Admission Process
{spoiler=For State Grant Applicants}
Admission is conducted on a competitive basis based on the results of the entrance exam in the doctoral program subject area. A minimum score of 75 out of 100 is required.
In case of equal scores, priority is given to the applicant with the highest score in the specialized subject area. Scientific achievements related to the program are also considered, such as:
● Scientific publications (including those in Q1 or Q2 journals indexed in Web of Science / Journal Citation Reports)
● Patents and certificates of scientific development
● Grants, scholarships, diplomas, and awards for research and conference participation
Mandatory requirements for admission:
● Master’s degree
● Passing the PhD entrance exam
● International English proficiency certificate
● KAZTEST certificate (any level, issued by NCT)
● Minimum 9 months of professional work experience
● Certificate of completion of the pedagogical cycle (for holders of a professionally oriented master’s degree)
GRE holders are exempt from writing the essay portion and take only the subject-specific exam block. GRE scores must be submitted during the application and are converted according to VED (internal evaluation system).
Applicants with TOEFL ITP must take an additional English language test prior to the entrance exam. This consists of 100 questions with a maximum score of 100. A minimum of 75 is required to pass.
The additional test is administered by the National Testing Center (NTC) and evaluated as “pass” or “fail.”
Required Documents:
1. Doctoral applicant questionnaire – form provided at submission
2. Application form – completed upon submission
3. Master’s diploma and transcript (in 3 languages) – original
4. National ID – original and copy
5. Six 3x4 cm photographs – original
6. Medical certificate (Form 075-U) – original
7. PhD entrance exam certificate (VED) – after passing
8. KAZTEST certificate – any level
9. International English certificate – original and copy
10. Document confirming work experience (minimum 9 months) – HR certified
11. List of scientific publications (last 3 years) and/or research proposal
12. Entrance fee receipt – 10,000 KZT
{/spoilers}
{spoiler=For Tuition-Based Applicants}
Admission to the PhD program on a fee-paying basis is based on the results of the entrance exam in the relevant educational program group. Applicants must score at least 75 out of 100 points.
To be admitted to the PhD program at KBTU, the following requirements must be met:
● Passing the PhD entrance exam
● Holding a Master's degree
● Possessing an international English language proficiency certificate
● Providing a KAZTEST certificate (any level) issued by the National Testing Center (NTC)
● Having at least 9 months of work experience
● Possessing a certificate of completion of the pedagogical cycle (for holders of a Master's degree in a professional field)
If the applicant holds a valid Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) certificate, they are exempt from writing an essay during the entrance exam and will take only the specialized subject test. The GRE scores must be submitted during the exam application and will be converted into the national entrance exam score during the state grant competition.
Applicants with a TOEFL ITP certificate must take an additional English language test prior to the entrance exam. This test includes 100 questions and is scored out of 100 points.
The additional English language test is conducted by the National Testing Center (NTC) at authorized institutions and is evaluated on a "pass"/"fail" basis.
To receive a “pass,” applicants must score at least 75 points.
{/spoilers}