Shakarim State Medical Academy (SSMA) is one of the leading higher medical education institutions in Kazakhstan, located in the historic city of Semey. The academy has established a strong academic reputation over the years, producing competent healthcare professionals who contribute to the global medical community. Known for its comprehensive programs, world-class faculty, and focus on innovation, SSMA has become a preferred destination for international students pursuing MBBS and related degrees in Central Asia.
Kazakhstan, with its growing educational infrastructure and commitment to internationalization, has made substantial progress in offering high-quality, English-medium medical programs. Shakarim State Medical Academy stands out for blending theoretical knowledge with practical exposure, equipping students to meet global healthcare challenges with confidence and competence.
Named after the renowned Kazakh philosopher and poet Shakarim Kudaiberdiev, the academy upholds a legacy of intellectual curiosity and social responsibility. Founded several decades ago, SSMA was initially established to serve regional healthcare needs. Over time, it expanded its vision and curriculum to align with international medical education standards.
Today, the academy maintains a forward-looking perspective, focusing on innovation, research, and collaboration. Its programs are designed not only to train doctors but also to instill ethical values, empathy, and professionalism — qualities that define great physicians.
The MBBS program at Shakarim State Medical Academy is structured to deliver a balanced mix of academic theory and clinical practice. It follows global medical education frameworks while adapting to the healthcare context of Kazakhstan and neighboring countries.
The duration of the MBBS course is typically six years, including an internship or clinical rotation phase. The curriculum is divided into pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical stages, enabling students to gradually transition from foundational sciences to hands-on patient care.
During the first two years, students engage in foundational subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Histology. These courses build the scientific base necessary to understand human biology and disease mechanisms. Laboratory sessions, cadaver dissections, and digital learning tools enhance conceptual clarity.
The middle years of the MBBS program focus on subjects such as Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, and Forensic Medicine. Students begin visiting hospitals and clinics to observe real-world cases and understand diagnostic processes.
The final years emphasize clinical rotations in departments such as Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Psychiatry, and Community Medicine. This stage ensures that graduates gain practical skills and exposure to varied medical specializations.
SSMA adopts a student-centered learning approach that combines traditional lectures with modern educational technologies. Interactive seminars, clinical case discussions, simulation labs, and digital modules are integral to the learning process.
The academy promotes problem-based learning (PBL), encouraging students to analyze, research, and solve real clinical cases. This approach enhances critical thinking and prepares students for evidence-based medical practice.
The faculty at Shakarim State Medical Academy comprises experienced professors, researchers, and clinicians who bring global expertise to the classroom. Many faculty members have participated in international research collaborations and medical conferences.
SSMA fosters a strong research culture, motivating students to engage in scientific projects, participate in medical symposiums, and publish papers in reputed journals. Research facilities are well-equipped, covering areas such as molecular biology, pharmacology, and public health.
The campus of Shakarim State Medical Academy is equipped with advanced educational infrastructure, ensuring a conducive environment for learning and innovation. Lecture halls are spacious and fitted with multimedia systems. The laboratories meet international standards, and the library offers vast digital and print collections of medical literature.
Modern simulation centers allow students to practice medical procedures in a controlled environment before engaging in real clinical settings. These labs replicate real hospital conditions, ensuring that students gain the confidence and precision required in patient care.
SSMA has embraced digitalization by integrating e-learning platforms, online library access, and virtual anatomy tools. This helps students access study materials anytime and enhances flexibility in learning.
The academy provides comfortable hostel accommodations for both local and international students. Hostels are equipped with modern amenities, 24-hour security, internet access, and recreational areas. The administration ensures that students have a safe, inclusive, and supportive living environment.
To assist students in adapting to academic and cultural life, SSMA offers counseling services, orientation programs, and career guidance sessions. Student clubs and organizations provide opportunities for personal development, networking, and leadership experiences.
Life at SSMA extends beyond academics. The university promotes sports, arts, and cultural participation through various student clubs and events. Annual festivals, sports competitions, and cultural evenings bring together students from different backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and cultural exchange.
Shakarim State Medical Academy’s medical degrees are recognized by major international medical councils, including:
World Health Organization (WHO)
National Medical Commission (NMC), India
FAIMER (Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research)
ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, USA)
This ensures that graduates can pursue further education, licensing exams, and medical practice in various countries around the world.
After completing MBBS, students can appear for exams such as USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), NMC (India), or AMC (Australia). The academy provides preparatory support and guidance for these exams. Graduates often secure positions in reputed hospitals, research institutions, and public health organizations globally.
SSMA maintains collaborations with several foreign universities and medical institutions. These partnerships facilitate academic exchange, joint research, and student mobility programs. International exposure helps students develop global perspectives on healthcare delivery and medical ethics.
To apply for the MBBS program at SSMA, students typically need:
A high school certificate with subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
At least 50% aggregate marks in science subjects (varies by country).
Valid passport and age above 17 years.
Qualifying score in NEET (for Indian students, as per NMC guidelines).
The admission process is simple and transparent. Prospective students must submit the following documents:
Completed application form
Passport copy
Academic transcripts and certificates
NEET scorecard (if applicable)
Medical certificate and COVID-19 vaccination proof
Passport-sized photographs
After verification, the university issues an official Admission Letter, followed by an Invitation Letter for visa processing.
The international student department assists applicants in obtaining the student visa and arranges airport pickup upon arrival in Kazakhstan. Orientation programs are conducted to help newcomers settle in.
Semey (formerly Semipalatinsk) is one of Kazakhstan’s oldest cultural and educational centers. It has a rich literary and scientific history, being the hometown of famous Kazakh figures like Abai Kunanbayev and Shakarim Kudaiberdiev.
The city combines historical charm with modern amenities, offering students an enriching lifestyle. Its friendly atmosphere, affordable living, and developed infrastructure make it ideal for international learners.
Semey is well-connected by air, road, and rail to other major Kazakh cities like Almaty, Astana, and Pavlodar. Local transport is reliable and affordable, with public buses, taxis, and trams serving students’ daily needs.
The city experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Students enjoy a variety of seasonal activities, from winter sports to cultural festivals, contributing to a well-rounded study experience.
The academy employs a continuous evaluation system, assessing students through practical tests, written exams, and clinical performance. Faculty members also provide personalized mentorship to help students overcome academic challenges and enhance their skills.
A dedicated career guidance center supports students in preparing for international medical exams and post-graduate studies. Workshops on resume building, interview preparation, and global licensing processes are regularly organized.
Graduates of Shakarim State Medical Academy have established successful careers across the world. Many serve as practicing doctors in leading hospitals, researchers in medical institutes, and public health officials in global organizations. Their achievements testify to the academy’s quality education and global recognition.
SSMA is committed to integrating new technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital diagnostics, and telemedicine into its curriculum. These initiatives ensure that students stay updated with the latest global medical trends.
The academy also focuses on sustainable healthcare education — addressing environmental health, global disease prevention, and community-based medicine. By promoting research in public health and epidemiology, SSMA contributes to improving healthcare systems locally and globally.
Looking ahead, Shakarim State Medical Academy plans to expand its partnerships with universities in Europe, Asia, and North America. Such collaborations will strengthen student mobility, academic exchange, and international accreditation.
One of the strongest attractions for international students is the affordability of medical education at SSMA. Tuition fees are significantly lower than those in Western countries, without compromising quality. Moreover, living expenses in Semey are economical, making it a cost-effective choice for students seeking world-class education.
The academy and the Kazakh government occasionally offer scholarships or merit-based financial aid for outstanding international students. This helps reduce the financial burden and rewards academic excellence.
For international students, the entire MBBS program is available in English. This eliminates language barriers and allows students from countries like India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Africa to study comfortably.
While the course is taught in English, SSMA also offers optional Kazakh or Russian language training to help students communicate effectively during hospital rotations and daily life in Semey.
Kazakhstan is known for its political stability and cultural harmony. The people are hospitable, and Semey provides a peaceful environment conducive to study. The academy prioritizes student safety with strict security measures and 24/7 assistance for international students.
Shakarim State Medical Academy stands as a symbol of academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity in Kazakhstan’s medical education landscape. Its modern infrastructure, research-driven curriculum, and affordable tuition make it an ideal choice for students seeking a globally recognized MBBS degree. With strong faculty guidance, a diverse international community, and a nurturing environment, SSMA prepares future doctors not just to succeed professionally but also to serve humanity with compassion and integrity.