BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 18. Kazakhstan will gradually introduce artificial intelligence (AI)-based technologies in 2,600 small-enrollment schools to help narrow the education quality gap between urban and rural areas, Kazakh Minister of Education Zhuldyz Suleimenova said at a government meeting.
As the country's government reported, the pilot project will be launched on September 1, 2026, in 10 small-enrollment schools in the Pavlodar and Kyzylorda regions.
"From September 1, 2026, a pilot project using artificial intelligence technologies will be launched in 10 small-enrollment schools in the Pavlodar and Kyzylorda regions, aimed at reducing the gap in education quality between urban and rural schools," Suleimenova said.
The pilot stage will cover 500 small-enrollment schools across Kazakhstan. The project is planned to be gradually expanded to all 2,600 small-enrollment secondary education institutions by 2029.
The initiative is part of Kazakhstan's broader efforts to improve access to quality education in rural areas, where small-enrollment schools serve as an important part of the education system.
Meanwhile, more than 88.7% of applications for first-grade enrollment in Kazakhstan were submitted electronically this year, according to the minister.
For the first time, the enrollment process was organized through the QazTech platform as part of the unified OQU platform.
"More than 88.7% of applications have been submitted electronically. This demonstrates the accessibility and convenience of public services, allowing parents to complete all necessary procedures online without having to visit educational institutions in person," Suleimenova said.
The phased enrollment of children into first grade began on May 27 and will continue through August 31, 2026, in line with the approved schedule.
