UNT 2026: Minister Sayasat Nurbek Outlines Exam Format and Future Reforms

The Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek, has issued an official statement regarding the format of the 2026 Unified National Testing (UNT). According to the Minister, there will be no fundamental changes to the examination rules for this year's applicants.

Minister Nurbek emphasized that there is no cause for concern among students and parents.

"This year, the examination procedures will remain as they were. Graduates will take the UNT in the familiar format," stated Sayasat Nurbek.

This decision was made to ensure stability for learners and to prevent additional stress during their preparation period.

Major Reforms Scheduled for 2027

While 2026 remains stable, the Ministry has planned significant updates for the 2027 academic cycle as part of the ongoing modernization of the education system. Key innovations include:

• Single-Attempt for Grants: For those competing for state educational grants, the first attempt at the UNT will be considered the final and decisive score. However, diagnostic "mock" tests will still be available for practice.

• International Alternative: A new international assessment, developed in collaboration with the American organization ETS, will be introduced on a pilot basis. This is intended to serve as a high-standard alternative to the traditional UNT.

Strengthening Selection for Future Teachers

Following earlier announcements by Deputy Prime Minister Aida Balayeva, the selection process for pedagogical programs will be significantly tightened. Applicants choosing teaching as a profession will be required to pass a mandatory oral examination in addition to their UNT scores.

This oral assessment is designed to evaluate more than just academic knowledge; it will focus on:

• Logical reasoning and critical thinking.

• Communication skills and speech culture.

• Psychological aptitude for working with children.

The Ministry underscored that these steps are part of a strategic effort to align Kazakhstan's higher education standards with international benchmarks and to improve the overall quality of the country's teaching workforce.