Many expat families opt for international schools in Kazakhstan due to the language barrier they face in Kazakh-speaking state schools. The good news is that there are several international schools in Kazakhstan providing an excellent level of education. Most teach in English, although some have additional foreign-language streams, such as French. Globally recognised and respected education systems are on offer, including the Cambridge IGCSEs and A-levels, American SATs and Advanced Placement subjects, and the International Baccalaureate.
Kazakhstan’s international schools are mainly located in the expat hubs of Astana (previously known as Nur-Sultan) and Almaty. A few schools can also be found in Atyrau. Expats can expect a high standard of education from international schools, which are often set in modern, purpose-built facilities and staffed by well-qualified, highly-trained teachers.
Read more on Schools and the Education System in Kazakhstan.
Below is a list of some of the most prominent international schools in Kazakhstan.
International schools in Kazakhstan
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Galaxy International School
Galaxy International School in Almaty offers a dynamic international learning environment that strongly emphasises academic excellence and personal growth. With a diverse student body and a commitment to fostering independent thinking, the school provides a well-rounded education enriched by extracurricular opportunities and global perspectives.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Cambridge International Curriculum, IGCSE, A-levels and Kazakhstani
Ages: 5 to 18
Website: www.galaxy.edu.kz
Haileybury Almaty
Haileybury Almaty provides a world-class British education in a dynamic, supportive environment, preparing students for top universities worldwide. With strong academic foundations and an emphasis on leadership, creativity and personal growth, the school nurtures confident, globally minded individuals.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 4 to 18
Website: www.haileybury.kz/en/almaty
Haileybury Astana
Haileybury Astana delivers a rigorous British education with a strong focus on academic excellence, leadership and personal growth. As a leading IB World School, it prepares students for success at top universities while offering outstanding facilities, dedicated teachers and a vibrant international community.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 2 to 18
Website: www.haileybury.kz/en/astana
Kazakhstan International School
Kazakhstan International School (KIS) offers a welcoming and dynamic environment where students flourish academically and personally. Modern facilities, a broad co-curricular programme, and a commitment to excellence make KIS a top choice for international families in both Almaty and Astana.
With a strong focus on inquiry-based learning, the school fosters critical thinking, creativity and global awareness. A diverse community of students and educators creates a supportive atmosphere that encourages collaboration and personal growth.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Ages: 2.5 to 18
Website: www.kisnet.org
Miras International School Almaty
Miras International School Almaty offers a dynamic, multilingual education through the International Baccalaureate and Kazakhstani curricula. Accredited by the Council of International Schools, it provides a globally recognised qualification that supports university entry worldwide. With instruction in English, Kazakh, and Russian, as well as a diverse student body and a strong emphasis on inquiry-based learning, Miras fosters academic excellence and international-mindedness in a supportive, well-equipped campus.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate and Kazakhstani
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.miras.kz/en
Miras International School in Astana
Miras International School Astana delivers a globally focused education through the International Baccalaureate, Kazakhstani and French curricula. Accredited by leading international educational bodies, it offers a multilingual learning environment with instruction in English, Kazakh, Russian and French. With experienced teachers, modern facilities and a strong emphasis on academic excellence and personal growth, Miras prepares students for top universities worldwide.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Kazakhstani, French and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 2 to 18
Website: www.miras-astana.kz
Spectrum International School
Spectrum International School delivers a globally recognised education through the Cambridge International Curriculum, complemented by the Kazakhstani framework. With a strong focus on academic excellence, cultural diversity and personalised learning, the school prepares students for top universities worldwide in a supportive international environment.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Cambridge International Curriculum, IGCSE, A-levels and Kazakhstani
Ages: 5 to 18
Website: www.spectrum.edu.kz
What do expats say about international schools in Kazakhstan?
"Our children go to Haileybury Astana – a sister school to a British Independent school. It teaches the British curriculum so our children are getting exactly the same education they would in England. There are two schools, QSI and MIRAS, that teach the American curriculum and a Turkish international school called Nuroda."
Learn in our expat interview on life with kids in Kazakhstan with Dutch-Irish expat Erstaz.
Further reading
►For more on schooling, see Education and Schools in Kazakhstan
Are you an expat living in Kazakhstan?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Kazakhstan. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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