Regional hub
Shymkent is one of Kazakhstan's largest cities and a major hub for the country's south.
General Medicine (MBBS-equivalent) · 2026-2027
South Kazakhstan Medical Academy
A public medical academy in Shymkent tracing back to a 1979 medical institute.
LocationShymkent, Kazakhstan
Founded1979
ProgrammeGeneral Medicine (MBBS-equivalent)
Duration6 years
University overview
A public medical academy in southern Kazakhstan.
South Kazakhstan Medical Academy (SKMA) is a public medical academy in Shymkent. It traces back to Shymkent State Medical Institute, founded in 1979, and was successively renamed South Kazakhstan State Pharmaceutical Academy in 2001 and South Kazakhstan Medical Academy in 2004.
- Public medical academy in Shymkent, tracing back to a 1979 medical institute
- Renamed twice — 2001 and 2004 — under its current SKMA name since 2004
- Accredited by Kazakhstan's Ministry of Education and Science
- Six-year General Medicine programme structure
Life in Shymkent
Studying in Shymkent, southern Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan provides several medical-study choices for international students. A careful comparison should cover academics, hospital exposure, language, accommodation and the full pathway to professional registration.
Student community
An established base of Indian and South Asian medical students in the city.
Setting
A Turkistan Region city with a warmer climate than much of the rest of Kazakhstan.
Climate
A continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, varying by region.
Community
An established Indian and South Asian student community across Kazakhstan's university cities.
Cost of living
Generally moderate food, transport and accommodation costs compared with many other study destinations.
Connectivity
Regular flight connections to India via regional hubs, supporting travel home during breaks.
Accreditations and listings
Organisations named in the university's materials.
A listing or accreditation reference must be checked directly for the exact programme and current intake.
World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) — as listed in the university's fee sheet
Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER)
Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)
General Medical Council (GMC) — as listed in the university's fee sheet
University leadership
Who leads SKMA.
Rector, South Kazakhstan Medical Academy
Zhanna Serikzhanovna Seitzhanova
Rector since September 2024, having previously served as Vice-Rector for Financial and Economic Affairs from 2018, per the university's official biography page.
Source: university websiteAdmission requirements
Review my profilePrepare the academic record and original documents.
Entry requirements
- Valid NEET qualification as applicable to Indian students
- 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English
- Minimum age and marks under prevailing National Medical Commission rules
- University-specific application, document and health requirements
Supporting documents
- Original 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates
- Passport valid for the full programme duration
- NEET scorecard and admission-related certificates
- Passport-size photographs as specified by the university
Important for Indian applicants
Indian applicants must meet the prevailing National Medical Commission eligibility requirements before admission.
Confirm the current fee schedule, hostel policy and intake dates directly with the university before making any payment.
This page summarises figures from the fee sheet provided to Yodhapath for the 2026-27 intake; all figures require current written confirmation.
Fee structure 2026-2027
The fees, exactly as listed.
All amounts are shown exactly as presented in the university's fee sheet and require current written confirmation.
| Year | Tuition Fee ($) | Hostel Fee ($) | Insurance, Visa & Documentation | Total ($) | Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Year | $4,500 | $800 | $1,200 | $6,500 | ₹6,75,000 |
| 2nd Year | $4,500 | $800 | $300 | $5,500 | ₹4,95,000 |
| 3rd Year | $4,500 | $800 | $300 | $5,500 | ₹4,95,000 |
| 4th Year | $4,500 | $800 | $300 | $5,500 | ₹4,95,000 |
| 5th Year | $4,500 | $800 | $300 | $5,500 | ₹4,95,000 |
| 6th Year | $4,500 | $800 | $300 | $5,500 | ₹4,95,000 |
| Total programme cost | $34,000 (approximately ₹31,50,000) | ||||
Food expenses: approximately $1,300 per year. Hostel: $700-1,000 per year, subject to availability.
One-time charges payable in India: approximately ₹1,50,000 plus the air ticket — covering admission seat reservation, MEA apostille attestation, invitation documentation, visa charges in India, guidance across all six years, document translation, airport pickup and hostel allotment.
Student services
Support from application to graduation.
Yodhapath supports a structured transition, clearer cost planning and practical help so students can focus on study and career growth.
Administrative and documentation
Application processing, verification, offer letter, translations, notarisation, apostille, legalisation, education-ministry and immigration support, invitations, visa assistance and document review.
Pre-arrival and travel
Flight-booking guidance, airport pickup and transport to the university or hostel.
Financial and payment
Assistance with timely and secure tuition-fee payments.
Accommodation and living
University hostel booking and assistance for students choosing private accommodation.
Enrolment
University registration, local ID and police registration, mentorship and counselling.
Post-graduation
Degree attestation, embassy verification, residency and licensing-exam guidance, and alumni networking.
Fee payment terms and conditions
- Tuition and hostel fees are payable in advance according to the university schedule.
- Each semester's or year's charges must be cleared before it begins; late payment may prevent progression and may attract penalties.
- First-year hostel fees must be paid before travel, and education-loan formalities should be completed before travel confirmation.
- Refunds are governed by university policy and may be calculated according to services already used.
Free profile review
Book free counselling Is SKMA the right fit for your medical pathway?
Compare the exact entry route, total cost, and Indian regulatory requirements with a Yodhapath counsellor.