It's possible to secure funding to pursue remote university studies.
Can Kazakhstan scholars fulfill their state grant obligations, awarded for university education, in a remote setting? The Ministry of Science and Higher Education clarifies the situation.
Grant recipients are bound by a three-year obligation, post-graduation, to repay the grant. Remarkably, the law and regulations fail to outline specific work hour constraints. Your employer sets the schedule in consultation with you.
"Employment and service must be verified by an ENPF extract, demonstrating mandatory pension contributions made by the employer. Service can be rendered to both local businesses and individuals based in Kazakhstan," the department responded to our query.
Exceptions to this rule might involve:
- International organizations and associated bodies overseas, assuming Kazakhstan is a party to international agreements;
- Foreign diplomatic and similar institutions abroad;
- Consular institutions of the country.
The Labor Code in Kazakhstan permits citizens, including remote workers, to work in a flexible schedule.
"Remote work is defined as a work process outside the employer's premises, relying on information and communication technologies. However, it's worth noting the Labor Code does not include the term 'working online,'" the Ministry of Labor elucidated.
The contract should specify the conditions for performing work, whether in an alternating office and remote setup or exclusively remotely. If work is completely remote, the location of work performance is not specified.
On May 31, 2025, the Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan deliberated on a citizen's appeal concerning the feasibility of remote service for 'Bolashak' program graduates. The Court concluded that students must carry out their service directly within Kazakhstan's borders.
The court's decision underscores responsibility. The state has funded your costly overseas education, drawing from the national budget. There's a clear agreement stipulating a five-year service commitment in the recipient's field upon return. This is a fundamental tenet of civil law. Circumventing responsibilities may be morally inappropriate. Remember, you've received this opportunity at no cost – something that millions around the world aspire to but don't have. Five years seems quite reasonable. Work diligently during this period, and then, your future awaits you," Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek commented on our website's inquiry.
Further Reading:
- Where should Kazakh students turn if they are compelled to prepare teaching materials for their teachers?
- What scholarship will Kazakh students receive in the upcoming academic year?
"Despite the flexibility in work schedules allowed by the Labor Code in Kazakhstan, grant recipients must adhere to their obligation of service within Kazakhstan's borders, especially for Bolashak program graduates, as clarified by the Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan. Regarding education and self-development, online platforms can be utilized for learning, demonstrating that online-education and learning are feasible alternatives even within the specified service requirements."
