Kazakhstan is poised to make a significant leap in its educational landscape by joining the inaugural OpenAI Edu Initiative. This initiative, launched under the global OpenAI for Countries program, includes a select group of nations such as Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, Estonia, and Jordan. Notably, Kazakhstan stands out as the first Central Asian country to be invited into this program.
The integration of OpenAI”s artificial intelligence technology is expected to revolutionize Kazakhstan”s education system. The initiative will introduce ChatGPT Edu, a tailored version of the AI platform, designed to support educators and enhance learning experiences across various educational levels. This announcement was made public via a statement from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
According to reports, the initiative follows a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed in November 2025 during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev”s visit to the United States. This progress indicates Kazakhstan”s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence as a supportive tool for teachers rather than a replacement.
The initiative will provide a total of 165,000 free ChatGPT Edu licenses to educational institutions throughout Kazakhstan. These licenses are allocated as follows: approximately 100,000 for preschool, secondary, technical, and vocational educators; 62,800 for administrators and higher education faculty; and 2,200 for participants in the Astana Hub ecosystem.
Deputy Prime Minister Zhaslan Madiyev expressed strong support for the program, emphasizing its alignment with Kazakhstan”s long-term educational vision. He remarked, “We view ChatGPT Edu as a practical tool to support educators and develop a strong research environment, fully aligned with national education standards, security requirements, and the principle of equal access.”
Furthermore, Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek highlighted that this program aims to bolster academic capabilities instead of automating education. “Artificial intelligence is not a substitute for people; it is a tool that amplifies human thinking when used critically and responsibly,” he stated. “Kazakhstan is not preparing users of AI; we are preparing its creators.”
In addition to aiding teachers in developing lesson materials, assignments, and assessments, ChatGPT Edu will adapt content to suit various skill levels and operate in Kazakh, Russian, and English. While AI can assist in creating evaluation criteria, the critical tasks of grading and assessments will remain the responsibility of educators. Minister of Education Zhuldyz Suleimenova affirmed, “Artificial intelligence should enhance the role of teachers by taking on non-core tasks.”
The implementation of this initiative will also involve regular training sessions led by OpenAI specialists to promote the effective and responsible use of ChatGPT Edu across educational, administrative, and research domains. Educational institutions will function within secure digital workspaces that comply with the country”s data protection and information security laws.
Valeriya Te, Managing Director of Astana Hub, noted that the initiative would support various programs, including Tomorrow School and Tech Orda, further underscoring Kazakhstan”s commitment to integrating advanced technology into its education system.
