Kazakhstan builds hundreds of schools to address overcrowding, rural gaps

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Kazakhstan has launched one of the largest school expansion programs in its history, building more than 1,200 new institutions since 2019 in an effort to tackle overcrowding and unsafe conditions in classrooms.

The Ministry of Enlightenment said the new facilities, designed for over 1 million pupils, are aimed at easing chronic shortages in the public school system. In 2023–2024 alone, 422 schools with capacity for 510,000 students opened nationwide. 

According to the ministry, this has reduced the number of three-shift schools — where children attend classes in shifts because of space shortages — by fourfold, while halving the number of unsafe schools.

State-run Kazinform News Agency reported that about 3,000 schools now operate on a single shift, while more than 5,000 still run two shifts. Officials expect 111 new schools accommodating 140,000 students to be commissioned by the end of 2025, which they say will address most remaining three-shift schools.

Plans for the 2025–2026 academic year include 232 additional schools for 267,000 students, renovation of 245 institutions, upgrades for more than 1,000 rural schools, and the opening of 1,100 subject-specific classrooms in 680 facilities.

Education analysts note that Kazakhstan’s rapid population growth — nearly one-third of the population is under 18 — has strained infrastructure and placed rural areas at a disadvantage. International organizations such as UNESCO have long emphasized that reducing gaps between urban and rural schools is key to raising overall education quality.

While authorities highlight the scale of investment, many schools continue to face challenges, from teacher shortages to uneven access to modern equipment. Observers say sustained funding, training, and reforms will be necessary if Kazakhstan is to align classroom conditions with global standards.