The doctoral student stipend in Kazakhstan in 2026 is 262,500 tenge per month for on-campus study under the state educational program. We’ll break down the payment amount, eligibility requirements, working while pursuing a doctorate, and how it differs from the «Bolashak» program.
Doctoral Student Scholarships in Kazakhstan in 2026: A Brief Overview
- The base monthly amount is 262,500 tenge.
- The amount is effective as of September 1, 2025: the increase from 240,000 tenge was 9.375%.
- Payments to doctoral students are awarded for the entire duration of their studies, regardless of the results of their interim evaluations.
- Paying tuition alone does not qualify a student for a government scholarship.
- An academic leave of absence or withdrawal from the program may affect your eligibility for benefits.
Reason — Decree of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 116, paragraphs 2 and 6, Appendix 1. Verified on September 19, 2026.
Doctoral Scholarships in Kazakhstan: Current Figures for 2026
State scholarships in Kazakhstan are awarded to students enrolled in full-time programs under the State Education Order (GOZ). This also applies to doctoral programs.
Current scholarship amounts by educational level for the 2025/2026 academic year:
| Level of Education | Scholarship effective September 1, 2025 | Effective September 1, 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Doctoral Program (PhD) | 262,500 tenge | 240,000 tenge |
| Master's Program | 117,098 tenge | 107,061 tenge |
| Bachelor's Degree (Medicine/Education) | 84,000 tenge | 75,600 tenge |
| Bachelor's Degree (General) | 52,372 tenge | 47,135 tenge |
| Internship | 94,862 tenge | 85,376 tenge |
The doctoral student stipend is the highest among all levels of education in Kazakhstan. In the 2025–2026 academic year, it amounts to 262,500 tenge—five times more than what undergraduate students receive and 2.2 times more than what master’s students receive.
Who is eligible, and under what circumstances can payments be discontinued?
The doctoral student scholarship is intended for full-time study under the state educational program. According to paragraph 6 of Rules No. 116, it is awarded for the entire duration of the program, regardless of the results of the exam session. The requirement for «good» and «excellent» grades specified in paragraph 5 cannot be automatically applied to doctoral studies.
The grant is terminated upon withdrawal from the program, upon completion of studies (effective as of the date of the graduation order), or in the event of the recipient’s death. This is formalized by an order issued by the educational institution. The absence of a payment on the card does not in itself explain the reason: first, verify the status of the order and the bank account information.
A separate procedure applies to academic leave. Typically, payments are suspended; for medical leave, 50% of the base amount is provided, and for individuals with disabilities, 75%. Maternity leave and parental leave are governed by different regulations.
Is it possible to receive a scholarship and work at the same time?
Regulation No. 116 does not list a doctoral student’s employment as a separate ground for terminating a scholarship. It follows that receiving a salary does not, in and of itself, result in the automatic termination of scholarship payments. However, the work must be compatible with full-time study, the individual study plan, and the obligations under the contract with the university.
Before accepting a job, request a written explanation from the doctoral studies office regarding what restrictions apply under your study agreement, how your schedule will be coordinated, and whether the specific employment will affect your ability to complete the program. Paragraph 23, regarding the continuation of financial support while working, specifically lists students, interns, and master’s students; it is incorrect to cite this paragraph alone as special permission for doctoral students.
A doctoral student’s stipend and salary from a research project are based on different criteria. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of each funding source separately, especially if you receive an additional grant, participate in an internship, or change your enrollment status.
Increases in Doctoral Student Scholarships: Year-by-Year Trends
The doctoral student's stipend was increased in stages. The percentage in the table below is calculated relative to the previously stated amount: we divide the difference by the previous amount and multiply by 100%. This calculation allows us to distinguish the actual change in the payment from general announcements about the scholarship increase program.
| School Year | Scholarship Amount | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022/2023 | 195,000 tenge | — |
| 2023/2024 | 217,500 tenge | +11,54% |
| 2024/2025 | 240,000 tenge | +10,34% |
| 2025/2026 | 262,500 tenge | +9,375% |
| 2026/2027 — as of September 19, 2026 | 262,500 tenge | Without changing the base amount |
What Will Change in the 2026–2027 School Year
As of September 19, 2026, the current version of Appendix 1 to Rule No. 116 for doctoral students states 262,500 tenge per month. This table does not specify a separate, increased amount for the 2026–2027 school year. Therefore, you should not yet factor an automatic annual increase into your personal budget.
However, the resolution itself was amended in 2026: the text reflects Amendment No. 165 of March 12, 2026, and Appendix 1 is presented in the version of July 31, 2026, No. 681. The claim that there were no changes at all is incorrect. It is important for the recipient to check the specific line «Doctoral Students» and the effective date of the new provision.
A doctoral student’s stipend may be adjusted only if there is a valid reason. A notice of plans, a draft resolution, and the current regulatory act represent different stages. Until the new amount is published, follow the current rules; if there is a discrepancy with your payment, ask the university for an explanation.
To check, use the current version of the Rules in the «Adilet» Information System». Compare the date the news was published, the date the amendments took effect, and the period for which the payment was calculated.
Publication requirements depend on your goals, field of study, and timeline. During a free consultation, we’ll help you determine which publications are best suited to your specific situation and which format is most appropriate—the COKSNVO journal, Scopus, or Web of Science.
Topics to discuss during the consultation:
The consultation is free.
Supplements to the Doctoral Student Scholarship
The increased doctoral student stipend depends on the specific category of the recipient and the provisions of Appendix 2 to Rule No. 116. For individuals with visual or hearing impairments, an increase of 75% is provided, which also applies to postgraduate education. Based on a base amount of 262,500 tenge, the calculation is as follows: 459,375 tenge per month.
Doctoral students cannot automatically be promised all the allowances listed in the general table. The rows regarding the 50% and 30% increases list undergraduate students, master’s students, and interns, while the 15% increase for excellent grades applies to undergraduate students and master’s students. Doctoral students are not explicitly mentioned in these rows.
If you are applying for an increase, submit the supporting documents to the university and ask them to specify the applicable provision of the regulations in their written response. This is especially important when there are several possible grounds for the increase or a change in status. The amount of payments and the possibility of combining them should be verified based on specific regulations, not a general list of benefits.
Doctoral Scholarships and “Bolashak”: What’s the Difference?
The state doctoral scholarship and the «Bolashak» international scholarship are different forms of financial support. The former is tied to full-time doctoral studies under a state-funded program in Kazakhstan. «Bolashak» is intended to support Kazakhstani citizens studying abroad, including those pursuing a PhD or a doctorate in their field, and requires a separate selection process.
| Criterion | State Scholarship | «Bolashak» |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Ph.D. Program in Civil Defense in Kazakhstan | Studying Abroad Under the Program's Terms and Conditions |
| Basis | Regulation No. 116 and the University's Order | Award of an International Scholarship and Agreement |
| Amount | Base pay of 262,500 tenge per month | Financing is subject to specific terms and conditions; the 262,500 tenge base amount is not automatically applied |
| Design | Through the education system | Separate bidding process |
For applicants, this means they must choose an educational path in advance. Admission to a doctoral program in Kazakhstan does not replace participation in the «Bolashak» competition, and it is incorrect to compare programs based solely on the monthly stipend.
The general procedure is described at on the eGov portal. Please check the program administrator's current announcement for admission dates, lists of universities, requirements, and contract terms.
Conclusions
The doctoral student stipend in Kazakhstan in 2026 is 262,500 tenge per month, provided the eligibility requirements are met. A special rule applies to doctoral students: exam results alone do not determine eligibility for the base stipend. The procedure changes in the event of a leave of absence, dismissal, or completion of studies.
When planning your budget, check the basis for any additional payments, the date of the order, and the actual accrual period. Consider the terms of the «Bolashak» program separately. The following may be helpful in preparing for your defense: Information on Publication Requirements And Scopus journal review.
A doctoral program in Kazakhstan is a serious academic path that offers genuine government support. The key is to understand the requirements, know your rights, and ask the right questions at the right time. If you have any questions about publications as you prepare for your defense, please write to Qalam AI on WhatsApp—send the journal title or ISSN, and get a risk screening in 60 seconds.
