Gifted children in Kazakhstan now
have a unique opportunity to pursue undergraduate studies at the world’s top
universities through the Bolashak scholarship program. According to proposed
amendments to the relevant legislation by Parliament members, scholarships can
be awarded to winners of national and international Olympiads, as well as
scientific project competitions, with their list to be approved by a national
commission. This initiative, aimed at supporting Kazakh youth, is currently
under review by a working group. Additionally, winners of subject Olympiads can
already receive one-time cash awards and grants at any Kazakh university. It is
worth noting that, to date, the Bolashak program covers only master’s,
doctoral, and internship programs.
«The main mechanism for the
return of Kazakh citizens who studied abroad is the Bolashak program. There is
no other equivalent. Every citizen of our country has a choice. For example, we
provide international Olympiad winners who have graduated from school with the
opportunity to study abroad under the Bolashak program, which facilitates their
return and contribution to Kazakhstan. Alternatively, they may also choose to
accept invitations from international universities,» said Aliya Ospanova,
President of the Center for International Programs.
Over the 31 years of the Bolashak
International Program, more than 12,500 Kazakh citizens have received education
abroad. Each year, a total of 20 billion tenge is allocated from the budget for
international scholarships.
