Table of Contents
Cost of Living in Kazakhstan: Highlights
Scroll HereHostel Facilities at Kazakhstan Medical Universities
Scroll HereHostel Facilities
Scroll HerePrivate Accommodations
Scroll HereCost of Food in Kazakhstan for Indian MBBS Students
Scroll HereIndian Mess Facilities
Scroll HereSelf-Cooking in Shared Kitchens
Scroll HereGrocery Budget for Indian Students
Scroll HereTransportation Expenses in Kazakhstan
Scroll HereMobile Data, Internet, Utility Costs, and Personal Expenses
Scroll HereOne-Time Hidden Costs
Scroll HereCity-wise Living Cost Comparison
Scroll HerePart-Time Job Opportunities for Indian MBBS Students in Kazakhstan
Scroll HereHow to Reduce Living Expenses in Kazakhstan
Scroll HereSending Money from India to Kazakhstan
Scroll HereFinal Takeaway
Scroll HereFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Scroll HereHow much does it cost to live in Kazakhstan per month?
Scroll HereIs Indian food easily available in Kazakhstan?
Scroll HereHow much are hostel fees in Kazakhstan medical universities?
Scroll HereHow much budget is considered for food per month?
Scroll HereIs MBBS in Kazakhstan cheaper than India?
Scroll HereFor Indian MBBS aspirants, a complete knowledge of the cost of living in Kazakhstan is equally important as knowing the university’s tuition fees before moving there. For an MBBS student, the living costs per month are around $290 to $495 (₹26,100 to ₹44,550). Including tuition, hostel fees, transportation costs, utility costs, and personal expenses, the collective cost is around INR 32 lakhs to INR 35 lakhs. However, tuition fees vary for different universities.
The cost of living varies by different factors-
- City
- Accommodation type
- Lifestyle
The exact expenses for the 6-year course can not be determined, but it is significantly lower than other European countries, and even Russia or Georgia.
The “affordable option for MBBS” is tricky to say. It varies in Indian families based on financial background. So, check in detail the breakdown of Kazakhstan's cost of living for MBBS students. Also, we include a set of tips to reduce your budget. It also helps to separate the top myths and facts about MBBS in Kazakhstan from the actual numbers.
Cost of Living in Kazakhstan: Highlights
Want to know the cost breakdown excluding the tuition fees and one-time expenses? Scroll down for the numbers. Remember, these values can be lower or higher depending on city and lifestyle.
| Factors | Approximate Monthly (USD) | Avg Monthly Expenses INR |
| Accommodation Fees | $65 to $100 | ₹5,850 to ₹9,000 |
| Food Expenses | $60 to $180 | ₹5,400 to ₹16,200 |
| Bus Fare | $45 | ₹4,050 |
| Utilities Cost | $50 to $70 | ₹4,500 to ₹6,300 |
| Personal expenses | $50 | ₹4,500 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | $20 to $50 | ₹1,800 to ₹4,500 |
| Total Monthly Expenses | $290 to $495 | ₹26,100 to ₹44,550 |
Note: These are approximate living costs for an Indian student, which can be different according to quality of living and location of city. (USD 1 = INR 90)
Regional medical cities like Semey and Shymkent are the cheapest, costing around $300 to $350 per month. Almaty costs $350 to $400 and the capital Astana is the highest at $370 to $470. Choosing a regional city can save an Indian student up to ₹1.8 lakh per year.
Apart from tuition fees, an Indian student should arrange around ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2.4 lakh for the first year. This covers one-time costs of $550 to $650 (documentation, medical checkup, visa extension and winter clothing), flight tickets of ₹25,000 to ₹45,000, and the first three months of living expenses.
No. Under C9 student visa rules, Indian MBBS students cannot take salaried part-time jobs in Kazakhstan. Students can only earn through private tutoring of junior students, freelance work such as content writing, proofreading and translation, or paid roles within the international student association.
Cards are safer and more practical. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, and students should also get a Kaspi card, the local super app used for daily payments. Keep only a small amount of cash for town visits, and pay tuition fees through an LRS-approved bank or forex platform.
Hostel Facilities at Kazakhstan Medical Universities
Accommodation costs are important factors when considering the overall expenses. The hostel fees differ city-wise and according to the facilities.
Hostel Facilities
Kazakh National Medical University, Semey State Medical University, Kokshetau State University, and other universities provide hostel facilities. In general, the facilities remain the same as mentioned below.
- Shared Rooms
- Beds, tables, chairs, and wardrobe
- Shared Bathroom
- Common Kitchen
- Centralised heating systems
- 24/7 high-speed internet
- Laundry and housekeeping facilities
- 24/7 water supply
University-wise hostel fees are mentioned below to help you understand the approximate costs.
| Name of the Institute | Yearly hostel fees in USD |
| Kazakh National Medical University | $800 |
| Kazakh Russian Medical University | $1,000 |
| Semey State Medical University | $800 |
| Kokshetau State University | $800 |
Note: The hostel fees can be revised for international students during the yearly fee revision.
Private Accommodations
Beyond the 3rd year of the course, students prefer to shift to private apartments for more privacy and independence.
The rents differ due to the utility costs and electricity bills. These are approximate values to understand the difference between private accommodations and university hostels.
| Category of Accommodation | Yearly Rent in USD |
| 1 bedroom apartment in city centre | $5,400 to $6,000 |
| 1 bedroom apartment outside the city centre | $3,600 to $3,960 |
| 3-bedroom apartment in city centre | $ 10,560 to $10,620 |
| 3-bedroom apartment outside the city centre | $7,200 to $7,440 |
Note: The rent amount can be lower or higher due to the location of the apartment, and included facilities are important to consider.
Cost of Food in Kazakhstan for Indian MBBS Students
Expenses on food are one of the most important components while considering the overall costs of living in Kazakhstan. Students can avail of three options.
- Self-cooking in a shared kitchen
- Indian mess or university mess
- Eating out at restaurants or cafes
Indian Mess Facilities
To avail of Indian food in Kazakhstan, students have to spend USD 1,200 to USD 1,800 per year. They get-
- Three-course meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available.
Self-Cooking in Shared Kitchens
In the common kitchen of hostels, students can cook by their choice and can save a chunk of money. It costs around USD 720 to USD 960 per year. Compared with the mess facilities, students can save around a minimum of USD 480 to USD 1,080 in a year.
Grocery Budget for Indian Students
Go through the prices of common grocery items, including common vegetables and fruits that most Indian students look for.
| Lists | Price in USD |
| Rice | $ 1.59/kg |
| Daal (Lentils) | $0.41/kg |
| Milk | $1.37/ltr |
| Eggs | $1.92/ 12 pieces |
| Potatoes | $0.72/kg |
| Onions | $0.50/kg |
| White Breads | $0.53/500gm Loaf |
| Chicken Fillet | $5.55/kg |
| Banana | $2.16/kg |
| Apple | $1.55/kg |
Note: These are approximate values, and they can change as per the market price. Data collected from: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Kazakhstan
Transportation Expenses in Kazakhstan
Students mostly use public transport for their regular commute. In cities like Astana and Almaty, the public transport network is most commonly used. In some cases, students use taxis.
| Bus and Metro | $1.5 per day |
| Taxis | $1.07 starting fare |
Mobile Data, Internet, Utility Costs, and Personal Expenses
A data and Internet plan is a necessary facility while living, and it is included in the cost of living in Kazakhstan. In the university hostels, the internet connection is free for students. In private accommodation, students have to pay separately for a broadband internet connection.
| Mobile phone plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data) | ~ $10/month |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data and 60Mbps or more speed) | ~ $15/month |
The utility costs are especially applicable for those who stay in private accommodation. In the case of hostel fees, the utility costs are already included.
Students have to pay for-
- Central heating system
- Electricity bills
- Water supply bills
- Building maintenance
- Housekeeping services
- Laundry facilities
Other personal expenses need to be planned during the budget. Students usually spend up to USD 50 in a month for personal expenses.
In this section, students spend on-
- Personal care
- Toiletries
- Clothes
- Books and clinical supplies
- Recreation
One-Time Hidden Costs
While planning the budget, students must consider the one-time costs. Students have to invest in these factors.
- Documentation & Verification - $200
- Medical Checkup - $100
- Visa Extension Fees- $100
- Flight Tickets - ₹25,000 to ₹45,000/ round
- Winter clothing - $ 150 to $250
City-wise Living Cost Comparison
Based on the urban development and economy of the surroundings, the living costs changed for cities. When students choose a university, check the location and estimate the cost of living in Kazakhstan accordingly.
| Category of City | Name of City | Living Expenses |
| Capital city | Astana | $370 to $470 |
| Metropolitan city | Almaty | $350 to $400 |
| Regional medical city | Semey, Shymkent | $300 to $350 |
Part-Time Job Opportunities for Indian MBBS Students in Kazakhstan
Indian MBBS aspirants under C9 student visa regulations can not be associated with salaried part-time jobs in Kazakhstan.
However, to earn money, students can opt for some realistic options-
- Privately teaching different subjects to junior students.
- Pursue freelancing work for clients in Kazakhstan, like content creation, writing, proofreading, and translation.
- Within the university, they can be part of an international student association for different support.
Practically, continuing part-time jobs with study is genuinely difficult, as time is very limited. Students have to manage academic pressure as well as side income pathways. Rather than chasing side income, it is smarter to plan your career options after MBBS abroad early and use these years for licensing exam preparation.
How to Reduce Living Expenses in Kazakhstan
Reducing living expenses does not mean compromise with comfort. Students must adopt some habits to manage the cost of living.
- Try to choose university accommodations instead of private apartments
- Avail self-cooking options; it not only maintains the dietary intake but also reduces the monthly expenses
- Try to opt for shared apartments rather than staying alone
- Use public transport, not private ones. Otherwise, book apartments/ hostels near the university campus
- Track everyday expenses so that extra costs are reduced
Sending Money from India to Kazakhstan
One of the major concerns for students and their families is how to send money from India to Kazakhstan.
- As per the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, every year $2,50,000 can be sent to students for tuition fees and other expenses.
- Through SWIFT Bank Transfer, money can be transferred within 1 to 3 working days. It includes SWIFT fees, remittance fees, and exchange mark-up.
- FOREX is a cheaper and faster option. Money transfer is possible within 12 to 48 hours. Students can use BookMyForex, Remitwise, ExTravelMoney.
- In the case of an Education Loan, the bank authority directly transfers money. Families can also check the scholarships available for MBBS abroad to reduce the borrowing amount.
For remittance, the tax collected at source (TCS) is 0.5% if the amount exceeds ₹7 lakhs.
Accepted cards in Kazakhstan are-
- Visa and Mastercard
- Kaspi card - local super app
Tips for students related to transaction, are-
- Pay the tuition fees via LRS platform
- Use one international card and Kaspi card
- Keep a smaller amount of cash for town visits
Final Takeaway
The cost of living in Kazakhstan for Indian MBBS students is one of the key factors in selecting this country for further studies. Students need to invest nearly ₹32 lakhs to ₹35 lakhs. It is quite affordable compared to other countries. With growing access to Indian mess facilities, affordable tuition fees, and hostel expenses, MBBS in Kazakhstan is a reliable choice for Indian students. For a balanced view, also read the disadvantages of studying MBBS in Kazakhstan before finalising.
Before admission procedures, students must verify the hostel fees, availability of accommodations, and mess facilities. These are subject to change. Also confirm the NEET marks required for MBBS abroad and cross-check the NMC-approved medical colleges abroad list.
For exact information and proper guidance, you can connect with our counsellors. We provide comprehensive support from university selection to financial advice. You can also explore every MBBS abroad destination we cover and compare Kazakhstan with other affordable options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does it cost to live in Kazakhstan per month?
The average cost of living for MBBS students is $290 to $495 (₹26,100 to ₹44,550).
Is Indian food easily available in Kazakhstan?
Yes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food are easily available in the Indian mess.
How much are hostel fees in Kazakhstan medical universities?
Yearly hostel fees are USD 800 to USD 1000. The values differ according to the university’s facilities and location.
How much budget is considered for food per month?
The monthly budget for food is USD 100 to USD 180, including groceries.
Is MBBS in Kazakhstan cheaper than India?
Yes, it is cheaper. Studying medicine in Kazakhstan costs around INR 32 to INR 35 lakhs, whereas in India it costs around INR 75 lakhs to INR 1 crore. Compare the detailed cost of MBBS in India and the difference between MBBS in Kazakhstan and India for a clearer picture.
