Pursuing MBBS in Kazakhstan has become a popular choice for students from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and other countries due to affordable fees, quality medical education, and globally recognized degrees. While academics remain the primary focus, holiday travel is an essential part of student life. Holidays give MBBS students the chance to relax, explore Kazakhstan’s cultural diversity, visit nearby countries, or travel back home.
However, managing travel expenses requires proper planning. Many students and parents often wonder about the expected budget for holiday travel while studying in Kazakhstan. This article provides a detailed breakdown of travel costs, types of journeys, factors influencing expenses, and practical tips to plan holiday trips effectively within a student’s budget.
Studying MBBS abroad can be intense, with long hours of lectures, clinical practice, and self-study. Holidays offer:
Mental relaxation after a hectic academic schedule.
Exploration opportunities to discover Kazakhstan’s natural beauty and culture.
Family bonding when students travel back home during semester breaks.
Networking and social life, as group trips with fellow students create lasting memories.
While travel enriches the study-abroad experience, balancing the excitement of exploring with financial responsibility is crucial.
The expected budget varies based on the type of holiday travel students undertake. There are generally three main categories:
Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country in the world and offers diverse destinations, including mountains, lakes, historical cities, and modern attractions. Popular student-friendly destinations include:
Almaty – Known for mountains, lakes, and ski resorts.
Astana (Nur-Sultan) – The capital city with futuristic architecture.
Shymkent – Rich in history and culture.
Lake Balkhash & Charyn Canyon – For nature lovers.
Expected Budget:
Local transport: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 per trip
Accommodation (budget hostels): ₹800 – ₹1,500 per night
Food and activities: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 per day
Total (4–5 day trip): ₹20,000 – ₹35,000
Kazakhstan’s geographical position allows students to visit nearby destinations such as Russia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, or Turkey during longer holidays.
Expected Budget:
Flight/train tickets: ₹15,000 – ₹30,000
Accommodation: ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 per night
Food and sightseeing: ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 per day
Visa fees (if applicable): ₹4,000 – ₹7,000
Total (5–7 day trip): ₹60,000 – ₹90,000
Most students prefer to visit their home country during semester breaks, especially winter or summer holidays.
Expected Budget:
Round-trip air tickets: ₹35,000 – ₹60,000 (depending on season and booking time)
Local transport in home country: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000
Gifts and shopping: ₹10,000 – ₹20,000
Total: ₹50,000 – ₹90,000 per holiday trip
Several factors impact the cost of travel during holidays:
Distance of Destination – Domestic trips are cheaper than international ones.
Mode of Transport – Flights cost more than buses or trains.
Season of Travel – Holiday periods like December and summer may have higher airfare.
Accommodation Choice – Hostels and shared stays are cheaper than hotels.
Lifestyle and Preferences – Dining out, shopping, and sightseeing choices greatly affect spending.
Currency Exchange Rates – Fluctuations in forex can increase international travel costs.
On average, Kazakhstan MBBS students spend ₹1.5 lakh – ₹2.5 lakh annually on holiday travel, depending on frequency and destinations.
One domestic trip per semester: ₹20,000 – ₹35,000
One home country visit per year: ₹50,000 – ₹90,000
Occasional international trip: ₹60,000 – ₹90,000
By planning wisely, students can balance all three types of travel within a reasonable annual budget.
| Expense Type | Domestic Travel | International Travel | Travel Back Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport | ₹5k–₹10k | ₹15k–₹30k | ₹35k–₹60k |
| Accommodation | ₹5k–₹8k | ₹10k–₹20k | Included at home |
| Food & Activities | ₹10k–₹15k | ₹20k–₹30k | ₹5k–₹10k |
| Visa/Insurance | Not needed | ₹4k–₹7k | Not needed |
| Miscellaneous | ₹2k–₹5k | ₹8k–₹10k | ₹10k–₹20k |
| Total | ₹20k–₹35k | ₹60k–₹90k | ₹50k–₹90k |
Book Tickets Early – Airfares rise sharply closer to travel dates.
Use Student Discounts – Many airlines and hostels offer reduced rates for students.
Travel in Groups – Sharing accommodation and transport cuts costs.
Choose Off-Season Trips – Avoid peak tourist times to save on flights and hotels.
Public Transport – Use local buses and trains instead of taxis.
Budget Accommodation – Opt for hostels or student dorms when exploring.
Plan Itinerary Wisely – Avoid last-minute changes that add to expenses.
Track Currency Exchange Rates – Convert money when rates are favorable.
If a student spends moderately on travel, here’s an estimated total travel budget across the 5–6 years of MBBS:
Domestic travel (1 trip per year): ₹1 lakh – ₹1.5 lakh
Annual home visits: ₹2.5 lakh – ₹4 lakh
Occasional international trip: ₹1 lakh – ₹1.5 lakh
Total over MBBS course = ₹4.5 lakh – ₹7 lakh
This shows that travel is a significant, but manageable, part of overall expenses for Kazakhstan MBBS students.
While travel is exciting, MBBS students should always prioritize academics. Planning trips during semester breaks, keeping track of exam schedules, and avoiding unnecessary long absences from classes ensures that studies remain unaffected.
Students should also set aside emergency funds, as unexpected academic or medical expenses should never be compromised for travel.
Holiday travel is an enriching part of the MBBS journey in Kazakhstan. Whether exploring the vast landscapes of Kazakhstan, visiting neighboring countries, or traveling back home, students gain cultural experiences, relaxation, and personal growth.
The expected budget depends on the type and frequency of travel, but with proper planning, students can manage trips within ₹20,000 – ₹90,000 per holiday and maintain an annual budget of ₹1.5 lakh – ₹2.5 lakh. Over the entire MBBS course, students may spend between ₹4.5 lakh – ₹7 lakh on travel, depending on lifestyle choices.
By using student discounts, traveling in groups, and booking early, Kazakhstan MBBS students can enjoy their holidays without overspending. Striking the right balance between academics, relaxation, and financial management makes the journey both rewarding and affordable.