State Scholarships of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Every year in Kazakhstan thousands of educational grants are allocated to students. An educational grant provides not only the opportunity to receive higher education free of charge, but also includes a monthly financial allowance for the student, i.e., a scholarship. The amount of the scholarship depends on many factors, which will be discussed below.

Types of Scholarships in Educational Institutions

First of all, it should be noted that scholarships are paid both to students of higher educational institutions (universities) and to students of vocational and technical institutions (colleges, vocational schools).

Types of state scholarships:

• minimum state scholarship (standard);
• increased state scholarship;
• Presidential state scholarship (awarded only to university students).

To receive scholarships, a student must have a payment card. Issuing a payment card takes up to 45 days. Currently, it is enough to have an identity card to apply. A payment card can be opened in any second-tier bank at the student’s discretion.

Minimum State Scholarship

If you have received an educational grant, you will initially be awarded a standard (minimum) scholarship until the end of the first semester. The scholarship is paid monthly, usually at the end of the month. After the first examination session, if a student has grades of “good” and “excellent,” they will continue to receive the scholarship. If all grades are “excellent,” the student will receive a 15% increased scholarship in the next semester. The scholarship for the summer period (July, August) is paid in a lump sum for two months, provided the student has passed the exams with “good” and “excellent” grades. The payment is made at the end of July.

Payment of state scholarships is terminated:

• in case of expulsion of the student from the educational institution, regardless of the reason;
• in case of the student’s death;
• after graduation, from the date of the graduation order.

Increased State Scholarship

Increased scholarships are awarded to students and master’s students who have passed their exam session with only “excellent” grades. They receive a scholarship with a 15% increase. This applies to both universities and colleges. Additional bonuses may also apply depending on the student’s social status.

Presidential State Scholarship

Presidential scholarships are awarded only to university students. As a rule, they are granted to students with outstanding achievements. The purpose of the presidential scholarship is:

• to encourage students and master’s students to engage in research activities;
• to support the most talented and gifted students;
• to contribute to the development of intellectual potential.

The number of scholarships is distributed among universities proportionally to the number of full-time students. If a university has fewer than 700 full-time students, such scholarships are not allocated.

The presidential scholarship is awarded to full-time students from the 3rd year and to master’s students from the second year who study only with “excellent” grades (A, A-), regardless of whether they study on a state grant or on a paid basis.

The scholarship is awarded to students who:

• are winners of national and international olympiads, competitions, sports events, or festivals;
• have publications in scientific collections and journals;
• are actively engaged in research activities;
• participate actively in social, cultural, and sports life.

The scholarship is awarded by order of the rector based on the decision of the academic council and is granted for one academic period (semester).

Travel Allowances for Students

Students are also provided with transport benefits (travel allowances).

1. College students receive travel payments twice a year (winter and summer holidays) in the amount of 2 MCI;
2. College graduates – once a year in the amount of 2 MCI;
3. University students and master’s students – twice a year in the amount of 4 MCI;
4. Preparatory department students – once a year in the amount of 4 MCI;
5. University graduates – once a year in the amount of 4 MCI.

Travel allowances are paid in February and June, either to a payment card or in cash.

Scholarship Amounts in Universities and Colleges

Scholarships are assigned by order of the head of the educational institution (rector or college director). The amounts are regulated in accordance with the rules approved by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Resolution No. 116 dated February 7, 2008).

The tables below provide detailed scholarship amounts for students, master’s students, and doctoral students.

Table 1. Minimum scholarship amount