Kazakhstan to train nuclear energy and AI specialists abroad through Bolashak program
EL.KZ Информационно-познавательный портал
Kazakhstan has updated the rules for the international Bolashak scholarship program, El.kz reports citing Aqorda.
This year, the selection process turned to a new model. Candidates went through testing and interviews, after which the commission reviewed applications from the top-performing participants. The program now permits reapplication within the same year .
As a result of the competitive procedures, 225 citizens of Kazakhstan were awarded the international scholarship. Requirements for foreign universities and research centers were also revised — they must enter the global top 100.
Most new scholarship recipients will pursue master’s degrees, while a smaller share will go to doctoral studies and professional internships. Additionally, 182 Kazakh citizens received grants for research internships at leading global research centers.
Applicants for scientific internships must now have publications in reputable scientific journals or hold international patents, while fields of study were aligned with the priorities of the Higher Science and Technology Commission under the Government.
A separate decision approved the introduction of a new category of professional internships called “Artificial Intelligence System Users” starting in 2026. This step is tied to the country’s plan for large-scale digitalization and the need to accelerate AI competency development.
From the same year, a separate category for master’s and doctoral studies as well as internships in nuclear energy will be launched. The annual quota will comprise 20 scholarships aimed at forming a talent pool for the nuclear sector.
Recent data confirms a steady shift in the program toward natural and technical fields. The share of such scholarships increased from 59.2% in 2022 to 70% in 2025, while the number of engineering and technical research internships grew from 46% to 72.4%.
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