Admissions

Entry Requirements

Applicants are expected to meet the following criteria:

• • Bachelor's degree and Master's degree, or completed medical residency program
• • GPA minimum 2.75 out of 4.00
• • Minimum 3 years of clinical/medical experience
• • Participation in research activities with supporting evidence of scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals Q1-Q2 (if available)
• • IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 70 (exemptions apply for degrees completed fully in English or in English-speaking countries)
• • Acceptance letter from the supervisor

PhD Program Application Procedure:

• • Download and complete the application form in English.
• • Register on the admissions.umc.org.kz portal.
• • Upload the completed application form to the Additional Documents section, along with scanned copies of all required documents in English or with a notarized English translation.
• • Submit the application online.

List of Documents for Preliminary Selection

• 1. Completed application form;
• 2. Diplomas and transcripts of higher and postgraduate education (if not in English, provide notarized English translation);
• 3. Identity document (national ID card or passport);
• 4. English language proficiency certificate: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 70;
• 5. Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 2 pages);
• 6. Statement of purpose (500 words);
• 7. Research proposal (2000 words);
• 8. Proof of employment (copy of employment record book; if not in English, provide notarized English translation);
• 9. Two recommendation letters (issued within the last 12 months, by academic or professional referees other than your future supervisor);
• 10. KAZTEST certificate (if available; otherwise to be submitted at the next stage; not required for international applicants);
• 11. Supporting documents (if available): publications, grants, awards;
• 12. Acceptance letter from the supervisor (by your future PhD supervisor);
• 13. Application fee: 15 000 KZT.

The results of the preliminary selection for the PhD program determine whether a candidate is eligible or not eligible to participate in the doctoral program competition.

Statement of Purpose

The Statement of Purpose is expected to present the applicant as a researcher and to demonstrate readiness for enrollment in a doctoral (PhD) program. It should describe how the applicant's education and academic background have contributed to the development of their research interests and research experience, outline the goals of doctoral study, and explain how previous research experience is related to these goals. A brief mention of several research projects is acceptable; however, the primary focus should be placed on one key research experience. The scientific question or research topic should be clearly defined, its significance for medicine justified, and the hypotheses formulated. The methods used to test these hypotheses, as well as the obtained results or expected outcomes, should be described and interpreted. The statement should demonstrate the applicant's ability to apply a scientific approach to the analysis of problems and ideas.

Research Proposal

The Research Proposal is expected to present a specific idea for future doctoral research within a PhD program. The document should focus not on prior experience but on the planned scientific work. A relevant scientific problem in the field of medicine should be described, along with a justification of its scientific and practical significance. The aim of the study, as well as the main research questions and/or hypotheses to be tested, should be clearly formulated. The proposed research methodology should be described in detail, including the study design, sample (if applicable), methods of data collection, and approaches to data analysis. The expected results of the study and their potential contribution to the advancement of medical science should be outlined. In addition, an understanding of the possible limitations of the study and its feasibility within the framework of the PhD program should be demonstrated

The entrance assessment will be held from August 4 to August 20 and from November 19 to December 11, 2026. Applicants who pass the preliminary selection will be invited for an interview.

List of Documents:

1. Application form;
2. Diplomas and transcripts of higher and postgraduate education (notarized);
3. Identity document (ID card or passport; passport for international applicants);
4. Official Kazakh language proficiency certificate (KAZTEST) issued by the National Testing Center (except for foreign citizens);
5. English proficiency certificate: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 70;
6. Medical certificate (for Kazakhstan citizens — Form 075/U);
7. Employment verification document (except international applicants);
8. Six (6) photographs, size 3×4 cm;
9. Statement of Purpose — 500 words;
10. Research Proposal — 2000 words;
11. Two recommendation letters (written within the last 12 months);
12. Acceptance letter from the supervisor;
13. Preliminary selection results;
14. Non-criminal record certificate;
15. Curriculum Vitae (CV) — up to 2 pages;
16. List of publications over the past five years (if available);
17. Supporting documents (if available): grants, awards, conference participation, name-change certificate.

Round 1 – Preliminary Selection (Предварительный отбор)

Application and document submission:

• February 3 – April 8

Round 2 – Entrance Assessment (Вступительный экзамен)

Document submission periods:

• July 3 – August 3 (current calendar year)
• October 28 – December 11 (current calendar year)

Entrance assessment periods:

• August 4 – August 20 (current calendar year)
• November 19 – December 11 (current calendar year)

Minimum passing score:

• 75 points

Enrollment Periods

• August 15 – August 28
• December 26 – January 10

Tuition fees for the 2026–2027 academic year:

• PhD program
• Payment is made in two installments: the 1st installment of 50% of the tuition fee is due by August 25 of the calendar year, and the 2nd installment of 50% of the tuition fee is due by February 1 of the following calendar year, unless otherwise provided for by supplementary agreements (and individual payment schedules).

1. All documents must be uploaded to the applicant’s personal account before the end of the online registration.
2. Graduates of foreign universities must request that their official transcripts be sent directly to: phdadmissions@umc.org.kz .
3. All documents must be submitted in English, or with a notarized translation into English.
4. Submission of the complete application package does not guarantee admission to the PhD program.
5. Applicants recommended for enrollment must submit all original documents in hard copy within the deadlines specified by the Research Department.

Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, 38 Turan Avenue, UMC “Heart Center”
Phone: 8 (7172) 70-31-53
E-mail: umc@umc.org.kz