The South Kazakhstan Medical Academy (SKMA) is a government medical university located in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. Founded in 1979, it is a popular option for international students, particularly from India, due to its English-medium medical programs and relatively low costs.
Programs for international students
The university offers an English-medium MBBS program for international students. The course duration is typically 6 years, which includes five years of academic study and a one-year clinical internship. This structure meets the requirements of the National Medical Commission (NMC) for Indian students.
Recognition and ranking
- International recognition: The SKMA is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). It is also approved by the NMC of India.
- Reputation: SKMA has been ranked among the leading medical universities in Kazakhstan and is considered a reputable institution by Indian students.
- FMGE pass rate: As of 2021, the pass rate for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) among SKMA graduates was 27.78%, which is considered one of the better rates in Kazakhstan.
Admission requirements for Indian students
- Age: Applicants must be 17 years old by December 31 of the admission year.
- Academics: Students must have a high school diploma with a minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (40% for reserved categories).
- NEET: A qualifying score on the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) is mandatory for Indian applicants.
- No entrance exam: No additional entrance exam is required for admission to SKMA’s medical program.
Fees and accommodation (2025 session)
- Tuition fees: In 2025, the annual tuition fee was approximately 4,400 USD.
- Hostel fees: The annual hostel fee was approximately 800 USD in 2025.
- Indian mess: Indian mess facilities are available, with some sources mentioning an additional annual charge.
- Affordability: SKMA is known for its affordable fees, which is a major draw for Indian students.
Campus and facilities
- Campus: The university has a large campus in Shymkent, with modern infrastructure and well-equipped laboratories.
- Hostels: On-campus hostels are available for international students. Rooms are typically shared and come with basic amenities and 24/7 security.
- Library: The university features an extensive library with a wide range of medical books.
- Student life: SKMA offers a multicultural environment with various extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports.
- Extra coaching: The university offers additional coaching for Indian students to help them prepare for the FMGE exam.