Kazakhstan's Investments in Education and Science Have Grown Fivefold

In recent years, the advancement of science and higher education has become a strategic priority for Kazakhstan. The country's leadership has emphasized that the nation's future is directly linked to the effective use of high technologies and artificial intelligence. A key indicator of this focus is a fivefold increase in state investments into the education and science sectors over the past five years.

A series of systemic reforms are being implemented within the national scientific and academic system. The number of research universities is growing, and their collaboration with industry is strengthening. Currently, around 300 commercial scientific projects are underway, forming an integrated system based on the principle of "University – Research – Innovation – Commerce." This model aims to translate scientific achievements into tangible economic benefits.

International academic cooperation is also expanding dynamically. Kazakhstan has established strategic partnerships with 40 leading foreign universities worldwide. Furthermore, 33 branches of international universities from countries including the UK, USA, China, Italy, and South Korea are now operating in the country. The development of technology parks and engineering centers continues alongside a consistent modernization of scientific infrastructure.

The institutional foundation for managing science has been strengthened with the adoption of a new Law "On Science and Technological Policy," which provides a modern legal framework. The role of the National Academy of Sciences has been enhanced, and Regional Science Councils have been established across all areas. These measures allow for more effective coordination of scientific policy and development of regional potential.

Bolstering human resources remains a cornerstone of state policy. A key instrument for supporting young researchers is the "Zhas Galym" (Young Scientist) grant program. The initial goal was to award up to one thousand grants to young scientists—a target that has been fully met.

Between 2022 and 2025, 941 research projects were approved under this competition, with total funding amounting to 23.16 billion tenge. Today, young scientists constitute 47% (12,758 individuals) of all researchers in Kazakhstan. By 2025, their contribution to grant project implementation reached 30.1%, highlighting their growing role in the scientific community.

Funding for the program shows steady growth: allocations increased from 2.75 billion tenge in 2023 to 7.58 billion tenge in 2025.

Support for young researchers extends beyond grants to include social measures. Mechanisms for providing housing have been introduced for the period 2023-2026. To date, 606 apartments have been allocated to young scientists—483 through a preferential lending program via Otbasy Bank and an additional 123 provided free of charge over the last two years on direct instruction from the Head of State.

Special attention is also paid to developing regional science. Since January 1, 2025, regional administrations have been granted additional powers to implement scientific and technological policy locally.

The largest scientific centers remain Almaty (generating over 43% of domestic R&D expenditures) and Astana (20.4%). However, regional activity is rising; for instance, in Mangystau Region, businesses finance up to 86% of R&D costs from their own funds—a sign that companies are actively engaging in research closely tied to economic needs.

To develop regional infrastructure under targeted financing programs for 2024-2026 work has begun on establishing six academic research centers at universities across major macro-regions: Caspian University (West), Aktobe & Kostanay Regional Universities (West/North), Taraz University (South), International Kazakh-Turkish University (Southeast), East Kazakhstan Technical University (East).

Over recent years thirteen regional tech sessions were held fostering stable interaction between academia & major industrial enterprises—strengthening ties between science & production while aligning research with real economic demands.

The overall growth in investment into science & higher education expansion international cooperation support youth talent & development regional infrastructure demonstrates consistent state policy aimed at strengthening human capital laying solid groundwork transforming science into powerful driver socio-economic progress Kazakhstan