Education in Кazakhstan

The educational system in Kazakhstan is conducted in two languages – Kazakh and Russian. The educational system consists of several levels of state and private educational establishments: infant schools, elementary (or primary) schools, comprehensive schools, colleges and universities. Pre-school education consists of kindergarten, where parents take their children to the age of three to four years. Secondary education is compulsory. Secondary general education in Kazakhstan has 3 levels: elementary, primary and senior. Children start school at the age of 7 and finish at 17. The first stage of education in Kazakhstan is elementary (or primary) school for grades one through four. The second is secondary school for middle grades from five through nine. Upon graduation from secondary school pupils may either attend the same school or go to a vocational or technical school. Upon graduation from high school pupils may enter a University or College. To enter a University, the pupil must pass the uniform national testing.