Kazakhstan is set to integrate artificial intelligence into its secondary education system from September 1, 2026, following a presidential decree by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The move is part of a broader strategy to modernise the country's educational ecosystem and strengthen its long-term economic competitiveness.
Assyl Tuimebayev, a senior official at Kazakhstan's Ministry of Enlightenment, outlined a 2026–2029 roadmap focused on personalised learning, teacher training, digital infrastructure, and data security. “This is not just about introducing technologies, but about modernising the entire educational ecosystem,” he said.
Pilot Programme Targets Rural Schools First
The first phase will test AI models in ten small, minimally equipped rural schools in the northern Pavlodar region and the southern Kyzylorda region. The pilot will then expand to 50 additional schools, and by January 2027, a total of 500 institutions out of more than 8,000 across the country will be involved.
Initially, AI-supported tools will be used in fourth-grade classes for subjects including Kazakh language, mathematics, and digital literacy. Younger students will learn safe and responsible use of digital technologies, while older students will focus on data analysis, critical thinking, and other skills essential for the digital economy.
The ministry says AI systems will analyse each student's learning pace, strengths, and weaknesses to generate personalised assignments and recommendations. “If a student is struggling with a particular topic, the system will offer additional explanations and exercises. Conversely, if the student is ahead of the curriculum, they may be offered more challenging assignments,” Tuimebayev explained.
Officials highlight that the reform is particularly aimed at reducing educational inequality between urban and rural areas, where teacher shortages and limited resources remain persistent challenges. The government has already assessed schools' digital readiness, including internet connectivity and equipment, and plans to continue infrastructure upgrades in rural areas alongside the AI rollout.
Teachers Remain Central, Not Replaced
President Tokayev and the ministry insist that AI will not replace teachers but serve as a support tool. “A teacher is not only a source of knowledge, but also an educator, a motivator, and a key figure in shaping a student's personality,” Tuimebayev said. AI could help reduce administrative workloads by automating lesson preparation and assessment analysis, but “it cannot replace the emotional intelligence of a teacher and their educational role.”
More than 350,000 teachers have already completed training on effective AI use in education, with additional programmes planned for pilot schools this summer. “When choosing technologies, the priorities are safety, content quality, and age-appropriateness for children,” Tuimebayev noted. Officials are also considering developing a national AI platform tailored to Kazakhstan's educational standards, language requirements, and data protection rules.
Addressing Concerns Over Critical Thinking and Data Security
The expansion of AI in schools comes amid global debates about overreliance on generative AI and its impact on critical thinking, academic integrity, and child safety. Kazakhstan's authorities say schools will teach students to critically evaluate AI-generated information rather than simply rely on it. “The school's main goal is not only to teach children how to use AI, but also how to critically evaluate information, verify facts, and understand the limitations of technology,” Tuimebayev said.
Data protection is a central priority. The ministry plans to introduce standards governing AI use in schools, academic honesty requirements, and strict rules for storing and processing children's personal data. This aligns with broader European discussions on AI regulation and data privacy, as seen in the EU's AI Act and ongoing debates about digital sovereignty.
Kazakhstan's push for digital transformation in education also has implications for its ties with Europe. The country has been strengthening economic and diplomatic relations with EU member states, as highlighted by recent agreements with Cyprus (Cyprus and Kazakhstan Sign Five Agreements to Boost Economic and Diplomatic Ties). Additionally, AI and digital systems are transforming energy corridors linking the Caspian region to Europe (AI and Digital Systems Transform Energy Corridors Linking Caspian to Europe), underscoring the strategic importance of digital skills for future workforce integration.
Long-Term Economic Ambitions
Officials acknowledge that the economic impact of the education reform will not be immediately measurable. However, they argue the initiative is designed to strengthen Kazakhstan's future workforce and accelerate the transition toward a knowledge-based economy. As Europe grapples with similar challenges in digital education and AI integration, Kazakhstan's approach offers a case study in balancing technological innovation with pedagogical values and data protection.
