Education of gifted youth at top global universities through Bolashak program

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.