Definition
The Bolashak Program is a government-funded scholarship initiative of the Republic of Kazakhstan that enables students and professionals to study at leading universities around the world. The program covers the full cost of pursuing a Master's degree, PhD, or professional internship in fields identified as priorities by the state — including tuition, living expenses, and related costs.
Key Benefits
Full government funding. Tuition, accommodation, visa, medical insurance, and airfare are all covered.
Access to top universities worldwide. Study at over 200 leading universities across 33 countries, based on the official approved list.
Focus on priority fields. Strong emphasis on engineering, technical, and medical disciplines most in demand in Kazakhstan.
Language training included. Up to 12 months of funded language preparation for eligible categories — medical professionals, engineers, and rural applicants.
Guaranteed employment on return. A mandatory 3–5 year work commitment in Kazakhstan, providing career stability and a clear path forward.
A powerful alumni network. Membership in the Bolashak Alumni Association, with 12,000+ graduates holding key positions across the country.
- Who It's For
- Kazakhstani citizens with a Bachelor's degree seeking a Master's in a priority field
- Master's graduates planning to pursue a PhD
- professionals with 3+ years of work experience applying for international internships
- medical professionals looking to train at leading international clinics
- engineering and technical specialists working in priority sectors
- rural residents and civil servants — with access to preferential conditions and dedicated quotas
- Age RangeThere are no strict age limits — the key requirement is meeting the program criteria.
In practice:- 22–28 — most Master's applicants
- 28–35 — most PhD candidates and internship applicants
The program is also open to more experienced candidates. Many successful Bolashak scholars begin their studies after 35–40, often deepening their expertise or making a career transition.
When to Start
Ideally, preparation should begin 12–18 months before your intended start date
This gives you enough time to:
- prepare for and pass language exams (IELTS / TOEFL and KazTest)
- obtain an unconditional offer from an international university
- put together a complete application package
A workable minimum is 6–9 months, if you already have:
- IELTS 6.0+ (or TOEFL 60+)
- a KazTest certificate at B1 level or above
- a university offer or a near-complete application
Important: Bolashak applications are typically open March through October, with final selections completed by December.
What's Included / How We Build the Path
We assess where you're starting from — language level, academic background, work experience, and alignment with priority fields — and develop a realistic preparation plan built around Bolashak deadlines.
We build a shortlist from the official Bolashak list of 200 universities across 33 countries, aligned with your specialization and program priorities, and design an admissions strategy that accounts for quotas and eligibility categories.
We prepare a complete document package for submission via egov.kz, including:
- application form
- Bachelor's / Master's diploma with transcript
- IELTS / TOEFL and KazTest certificates
- unconditional university offer
- employer endorsement (for internships and civil servants)
- medical certificate and all required supporting documents
Once you've received the scholarship, we help with:
- contract signing with the Center for International Programs
- preparation for departure
We support preparation for:
- TOEFL / IELTS
- KazTest (minimum B1 — a mandatory requirement)
We support the full university application process — motivation letters, CV, and recommendation letters — with the goal of securing an unconditional offer, a core requirement for Bolashak eligibility.
We monitor deadlines (March–October) and ensure everything is submitted correctly.
We prepare you for all three selection stages:
We prepare you for all three selection stages:
- expert document review
- personal interview with an independent commission
- final decision by the Republican Commission
Positioning and Strategy
At Lumos, we understand that Bolashak isn't simply "free education." It's a serious long-term commitment — one that includes the obligation to return and work in Kazakhstan.
We don't steer candidates toward the most prestigious university for its own sake. We focus on what creates real, lasting value for your career back home.
That means:
Our strategy is to build a step-by-step pathway: from language preparation → to securing a university offer → to successfully navigating every stage of the selection process.
We position your application so the selection committee can clearly see your motivation, your potential, and your genuine readiness to return and contribute.
We also work honestly: if your chances are currently low — insufficient IELTS score, a non-priority field, limited experience — we'll tell you directly and offer realistic alternatives.
Learn More About Us We don't steer candidates toward the most prestigious university for its own sake. We focus on what creates real, lasting value for your career back home.
That means:
- aligning your application with priority fields
- honestly assessing your admission prospects
- accounting for language requirements and eligibility categories
Our strategy is to build a step-by-step pathway: from language preparation → to securing a university offer → to successfully navigating every stage of the selection process.
We position your application so the selection committee can clearly see your motivation, your potential, and your genuine readiness to return and contribute.
We also work honestly: if your chances are currently low — insufficient IELTS score, a non-priority field, limited experience — we'll tell you directly and offer realistic alternatives.
Outcome
By the end of the process, you'll have:
- a clear picture of your chances and the path forward
- the required language certificates (TOEFL / KazTest)
- an unconditional offer from a Bolashak-approved university
- a complete, correctly submitted application package via egov.kz
- interview preparation with clear positioning and well-reasoned arguments
a structured, well-managed process with support at every stage
Not sure whether Bolashak is the right fit — or where to begin?
Book an initial consultation. We'll assess your eligibility, check your chances, and put together a realistic preparation plan.
Already have a Bachelor's degree and want to study abroad on full government funding?
Start preparing now — before the next intake opens (March–October). There's still time to strengthen your language scores, secure a university offer, and build a competitive application.
Assess your chances today
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© 2026 Lumos Education. All rights reserved.