Kyrgyzstan

Country snapshot

• Capital: Bishkek

• Languages: Kyrgyz & Russian (English-taught options available)

• Dial code: +996

• Currency: Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS)

• Main intakes: September/October (some programmes also start in February)

Why study in Kyrgyzstan?

You’ll find competitive tuition, English-medium tracks in popular fields (notably medicine), and a straightforward admission process for many programmes. Student life is affordable, with accessible transport, diverse cuisine, and plenty of outdoor activities in the mountains around Bishkek and Osh.

Key benefits

• Affordable tuition & low living costs

• English-taught pathways in medicine, engineering, IT, and business

• Small cohorts & practical training with approachable faculty

• Growing international community across major campuses

• Strategic location for exploring Central Asia

Eligibility (general)

• Undergraduate: Secondary school completion meeting subject/grade requirements (science subjects preferred for medicine/engineering)

• Postgraduate: Relevant bachelor’s degree; minimum GPA/credits vary by programme

• Language: Proof of English for English-taught tracks (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent). For Russian/Kyrgyz-taught programmes, language proficiency or a preparatory course may be needed

• Programme-specific: Entrance tests/interviews (common in medical faculties); portfolios for arts/design where applicable

Required documents (typical)

• Valid passport

• Academic transcripts & certificates (with certified translations if needed)

• Proof of language proficiency (if required)

• Statement of Purpose / motivation letter

• 1–2 Letters of Recommendation

• CV/Resume (where applicable)

• Passport-size photos

• Medical certificate & vaccination record (often requested for medicine)

• Proof of funds for tuition and living costs

Visa & residence (overview)

• Receive an official offer/acceptance from your university

• Apply for a student visa (requirements vary by nationality; some students enter visa-free then convert status)

• On arrival, complete medical checks/registration and obtain a residence permit for the duration of studies

• Maintain valid health insurance for your stay

Work during & after studies

• During studies: Part-time work opportunities exist but can be limited; always follow current immigration and university rules

• After studies: Graduates may pursue local opportunities or use their degree to seek internships or further study in other countries

Costs (guide numbers)

(Figures vary by university, programme, and city.)

• Tuition — General UG/PG: ~US$ 1,500 – 4,000 per year

• Medicine/Dentistry/Pharmacy: commonly ~US$ 2,500 – 6,000+ per year

• Living expenses: ~US$ 250 – 500 per month (housing, food, transport, insurance)

• Health insurance: plan-dependent; budget US$ 100 – 300 per year

Popular universities (examples)

• Kyrgyz State Medical Academy (KSMA), Bishkek

• International School of Medicine (ISM), Bishkek & Issyk-Kul

• Osh State University (Medical Faculty), Osh

• American University of Central Asia (AUCA), Bishkek

• Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University (KRSU), Bishkek

• Kyrgyz National University (KNU), Bishkek

Scholarships & funding (examples)

• University entrance/merit scholarships and tuition discounts

• Country-specific or external funding schemes

• Limited departmental bursaries; assistantships mainly at postgraduate level

Application steps

1. Shortlist programmes (language of instruction, prerequisites, deadlines)

2. Prepare documents (transcripts, translations, SOP, references, language test, CV; medical documents for health programmes)

3. Submit applications via university portals/representatives; complete any entrance exams/interviews

4. Accept offer & pay deposit; request official admission/visa letters

5. Apply for the student visa, arrange insurance, accommodation, and travel

6. Arrive & register: medical checks, migration registration, residence permit

7. Enrol & orient: pick up timetable/student ID and set up banking/phone/transport