MSHE RK: This year, 13,554 grants were allocated for Master’s programs and 2,919 for Doctoral studies

This year, more than 51,000 applications were submitted for the comprehensive test for master’s programs. This is 9,500 more compared to last year. Nearly half of the 47,798 applicants who took the test—specifically 23,065—overcame the threshold score, thereby proving their perseverance and commitment to learning, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan reported.

The average results also improved: the average CT score was 72.9, which indicates an increase in the level of preparedness and motivation of Kazakhstan’s youth.

State grants were allocated on a significant scale: 13,554 grants for master’s programs, with priority areas including engineering and technical specialties (3,338), pedagogical sciences (3,225), information and communication technologies (1,315), and natural sciences (1,268).

The demand for doctoral programs has also grown substantially. This year, 4,307 people passed the entrance examinations, of whom 3,146 were given the opportunity to continue their path in science. For the 2025–2026 academic year, 2,919 state grants have been allocated for doctoral studies, including: pedagogical sciences – 486, engineering and construction specialties – 615, and information and communication technologies – 161.

It should be noted that today the administration of entrance examinations for doctoral studies is fully entrusted to the universities themselves. This is an important step that strengthens the academic freedom and autonomy of universities.

Today’s applicants face a responsible mission—to raise domestic science to the international level. After all, it is they who will become the authors of future discoveries and represent the national interests of Kazakhstan on the global stage.

These results are convincing evidence of the dynamic development of the country’s education system. Every young researcher who embarks on the path of science makes a significant contribution to the future of Kazakhstan.