Academic Mobility for Incoming exchange Students

How to apply

• A student should be nominated by partner university. Complete an online application via http://www2.kimep.kz/onlineappl/
  Upload the following:
• Scanned copy of your passport;
• Color photo (passport size);
• Scanned copy of your official transcript (bring original with you);
• Tick for the Dormitory (Residence Hall) through KIMEP online application if you need it.

By the end of May complete the application for exchange in Fall semester, and by the end of November for exchange in Spring semester, uploading the following:

• Scanned copy of your immunization/vaccination record;
  — Scanned copy of a bank statement (demonstrating possession of $5000 if the duration of your study period is one academic year; and $2500 for one semester) or a letter from the university about a mobility grant (bring the original with you)
  — Scanned copy of a document demonstrating that a student have no criminal background (bring the original with you)
• Language proficiency (Letter from university/equivalent to IELTS 6.0).

Before arrival procedures:

2. Receive from the Admission Office an Admission letter with a student ID number to proceed with visa, travel planning, registration for courses, etc.;
3. Fill in the Visa form and send to Visa Coordinator at visa@kimep.kz along with the copy of the passport;
4. Receive an Invitation Letter with a number from the Visa Coordinator and apply for visa from home country;
5. Plan your trip;
6. Register for courses using the ID number;
7. Select via online tool a room in the dormitory or apply for an off-campus housing.

Accommodation:
KIMEP University guarantees a place in the dormitory for exchange students coming from partner universities, if it is so stipulated in the agreement between both institutions. However, upon availability, the remaining places can be allocated to students who indicated this need in the online application form. Those who would like to live off campus should request an assistance in finding a flat (to live alone or share with other students).

After Arrival Procedures:

1. Visit Coordinator for incoming mobility who gives you the required documents and to whom you submit original certificates from your country.
2. Daniil Litvin (Mr.)
   International Office
   Residence Hall bld.
   Email: incoming@kimep.kz
   Tel: +7 (727) 2374800 (ext. 1038)
   2. Complete Medical check up in medical clinics of Almaty to obtain the following documents:
      • Chest X-ray;
      • Medical Certificate Form 086/y.

   A KIMEP car will be organized and a Buddy will accompany you.

   3. Prepare and Submit the following documents to Visa coordinator:
      • copy of passport;
      • Migration card;
      • 2 passport size photo;
      • Student Statement Order;
      • Residence address in Almaty (KIMEP dormitory (2 Abay avenue) if you stay there/ or an address of a rental apartment)

   Visa Coordinator will give you a cheque for the Invitation letter and a student should pay in the Cashier office 118/Dostyk building.
   Email: visa@kimep.kz
   #111 Dostyk Building
   tel. +7 727 2704229 ext. 2048

   4. Get username and password for login to the computers on campus and Wi-Fi from Coordinator for incoming students;
   5. Get Entry Card and Student library Card (in #101/new library) submitting
      • Copy of passport
      • 3*4 size photo
   6. Attend orientation session (See Calendar of events)
      7. During Add/drop period you may withdraw from/add new courses

Academic Mobility Rules

1. Eligibility criteria:

Applicants have to:

• have a solid command of English language (average GPA in English language courses min. B (3.0)/ IELTS 6/ TOEFL IBT 72/ TOEFL PBT 523) If the language of instruction of the home university is English, then a certificate from the international office is sufficient;
• be 18 years old or above;
• have GPA of 2.67 or above (out of 4.33);
• be a full-time degree student at the moment of application for the exchange program.

2. Nomination and Application process

• Call for nomination  is normally announced 4 months prior to a start of a mobility period
• Partner university makes nominations
• International Office informs nominated students 2 month prior the start of a mobility program
• Nominated students apply for academic mobility program through KIMEP online application portal

Application Pack:

Required at the pre selection stage:

• Copy of international passport;
• Copy of current official transcript;
• 3*4 colored photo.

Required at the pre arrival stage: 

• Proof of English language proficiency (see above) ;
• Vaccinations records certificate
• Bank or Income statement ( 2500$ per semester or $5000 per year)
• Criminal record

Submission of falsified documents leads to immediate dismissal from the exchange program and filing a complaint to the home university.

Nominated student: 

is exempted from paying admission and tuition fees but

• is responsible for travel, visa, living expenses, health insurance, textbooks,  supplies and deposits
• may register for any courses, including professional and research internship,  master or PhD thesis  if approved by a home universities but should be registered for at least 15 ECTS/9 KIMEP credits;
• has to pass a checkup at a local clinic  and obtain local health insurance upon arrival;
• may extend his/her exchange period for the next academic semester if approvals of home and host universities are granted;
• agrees that his/her personal data may be disclosed to a third party;
• is expected to inform host and home universities within 5 (five) calendar days about hardship withdrawal from the program

FAQ questions of Exchange students

What is a required list of documents that I need to submit in order to apply for exchange program?
Download to the on-line application:

• a scan of your passport
• a photo (passport type)
• a scan of your official transcript (records of grades)
• a scan of your list of vaccinations (vaccinations records)
• a scan of the bank statement (of 2500$ per semester)
• a scan of criminal background absence (criminal records)
• a scan of insurance , which covers Kazakhstan

Does the Coordinator of incoming mobility offer assistance with off-campus housing? 
The Coordinator of incoming mobility is your first contact at KIMEP. The Coordinator of incoming mobility is a liaison between the exchange student and other support units and will coordinate the Housing Manager to find off-campus accommodation for you.

Where can I find registration procedure for courses? 
As Exchange students you have a few differences in registration process. Step-by-Step registration procedure is written in Exchange Student Guide which you will find in the information package sent to you by email after your home university nominated you. Also, on the Student Portal you will find a file with the detailed information for regular students.

Do I have any support in airport transfer?
Yes, Find the Airport Transfer Form on-line on the Student Portal,  and apply minimum 10 working days in advance. A KIMEP driver with logo “KIMEP”  will pick you up.

Can I change my schedule, registration for or withdraw from classes at KIMEP?
Before add/drop period finishes, which is the first week of classes, you can make changes free of charge.  Any later registration or changes are allowed with a certain payment of fee.

If a class says M, W, and F, can I choose which day to go? Or do I have to go all three days (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday)?
We strongly recommend you to attend all scheudled classes. New material is covered each day and class attendance is very important for you. However, each professor has syllabi where attendance is indicated as obligatory or free.

How many credits do I have to take?
You need to be a full time exchange student: minimum & maximum US (KIMEP) credits per semester: 12-18. However, if you cannot find appropriate courses, you need to inform the Coordinator of incoming mobility.

Should I submit any document after arrival to KIMEP?
Upon arrival, submit original transcript, criminal record, bank statement, 4 matt color passport size photos to the Admission Office.
Your Buddy will escort you to a local clinic in Almaty to obtain the following documents to submit to the Medical center:

• X-ray of Chest
• Medical form 086/u

Should I visit Visa Office after arrival to KIMEP?
You MUST visit KIMEP visa office on the first working day after arrival. Violation of the visa regime in Kazakhstan will result in a fine. Immediately upon arrival send a picture of your passport and migration card by WhatsApp to +77013600216 or email  visa@kimep.kz

Please visit Coordinator for incoming mobility who will assist you in collecting the following documents before visiting the Visa Office:

1. Passport and a copy of the photo page
2. Migration card (received at the customs control upon entry into the country)
3. Address of your residence in Almaty (confirmation from the KIMEP dormitory or an rented apartment)
4. Student Statement Order (obtained at the Registrar office, Valikhanov Bld., office # 201)

Can I Take books from KIMEP library and should I pay for it?
For the books used for reading in the Libraries you do not need to pay. However, if you want to take them with you for a certain period (week, semester, etc) you have to pay a rental fee.

Can I travel within and outside Kazakhstan and should I inform Visa Coordinator?
International Students are allowed to travel outside Kazakhstan during breaks, summer and winter vacations. You can easily go in and outside Kazakhstan if you have the multiple entry Kazakhstan visa. Please do not forget to bring your passport to Visa Coordinator no later than 7 days before a trip to check your visa and local registration. If you want to travel to other cities in Kazakhstan, you should inform Visa Coordinator about your trip and dates.
Other visitors may travel according to the type of obtained visa.

Do I need a local mobile phone number?
You are strongly recommended to obtain local mobile phone number. Your Buddy may assist you to buy it. Please, for your and our convenience, give your phone number to the Coordinator of incoming mobility.

Is it safe to walk late in the city and what about security on campus?
Almaty is a quite safe city. However, as in any megapolice you need to be careful walking late or in the nights. We recommend you to attend clubs, cinema theatre, etc. with your local Buddy or friends, especially if you do not speak Russian or Kazakh.
KIMEP campus is guarded 24 hours/7 days. There are cameras in many public places. However, keep an eye on your personal belongings, wallet, lap top, mobile, etc. on and off campus. Do not leave doors in your room or apartment unlocked when you outside.

What to do if I lost my passport?
Upon your arrival you better inform your country embassy/consulate about your arrival in Almaty. In case you have lost your passport, immediately inform it as well as the Visa Coordinator at KIMEP.  The embassy would be supportive in assisting you while your new documents are being issued.

Can I go to mountains alone?
IMPORTANT! No, you have to go to mountains in a group of other students or friends/Buddy. Always leave information when, where, with whom, for how long you are going to travel or hiking.

Can I open a bank account in Almaty for my parents to make bank transactions for me?
In order to open a bank account for a non-resident of RK:
Necessary set of documents:
1) Identity card or passport, or residency permit/identity of stateless person for foreign citizens permanently residing in Kazakhstan;
2) Copy of the Individual taxpayer identification number certification document issued by Kazakh tax authority (IIN)
3) to open a bank account is free of charge;
4) bank annual service – 600 kzt
With above mentioned documents, you have to go to a bank Center Credit or Halyk Bank, located nearby, to open the bank account. Ask your Buddy to help you.
Services to individuals – Monday to Friday: 09.00-19.00, closed Saturday, Sunday, national holidays.

How to get free of charge Individual Identification Number (IIN) in the Tax Committee of the Almaty City:
1)If your passport is in Russian language – to have a notary certified copy of the passport (address of the notary public: Dostyk ave. 128, cor. Satpayev str.)
2) a copy of passport. If your passport is not in Russian language – a notary certified translation of the passport to Russian.
3) application form — (Appendix #8) can be downloaded here https://my.kimep.kz/Forms/Default.aspx
4) bring a notary certified copy of the passport and application form (Appendix #8) to Public Service Center (ЦОН).
Address of the Public Service Center: 44, Markov street, corner Timiryazev str.

Is there any cultural event where I can represent my country and university?
KIMEP’s student organizations and departments organize the following events for international students:
– Orientation session
– Welcome Party
– Student initiation party
– International Students Day
– Mister and Missis KIMEP
– Golden middle party
– Nauryz Spring Festival
– KIMEP Family Day
– Sightseeing Trips inside and outside of Almaty
– Cultural events (Chinese New Year, Cooking parties)
– Farewell Party
So you can bring with you national souvenirs, clothes or other things in order to demonstrate it in different cultural events.

Can I study/improve Russian or Kazakh language at KIMEP?
Yes, you can. You can register for academic classes or refer to the Language Center to find out details on schedule, costs, etc. Contact adviser at turgan@kimep.kz.

Testimonials of exchange students

Edwin Wong, exchange student from Singapore Management University, Singapore
“Having my International Student Exchange Program at KIMEP University in Almaty is the highlight of my university life. Very rarely do one have the opportunity to travel, especially to a place that not many would be familiar with. Almaty and KIMEP is full of gems, from hospitable hosts to lifelong friends, beautiful streets to stunning mountains. The highlight of my exchange would be friends made over the 4 months, and who can really claim to have sat down and had a meal with over 9 nationalities at the same table? Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Almaty and KIMEP is full of pleasant surprises every corner, as long as you keep and open mind and a wide smile on your face. Come to Almaty, come to KIMEP for you student exchange!”

Ramazanova Bekzada, exchange student from Suleyman Demirel University, Kazakhstan
Hello! I am regular student of SDU who was glad to be an exchange student at the KIMEP university . Thanks to the international office I spent the most interesting semester here. During my exchange program I was a member of KF, KISA, GEEK, ENACTUS, KFI for some period of time and met great people. I participated in the MISS KIMEP. It was definitely a big experience. I wrote my research paper about Big Data Analytics and so grateful to my professor for all the support and knowledge which they gave me.
Thank you so much, KIMEP university!!!

Olivia Samuelsson, Exchange student from Uppsala University, Sweden
From the moment I got accepted to KIMEP University, I have felt welcome. The service from the international office has been excelent! Before I came, the correspondence went really smooth, with quick replies on my mails and always a kind tone. After I finally arrived, all staff at the international office has been very kind and always willing to help out with everything — from signing papers to help me find english speaking movies 😉 During my stay in Almaty I have found that this is a characteristic behaviour for Kazak people — always ready to help out, always warm and kind. I think Kazakhstan is a beautiful country with beautiful people, and I will always remember that from my exchange at KIMEP University.

Guy Benoit Marie Pascal Thierry, exchange student from IESEG School of Management, France
Hi I’m Benoit, and I come from France. I am studying in KIMEP through Exchange Program with my home school in Lille. I stay here from September to May, what I like in KIMEP is the general atmosphere within the beautiful campus. Moreover, BIS association is helping international students to adapt and socialize with local students. About courses, there is a very good level, the quality of courses is high and you can easily find materials through the website, which is instinctive.

Douglas Svedberg, exchange student from Uppsala University, Sweden
During the past four and a half months, living in Almaty while studying in KIMEP University has been a great and very unique experience for me as a Swedish student. The people of Almaty and Kazakhstan, including KIMEP students and staff, has been so kind and friendly throughout my visit. The spirit of the people is something that I definitely will promote once I’m back in Sweden.

I am very pleased with my exchange semester at KIMEP University. It has been a fun experience as well as very rewarding for my personal development. During the semester, KIMEP hosted alot of nice events which I enjoyed together with other fellow students. Finally, I would like to devote special gratitude towards the International Office. They are very inviting towards exchange students and if you have any issues or questions, they always help you out.

İsa Poçan, Exchange student from Middle East Technical University, Turkey
I would like to say thank you BIS organisation, international, admission and registration offices and others in KIMEP University who helped us very much and welcomed us very well. Education quality is higher than my expectation before coming here. Weather in Almaty during the winter was cold, soo awesome and eventhough the difficulties I enjoed it very much. I liked the tradition, culture in Kazakhstan. I liked the meals, pilov,samsa etc. I hope I would try again in my future life.I don’t regret coming here and I will remember all my memories here for the rest of my life. THANK YOU :):):)

Judit Czendrei an exchange student from National University of Public Service, Hungary
Why not Kazakhstan? Before I came to Kazakhstan the first thing everyone asked me was ’Why?’. My answer was always the same ’Why not?’. Sometimes you have to challenge yourself and find a way to step out of your comfort zone. I think that is the only way you can discover new places, get to know new cultures and people, understand the mentality and experience a different lifestyle. The new friendships, the memories, the feeling of being a foreigner, the culture shock, and the good and bad things you come across are priceless, what’s more they are going to affect you the rest of your life.
From the perspective of most European people, Kazakhstan is not so popular or familiar. Although it is the ninth largest country in the world, I personally think it doesn’t get enough recognition. During my stay in Almaty I have experienced the big city life and all the hustle it provides. However, we cannot forget about the beautiful panorama and the picturesque landscape that is all around us. Big Almaty Lake, Charyn Canyon or Tamgaly Tas are just a few natural beauties to mention.
Not only is the country worth the visit, but also the university. What I most love about KIMEP is that you cannot get bored, as it always has something to offer. During the Country Days I could get a lot of new information about other nations, at the International Day I and my fellow Hungarians could show the typical Hungarian dishes to the audience, while tasting the delicious cuisines of others. First in my life I tried paragliding in a breathtaking scenery in the outskirts of Almaty. I have visited Kyrgyzstan and also experienced the ‘Astana-cold’ in the capital.
One day I might come back to Kazakhstan, but until that I hope to see a lot of you in Hungary or anywhere in the world.

Lee Jungwong an exchange student from Chonnam National University, South Korea
During my stay here in KIMEP university, I was thankfully able to have 3 precious experiences. First, I was able to enjoy the abundant diversity. In this fall semester of 2016, there were various students of different nationalities that I have never met before. As I studied and enjoyed the semester with them, I learned how people of different cultures think and feel about the world. Therefore, I was able to enlarge my view of the world and different cultural boundary. Second, I was able to enjoy Central Asia’s abundant nature. While staying here, we exchange students were able to visit many natural places of Almaty and even other Central Asian countries. Since Central Asia is not popular for travel at the moment, we did not expect that much. But there were so many magnificent sites that people should visit. And now I am greatly thankful to see those beautiful places because I decided to come here. Third, I was able to meet the future leaders of developing country, Kazakhstan. While I studied here, I was able to meet so many students who are very clever and talented in many skills. Luckily, I got an opportunity in studying with them, I became motivated from these bright students in KIMEP and I am very thankful for that. Besides these, I have so many other things that I am grateful for. There was never a time when I regretted in choosing this university for my exchange program. Thank you KIMEP University!

Yeongho Suh – an exchange student from Pusan National University
My choice of KIMEP as my exchange student program was the best choice. To be honest, I was a little bit worry about studying in Kazakhstan because I did not know much about it, but it was just waste of time. My experience in Kazakhstan was the most precious one in my life. I traveled several Central Asia countries and it was quite unique and great. But the most meaningful memory was the time with the people. There were many students from many countries like Europe, Singapore, United States and etc. So, I made a lot of international students.

Daniel Csur – an exchange student from Oxford Brookes University
My exchange at KIMEP has been clearly the best experience of my life. Kazakhstan gave me loads of possibilities to see, learn and travel in Kazakhstan and in Central Asia. KIMEP is a very interesting place providing a „modern way“ education in the center of Central Asia. The education is quite comparable to the western schools, however a school still barriers a style of „soviet“ education based on authorities within the school. One of the most significant problems within KIMEP is the lack of feedback towards the teachers and sometimes impossibility to disagree with the view of the teacher and have a better opinion which is very normal in all the western schools. However KIMEP still offers the best business education in Central Asia hosting professors and teachers from all around the world.
Kazakhstan is however an awesome place which provides a loads of opportunities for all the foreigners and in my opinion it is one of the best place to spend a semester to study and travel. Central Asia has a lot to offer for not just Europeans and Americans but also all the people coming from around the world. Since Russian is a spoken language in Almaty the possibility to learn Russian as a foreign language has been a great opportunity for me as well. KIMEP provided us with a lot of traveling possibilities to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and other beautiful places around Almaty. To conclude my exchange semester at KIMEP has been the best experience of my life ever full of positive surprises and a huge change in my life

Margaret SZETO – an exchange student from Hong Kong Baptist University
Being an explorer from a developed city, Kazakhstan is definitely a novel wonderland for me. Comparing with Hong Kong, I prefer the simple life here. Having tea time on a daily basis is already a must for me. I really love this tea culture since I could chitchat with friends and share each other’s happiness and daily experience. Moreover, I enjoy every single moment walking on the roomy street in a slow pace. It is so relax for me to see the trees along the road and surrounding environment without blocking by high-rise buildings. The nature is also one of my favorites which can calm me down and refresh myself. When people ask me what impress me the most in Kazakhstan, the answer always comes to the PEOPLE. Honestly, I did not expect to experience my first inevitable cultural shock once I arrived, which was people here do not smile quite often. I thought that maybe they don’t like me. However, I was more and more surprised and enthusiastic day by day. I was pleased to stay with senior students in dormitory previously, the way they treated me was tremendously impressed. I have never met such generous and caring people who assisted me to break the language and cultural barriers by introducing me their culture and history, as well as inviting me to celebrate the festivals. I can’t forget the time my neighbors cooked me local food and gave me some local fruits that I haven’t seen.
I have spent some time to really learn about Kazakhstan as well as Kazakh culture and lifestyle, and now I am falling in love with it. The people are always the reason why I like Kazakhstan. You all are really awesome, my dear Kazakhs, Tajiks, Uzbeks, Turkmens and other international students. Thank you for being part of my exchange journey!

Chanan Catikkas – an exchange student from Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Turkey
When I selected KIMEP university, people asked me why Kazakhstan and KIMEP University? At that time, I definitely believed that Kazakhstan will be different for a people who are used to live closer to the Europe. Moreover, KIMEP University is an international and best university in Central Asia. I had a really fantastic exchange experience starting from my study and learning a lot from my professors, learning Russian and Kazakh, traditions, cultures and many other things. Every day I had a great chance to meet a new interesting people and what I observed that most of them was so friendly and always tried to help and support me in any situations. I will strongly recommend to get such an opportunity for all. Thanks for that opportunity and I will be waiting all my friends in Turkey!

ZhengDa Ang – an exchange student from Singapore Management University, Singapore
Exchange in KIMEP was about the most memorable time of my university life. Beautiful mountains, rich culture, trying out horse riding and skiing, the Green Market, travelling within and out of Kazakhstan, there is so much to love about it. But the above all, it was the friends I’ve got to make in KIMEP that have made it all so wonderful. Although I had some initial concerns about adapting to the different culture, my buddies and the staff at KIMEP were ever so helpful to make things easy and enjoyable. From taking us out to the rural countryside to inviting us for a short stay their homes, my friends in KIMEP have allowed me a taste of the true Central Asian culture. I love it, and I hope to be back again soon!