The Embassy of India, Astana, issued an advisory dated 1 October 2026, highlighting a recent change in Kazakhstan’s policy concerning the duration of medical education.
The advisory is particularly important for Indian students and parents because the new policy provides for a standard seven-year medical course, while international students may have an option to complete the course in six years through an accelerated/fast-track pathway, subject to specific conditions.
However, there is an important point that students must understand before paying fees or confirming admission.
The Embassy has stated that there is currently no clear official confirmation regarding the issuance of a licence to practise medicine to an international student who completes the medical course in six years through the accelerated programme.
Under the new policy, the standard duration of medical education in Kazakhstan is seven years.
However, international students may potentially complete their studies in six years through an accelerated or fast-track pathway, provided they meet the applicable conditions and requirements.
This means students should not automatically assume that their medical course will be completed in six years.Students and parents should be prepared for the possibility that the course could extend to seven years.