Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is academic exchange?
Academic exchange refers to the temporary transfer of students or researcher-instructors to another higher education institution (either domestically or abroad) for a specific academic period—such as a semester or academic year—for the purpose of study or research.
2) What is external academic exchange?
External academic exchange involves students, master's students, PhD candidates, and instructors participating in educational programs at foreign educational or scientific institutions. This type of exchange is carried out by traveling outside the Republic of Kazakhstan for one academic period to fulfill academic or professional assignments.
3) What is internal academic exchange?
Internal academic exchange refers to students, master's students, PhD candidates, and instructors undertaking educational programs at leading Kazakhstani universities and research centers. This exchange is implemented as a domestic assignment within Kazakhstan, provided there is a formal agreement between partner institutions.
4) What is the main goal of academic exchange?
The primary goal is to ensure the quality of Kazakhstani higher education in line with international standards and to enhance its global competitiveness.
5) Under which programs is academic exchange implemented?
Academic exchange is carried out through grants allocated by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, through self-funding, and via programs such as Orhun, Mevlana, and Erasmus+.
6) What are the benefits of academic exchange programs?
- Gaining invaluable international experience in education and research
- Expanding professional knowledge and practical skills
- Acquiring useful language practice
- Experiencing teaching and communication in international, intercultural groups
7) Who can participate in academic exchange programs?
Students, faculty members, and university staff.
8) What documents are required for students participating in academic exchange programs?
1. Application form
2. Copy of ID/passport
3. Information sheet
4. Individual study plan (certified with the university’s official stamp)
5. Protocol
6. Recommendation letter
7. Learning agreement
8. Medical certificate (for external academic exchange programs)
9. Current transcript (certified with the university’s official stamp)
10. Language proficiency certificate
9) What is the minimum GPA required to apply for exchange programs?
A minimum GPA of 2.75 out of 4.00 is required.
10) What are ECTS credits?
ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) is a system that measures a student’s academic workload. It includes lecture attendance, classroom hours, independent study, exam preparation, and assessment activities.
The standard annual workload in the ECTS system is 60 credits, with 30 credits per semester. One ECTS credit equals 25–30 academic hours.