Education and Schools in Kazakhstan

Worrying about education in Kazakhstan? Public schools here have a solid foundation, with a literacy rate close to 100 percent. In recent years, the government has introduced reforms to modernise the system, including a shift to a 12-year schooling structure and increased digital learning tools. But while urban schools are improving, rural areas still face challenges such as outdated facilities and teacher shortages.

Because of these disparities, you may prefer to send your children to one of Kazakhstan’s international schools, most of which are based in Almaty and Astana (previously Nur-Sultan).

Public schools in Kazakhstan

Public education in Kazakhstan follows a 12-year system in line with international standards. Tuition at state schools is free for citizens and residents. Classes are primarily taught in Kazakh or Russian, with some schools introducing English as part of a trilingual education initiative. While this reform is promising, expat parents worry about inconsistent implementation.

If you decide to enrol your child in a public school, be aware that schools typically run in two sessions a day – one in the morning and another in the afternoon. Your child will attend only one session daily, although some schools offer homework programmes where students can stay while you’re at work.

Public schools in major cities generally have better resources, including STEM clubs, sports programmes, and digital learning initiatives. Rural schools sometimes struggle with outdated materials and limited internet access.

Useful links

• Ministry of Education and Science of Kazakhstan

Private and international schools in Kazakhstan

International schools in Kazakhstan offer high-quality education, attracting both well-off local families and expats looking for globally recognised curricula. Popular options include the International Baccalaureate (IB), the British curriculum, and the American system.

Admission to these schools can be competitive, with many requiring entrance assessments. Demand is high, so it’s wise to apply well in advance. Some schools prioritise students with previous international schooling, while others focus on academic testing.

International schools in Kazakhstan are known for their strong academic standards, modern facilities, and extracurricular programmes. Many provide a multilingual environment, helping students integrate smoothly into the local culture while maintaining their native language skills.

Tuition fees for international schools can be substantial, and costs vary between institutions. If you’re an expat parent moving to Kazakhstan, try factoring the school fees into their relocation package or employer benefits.

Read more: Best International Schools in Kazakhstan

Special educational needs in Kazakhstan

Accessing special educational needs (SEN) support in Kazakhstan can be challenging, but progress is being made in public schools. That said, international and private schools generally offer better SEN programmes.

International schools tend to provide the most extensive support, with services such as speech therapy, adaptive learning environments, and individualised education plans (IEPs). In contrast, while many public schools claim to be inclusive, only around 70 percent have implemented some form of SEN support, and availability can vary significantly depending on location.

Tutors in Kazakhstan

Private tutoring in Kazakhstan is a thriving industry, fuelled by academic competition and the push for top university placements. Many students seek extra support to prepare for entrance exams such as the SAT, IELTS, or Kazakhstan’s own Unified National Testing (UNT). Whether you’re looking for help in maths, sciences, or language learning, a range of options are available.

The most in-demand subjects for tutoring include English and the STEM subjects. Many students also seek additional lessons in Kazakh and Russian, particularly if they are non-native speakers aiming for fluency.

Finding English-speaking tutors is relatively easy in cities like Almaty and Astana. International schools and private institutions employ native or fluent English-speaking tutors, and many university students offer affordable private lessons. Online tutoring platforms such as Preply and TeacherOn provide further options, connecting students with tutors worldwide.

When choosing a tutor, families often rely on word-of-mouth recommendations, online reviews, and tutoring centres that vet and certify educators.

Useful links

• Preply
• TeacherOn
• Lessonpal – Tutors for Kazakh and Russian Languages