Applications Begin For Bolashak And Scientific Internships In Kazakhstan

The program includes a bachelor’s degree track, training for the nuclear industry, and a new artificial intelligence study track, Orda.kz reports.

In Kazakhstan, applications for the competitive selection under the international Bolashak program and the Scientific Internships program opened on March 16.

Applications for Bolashak will be accepted until October 16, 2026. The competitive selection will run from April 13 to December 31. Documents can be submitted through the egov.kz portal.

In 2026, several new academic tracks were added to the program. A bachelor’s degree category was opened for winners and prize-winners of international Olympiads in general education subjects and international scientific project competitions. A separate targeted training track was also launched for specialists in the nuclear industry. In addition, the Artificial Intelligence field was highlighted as a separate direction under the internship program.

In total, 635 scholarships have been allocated under the Bolashak program in 2026. Of these, 20 are for bachelor’s degrees, 400 for master’s degrees, 50 for doctoral studies, and 165 for professional internships.

The list of priority specialties was compiled at the request of central and local government bodies, taking into account projected workforce demand in the economy. The full list, along with the list of universities and related specialties, is available on bolashak.gov.kz.

Applications for the Scientific Internships program also opened on March 16 and will be accepted until October 30, 2026. The competitive selection will take place on the same schedule as Bolashak, from April 13 to December 31.

In 2026, 250 scholarships were allocated under the Scientific Internships program. The state covers tuition or internship costs abroad, airfare, medical insurance, visa fees, and study materials. Participants also receive a monthly stipend.

Applications for scientific internships can be submitted through the egov.kz portal or at the office of JSC Center for International Programs in Astana. For applicants from outside the city, document submission by proxy is also available.

Original author: Elvira Ivannikova

Read also: 

• Kazakhstan to Revise Unified National Test with ETS Experts
• Work Through Connections and Other Violations: Bolashak Center Scandal
• "We Made Many Systemic Mistakes": Academics Back Tokayev’s Recent Comments