinking.
Exam structure:
Competitors will be given six Mathematics problems to solve. They consist of:
– 2 easy problems, based on high school program (worth 10 points each);
– 2 medium problems using logical thinking (worth 15 points each);
– 2 advanced problems of Olympiad level (worth 25 points each).
The maximum score for the Math Exam is 100 points.
Evaluation criteria:
The Organizing Committee will make decisions regarding each competitor’s grades in mathematics. Competitors in the field of mathematics are expected to provide full detailed solutions and answers to the problems they were asked in their paper. Original and creative solutions will be encouraged and appreciated.

To prepare for the Mathematics Exam, you can use the following sources:
1) pdf-file in Russian “Collection of tasks in Mathematics for those entering the technical universities under the editorship of M.I.Skanavi” with answers inside;
2) pdf-file in Russian “Collection of tasks for a written examination in Mathematics for the course of secondary school. 11 grade. G.V.Dorofeev”. Answers to the collection in Russian here;
3) pdf-file in Russian“Mathematical olympiads for schoolchildren. I.S.Petrakov” with answers inside;
4) pdf-file in Russian “The tasks of mathematical olympiads. I.L.Babinskaya” with the answers inside;
5) Any other sources of such manual.

World History and History of Kazakhstan Exam

The Olympiad participants applying for “International Relations”, “Journalism”, “Public and Municipal Administration“, “Psychology”, “Cognitive Sciences”, “Political Science” will take World History and History of Kazakhstan Exam.
Exam duration: 2 hours
Exam structure:
1. Multiple choice test, includes 30 questions about World History. The total amount of points is equal to 30.
To prepare for the World History Exam, you can use the following textbook “The World History. Social and humanitarian direction. Part 2. R.R.Kairbekova” –pdf-file in Russian.

2. Writing essay in English. The essay must be written in at least 500 words. Correct spelling and grammar are taken into account. The maximum score for an essay is 70 points.
Essay writing is divided into the following stages:
Brief introduction: it should contain justification(s) of the relevance of the chosen topic; – it should present the argument of your essay to the reader.
Main part: it would answer in an organized and logical way the questions as part of the topic; it must persuade and convince the reader (and marker) that you understand the topic well. Every sentence and every paragraph should be relevant to the question, and provide a step-by-step link in the development of the argument.
Conclusion: it should summarize the main points and arguments of the essay.
Essay topics for the History of Kazakhstan:
General topic is: Kazakhstan in a World of Global Change
Subtopics: will be given during the exam

World History and Translation studies, language teaching and learning

The Olympiad participants applying for “Translation Studies”, “Foreign Language: Two Foreign Languages” will take Exam of World History and Translation studies, language teaching and learning

Exam duration: 2 hours

Exam structure:
1. Multiple choice test, includes 30 questions about World History. The total amount of points is equal to 30.
To prepare for the World History Exam, you can use the following textbook “The World History. Social and humanitarian direction. Part 2. R.R.Kairbekova” –pdf-file in Russian.
2. Writing essay in English. The essay must be written in in 250 to 500 words. The maximum score for an essay is 70 points.
Essay topics for Exam:
General topic is: related to translation studies, language teaching and learning
Subtopics: will be given during the exam

The finished essay should be in line with the following requirements:
1. Is the introduction short, clear and corresponds to the topic?
2. Do you formulate one main and clear idea in each paragraph?
3. Are the paragraphs represented in a logical sequence?
4. What arguments do you use to support your ideas?
5. Do you acknowledge opposite opinions?
6. Do you avoid repetitions and generalizations?
7. Is your conclusion brief and relevant to the topic?
8. Do you use appropriate grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation?

Important! The essay should reflect the author’s personal experience, opinion, and background knowledge on the topic.

Evaluation criteria:
The essays will be assessed according to the IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Descriptors (public version).
Suggested Literature for Preparation:
1. Academic Writing from Paragraph to Essay, 2010, by Dorothy E Zemach; Lisa Rumisek
2. Engaging Writing 2: Essential Skills for Academic Writing, 2nd Edition, 2011, by Mary Fitzpatrick
3. Essay Writing For English Tests, 2001, by Gabi Duigu
4. Writing High School Essays With Advanced English Grammar: Book 2, 2016, by Quek Boon Chuan
5. Writing Essays: A guide for students in English and the humanities, 2015, by Richard Marggraf Turley

SUMMARIZING AND AWARDING OF PARTICIPANTS

Results will be announced: early May
– The Organizing Committee of the Olympiad distributes scholarships based on the exam scores.
– In case of getting the same score, the Organizing Committee can apply additional criteria (English score, interview, etc).
– The KIMEP Olympiad provides for a 100% scholarship for the 1st place winner and a 50% scholarship for the 2nd place winner.
– Candidates who received less than 50% for the exam, can not be awarded a scholarship.
– The waiting list will be formed in case of scholarship’s redistribution. Only candidates with a total score of 50% or higher are included in the waiting list.
– The scholarship is provided for the study of a program that is indicated in applicant’s Olympiad Registration form.
– Awarded students cannot change their study program, otherwise their grant will be canceled.
– The winners of the Olympiad are required to fulfill the admission requirements prescribed by the rules of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as the internal admission policy of KIMEP University, including the UNT with the appropriate Specialized Subjects.
Scholarships for the Winners of the Debate Tournament

For applicants of “International Law” and “Jurisprudence”, an Olympiad will be held in the form of a Debate Tournament.

Important! You can take part in only one of the events – either the Debate Tournament or the Intellectual Olympiad

PhD scholarships

Scholarship covers: 100% coverage of tuition
Important! The scholarship includes a stipend and is awarded under Grade A or Grade B categories in accordance with the established criteria. Deposits and fees (accommodation and library), as well as compulsory fees (student, medical, etc.) are not covered by scholarship
Student Obligation:
1)During the 1st year: to work as a Research Assistant 20 hours/week;
2)During the 2nd and 3rd years, work a minimum of 10 hours/week as a Research Assistant and teach (1 course) a minimum of 10 hours/week. Minimum of 4 courses in the 2nd and 3rd year, including 1st course as a Teaching Assistant/ co-teacher.
Duration: 3 academic years (cannot be extended)
Quantity: 2 scholarships per each PhD program. Scholarships are not available for the PhD program in «Public Administration».
Citizenship: any
Application deadline:
First priority:

  • May 16, 2026;

Second priority:

  • June 5, 2026 for “Accounting and Auditing”, “Finance”, “Management”, “Marketing”
  • June 13, 2026 for “Economics”, “Education Policy and Management”

The scholarship distribution process is conducted simultaneously with the admissions process. The Committee, while considering your candidacy for admission, may also recommend you for a scholarship. Please ask all questions regarding the scholarship and obligations during your admission interview.

Detailed information about admission process for PhD is available at the link
Criteria for maintaining the scholarship throughout the entire study period:
– Maintain full-time status in the Fall and Spring semesters (register for at least 3 courses or 9 credits per semester);
– Achieve a minimum overall GPA of 3.50 at the end of each semester;
– Retaken and withdrawn courses are not covered by the scholarship;


How to apply for the scholarship:

For detailed information please contact Tashanova Lazzat, BCB employee:
E-mail: bcb-graduate@kimep.kz
Contact phone: +7 (727) 270-44-40 (ext 2356)


For detailed information about PhD in Economics please contact Dr. Eldar Madumarov, CSS faculty:
E-mail: madumarov@kimep.kz
Contact phone: +7 (727) 270-42-71 (ext 3071)

For detailed information about PhD in Public Administration please contact CSS employee:
E-mail: css_coordinator@kimep.kz
Contact phone: +7 (727) 270-42-12 (ext 3266)


For detailed information please contact Dr. Maganat Shegebayev, CHE faculty:
E-mail: magas@kimep.kz
Contact phone: +7 (727) 270-43-67 (ext 2137)

Summer distribution of internal scholarships

Internal scholarships that will be distributed in the summer – will be announced later