Many expat families opt for international schools in Kazakhstan due to the language barrier they face in Kazakh-speaking state schools. The good news is that there are several international schools in Kazakhstan providing an excellent level of education. Most teach in English, though some have additional foreign-language streams, such as French. Globally recognised and respected education systems are on offer, including the Cambridge IGCSEs and A-levels, American SATs and Advanced Placement subjects, and the International Baccalaureate.

Kazakhstan's international schools are mainly located in the expat hubs of Astana (previously known as Nur-Sultan) and Almaty. A few schools can also be found in Atyrau. Expats can expect a high standard of education from international schools, which are often set in modern, purpose-built facilities and staffed by well-qualified, highly-trained teachers.

Below is a list of some of the most prominent international schools in Kazakhstan.

International schools in Kazakhstan

Galaxy International School

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Cambridge International Curriculum, IGCSE, A-levels and Kazakhstani
Ages: 5 to 18
Website: www.galaxy.edu.kz

Haileybury Almaty

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 4 to 18
Website: www.haileybury.kz/en/almaty

Haileybury Astana

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 2 to 18
Website: www.haileybury.kz/en/astana

Kazakhstan International School

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Ages: 2.5 to 18
Website: www.kisnet.org

Miras International School Almaty

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate and Kazakhstani
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.miras.kz/en

Miras International School in Astana

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Kazakhstani, French and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 2 to 18
Website: www.miras-astana.kz

Spectrum International School

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Cambridge International Curriculum, IGCSE, A-levels and Kazakhstani
Ages: 5 to 18
Website: www.spectrum.edu.kz

Further reading

►For more on schooling, see Education and Schools in Kazakhstan

Expat Interviews

"Our children go to Haileybury Astana – a sister school to a British Independent school. It teaches the British curriculum so our children are getting exactly the same education they would in England. There are two schools, QSI and MIRAS, that teach the American curriculum and a Turkish international school called Nuroda."

Learn more about the expat experience in Kazakhstan in our interview Dutch-Irish expat Erstaz.

Are you an expat living in Kazakhstan?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Kazakhstan. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.