Astana is strengthening investment in its education system as the capital experiences continued growth in its school-age population. An additional KZT 14.7 billion has been allocated to education, with the funding directed towards teacher salaries, textbooks, school facilities, supplementary education and social support. The expansion comes as more than 337,000 students are studying across 206 secondary education institutions in the capital, while around 33,000 children have entered first grade.

Major Support for Teachers

& Schools

According to Aizhan Tugelbayeva, head of Astana’s Department of Economy and Budget Planning, KZT 5.6 billion of the additional allocation will support salaries for approximately 30,000 teachers. Another KZT 2 billion has been earmarked for the purchase and delivery of around 1.2 million textbooks. The city administration has separately confirmed that more than 1.2 million books and educational materials were purchased from 14 publishers to meet students’ requirements. Secondary schools will receive KZT 4.3 billion for per-capita financing and essential classroom equipment, including desks and chairs. A further KZT 2.6 billion will finance supplementary education for about 57,000 children, while KZT 103.5 million has been allocated for social assistance to orphans.

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Expanding Capacity Across the Capital

The additional funding accompanies a wider expansion of Astana’s educational infrastructure. The city has brought 44 new schools providing more than 100,000 student places into operation in recent years, including 23 developed through the Keleshek Mektepteri initiative. New schools and additional academic buildings are also helping reduce pressure on existing facilities as Astana adapts its education system to a rapidly expanding student population.