Kazakhstan ranks 55th in Coursera Index on AI and human skills development

Kazakhstan ranked 55th out of 98 countries in the new AI-Human Skills Synergy Index 2026, presented as part of the Coursera Global Skills Report 2026, El.kz reports citing the press service of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan.

The new index assesses the extent to which learners are developing AI skills alongside key human skills, including critical thinking, leadership, communication, and complex problem-solving.

What the New Coursera Index Measures

The AI-Human Skills Synergy Index measures trends in skills development among online learners, as well as the country-level conditions required to apply these skills in practice.

According to Coursera’s methodology, the assessment is based on indicators covering skills proficiency, the breadth of competencies acquired, and the integration of AI skills with human skills. The index also incorporates data from the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index.

The latter assesses countries’ capacity to harness the potential of artificial intelligence, taking into account public policy, infrastructure, human capital, the development of the AI sector, and other factors.

AI-Sana Programme being implemented at Universities in Kazakhstan

Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek linked the development of AI competencies to the national AI-Sana programme, which currently involves 100 universities.

“When Kazakhstan launched the national AI-Sana programme, we understood that access to digital courses alone would not be sufficient. For systemic change, it was essential to create conditions under which acquired knowledge could be integrated into the educational process and translated into practical application. Today, the programme brings together 100 universities working on course implementation, monitoring outcomes, and continuously updating content in response to the rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies. At the same time, we are placing particular emphasis on strengthening the digital and pedagogical competencies of educators. More than 1,200 educators have already acquired modern online teaching methods and participated in the development of 35 original courses. This approach not only expands access to AI-related knowledge, but also systematically prepares students for the requirements of a changing labour market,” Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek said.

Kazakhstan’s result indicates sustained interest among active users of digital learning in technical competencies related to artificial intelligence as well as in the skills required for their practical application.

This combination is becoming increasingly important as artificial intelligence becomes integrated into education, professional activities, and day-to-day work processes.