Bolashak International Scholarship was established on November 5, 1993 by the Decree of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N. A. Nazarbayev.

Bolashak Scholarship is a guarantee of successful career growth and professional self-realization of its graduates.

During the existence of the program geography of foreign universities extended from 13 to 33 countries. Eastern direction has got its development – higher education institutions of China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Singapore, as well as of the post-soviet countries, were included in the List of Recommended Universities. Countries of study have been determined for the priority majors in accordance with their usage of cutting-edge technologies in particular fields (oil and gas industry, energy, etc).

Access to Program has been expanded due to the necessity of increase of rural education’s level (“rural youth” category had been established), state machinery reform (“civil servants” category), and development of scientific-research potential of the country (“research and teaching staff for master programs” and “research staff for fellowships” categories). The program has been expanded with the categories for engineering, medical and teaching staff.

Minimum level of foreign language (from IELTS 3.0 to IELTS 4.0) and Kazakh language (from 75 to85 points) has been increased, pursuing the aim of selection process’s quality improvement. Requirements for foreign universities have been raised – first 200 positions in QS, THE and ARWU international rankings, first 30 positions in national rankings and in QS50 under 50, THE 100 under 50 rankings.

Throughout the whole period of its realization Bolashak Scholarship has been granted to more than 10000 citizens of Kazakhstan to study in 200 best universities of 33 countries.

More details on the program http://bolashak.gov.kz/en/

TEMPUS is a program of the European Union (EU) to support modernization of higher education system through funding of projects for cooperation of higher education institutions from the EU countries and partner-countries’ (Western Balkans, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, North Africa and the Middle East).

The overall objective of the program is to promote voluntary convergence, unity, harmonization with changes in European system of higher education based on the principles of the Lisbon Convention and the Bologna Process.

The basic principle of the program is a “bottom-up” approach. Educational institutions themselves determine the purpose and content of activities to meet the needs of higher education institutions in accordance with national priorities and the overall direction of the process of reforming higher education in the partner countries.

The general management of the program is provided by the European Commission, Brussels (General Directorate for Education and Culture in collaboration with the General Directorate for External Co-operation). The Education, Audiovisual & Culture Executive Agency is responsible for management of individual sections of the education programs of the European Union. The activities of the Agency are coordinated by three General Directorates (for Education and Culture, for Information Society and Mass Media, and for External Aid Coordination).

Joint Projects are implemented at institutional level and are aimed at achieving the following objectives:

• Curriculum Reform: adaptation, modernization and restructuring of the existing curricula with a focus on content, structure, teaching methods and the use of new teaching materials, creation of training programs with a double or multiple degree or a joint degree, creation of links with job markets;
• Governance Reform: modernization of the potential of higher education institutions, building control and management systems in higher education institutions to promote a “culture” of quality assurance;
• High Education and Society: strengthening the role of higher education institutions in society at general extent, development of “knowledge triangle” aimed at building links between education, research and innovation (emphasis in the project should not be placed on the research only), development of links between universities and the job markets;
• Thematic networks: enlargement of “Thematic Networks” created under Socrates-Erasmus program, and dissemination of their activities in partner countries.

Joint Projects may include events (small in volume and duration) related to the mobility of students, teachers, researchers, heads of universities and enterprises. Projects should focus on transfer of knowledge between EU higher education institutions and universities in the partner countries, and where it is appropriate – between the partner countries.

Project Events are implemented at the national level and are aimed at supporting the development and reform of higher education structures and systems in partner countries, enhancing the quality of work and compliance with the expectations of society, and convergence with changes in European countries:

• Governance reform (licensing, accreditation, qualification frameworks, quality assurance, autonomy);
• Higher education and society (links between different sectors of education, with professional sector, capacity building for public administration);
• Projects may include research, organization of national, regional and thematic conferences and seminars, organization of training activities, policy advice and dissemination of information.

Additional condition:

Direct participation in the project as a partner of the Ministry/ies of Education  of the partner country/ies or official support of project goals and objectives. Participation in the consortium as a partner in the project of the Ministry of Higher Education is to be certified by a letter of endorsement. Official support for the project goals and objectives of the Ministry must be confirmed by a letter of support, which the applicant must submit with the application (if the Ministry is not an official partner).

More details on the program http://www.erasmusplus.kz/index.php/en/programs-eng/tempus-eng/tempus-projects-en

 

Erasmus+ is the European Union’s new program for 2014 to 2020 to support projects, partnerships, events and mobility in the areas of education, training, youth and sport.

Erasmus Plus program is a new program aimed at increasing the skills of teaching students and other professionals having degree diploma to get a high quality education, with possible job prospects in the future anywhere in the world. It also aims to upgrade the educational process of European universities through this program, to realize training of highly qualified specialists to work in the youth organizations throughout the EU countries. The seven-year Erasmus Plus program will have a budget of 14,7 billion euro. It is for 40% more in comparison with former Erasmus programs. From past experience of these programs, we found the main advantages of the EU’s commitment to invest in these areas.

Erasmus + will provide opportunities for more than 4 million Europeans to study volunteer experience abroad. Erasmus + will support transnational partnership of education, training and youth organizations to strengthen cooperation leading to the world. Education and work in the EU is the solution to gaps in skills that we face in Europe when there is a difference in training and practical skills. It will also support national efforts to modernize education, training, youth education and training system. In the field of sports, the program will support local projects and cross-border issues such as fight against match-fixing, doping, violence and racism. Erasmus + brings together seven existing EU programs in the field of education, training and youth affairs. For the first time it will provide support for sport as an integrated program. Erasmus + offers more opportunities for cooperation in all sectors of education, training, youth and youth sports development and it will be more accessible to receive funding than in previous programs.

Countries participating in the program: all EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey.

Partner countries: Western Balkans, Eastern Partnership countries, the countries of the Southern Mediterranean, the Russian Federation and others, including Central Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean, only 13 regions.

More details on the program http://www.erasmusplus.kz/index.php/en/

International student exchange program (Global UGRAD) in Eurasia and Central Asia is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Programs of the Department of States of the US. It is awarded to full-time students of 1, 2, 3 and 4 courses of universities  on condition that the scholarship holders return to the US at least one semester before receiving a diploma of higher education. The program provides an opportunity for students from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan to be trained for 1 academic year without obtaining a degree in US university or college. Participants are selected through an open competition.

The program provides full scholarships for one academic semester to undergo full-time training in the United States without obtaining a degree or diploma of higher education. Winners will study at an accredited higher education institutions with the possibility of an intensive English language course, if necessary. Also, under the terms of the program the students will  participate in community service, professional development workshops, and cultural events.

Students of all disciplines are eligible to participate in the program.

In accordance with J-1 visa rules, applicants interested in the fields of medicine, nursing, veterinary medicine, pharmacology or other clinical areas related to direct patient care, including care of animals are not allowed to participate in the program due to the fact that opportunities for course work and / or program activities in these specialties may be limited in the receiving American universities. Students will live with host families or in dormitories.

The program provides help before coming to the United States, a virtual orientation on arrival in the US, and a seminar at the end of the program. Students cannot choose the receiving institution themselves. They will be placed in the most suitable host institution concerning the field of study. After study on the program is completed, students should have left at least one academic semester in Kazakhstani university to obtain a higher education diploma. Candidates should be highly motivated and demonstrate leadership through academic work, community service, and extracurricular activities.

Winners will be accepted to full-time study for 1 semester. They are expected to devote 20 or more hours for community service in the first semester and pass professional internship in the second semester. First year students will live with host families or in dormitories and attend two-year colleges. Students enrolled in the 2 and 3 and 4 courses at the time of application will live in dormitories and study in four-year colleges or universities.

More details on the program https://kz.usembassy.gov/education-culture/opportunities/global-undergraduate-exchange/

The International Association for the Exchange of engineer-student (IAESTE) is a non-governmental organization that promotes students of higher technical educational institutions in obtaining opportunities to improve professional skills through internships at leading foreign and local enterprises during the holidays. The purpose of the internship is not making money, but only acquisition of professional skills and experience.

IAESTE was established in 1948. It is an independent, non-political organization actively cooperating with UNESCO and maintains close contacts with the ECOSOC, UNIDO, the International Labour Organization. Over 60 years of activity of the association more than 300 thousand students undergone internship abroad. IAESTE includes committees representing more than 80 countries, and every year the organization receives more and more countries.

The National IAESTE Committee in Kazakhstan was formed in 1996. Today IAESTE Kazakhstan is a full member of the association. Since 1996, 550 Kazakhstani students have been trained in the field of their study in Austria, Australia, the UK, Sweden, Switzerland, Hungary, Germany, Japan, Finland, Norway, the US and 350 foreign students have practiced at local enterprises.

Foreign internships are organized on the basis of the students’ professional objectives in such fields as: mechanics, engineering, computer and oil technology, fundamental and applied sciences, architecture, ecology and management. And since the working language of the association is  English, IAESTE in addition to professional development provides students an opportunity to improve their foreign language skills.

An important aspect of the internship is to provide financial support for interns during their stay, such as accommodation, food and supervision. During their internship the interns are fully in charge of IAESTE Kazakhstan and the receiving companies.

In response the Kazakhstani students prepare presentations about Kazakhstan and home universities. Thus, they become conductors of Kazakh culture, describe reality and the history of the formation of the republic’s independence. It became a tradition to spend evening talks with foreign students when everybody prepares their national dishes, demonstrates them and at the same time tells about the traditions and history of their home countries. Such events are usually unite students.

But most important thing is that the students acquire great experience, see life with their own eyes, explore the other world, the culture, the economics, etc. and receive not only the professional experience, but also broaden their minds, vision and learning independence, which is important both for them and for their parents.

FAQ

Who can participate in the program?

According to the charter of IAESTE students of the second (and further) year of training of higher education institutions under the age of 32 years old (Bachelor, Master and PhD) can participate in the program. Students have to be good at all subjects, proficient in English, and should possess  adequate computer skills.

What are fields of study?

1. engineering sciences (mechanics, electrics, electronics, mining, metallurgy, chemistry, physics, biology, ecology, etc.)
2. information technologies in all spheres of industry
3. agricultural sciences
4. construction and architecture, as well as hotel management.

What are internship periods?

Mainly in summer: from May to September, during the period of your vacation, but sometimes during the year for a period of 2 months or more.

What are the documents to be submitted for application (October-November)?

1. Application form, filled in and signed by you personally.
2. Receipt of payment of the security deposit.

What are the documents to be submitted for nomination?

Motivation letter, list of subjects, etc. (forms are available in the office 229).

What are the students provided with during their internship abroad?

1. Workplace and personal supervisor, who submits a report on the results of the internship (Employer’s report).
2. Financial support (stipend) to cover living expenses and food.
3. Accommodation mostly in dormitories or in an apartment provided by local IAESTE office in the host country. You pay for accommodation from funds provided by the employer.
4. Acquaintance with local IAESTE community members, students who provide sightseeing around the host city/country;
5. Good English language training and acquisition of a lot of friends.

What I should pay for?

Student shall pay for travel expenses to the place of practice and back (ticket 600 to $ 800), as well as for the purchase of an insurance policy (1 € per day) for a period of internship and consular fees for visas (€ 60 in Europe, $ 100 and more in America and Australia). But in some cases students also pay for a work permit (Work Permit), in this case visa costs rise up to $ 150.

1. refundable deposit in the amount of 15,000 tenge, which goes to the cost of finding a job for internship.
2. voluntary contribution in the amount of 40,000 tenge in obtaining space (Work offered). Payment is made in two stages: at the stage of nomination (preparation of documents) and when receiving confirmation of acceptance for internship.
3. minimum fee in the amount of 40,000 tenge is paid by students from universities having IAESTE branch offices, they are:

 

• Symbat Business Fashion Academy;
• Almaty Technological University;
• Almaty University of Energy and Communications;
• East Kazakhstan Technical University;
• Zhezkazgan University named after Bakonurov;
• Innovative University of Eurasia;
• Kazakh National University named after Al-Farabi;
• Caspian State University of Technology and Engineering;
• Kostanay Engineering and Economic University;
• Pavlodar State University;
• Rudny Industrial Institute;
• North-Kazakhstan State University;
• South-Kazakhstan State University

More details on the program http://www.iaeste.org/about-iaeste/member-countries/

Chevening British Scholarship Program was founded in 1983. It was known as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Scholarships and Awards Scheme (FCOSAS). The Program was renamed in 1994 according to personal order of Douglas Hurd, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He decided to rename the program in the honour of the Chevening Estate in Kent County in the South of England, his official country residence.

The program provides an opportunity to get first-class education at any university of Great Britain you like, as well as to conduct research work (during the period from three to six months). And besides, it is an invaluable experience in a multinational environment.

Prior Fields of the Program:

• Public Administration
• International Relations
• Political Science, Political Studies
• Human Rights, Civil, Constitutional and International Law;
• Journalism (print, media broadcasters)
• Sustainable Development and Environmental Studies
• Innovations aimed at ensuring sustainable economic development, growth of economics and business, global climate stability
• Economics (excluding MBA)

The Program is designed for ambitious graduate and post-graduate students between the ages of 22 and 35 years old. Academic field mostly include the Humanitarians and Economic Sciences – Governance, Oil Business, Law, Finance, etc. As a rule, training contains Masters’ program classes and research activity during a few months.

The main criterion for selection of participants is their high academic and professional achievements (at least two years of professional experience in the field) and good knowledge of language. The competition is held in four stages. Winners are lucky to choose the place of study among 113 British universities. The cost of education there shouldn’t be higher than £ 12 thousand per year, the funds left after payment of flight tickets, accommodation fees and other expenses.

The Kazakhstani Office of British Council can accept the documents for this and other programs such as TNK-BP named in the honour of Kapitsa, John Smith Scholarship and others. There are nine different programs in total. The most popular among them is TNK-BP named in the honour of Kapitsa which is funded by the TNK-BP company and the Cambridge Overseas Trust. It is designed for professionals in the field of Law, Management, Engineering and Natural Sciences. The main selection criterion is that the applicant must be accepted by Cambridge University. Each year, the fund allocates eight scholarships for students.

More details on the program http://www.chevening.org/kazakhstan/

DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service is the largest organization in the world supporting  international exchange of students and researchers. Nowadays DAAD unites 239 German universities and 122 student organizations. It is an intermediary body in organization of foreign cultural policy, as well as Higher Education Policy and Research in Germany. Central office of DAAD is located in Bonn, Germany. DAAD organizes and finances academic exchange of students and scholars, supports study of the German language, informs about the possibilities of study and research in Germany and promotes development of international relations in German universities, as well as the prestige of the least. DAAD has 15 foreign representative offices and 55 data centers around the world.

DAAD Information Centre in Almaty has started its work in the early 90s. During this time, more than 3,700 Kazakh students and scholars have studied and conducted research in Germany in the framework of the DAAD Scholarship Program. Dozens of German scientists and professors worked at Kazakh universities. Key areas of activity Information Center in Kazakhstan are:

• information on education and research in Germany;
• outreach activities at universities, educational and scientific centers of Kazakhstan, as well as participation in educational exhibitions;
• general consultation on training issues, scientific training in Germany;
• information on the DAAD scholarship program, submitting documents for participation in the competition;
• help to universities in co-operation with German partners;
• maintaining contact with graduates of German universities from Kazakhstan.

DAAD activities in Kazakhstan are carried out in the following areas:

• DAAD in Kazakhstan governs scientific cooperation between Germany and Kazakhstan in all directions;
• DAAD informs individual stakeholders and educational organizations on opportunities for research or study in Germany;
• DAAD shares funds for Kazakh students, graduates and scientists of all areas within the extensive scholarship programs;
• DAAD shares funds for short-term and long-term Habilitation German scientists in the universities of Kazakhstan;
• DAAD promotes scientific cooperation between German and Kazakhstani higher education institutions;
• DAAD supports scientific conferences in Kazakhstan;
• DAAD assists in the framework of special programs of the faculties of German studies and German language in the universities of Kazakhstan.

More details on the program http://www.daad.kz/en/

The Fulbright Program is a program of educational grants. It was founded in 1946 and put forward by the former senator from the US state of Arkansas, James William Fulbright. The program is funded by the State Department, with the aim of strengthening cultural and academic relations between citizens of the USA and other countries.

The Fulbright Program is the largest of the US government-sponsored international exchange programs in the field of education. It was created in order to improve mutual understanding between the American people and the peoples of other countries. The Fulbright Program has provided more than 300 thousand of its members, selected due to their scientific potential and leadership qualities, the opportunity to get acquainted with the work of political, economic and cultural organizations in other countries, to exchange ideas and initiate joint projects for the common benefit of the peoples of the world. The Fulbright Program is governed by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of States. From the time of introduction of the Program 46,800 foreign scientists conducted research or taught in universities in the US and over 45,200 American scientists were engaged in similar activities abroad. Each year the Fulbright Program awards approximately 800 grants to scientists who come to the US from other countries.

The main source of funding for the Fulbright Program is the annual appropriations for the US Congress to the US Department of States. Governments participating in the program, receiving foreign universities and those in the United States are also making a financial contribution to the program, or taking on the part of the costs, either directly or indirectly – in the form of dotatio to the salary of the lecturers, exemption from tuition fees or the provision of university housing.

The Program provides international educational exchange for students, scientists, educators, professionals and artists. On a competitive basis, it provides grants both for American and foreign (including Kazakhstani) students, scientists and researchers. It stimulates the “cross-education”, in particular for US students abroad and foreign ones in the United States. The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious award programs in the world of its kind, it operates in more than 155 countries, in 50 of which there are special committees for governing the Program. In the countries where there are no special committees, the Program is governed by the Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy.

43 graduates of the Fulbright program received the Nobel Prize, 28 graduates got MacArthur Foundation grants and 78 graduates became winners of the Pulitzer Prize.

In the framework of the Program many projects were realized in terms of rapprochement of Kazakhstani and American researchers. The Fulbright Program provides annual grants for about 8000 seekers. Nowadays the Fulbright program has more than 300,000 participants.

More details on the program https://kz.usembassy.gov/education-culture/opportunities/fulbright-program/

The program is designed for students wishing to enroll in the Master’s (2nd year) and Doctorate Programs in France, who perfectly speak French (and / or English) and had never been scholarship holders of the French Government.

Students participating in the competition must register in the desired university.

Requirements: very good level of language (for training in French – at least B2 level; for bilingual education programs – B2 level for English and B1 for French), age: priority is given to students under the age of 30 years – for candidates for master’s degree, 35 years – for candidates for doctoral studies; a diploma of higher education; 1 year of education in master’s programs, or certificate confirming the last year of studies in bachelor programs in Kazakhstan.

Academic Field: All areas enabling France to cooperation with Kazakhstan.

Diploma, offered in France: Master 2 (second year of master’s programs), Doctoral.

Duration: 9 months (Master’s programs) or 6 months for 3 years (Doctoral programs).

The advantages of this program:
• paid travel expenses Kazakhstan – France – Kazakhstan and travel from city of arrival to the place of study;
• paid record to the university and insurance (social insurance);
• priority in getting accommodation in the dormitories;
• monthly stipend for housing, food and running costs (about 760 euro);
• training costs about 700 euro per year;
• In addition, the students have a numerous preferential tariffs while visiting cultural and sporting events.

More details on the program http://www.kazakhstan.campusfrance.org/node/7793

The program of scholarships for the best achievements in study was launched in January 1999 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France. It is designed to support international students in studying in French higher education institutions in the era of increased competition between developed countries for elite foreign students enrolled in Master’s, Engineering or Doctoral studies.

The scholarship program is designed for French-speaking and English-speaking students under the age of 30 years (Graduate programs), and 35 (Post-Graduate programs).

Academic field: Engineering Sciences, Economics, Management, Law and Political Sciences.

Diploma, offered in France: Master’s or PhD degree.

Duration: 2 years of Master’s programs, 1 year of PhD programs.

The program is designed for foreign students, whose knowledge is recognized by French universities and who want to continue personal academic development. The education they receive in France, will give them the opportunity to work in senior positions in the public and private sector enterprises, except for educational and research scholarships.

More details on the program http://www.kazakhstan.campusfrance.org/node/8192

The program is designed for French-speaking and English-speaking students with a graduate degree in engineering sciences.

Academic field: Engineering Sciences.

Diploma, offered in France: State engineering degree (Master).

Duration of training: 2 years.

This program is open to foreign students. It provides access to the best French engineering schools, but doesn’t automatically provide a scholarship. However, the candidates accepted for training in engineering schools in Toulouse and Nancy, may apply for Bolashak scholarship as independent applicants or to apply for Eifel scholarship.

The N+1 program is a part of a network of 70 high schools that offer training in all engineering fields.

The training consists of language training period (from July to September), and then, 1 semester of implementation (the period of linguistic, cultural and methodological adaptation), during which the students get acquainted with the teaching of science in France. This semester consists of classes on engineering sciences, adapted for international students. The students receive individual assistance of an advisor. The following three semesters the students continue training with French students in the engineering schools and undergo an internship at the enterprise.

To participate in this program the students should go to the program website. Engineering schools connect with the students to notify about the acceptance, if they are interested in the students’ profiles.

NB: Admission campaign runs from September to March. Thus, you can be recorded during this period. But the sooner your file is filled, the more chances you have to be enrolled in a school.

More details on the program http://www.kazakhstan.campusfrance.org/node/8206

The program was created in 1990 by four engineering schools (Collège des Ingénieurs). It provides annual training programs in Management for Central and Eastern Europe.

The program is designed for French-speaking students under the age of 30 years, with a five-year degree in Economics, Engineering or Natural Sciences, as well as having any professional experience. The program covers Economic, Juridical and Natural Sciences.

Academic Field: Management.

Diploma, offered in France: Diploma of Higher School (equivalent to Master’s degree +).

Duration: 12 months (6 months of training + 6 months of internship at the enterprise).

Successful training takes place due to partnership with major French enterprises where the students go through a 6-month internship.

The program pursues two goals:
• Sharing new information in the field of management with young engineers who already have a high level diploma;
• Removing cultural barriers in order for successful professional integration into French enterprises.

The advantages of this program:
This program is managed by EGIDE, a special organization in France. It provides:

• Tuition fees and insurance (social insurance);
• Accommodation in the dormitories;
• Transportation costs;
• Monthly stipend for housing, food and the running costs (about 760 euro per month for 12 months);
• The costs of training 700 euro per year.

In addition, the students have numerous preferential tariffs while visiting cultural and sporting events.

More details on the program http://www.kazakhstan.campusfrance.org/node/8188