The KBTU has created optimal conditions for generating productive ideas and focusing efforts of academic degrees applicants on conducting fundamental and applied scientific researches within the following educational programmes:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Material Sciences
- Cybernetics
- Computer Sciences
- Information Systems and Management in Information Technologies
- Economics and Entrepreneurship in  Oil and Gas Sector
- Business Administration
- Human Resources Management
 
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest academic degree acknowledging the highest qualification of a specialist and being awarded by the research and innovation university – KBTU – for unique research projects in a particular area.Professional activities of Doctors of Philosophy are related both with research and teaching at leading universities and business schools (academic career) and with performance in business, consulting companies, analytical departments and top management in successful companies, etc.
 
Requirements for PhD programmes applicants
- Bachelor/specialist (BSc, BA, etc) degree diploma (PhD programme duration is 4-4.5 years: 1-1.5 years for getting Master degree followed by the educational-research course of the PhD programme);
- Master degree (MSc, MA, MPhil, MBA, EMBA, etc) diploma (PhD programme duration is 3 years);
- Candidate of Science diploma (PhD programme duration is not less than 2 years);
- In case of early completion of the educational programme and successful dissertation defense the candidate is awarded the degree regardless of the study period;
- English language level should not be lower that Intermediate.
 
List of documents for entering PhD programme
- Application letter
- Application form
- Essay in English, Kazakh or Russian (1 page of the A4 format)
- Original diplomas with transcripts or copies certified by a notary
- List of scientific and courseware papers
- 2 reference letters
- Medical certificate (#086-У form)
- Copy of the Employment History (if available)
- Copy of ID card/passport
- Copy of ITIN
- Autobiography
- CV (in English and Russian)
- 6 photos (3x4)
 
Internship
- Research fellowship in a partner institution of higher education (not less than 6 months, flexible schedule)
- Professional internship in leading companies (flexible schedule)
 
Joint scientific supervision
Supervision is provided by the Advisory Commission of highly-qualified professors of Kazakhstan and foreign countries.
Format of study
Educational/taught component – 30 credits – 1st year of study
- Full-time tuition: 3 times per week from 6.30pm till 22.30pm, on Saturdays from 9.30am till 12.30pm. Each semester consists of 15 weeks;
- Module format tuition: each module lasts 5 weeks, classes are delivered during the first week (from 9.00am till 6.30pm, from Monday till Saturday);
- Distance learning: examination sessions (during 1-1.5 weeks) 2 times per year.Scientific research component – 30 credits – 2nd and 3rd years of study
Entry examinations
- English language examination in accordance with the standardized test technology;
- Interview with the KBTU Selection Committee;
- Complex examination on specialty (oral and written)