From quality education to quality capital

On February 14, 2024 on the basis of ENU was held an extended meeting of the joint board of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the theme "From quality education to quality capital". The main topic was the quality and availability of higher education in modern realities.

The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Tamara Duisenova, MP Askhat Aimagambetov, Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Education Gani Beisembayev, as well as rectors of universities, heads of research institutes and subordinate organizations of the Ministry, directors of school institutions.

Sayasat Nurbek in his report dwelt in detail on the achievements of 2023 and presented the main tasks and directions in which the ministry will move. In his report, the Minister noted that the scholarship of bachelor's degree students last year increased by 20%, master's degree and doctoral studies - 15%, also increase is planned for this year.

In addition, systematic work is carried out on popularization of science and scientists of Kazakhstan. To motivate the scientific community, the average salary of scientists has been increased by 2 times. Direct financing of research institutes engaged in fundamental research has been introduced.

 "The Ministry needs to maintain access to higher education and introduce new mechanisms to improve quality. Demographic growth of the population will multiply budget expenditures on education. We are starting the transition to a new model of education financing. This year we are launching the Unified Voluntary Savings System "Keleshek", which will introduce joint responsibility of parents and the state for the future of children.  These savings together with the funds formed within the framework of the project "National Fund for Children" will allow young people to get quality education. Today the bill is under consideration in the Majilis. It is important to note that the number of grants is not reduced, but on the contrary increased by 5,000 this year - 93,000 grants", - emphasized S. Nurbek.

The system of engineering and technical personnel training will be revised and strengthened: a model of engineering education will be developed, educational programs within the framework of which students can obtain a qualification certificate for levels 4 and 5 of the national qualifications framework from the second and third years of study will be revised.

Educational programs for training in the field of artificial intelligence are being developed on the basis of three universities with the involvement of foreign partner universities. These programs will be extended to all universities of Kazakhstan.

"Today we need a closer integration of science and business, building an effective model of interaction between the state, science and private capital. This is one of the key conditions for the progressive development of science. This is evidenced by the best international experience. Today the President of the country Kasym-Jomart Kemelevich sets key tasks for the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan. I want to assure on behalf of a large team of scientists and teaching staff of universities that we will make every effort to meet the challenges set by the Head of State and the Government", - summarized the Minister.

Having listened to all speakers, Tamara Duisenova set specific goals for the Ministries and subordinate organizations to improve the sphere of education and scientific activity. Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that ensuring a high level of formation and development of quality human capital as a driver of growth of the country's economy is the main task of the two departments.