Inclusive Education Kazakhstan: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

Kazakhstan’s journey to inclusive education is a story of ambition, innovation, and ongoing transformation. As a nation committed to aligning with international human rights standards, Kazakhstan has made significant strides in building an educational system that welcomes every learner. Yet, as we at UNOWA have seen through our work across the region, the path to truly inclusive education in Kazakhstan is both inspiring and complex — offering valuable lessons for governments, institutions, and partners worldwide.

Kazakhstan’s Commitment to Inclusive Education

Kazakhstan has ratified key international treaties that enshrine the right to inclusive, quality education for all children. This commitment is reflected in national policies such as the State Program for the Development of Education (2011–2020), which set ambitious targets for increasing the share of schools with inclusive conditions and barrier-free access. In 2015, the government approved the “Conceptual Approaches to the Development of Inclusive Education,” aligning its strategy with global best practices and human rights standards.

Key Facts:

• Over 86% of schools in Kazakhstan are actively working to create conditions for inclusive education as of 2024.
• There are 153,230 children with special educational needs (SEN), including 47,000 children with disabilities.
• Despite progress, 60% of children with SEN are not yet covered by inclusive education initiatives.
• The number of children diagnosed with autism has increased fivefold in the past seven years, underscoring the need for specialized support.
• At the university level, only 0.3% of students have SEN, highlighting limited access to higher education for this group.

Policy, Regulation, and Government Initiatives

Kazakhstan’s inclusive education policies are guided by both national legislation and international agreements, with the Ministry of Education and Science leading implementation. The government’s approach emphasizes:

• Creating barrier-free environments in schools.
• Integrating children with SEN into mainstream classrooms.
• Teacher training and professional development.
• Infrastructure adaptation and individualized education plans.

Recent guidelines focus on equipping educators with the skills and resources needed to support diverse learners, as well as upgrading school facilities to ensure accessibility.

For further reading on Kazakhstan’s policy framework, see UNICEF Kazakhstan, UNESCO Inclusive Education, and World Bank Education Kazakhstan.

Challenges on the Road to Inclusion

Despite robust legislative and policy frameworks, practical implementation faces significant hurdles:

Societal Attitudes and Stigma

Children with SEN are often stigmatized and pushed toward special boarding schools rather than integrated settings. As highlighted in a CABAR.asia report, “The society ‘pushes’ these children out to special boarding schools and gets asocial adults who are not adapted to life. Instead, it is better to create the inclusive educational environment. Kazakhstan is trying to do it, but not very successful so far.”

Teacher Training and Resource Gaps

There is a shortage of qualified teachers and specialists trained in inclusive practices. Many educators lack access to ongoing professional development, and resources for individualized support are limited.

Infrastructure and Accessibility

While progress has been made, many schools are still not fully accessible to students with physical disabilities. Upgrading infrastructure remains a priority.

Transition to Higher Education

The pathway from school to university is particularly challenging for students with SEN. Only a small fraction progress to higher education, reflecting both societal and systemic barriers.

Our Approach: Empowering Inclusive Education in Kazakhstan

At UNOWA, we believe every child deserves access to quality education, regardless of their abilities. Our work in Kazakhstan and across the region is grounded in the conviction that inclusive education is not just a policy goal — it is a moral and social imperative.

How We Support Kazakhstan’s Inclusive Education Journey:

• MIKKO Inclusive Education System: We design and deliver comprehensive solutions for schools and kindergartens, including curriculum-aligned content, training, and analytics tailored for inclusive settings.
• Teacher Training: Our professional development programs empower educators with the latest strategies in differentiated instruction, classroom management, and assistive technology.
• STEM Innovation (Ulabs): We provide accessible STEM resources and labs that engage all learners, including those with SEN.
• Data-Driven Insights: Our analytics tools help institutions track progress, identify gaps, and make informed decisions to enhance inclusion.

With over 15 years of experience and more than 300 national projects delivered, we are proud to partner with ministries, schools, and international organizations to transform learning experiences for the better.

Recent Developments and Opportunities

The government’s renewed focus on developing a national model for inclusive education, coupled with the sharp rise in autism diagnoses, has created both urgency and opportunity for innovation. Key areas for impact include:

• Expanding teacher training and professional development.
• Upgrading school infrastructure for physical accessibility.
• Launching public awareness campaigns to combat stigma.
• Developing pathways for students with SEN to access higher education and vocational training.

For B2G and B2B stakeholders, these priorities open the door for collaboration, investment, and the adoption of cutting-edge educational solutions.

Global Lessons and Local Adaptation

Kazakhstan’s experience offers valuable insights for other countries pursuing inclusive education reform:

• Policy alignment with international standards is essential, but must be matched by practical implementation.
• Community engagement and public awareness are critical to overcoming stigma.
• Ongoing investment in teacher training and infrastructure is non-negotiable for sustainable progress.

Our approach at UNOWA is to adapt global best practices to local contexts, ensuring that every solution is culturally relevant and scalable.

Key Statistics at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is inclusive education in Kazakhstan?

Inclusive education in Kazakhstan refers to the integration of children with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities into mainstream schools, ensuring equal access to quality education for all learners.

What are the main challenges for inclusive education in Kazakhstan?

The main challenges include societal stigma, a shortage of trained teachers, limited resources for individualized support, and inadequate infrastructure in some schools.

How is the government supporting inclusive education?

The government has implemented policies and guidelines to increase accessibility, train teachers, and adapt school environments. However, practical implementation remains a work in progress.

How can international partners and businesses contribute?

There are significant opportunities for collaboration in teacher training, infrastructure development, assistive technologies, and public awareness initiatives. At UNOWA, we welcome partnerships that drive sustainable impact.

Where can I learn more about inclusive education in Kazakhstan?

• UNOWA
• UNICEF Kazakhstan
• UNESCO Inclusive Education
• CABAR.asia: Inclusive Education in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s journey to inclusive education is ongoing, marked by both impressive achievements and persistent challenges. At UNOWA, we are committed to empowering institutions, educators, and students to create a brighter, more inclusive future — one classroom at a time. Let’s work together to transform learning experiences for the better.