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Secondary education in Kazakhstan for international students

Current page last update date: 2025-07-15
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The secondary education in Kazakhstan is accessible to foreign students on both a free and fee-paying basis. In March 2010, Kazakhstan joined the Bologna Declaration, becoming the 47th member of the European Educational Area and the first Central Asian country to achieve a full participant status.

The education system in Kazakhstan is multilevel, following a traditional structure in many countries — it includes preschool, primary and secondary school, vocational, and higher education and postgraduate studies. Kazakhstan has been recognized in the US News & World Report ranking of the best countries for education.

Secondary education is the last stage of general education and is designed for students aged 16 to 18 years. The primary goal of secondary education in Kazakhstan is to prepare students for higher education or professional careers. This educational stage includes continuation of studying basic subjects and introduction to specialized subjects related to students’ future careers or field of study.

School education in Kazakhstan – specifics of studying

Children go to school at the age of six, the studying lasts 9-11 years. Enrollment requires a parent’s application. Primary education in Kazakhstan lasts four years, followed by five years of basic secondary education. After completing the 9th grade, the foreign students can enroll in colleges to obtain professional qualifications or continue studying at a school in Kazakhstan for additional 2 years.

In primary schools in Kazakhstan, the focus is on student development, and fostering a positive attitude towards learning. In grades 5-9, the foreign students receive a wide range of knowledge in basic subjects, and some courses are conducted in English. Grades 10-11 are focused on preparing for professional development, with differentiated learning tailored to student’s skills and interests. Additionally, the abilities for independent research are formed. The studying is conducted in the secondary schools in Kazakhstan, as well as lyceums and gymnasiums that implement additional programs.

Secondary education in Kazakhstan – types of educational institutions

Public education is a system of education that is implemented and controlled by the government of Kazakhstan. State educational institutions are funded by the state budget, offering free or nominally priced education. Public education is the main and most widespread type of education in many countries, including Kazakhstan.

State institutions adhere to state educational standards and undergo regular quality assessments. They are also regularly checked and evaluated for the quality of education. Public education provides accessible education for all citizens and maintains minimum quality standards.

Private education is a system of education that is provided by private organizations. Private educational institutions can be for-profit or non-profit, funded through student fees. Private schools may offer additional services and programs that are not provided in public institutions.

Private education can offer a more flexible and customized educational system, as well as specialized programs and learning approaches. However, private education may be more expensive and inaccessible to some citizens due to high tuition costs.

In recent years, private schools and universities have also become popular, especially among those who are looking for a more personalized approach to education or specialized programs.

Trends of development of secondary education in Kazakhstan

Electronic educational resources, interactive whiteboards, online courses and other learning tools are being actively introduced in Kazakhstan, which make education more accessible and effective.

Kazakhstan pays special attention to the development of vocational education. New specialized educational institutions are being created, the network of colleges and technical schools is expanding, and educational programs are being developed that meet modern labor market requirements.

Kazakhstan is actively developing international cooperation in the field of education. Agreements on mutual recognition of diplomas and qualifications are concluded, exchanges of students and teachers are conducted. Joint research and projects are organized, allowing students and teachers to gain new experience, knowledge and expand their horizons.

Inclusive education is being actively introduced in Kazakhstan, which involves teaching children with special educational needs in secondary schools. Special conditions and educational programs are being created, and students receive individual support and assistance. This promotes social integration and equal opportunities for all children.

Secondary schools in Kazakhstan fees for foreign students

In the ranking of countries on the high cost of education in international primary schools, Kazakhstan was ranked 58th out of 106. The cost of a year of study at a secondary school in Kazakhstan amounted to 5,600 US dollars.

On average, the tuition fee in secondary school in Kazakhstan accounts for 900 thousand tenge per month.

Learning programs-summary information

Name Meaning Equivalent Min. age Duration,
years
Next stage Cost
GCSE General certificate of secondary education secondary education (non-accomplished) 14 1–2 A-Levels 15,000 USD+
A-Levels Advanced level secondary education (accomplished) 16 2 University 15,000 USD+
BTEC Business and Technology Education Board secondary special education 14 2–3 University/ work 15,000 USD+
Oxbridge Preparation Preparing for Oxford and Cambridge secondary education (accomplished) 17 1 University 15,000 USD+
International Baccalaureate International baccalaureate secondary education (accomplished) 16 2 University 18,000 USD+
Foundation/ Pathway Year Preparatory year admission to the 1st year of university 17 1 University 14,000 USD+
NCUK The Northern consortium 2 year university 17,5 1 2 year University of NCUK 13,000 USD+
Special Preparation (Medics/Math/Business) Specialized training - 14 optional optional 4,000 USD+
Academic English Academic English Language school 8 + 6–12 months School or University 8,000 USD+

Advantages and disadvantages of English schools

Advantages Disadvantages
The opportunity to enter the best universities in England, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Europe, the world Expensive
High quality of education and academic standards Strong workload
Perfect English after graduation The need to change the social environment; it takes time to adapt
Useful contacts The difficulty of choosing the most suitable school for the child, requires a qualified specialist

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Svetlana  Iakovleva
Director of International Enrollment Management
Director of International Enrollment Management. 20 years work experience in the field of international education. Svetlana has been a part of Amerigo Education for six years. During these years she moved from a role in recruitment to the role in Admissions working closely with the Operations, Academic and other teams. She believes that parents should give their kids the freedom to choose a school based on the kids goals and inner comfort and support the student with the final choice.