Admission requirements for educational grants
The Unified National Testing (UNT) is the primary selection mechanism.
Structure of UNT-2026
The testing consists of 5 subjects (120 questions, maximum 140 points):
Subject
Type
Number of Questions
Maximum Score
History of Kazakhstan
Mandatory
20
20
Mathematical Literacy
Mandatory
10
10
Reading Literacy
Mandatory
10
10
First subject
Based on chosen educational program
40
50
Second subject
Based on chosen educational program
40
50
Minimum (Threshold) Scores
To be admitted to the educational grant competition, UNT results must meet two types of threshold requirements:
Criterion
Threshold Scores (Minimum)
Total Score
The overall minimum score depends on the group of educational programs (EP). For example, for Law and Pedagogy — 75 points, for National universities — 65 points, and for other specialties — 50 points.
Minimum Score per Subject
For each профильный subject and History of Kazakhstan — at least 5 points; for Mathematical Literacy and Reading Literacy — at least 3 points.
The minimum score only gives the right to participate in the competition.
To receive a grant, the applicant must obtain a score higher than the passing score of the last grant recipient in the chosen specialty.
To receive a grant, the applicant must obtain a score higher than the passing score of the last grant recipient in the chosen specialty.
Grant Competition
Grants are awarded on a competitive basis in August (after the main UNT session) and are based on the ranking of scores.
Factors influencing grant allocation:
- Total UNT scoreThe higher the score, the greater the chances. The competitive score is the sum of points across all 5 subjects.
- Group of educational programs (EP)The competition is held within each EP group. For example, all applicants who selected “Information Technology” compete for grants allocated specifically to that group.
- Priority selectionIn the grant application, the applicant may indicate up to 4 universities and up to 4 specialties. The grant is awarded according to the highest priority choice (№1, №2, etc.) for which the applicant’s score is sufficient.
Preferential Rights and Quotas (Benefits)
The legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan provides special quotas and preferential rights for socially vulnerable categories of citizens, provided that their UNT score meets the overall minimum threshold.
Category
Quota / Benefit
Holders of the “Altyn Belgi” award
Have preferential rights in case of equal scores with other applicants.
Orphans and children left without parental care
Special quota.
Persons with disabilities (Group I and II), and persons with disabilities since childhood
Special quota.
Applicants from large families or single-parent families
Special quota (established annually).
Persons of Kazakh ethnicity who are not citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan (oralman)
Special quota.
List of Required Documents
- July (a short period after the completion of the main UNT session).
- Application form (standard format)
- ID card (copy and original for verification)
- Original school certificate or diploma
- UNT certificate
- Medical certificate (Form 075-U), both electronic and paper versions
- Documents confirming benefits or special status (if applicable)