Education in Kazakhstan

1. Education in Kazakhstan

2. Preschool Education (Ages 3–6)

Preschool education is not mandatory but is
strongly encouraged. Children attend
kindergartens or school-preparedness
groups. The main aims are to develop
communication skills, basic literacy and
numeracy, creativity, and socialization. In
recent years, the government has expanded
preschool access to achieve near-universal
enrollment for 3–6-year-olds.

3. Primary Education (Grades 1–4)

Primary school starts at age 6 or 7 and lasts
four years. This stage focuses on foundational
learning: reading, writing, mathematics,
natural sciences, arts, and physical education.
Instruction is offered primarily in Kazakh or
Russian; English is introduced gradually.
The emphasis is on developing basic
academic skills, discipline, and curiosity.

4. Basic Secondary Education (Grades 5–9)

Basic secondary education continues from ages
10 to 15 and represents the core stage of
compulsory schooling.
Students study a wide range of subjects,
including mathematics, history, geography,
biology, chemistry, physics, Kazakh, Russian,
English, and computer science. National
curriculum updates aim to develop critical
thinking, project work, and research skills. After
completing grade 9, students receive a Basic
Secondary Education Certificate.

5. Upper Secondary Education (Grades 10–11 or 12)

Upper secondary education lasts 2 or 3 years,
depending on the school type. Kazakhstan is
gradually transitioning to a 12-year school system.
Students may choose between different pathways:
General education schools (academic track)
Lyceums and gymnasiums (advanced academic
track)
Vocational and technical colleges (career-oriented
track, typically 3–4 years)
Graduates receive an Upper Secondary Education
Certificate and may take the Unified National Test
(UNT) for university admission.

6. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

TVET can begin after grade 9 or grade 11.
Colleges offer programs in engineering,
agriculture, IT, health sciences, and service
industries. Training includes both academic
subjects and practical skills.
Graduates receive diplomas that qualify them
to enter the workforce or continue to higher
education.

7. Higher Education

Higher education institutions include universities,
academies, and institutes. Kazakhstan follows the
Bologna Process, offering:
Bachelor’s degree (3–4 years)
Master’s degree (1–2 years)
PhD (3 years)
Higher education emphasizes research,
innovation, and internationalization, with some
universities operating under special models (e.g.,
Nazarbayev University with an English-language
curriculum).

8. Vocabulary Matching

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Match each term with its correct definition.
Preschool education
Basic secondary education
TVET
Bologna Process
Upper secondary education
A. Education that provides practical and career-oriented
training
B. The final stage of compulsory schooling before specialization
C. Early childhood development for children aged 3–6
D. The stage preparing students for university or vocational
paths
E. A European framework for standardizing higher education
degrees

9. Complete the sentences using the correct stage of education.

Children aged 3–6 usually attend
____________________________.
2. After finishing grade 9, students receive a
certificate of ________________________.
3. Colleges that train students for specific careers
belong to the ____________________ system.
4. A __________________________ program
usually lasts 3–4 years at the university level.
5. Kazakhstan is transitioning from an 11-year to a
________________________ school model.
1.

10. Answer the questions in 1–3 sentences.

1. What skills does preschool education aim to
develop?
2. What subjects are commonly taught during
basic secondary education?
3. What pathways can students choose after
completing grade 9?
4. Why is the Bologna Process important for
higher education?

11.

Place each item into the correct category:
Primary, Basic Secondary, or Upper Secondary.
Items:
– Introduction to English
– Chemistry
– Unified National Test preparation
– Reading and writing basics
– Physics
– Advanced mathematics
– Natural sciences (general)

12. Discussion Questions

Which stage of education do you think is the
most important? Why?
Should preschool education be mandatory in
Kazakhstan?
How can the TVET system help students who
prefer practical skills?
In what ways can the education system better
prepare students for modern jobs?
What challenges could Kazakhstan face in
implementing a 12-year education system?

13.

Create a timeline that shows the stages of
education from preschool to higher
education. For each stage, write:
Duration (years or grades)
Typical age
Main goals or subjects