Kazakhstani Students Actively Trained in AI and Digital Transformation

At a regional environmental forum in Astana, the Minister of Science and Higher Education, Sayasat Nurbek, addressed the digital transformation of the country's higher education system and its intersection with environmental policy.

The Minister emphasized that human capital is now a key value of Kazakhstan’s new Constitution, alongside environmental culture. Minister Nurbek stated that the development of environmental consciousness must begin in preschool and continue through every level of education, including higher education. In this context, he highlighted the presidential initiative "Taza Qazaqstan", which aims to foster a responsible attitude toward nature among the general public.

A significant portion of the Minister’s speech focused on digital advancements. He reported the following milestones in AI education:

Last year, approximately 673,000 undergraduate students nationwide acquired basic skills in working with Artificial Intelligence. The government has set a higher target, recruiting an additional 100,000 students for specialized, in-depth AI training. To date, 95 universities have integrated AI-related disciplines into their curricula.

30 universities are currently implementing 42 specific educational programs focused on AI. 54% of teaching staff have already completed professional development courses in this field.

Starting this year, approximately 60,000 employees of universities and scientific organizations will undergo AI training. The Minister clarified that Kazakhstan does not prohibit the use of AI in the learning process; however, students are strictly required to formulate their own conclusions independently.

Minister Nurbek concluded by noting that up to 70% of workers in Kazakhstan could potentially increase their productivity by leveraging artificial intelligence.