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Education in Kazakhstan – Expat guide

As a foreign national, understanding Kazakhstan’s educational system can be difficult. However, foreign-borns can make well-informed judgments that best meet the requirements if they have a thorough awareness of the available schooling alternatives, admissions procedures, and cultural concerns. Children of expatriates can have successful and fulfilling training in Kazakhstan, regardless of whether they attend public, private, or foreign schools.

Students engaged in learning activities

This thorough guide covers a wide range of topics, including schooling alternatives, teaching language, and admissions procedures, to give foreign visitors useful insights into the country’s educational system.

Education quality and standards

Significant changes have been made to Kazakhstan’s educational system to raise educational quality criteria.  The authorities have put in place several programs to enhance the development of courses, teacher preparation, and academic facilities. These changes demonstrate the nation’s dedication to giving its youngsters an excellent education. Furthermore, to guarantee the provision of high-quality education, foreign institutes in Kazakhstan uphold strict requirements and regularly go through licensing procedures. These educational organizations are essential in providing both local and foreign students with a global viewpoint and top-notch instruction. Kazakhstan’s constant efforts to enhance its educational system show how committed the nation is to creating an effective and comprehensive educational setting.

Schooling options

The nation offers the following options for education.

Public schools

In Kazakhstan, public schools are run and funded by the state. They provide instruction to foreign students as well as citizens of Kazakhstan. The national program is taught in public schools, and Russian and Kazakh are the primary mediums of teaching. Families who are living abroad and want their kids to learn the language and get fully immersed in the culture can consider these institutes as a great choice.

Admission process

In Kazakhstan, applying to public schools usually entails sending in a form and providing the necessary paperwork, which includes the child’s birth document, visa, and transcripts from prior schools. Additional paperwork, like a residency permit or immunization records, could be needed by some schools. It is best to inquire directly about specific criteria for admission from the public institute of your choice.

Private schools

Another option that’s prevalent among foreign families in Kazakhstan is private education. International Baccalaureate (IB) and British Curriculum (IGCSE) are two examples of the international curriculum that these schools frequently use. Larger student bodies and lower class sizes are typical features of private institutions. They can offer linguistic options in addition to English education.

Admission process

In Kazakhstan, private schools typically have their own admissions processes. This could entail filling up an application, submitting academic records, and perhaps passing an entrance exam. It is advised to inquire about the particular entrance prerequisites and processes of each private institute.

International schools

International educational institutions provide instruction in English or other foreign tongues and are particularly designed for pupils from overseas. Transnational curricula, including the IB, American Coursework, and British Coursework, are taught in these faculties. For children of foreign parents, overseas institutions offer a familiar educational atmosphere that facilitates easier adjustment.  A vast array of extra-curricular pursuits and support activities are also provided by them.

Admission process

Many international faculties have a clear admissions procedure. This could entail filling up an application, sending in academic transcripts, going to an interview, and occasionally taking standardized tests like the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) or the International Schools’ Assessment (ISA). For comprehensive information about the international school’s admissions procedure, it is best to get in touch with them directly.

Language of instruction

Kazakh and Russian are the two main languages taught in Kazakhstan’s public schools. Nevertheless, English is the primary language of teaching in private and foreign faculties. These educational institutions strive to offer an English-speaking educational setting and frequently implement worldwide curricula. 

Furthermore, language support programs are provided by private and international institutions to help non-native English speakers acquire the language skills they need to engage fully in the educational process. The variety of languages spoken in classrooms is indicative of the nation’s efforts to offer options to pupils from diverse linguistic backgrounds and to get them ready for a globalized society.

Cultural considerations

The consideration of cultural factors is crucial when choosing a faculty in Kazakhstan. Children who attend public schools have the chance to completely integrate into the community, which helps them learn the language and develop a deeper awareness of Kazakhstani customs. This may promote a feeling of inclusion and respect for one’s culture. International and private schools, on the other hand, provide a more varied multicultural setting. 

Children from other countries attending these educational institutions gain access to a wider variety of viewpoints and cultures through their interactions with other kids. Tolerance, global thinking, and cross-cultural understanding can all be fostered by this exposure. For their children’s integration into culture and global exposure, expatriate families can select an educational setting that supports their values by taking into account the cultural features of the various school alternatives available in Kazakhstan.

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