Kazakhstan weighs ending 12-year Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools program

September 8, 2026 at 12:53 PM2 min

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Kazakhstan's Ministry of Education is reviewing whether Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools should switch from a 12-year to an 11-year program. Minister Zhuldyz Suleimenova said a commission is studying the issue after President Tokayev ordered a review. The ministry cites a single education standard under the new constitution and notes 88% of NIS graduates finish at age 18.

Key Facts

Minister Zhuldyz Suleimenova announced a commission is reviewing Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools' programs and the possibility of completing them in 11 years.
President Tokayev ordered the review at the August conference, asking to study the appropriateness of 18-year-olds studying in NIS and private schools.
88% of NIS graduates finish at age 18, and about 300 teenagers graduated at age 19 last year.
A final decision is expected in 2027, possibly January 2027.
217 'Kelechek mektepteri' schools have been built nationwide, 40% more spacious and 20% better equipped than old schools.

Review Commission

The Ministry of Education formed a commission to study NIS educational programs and the possibility of finishing them in 11 years. President Tokayev instructed the review at the August conference, focusing on 18-year-old students in NIS and private schools. Minister Suleimenova said the commission is evaluating the 12-year program practiced in NIS and some private schools. She explained that the 12th grade mainly consists of admission programs for international university preparation.

Equity Concerns

Suleimenova stated that under the new constitution, Kazakhstan must have a single education standard. She noted a trend of parents withdrawing children from NIS after 10th grade to transfer to general education schools. In general education schools, 11th graders must take the state exam and simultaneously prepare for the UNT, while NIS students have extra time for international exams. The ministry wants to assess the current model to prevent discrimination between children.

Program Translation

Suleimenova said all programs, including international ones, would need to be translated into an 11-year format. She emphasized that NIS operates as a full-day school, with students attending from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and eight individual hours weekly. The minister argued that the state has invested heavily in NIS and it is time to transmit the accumulated experience to all general education schools. She also criticized NIS for not creating a platform to support talented children who narrowly missed admission, despite significant funding.