Grants for High School Students: How ‘Miras’ Schools Support Talented Youth in Kazakhstan

Students who successfully passed the competitive selection process have become recipients of educational grants from the Halyk Charitable Fund and the NNEF Public Foundation. In the new academic year, grant recipients include students from various cities across Kazakhstan, including Semey, Karaganda, Astana, and Almaty, according to Ulysmedia.kz.

The grant system at Miras International Schools was introduced four years ago through a joint initiative by the NNEF Public Foundation and the Halyk Charitable Fund. Nariman Abilshaikov, Managing Director of the Halyk Fund, emphasized that over this period, the foundation has invested more than 300 million tenge into the grant program.

“Supporting talented youth in Kazakhstan is one of the Halyk Charitable Fund’s top priorities. Since 2021, we’ve awarded full scholarships to gifted students for study at Miras—among the best secondary schools in the country. This year, more than 500 students from grades 9–11 participated in the competition, and 17 were awarded grants to attend Miras International Schools. Graduates of the Diploma Programme consistently achieve high scores and receive scholarships to top universities abroad,” said Abilshaikov.

Among six graduates who received 100% grants from the Halyk Fund, three scored 41 and one scored 40 out of a maximum 45 points on their final exams—placing them in the top 8% of Diploma Programme graduates worldwide. All grant recipients from the Halyk and NNEF funds received scholarships to universities of their choice.

Activists, Volunteers and Leaders

Elena Vladimirova, Deputy Director of Miras International School in Almaty, noted that grants are awarded not only to Olympiad winners but also to motivated students who perform well on entrance exams and actively participate in public initiatives.

“When people ask if only Olympiad winners can earn a scholarship at Miras, our answer is no. What matters most is performance on entrance exams and a student’s initiative. Many of our scholarship recipients are dedicated volunteers who launch community projects, organize math competitions, support the elderly, and mentor younger students,” said Vladimirova.

Unique Educational Environment

Miras schools attract students and parents not only with grant opportunities but also with a high standard of education that meets international benchmarks. Instruction is offered in Kazakh, Russian, and English. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is especially popular and widely recognized as one of the best pathways to university admission.

“The IB Diploma Programme is rigorous and well-rounded—ideal for preparing students for top universities. Miras offers a strong academic foundation, which is essential in today’s globalized and digital world,” added Vladimirova.

Tamerlan Klychev, a student who has attended Miras since kindergarten, received a 100% grant. He plans to continue his education at an international university and is already working on new projects.

“I have big plans. This year I’ll run for office and start new initiatives. I’m finishing 10th grade and will soon enter the Diploma Programme. I chose Miras because it’s one of the oldest IB schools in Kazakhstan and offers better chances for admission to a prestigious university,” said Tamerlan.

Ayanat Bokhan, a student from Gymnasium No. 56, also received a full grant.

“I want to attend one of the best universities in Kazakhstan, and Miras provides the preparation I need. The IB Diploma Programme helps you reach high goals,” she said.

Almansur Alibek, who transferred to Miras International School in Astana from RFMS, also won a 100% grant and is now studying under the IB Programme.

“Winning a grant is a huge success, but it’s also the result of the knowledge I’ve gained over the years. Math has always come easily to me, but I’ve always pushed myself to learn more. My advice: always aim higher than you think you can reach—that’s when you see results,” he shared.

In the 2024–2025 academic year, 33 students will study at Miras schools under the grant program. Sixteen are continuing their studies into a second or third year, and 14 new students will receive full 100% grants from the Halyk Charitable Fund. Grants are awarded exclusively for grades 10–11 and include support for the IB Diploma Programme.

Grants As An Investment in The Future of Kazakhstan

Over the past four years, more than 1,000 students from grades 9–11 across Almaty, Astana, Atyrau, Aktau, Aktobe, Karaganda, Semey, Pavlodar, and the West Kazakhstan and Almaty regions have participated in the competition. Between 2021 and 2025, the Halyk Charitable Fund and the NNEF Foundation awarded 70 grants for study at Miras International Schools, including 20 full scholarships funded by the Halyk Fund.

This grant program is not only a form of support for talented youth—it’s an investment in Kazakhstan’s future. In an era of globalization and evolving educational standards, initiatives like this are essential for nurturing gifted students who are ready to contribute to the country’s development.

Source: UlysMedia.kz