Which specialties received the most grants in 2026

Kazakhstan is set to award around 75,000 educational grants for bachelor's degree programs in the upcoming academic year, following a competitive application process that saw approximately 127,000 submissions. The distribution of these grants prioritizes the nation's demand for qualified professionals.

“

The state educational order is formed on the basis of the labor market’s need for qualified personnel. This year, 60 percent of the grants were allocated to engineering and technical fields, 20 percent to teacher training programs and another 20 percent to other areas of study.

Zhanna Yessinbayeva, deputy chair of the Committee for Higher and Postgraduate Education, stated that the state educational order is designed to meet the labor market's needs. This year, a significant 60% of the grants are allocated to engineering and technical fields. Teacher training programs and other areas of study will each receive 20% of the grants.

The Ministry of Science and Higher Education highlighted the high demand for certain programs. Among applicants, Translation Studies, International Relations, Law, Psychology, and Finance emerged as the most popular choices. Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek noted the intense competition, with over 127,000 applications submitted for the available grants.

“

The most popular fields among applicants were Teacher Training, Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction, and Information and Communication Technologies. Based on the results of the admissions campaign, the highest competition per grant is expected for programs preparing future translators, diplomats, lawyers, psychologists and teachers.

Nurbek further elaborated on the most sought-after fields, mentioning Teacher Training, Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction, and Information and Communication Technologies. He anticipates the highest competition per grant will be for programs training future translators, diplomats, lawyers, psychologists, and teachers. The results of the grant competition, overseen by a Republican Competition Commission including various stakeholders, are scheduled for publication on August 7, 2026.

“

During the meetings, the applications were reviewed, and state educational grants were allocated on a competitive basis in accordance with the applicable rules.