Kazakh National Academy of Arts

The T.K. Zhurgenov Kazakh National Academy of Arts is Kazakhstan’s leading institution for theatre, film, visual arts, design, choreography, and music. Established in 1978 and rooted in traditions dating back to 1955, it has evolved into a national university recognized for artistic excellence. Located in Almaty, it employs over 400 faculty members and operates as a central force in the cultural development of Kazakhstan.

The Academy offers a complete educational ecosystem, guiding students from secondary-level training to doctoral research. Its mission emphasizes nurturing creative talent capable of contributing significantly to the nation’s cultural life and broader Central Asian artistic growth.

The Academy’s extensive alumni network stretches across theatres, media organizations, museums, galleries, and educational institutions in Kazakhstan and abroad. Graduates work as actors, filmmakers, designers, choreographers, musicians, and arts administrators, benefiting from the Academy’s reputation as the country’s premier arts training center.

Its academic depth, particularly in art history and theory, prepares students for scholarly and curatorial roles. Professional pathways are reinforced by strong institutional partnerships, industry-experienced faculty, and connections to 80+ State Award laureates. These networks provide ongoing opportunities for employment, collaboration, and artistic advancement.

The Academy stands out as Kazakhstan’s top arts institution, offering unparalleled access to expert faculty, state-recognized artists, and an environment deeply rooted in national cultural heritage. Its long institutional history provides students with credibility and visibility across the cultural sector, enhancing career prospects in competitive artistic fields.

Students benefit from a broad selection of disciplines, integrated artistic pathways, and proximity to Almaty’s cultural infrastructure. The Academy balances traditional Kazakh art forms with contemporary international practices, creating a dynamic educational experience that prepares students for both local and global creativity-driven careers.

The Academy significantly shapes Kazakhstan’s cultural landscape through artistic production, scholarly research, and national talent development. Its programs produce performers, filmmakers, designers, scholars, and musicians who contribute to the country’s creative identity. Regular public performances and exhibitions make it a driver of cultural engagement in Almaty.

Its integrated educational structure—from secondary art education to doctoral studies—enables long-term artistic growth rarely seen elsewhere in Central Asia. With strong emphasis on research, media innovation, and preservation of Kazakh artistic heritage, the Academy remains a leading institution advancing artistic excellence and cultural continuity.

What are the admission requirements for international students? Applicants must pass creative examinations and provide IELTS scores where needed. Requirements include educational documents, identification, and program-specific portfolios or auditions.

Are programs available in English? Most programs are taught in Kazakh and Russian, though some flexibility exists. International students should confirm language options directly with admissions.

What career paths do graduates pursue? Alumni work in theatres, media, cultural institutions, and academia, with postgraduate students often entering research and curatorial fields.

Admission is competitive and based on creative examinations, portfolio evaluations, and academic documentation. Application periods typically run from late June to late July, with exams scheduled shortly after document submission. International applicants must verify document requirements with the admissions office.

Program duration varies: bachelor’s studies take four years, master’s degrees two years, and doctoral programs extend beyond three years. Tuition rates and scholarship information are available through the official website. The main campus is centrally located in Almaty, with additional facilities supporting the College of Fine Arts.