Structure of Education in Kazakhstan
School education in Kazakhstan starts with preschool, followed by primary education that lasts for 4 years and is compulsory. After the completion of primary education, students can go for secondary education. Secondary education is divided into: lower secondary education that is compulsory to attend and lasts for 4 years, and higher secondary education. Higher secondary education consists of three educational tracks-general, vocational and professional education.
Higher Education in Kazakhstan
Higher education in Kazakhstan is offered by the universities, institutes, academies, higher schools and colleges, and conservatories. Higher education is offered at four levels: bachelor, specialist, master and doctorate degree level.
Structure of Kazakhstan Education
Pre-tertiary Education
Period of Compulsory Education
- Duration: 9 years
- Entry age: 6
- Exit age: 15
Pre-school Education
- School type: Kindergarten
- Duration: 1 year
- Ages: 5-6
Primary Education
- School type: Primary School
- Duration: 4 years
- Grades: 1 to 4
- Ages: 6 to 10
Lower Secondary Education
- School type: General School-Gymnasium
- Duration: 5 years
- Ages: 10-15
- Grades: 5 to 9
Higher Secondary Education
Higher secondary education consist of general, vocational and professional education.
General Secondary Education
- School type: Secondary School, Gymnasium
- Duration: 2 years
- Ages: 15-17
- Credential awarded: Certificate of complete secondary education (Atestat o Srednem Obrazovanii)
Secondary Vocational Education
- School type: Initial training school, Lycees
- Duration: 1 to 3 years
- Ages: 15 to 18
- Credential awarded: Diploma of secondary vocational education (Diplom o Srednem Spetsialnom Obrazovanii)
Secondary Professional Education
- School type: Professional Colleges
- Duration: 4 years
- Ages: 15 to19
- Credential awarded: Diploma of secondary vocational education (Diplom o Srednem Spetsialnom Obrazovanii)
Higher/Tertiary Education
Level: Bachelor’s degree
Level: Specialist degree
Level: Master’s degree
Level: Doctorate degree
- Duration: 5 years
- Certificate awarded: Doctor of Science or Ph.D