MBBS in South Kazakhstan Medical Academy

South Kazakhstan Medical Academy holds all necessary approvals and international recognitions for global medical practice:

• National Medical Commission (NMC), India
• World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS)
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Ministry of Health, Republic of Kazakhstan
• Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER)

Graduates from SKMA are eligible to appear in:

• FMGE/NEXT (India)
• USMLE (United States)
• PLAB (United Kingdom)
• AMC (Australia)
• MOH, DHA, HAAD (Gulf Countries)

South Kazakhstan Medical Academy offers a compelling blend of academic excellence, affordability, and real-world clinical training—making it an ideal choice for medical aspirants looking for a globally recognized MBBS degree.

Key Benefits:

• No Donation or Entrance Exam: Admission based on academic eligibility and NEET qualification—no capitation fee required.
• English-Medium Curriculum: Entire MBBS program is delivered in English, taught by experienced faculty trained in Kazakhstan and abroad.
• Globally Recognized Degree: Approved by NMC, WHO, FAIMER, and WDOMS; recognized in India, USA, UK, Australia, and Gulf nations.
• Affordable Tuition & Living Costs: One of the most budget-friendly options in Central Asia for a fully recognized medical degree.
• Strong Clinical Exposure: Hands-on hospital training begins in the 3rd year across affiliated hospitals in Shymkent.
• Indian Student Community: Over 2,000 Indian students currently enrolled, with Indian mess and cultural clubs available on campus.
• Safe Urban Environment: Shymkent is a student-friendly city with a multicultural population and modern amenities.
• Guidance for FMGE/NEXT: Dedicated support and resources for licensure exams like FMGE, USMLE, and PLAB.
• Language Support: To support seamless communication during clinical postings, the academy offers introductory Russian and Kazakh language classes, particularly focused on hospital and patient interaction. These sessions do not interfere with the English-medium academic curriculum and are available from the first year.

The MBBS program at SKMA is structured over six years, following guidelines approved by the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan and aligned with NMC standards.

MBBS Duration:

• Total Duration: 6 years
• – 5 years academic training
• – 1 year of mandatory internship

Curriculum Overview:

Teaching Methodologies:

• Case-based and patient-centred learning
• Simulation labs and virtual learning platforms
• Problem-solving tutorials and OSCE-style assessments
• Regular MCQ-based assessments for FMGE/NEXT prep

SKMA’s medical faculty is composed of over 350+ teaching staff, including doctors of medical sciences, associate professors, and clinical mentors.

Key Departments:

• Faculty of General Medicine
• Faculty of Dentistry
• Faculty of Pharmacy
• Faculty of Nursing
• Department of Public Health
• Clinical Skills and Simulation Training Centre

Academic Highlights:

• International collaborations with medical universities in Europe and Asia.
• Guest lectures from Indian and Russian professors.
• Dedicated clinical training department to oversee hospital rotations.

SKMA is also planning to expand its postgraduate and research divisions by 2026, particularly in public health, pathology, and pharmacology.

Fee Structure & Affordability

One of the strongest advantages of studying at SKMA is its affordable fee structure, especially compared to medical education costs in India and Europe.

Tuition & Hostel Fee Breakdown:

Other Estimated Costs:

• Medical Insurance: $100/year
• Visa & Administrative Charges: ~$300 (One-time)
• Food (Indian Mess): $100–$120/month

Payment Flexibility:

• Semester-wise and annual payment options available.
• Support for education loans with proper documentation provided by the university.
• Scholarship Note: While tuition at SKMA is already highly affordable, merit-based tuition discounts may be considered for outstanding students in their later years, depending on academic performance and university funding availability. These are decided annually by the academic council.

The MBBS curriculum at South Kazakhstan Medical Academy (SKMA) spans 6 years (5 academic years + 1-year internship) and follows globally recognized standards. The program is taught in English and adheres to the guidelines of NMC and WHO.

Year-wise Breakdown

Clinical exposure begins from the 3rd year, ensuring hands-on training alongside academics.

The course is fully English-medium, aligned with NMC and WHO guidelines.

SKMA offers well-maintained and secure hostel facilities exclusively for international students, including Indian students.

Hostel Features:

• Separate hostels for boys and girls.
• Fully furnished rooms (2–3 students per room).
• Central heating, study desks, wardrobes, and attached bathrooms.
• 24x7 Wi-Fi access, CCTV surveillance, and round-the-clock security.
• On-campus mess facilities offering Indian food (veg and non-veg).
• Laundry and recreational zones within hostel premises.

Distance:

• All hostel buildings are within 5–10 minutes walking distance from the main academic blocks and teaching hospitals.

Mess & Food:

• Dedicated Indian mess managed by Indian chefs.
• Monthly mess charges: ~$100 (varies slightly depending on meal plan).
• Option for self-cooking is also available.

Shymkent is the third-largest city in Kazakhstan and is known for being both culturally vibrant and budget-friendly for international students.

Monthly Living Expense (Estimated):

Other One-Time Costs:

• Visa + Invitation: ~$300
• Airfare (Round Trip): ₹25,000–₹35,000
• Medical insurance: ~$100/year

Tip: Living costs in Shymkent are 20–30% lower than in many other countries with similar academic standards.

Travel & Accessibility

The closest airport to SKMA is Shymkent International Airport (CIT), just 10–15 km from the main campus. The university organizes airport pickup for international students, particularly during the main intake window in August–September. Indian support representatives and student coordinators are available at arrival to assist with transport and onboarding.

MBBS graduates from SKMA are well-positioned to pursue a variety of career and academic pathways globally.

For Indian Students:

• FMGE/NEXT Eligibility: SKMA is recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC), India. Students are eligible to appear for the FMGE (until 2026) and NEXT exams (from 2027).
• The curriculum is FMGE-aligned, and many Indian students receive preparatory support from faculty and peers.
• Graduates may apply for internship equivalency in India or complete it in Kazakhstan as per NMC rules.

Global Licensing Pathways:

• USA: Eligible for USMLE Steps 1 & 2 CK, leading to residency and licensure.
• UK: Can appear for PLAB 1 & 2, followed by General Medical Council (GMC) registration.
• Germany: Students can pursue post-MBBS medical training after achieving B2-C1 level German proficiency.
• UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar: Eligible for MOH, DHA, and HAAD licensing exams with documentation.

Further Studies:

• SKMA graduates often pursue MD/MS degrees in India or abroad.
• Also eligible for MPH, Hospital Administration, and Clinical Research programs in Canada, Europe, and Australia.

Here’s a quick comparison to help students and parents evaluate why South Kazakhstan Medical Academy (SKMA) is a strong option for pursuing MBBS abroad:

South Kazakhstan Medical Academy (SKMA) stands out for its affordability, English-medium instruction, and structured FMGE preparation support—making it a preferred choice for Indian medical aspirants.