The Best International Schools in Kazakhstan

Published on January 25, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Long perceived primarily as an energy destination, Kazakhstan is gradually establishing itself as an educational hub for Central Asia. In the wake of independence, obtained after the fall of the USSR, a dynamic sector of international schools developed, mainly in Almaty and Astana. Today, the country boasts British, American, IB, bilingual, and Franco-Kazakh institutions capable of competing with the standards of major world capitals.

An Evolving Educational Landscape

The rise of international schools in Kazakhstan is closely linked to the transformation of the entire national education system. The Constitution guarantees free and compulsory education at primary and secondary school, with literacy rates close to 100%. Public schools, mostly in Kazakh or Russian, host the vast majority of local students and boast secondary school enrollment rates near 100%.

The country now has at least 15 truly international schools, although some broader lists identify up to 45 institutions with an international vocation or accreditation, including “Bilim-Innovation” lyceums, some public gymnasiums that are IB candidates, and the Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools. The majority are concentrated in Almaty, the economic capital, and Astana, the political capital, with a few located in Atyrau or Aktau, near major oil projects.

The major trends are clear: co-education, day schooling (boarding remains a minority), strong presence of English, British, American, or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, and marked modernization of infrastructure and teaching methods.

Understanding the Main Types of International Schools

To grasp “the best international schools in Kazakhstan“, one must first understand the major models that coexist in the country. Three approaches dominate: the British model (Cambridge, National Curriculum, A-Levels), the American model (K-12, AP, SAT), and the IB model (PYP, MYP, DP). Added to these are hybrid institutions, which combine these frameworks with the Kazakh national curriculum.

The British Model: Cambridge, National Curriculum, and A-Levels

Several schools clearly claim the British tradition. This is the case for Haileybury Almaty, Haileybury Astana, Galaxy International School, or Spectrum International School, to which Ardingly Astana is added, the local branch of the highly reputed Ardingly College in the United Kingdom.

Their common point is the use of the English National Curriculum and Cambridge International programs to structure schooling, from primary through to secondary exit exams (IGCSE then AS/A-Levels). These exams are recognized by universities in the United Kingdom but also by major American institutions – including the Ivy League – as well as Canadian, Australian, or Asian ones.

Ardingly Astana specifies that its Cambridge AS & A Levels are accepted by all UK universities and by a wide range of leading American universities. Haileybury Astana, an IB World School, complements this British foundation with the International Baccalaureate at the end of the curriculum, offering students the choice between A-Levels (in Almaty) or the IB Diploma (in Astana) depending on the campus.

Ardingly Astana and Haileybury Astana

The American Model: K-12, AP, and SAT

The Quality Schools International (QSI) network is the main vector of the American model in Kazakhstan. It notably operates Almaty International School (often called QSI Almaty) and QSI International School of Astana. These schools cover the entire K-12 journey, from kindergarten to high school, with a structured American curriculum and a strong orientation towards 21st-century skills: critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, collaboration, digital literacy.

The IB Model: PYP, MYP, DP, International Continuum

Kazakhstan has 13 IB World Schools, of which four offer the full continuum – Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP): the International School of Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan International School, Miras International School Almaty, and Miras International School Astana. Several candidate IB schools (e.g., Astana English School, Zaman School, or School-Gymnasium No. 153) are added to these institutions.

The Miras schools, in Almaty and Astana, occupy a special place: they are among the few institutions that are both IB World Schools for all three programs and fully integrated into the national system, awarding Kazakhstani diplomas (Attestat, UNT certificate) and IB certificates (MYP, DP).

Hybrid and Bilingual Schools

Beyond these three major models, several important schools combine an international program with the Kazakh curriculum, while ensuring a bilingual (or trilingual) education: Miras (English/Russian/Kazakh in Almaty, adding French in Astana), Galaxy International School (British + Kazakh program), Spectrum International School (Cambridge + Kazakh framework), or the International College of Continuous Education (ICCE) in Almaty and Astana, which blends IB and the national program.

These institutions are particularly attractive to Kazakhstani families who wish to both retain a national grounding (language, history, state exams) and open the doors of international universities to their children.

Major International Schools in Almaty

Almaty concentrates part of the country’s educational elite. Several institutions stand out clearly due to the quality of their programs, their accreditations, and their international reach.

Kazakhstan International School (KIS)

Kazakhstan International School has become a regional reference for the IB. The school is private, co-educational, and welcomes children aged 2.5 to 18 on its campuses in Almaty and Astana. The philosophy is resolutely student-centered: inquiry-based pedagogy, interdisciplinary learning, importance given to empathy, internationalism, and engagement.

KIS is distinguished by the diversity of its community: nearly half of the students are expatriates and more than 60 foreign teachers teach full-time. The academic IB offering is particularly broad, with 15 Diploma Programme courses covering sciences, languages (English, Russian, Spanish, French, Mandarin, Turkish), humanities, arts, and mathematics.

Annual fees, for the 2023/2024 school year, range from approximately 4.3 million to just over 11 million tenge (KZT), depending on the level. For a family aiming for a fully IB education, with ambitions for higher studies abroad, KIS is clearly among the best choices in the country.

Haileybury Almaty

Opened in 2008, Haileybury Almaty was the first “sister school” of a major British public school in Central Asia. The institution offers a British-style education, from nursery to sixth form, with the National Curriculum, IGCSEs, and A-Levels. Students also prepare for the IELTS test, essential for entry into many English-speaking universities.

Almaty International School (QSI Almaty)

Founded in 1993 by Quality Schools International, Almaty International School is one of the oldest international schools in the country. The institution offers an American program from kindergarten (Pre-K) to high school graduation, with a strong emphasis on 21st-century skills and the development of responsible citizens, through its “Success Orientations”: responsibility, trust, politeness, aesthetic sense, group interaction, independent effort, concern for others.

An important point for Kazakhstani families: in accordance with the country’s regulations, citizen students must take courses in Kazakh language, Kazakh history, and military preparedness.

Miras International School Almaty

Miras Almaty is a pioneering school in the Kazakhstani international sector. Founded in 1995, it was the first in the country to be both authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization and accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS). It is also a member of ECIS, UNESCO, and the regional IB schools association.

Annual fees range, depending on the levels, between approximately 6.4 and 12.5 million KZT.

Galaxy International School and Other Institutions in Almaty

Galaxy International School, in Almaty, combines the Cambridge International Curriculum (IGCSE, A-Levels) with the Kazakh program. It welcomes students aged 5 to 18 in a co-educational setting. A member of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), it offers Cambridge exams from primary school onward, including the standard Checkpoints, IGCSE, AS, and A-Levels, as well as Cambridge English Qualifications.

Spectrum International School, which also has a campus in Astana, also follows Cambridge programs, while maintaining a close link with the Kazakh framework. Other players in the Almaty landscape: Tien Shan International School (English-language Christian school, member of CIS and the Association of Christian Schools International), High Tech Academy (innovative school focused on 21st-century methods), EtonHouse Kazakhstan International School, or several “Bilim-Innovation” lyceums.

Examples of Programs and Fees: Almaty

The table below summarizes some key characteristics of major international schools in Almaty, based on available information.

These amounts remain indicative and must be confirmed directly with the schools; however, they give a rough idea: a complete international education in Almaty is clearly positioned in the high-end regional bracket, with fees often higher than the local cost of living but lower than those in major Western capitals.

The Best International Schools in Astana

The political capital, renamed Astana, also concentrates a core group of top-tier international schools, often located near diplomatic quarters and new residential complexes.

Haileybury Astana

Haileybury Astana is often cited by expatriates as one of the best options in the city. The school, founded in 2011, hosts about 650 students on a campus located on the banks of the Ishim River. It offers the continuity of the British model: Key Stages of the National Curriculum in primary (KS1 and KS2), Cambridge IGCSE in secondary, and then the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in sixth form, as an IB World School.

The infrastructure is particularly remarkable: a 25-meter indoor pool, a large gymnasium, a dance and performing arts studio, a FIFA-standard soccer field, a tennis court, a recording studio, flexible learning spaces. School life is structured by a “Houses” system that compete in sports, arts, and academics, in the style of British public schools.

QSI International School of Astana

QSI International School of Astana transposes the model of Almaty International School to the capital. Founded in 2005, the school operates as a private non-profit institution, licensed by the Kazakh Ministry of Education. All schooling, from kindergarten to high school, is conducted in English (except for second language classes).

The campus, inaugurated in 2013, includes 32 classrooms, three computer labs, an auditorium, a gymnasium, a cafeteria, a library, a soccer field with a 400-meter track, playgrounds, and equipment for long jump, basketball, or tennis.

Accredited by the Middle States Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA/CESS) and a member of CEESA, the school also serves as a center for SAT tests and AP exams. It offers intensive English courses for non-native speakers, as well as university counseling.

Spectrum International School (formerly Nurorda International School)

Spectrum International School, formerly known as Nurorda International School, illustrates another aspect of the landscape: that of British schools associated with local foundations. Non-profit, the school was built in 2000 and gradually expanded its offerings, from primary to IGCSE and then AS/A-Level levels.

Admission involves an online application, a guided tour, then an entrance assessment, with previous years’ report cards possibly required. Again, the emphasis is placed on both academic level and the ability to integrate into a demanding English-language environment.

International School of Nur-Sultan and Miras International School Astana

The International School of Nur-Sultan is one of the pillars of the IB model in the capital. The school, opened in 2013, quickly grew to exceed 1,200 students distributed between primary and secondary (grades 1 to 12), plus a 36-place kindergarten. It is authorized to deliver all three IB programs (PYP, MYP, DP), making it one of the four schools in the country offering this complete continuum.

Miras International School Astana, sister to Miras Almaty, follows a comparable scheme but adds a Francophone dimension: in addition to English, Kazakh, and Russian, the school offers a French curriculum component. Again, students can obtain both IB qualifications and Kazakhstani state diplomas, and the institution is recognized by several international accrediting bodies.

Other Leading Institutions in Astana

Several other schools reinforce Astana’s status as a regional-tier educational city. Ardingly Astana (Ardingly College branch) is a good example: the primary curriculum there includes more than 880 possible subjects within the Cambridge framework, with a very advanced STREAM program (Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics), taught via design, technology, and robotics. The teaching staff is recruited from top British universities, with an internationally experienced headmaster.

The Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS), although part of the selective public network, largely share the IB philosophy, with a strong STEM orientation, trilingual programs, and resources per student significantly higher than those of ordinary public schools. They are located throughout the country (Astana, Almaty, Karaganda, Aktobe, Pavlodar, Atyrau, etc.) and serve as pedagogical laboratories for national reforms.

Quick Overview of Major Schools in Astana

Beyond Almaty and Astana: A Network That is Growing Denser

While the majority of international schools are concentrated in the two major metropolises, several regional cities are beginning to develop their offerings. Atyrau, an important oil city on the Caspian Sea, hosts for example Aqtau (or Aqtau/Aktau) International School, which emphasizes preparation for universities through in-depth study of foreign languages and preparation for international exams.

A network of specialized schools and excellence lyceums complements this landscape: the Bilim-Innovation Lyceums, heavily STEM and language-oriented, present in Almaty, Qyzylorda, Atyrau; the Kazgasa schools, focused on architecture, design, and the arts; QUANTUM Tech School, which combines international programs and technologies; Kemel Bilim School-Lyceum, integrated into the IB network; or public gymnasiums associated with UNESCO and IB candidates (School-Gymnasium No. 153 in Almaty, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani School-Lyceum No. 85 in Astana, etc.).

Even if these institutions do not always meet the strict definition of an “international school” (English as the main language and a foreign curriculum), they constitute solid alternatives for many Kazakhstani families, oriented towards internationalization and the pursuit of studies abroad.

Languages of Instruction, Accreditations, and Student Profiles

The best international schools in Kazakhstan all have in common that they rely on globally recognized frameworks and accreditations. They also share a strong linguistic dimension and a very diverse student population.

A Conscious Plurilingualism

English is the dominant language in almost all international schools, whether they are British, American, or IB. Some, like KIS, however, deliver parts of the curriculum in Russian or Kazakh, particularly in the MYP and DP, where Russian or Turkish language and literature courses are offered.

For non-English speaking students, English as an Additional Language (EAL) or Intensive English programs exist almost everywhere. QSI makes these intensive English classes mandatory for students whose level does not yet allow them to comfortably follow the rest of the classes. Haileybury Astana has set up a dedicated Academy of English.

Accreditations and International Recognition

Several accrediting bodies operate in the Kazakhstani market:

– The Council of International Schools (CIS), which accredits notably Miras and Spectrum;

– The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA), which recognizes KIS and the QSI schools;

– The Council of British International Schools (COBIS), of which Galaxy International School is a member;

– The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), for schools like Tien Shan International School.

These accreditations are particularly important for expatriate families, as they guarantee a level of pedagogical quality, governance in line with international standards, and, above all, recognition of diplomas in university admission processes abroad.

Highly International School Communities

Available statistics show real cosmopolitanism, even if the exact share of foreign students varies greatly between schools:

– Kazakhstan International School lists 47% expatriate students;

– Almaty International School hosts over 400 students from more than 28 nationalities;

– QSI International School of Astana brings together students from over 26 nationalities.

The British schools Haileybury and Ardingly, as well as the IB Miras schools, combine a significant number of local students from affluent families with a variable proportion of children of diplomats, multinational executives, or international organization staff.

Costs, Logistics, and Value for Money

The cost of living in Kazakhstan, lower than in major Western economies, should not obscure reality: international schools represent a heavy investment for a local family, even if their price level remains below that of many comparable institutions in Western Europe or North America.

Tuition Fees and Other Expenses

To give some benchmarks, annual fees at Kazakhstan International School range between approximately 4.3 and 11 million KZT, depending on the levels. Miras Almaty is in a slightly higher bracket for primary and secondary (up to approximately 12.5 million KZT). Kazakhstan International School Astana, for the 2025-2026 school year, announces fees between 10,000 and 27,000 USD depending on classes, a scale comparable to major IB schools in the region.

Other institutions, like Galaxy International School, set fees that are more “contained” for the international market (an example of 3,125,000 KZT is mentioned). The International College of Continuous Education does not systematically publish its rates, reflecting some disparity in cost transparency.

In addition to tuition fees, the following are often added:

– School transportation (dedicated buses) ;

– Cafeteria meals ;

– Certain extracurricular activities provided by external providers ;

– The uniform, sometimes billed separately (as at Ardingly Astana) ;

– Textbooks and supplies, although some schools include them in the fees.

Some schools offer discounts: Kazakhstan International School Astana provides discounts for early enrollment, academic merit, or siblings (up to 50% for the fourth child). Ardingly Astana mentions a launch reduction of 10%, even 20%, on annual fees for the first enrollees.

Comparison with the Cost of Living

When these fees are compared to the Kazakhstani cost of living, the contrast is clear. A family of four spends, excluding rent, around 640,000 KZT per month according to one estimate, whereas a year of schooling in a reputable international school can easily exceed 8 to 10 million KZT. On a monthly equivalent basis, a child enrolled in a major international school can therefore cost as much as, if not more than, the total monthly budget (excluding housing) of an average family.

Logistics for Expatriate Families

For families coming from abroad, logistics remains generally manageable:

– The two main cities, Almaty and Astana, have well-connected international airports ;

– The urban transport system (buses, metro in Almaty, taxis, services like Yandex Go) allows for daily commutes to schools, often located in developed residential areas;

– Expatriate clubs like the Almaty International Women’s Club or the Astana International Club facilitate integration and information exchange about schools.

The schools themselves offer welcome services: campus visits, open house days, family buddy systems, documentation in English and sometimes in French.

How to Choose Among the Best International Schools in Kazakhstan?

Faced with a diverse and growing offering, the question is no longer whether there are good international schools in Kazakhstan, but rather which one best suits the profile and project of each child.

Several criteria can guide the choice.

Program and University Project

The first criterion, often decisive, is the reference education system:

– For higher studies in the United Kingdom, the United States, or Europe, A-Levels (Haileybury, Galaxy, Spectrum, Ardingly), the IB Diploma (KIS, Miras, Haileybury Astana, International School of Nur-Sultan), or combinations of IB + Attestat can all open the same doors, provided good results are obtained;

– For a very targeted orientation towards American universities, an American K-12 curriculum with AP (QSI, Almaty International School, QSI Astana) and good SAT/ACT scores remains a logical choice;

– For a more mobile profile, likely to change countries several times during schooling, the IB offers appreciable portability and coherence.

Languages and Cultural Identity

For national families, the issue of language and cultural identity is central. Schools that combine English and integration of the Kazakh program (Miras, Galaxy, Spectrum, ICCE) allow for maintaining a close link with national culture, while preparing students for a globalized academic and professional environment.

Academic Profile and Specific Needs

All the mentioned schools display solid results, but their methods differ:

– QSI’s mastery learning will suit students who benefit from individualized follow-up and a pedagogy focused on progressive mastery of objectives ;

– The Cambridge and IB curricula, more structured by exam levels, require an ability to manage demanding standardized assessments at key moments (IGCSE, DP) ;

– Some schools offer fewer resources for students with special educational needs, which institutions often specify in their admission policies.

School Life, Infrastructure, and Activities

The high-end schools in Kazakhstan strongly invest in extracurricular activities: sports (soccer, swimming, basketball, volleyball, athletics), arts (music, theater, visual arts), intellectual clubs (MUN, debates, science olympiads), robotics, coding, etc.

Budget and Financial Aid

Finally, the budget remains a determining element. Some schools, like Kazakhstan International School or Haileybury Astana, offer partial merit-based scholarships, particularly for the final years of high school (IB Diploma, A-Levels). Others offer sibling or early enrollment discounts.

For a family considering a long schooling period, the calculation must include not only annual fees, but also possible future fee increases, the remaining duration of stay in the country, and associated costs (transport, uniforms, external activities, international exams).

An Upscale Trend Benefiting the Country

Beyond meeting the needs of expatriates, the rise of international schools also influences the Kazakh education system as a whole. Three dynamics emerge.

First, these institutions serve as pedagogical showcases: they introduce student-centered methods, inquiry-based learning, formative assessment, or teaching scientific disciplines in English. Many of these practices inspire national reforms, notably through the Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools, which test approaches before their generalization.

Finally, they enhance the country’s attractiveness to investors and international organizations. The presence of a credible network of international schools is part of the location criteria for many companies. In a country where nearly 40% of the population is under 25, these institutions help structure an educated elite, likely to play a major role in diversifying the economy beyond oil and gas.

Conclusion: A Choice Now of World Standard

Kazakhstan is no longer at the stage where the question was whether one could find a good international school there. Now, for a family seeking a British, American, or IB program, an English-language environment, modern infrastructure, and a high level of academic rigor, the country’s offering is comparable to that of many European or Asian capitals.

The choice for parents will depend primarily on the desired educational project, the preferred language of schooling, the available budget, and the targeted university horizon. But one thing is certain: for those interested in Central Asia, Kazakhstan has become, in terms of international education, a destination that can no longer be ignored.

Cyril Jarnias

Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.

On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.

Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.

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