A graduate from the Mangistau region, Umit Yersheeva, claims that after 11 years of excellent studies, she did not receive the 'Altyn Belgi' badge because the school principal allegedly did not include her in the list of candidates. As a result, the girl could lose a four-year grant for free education at Turan University in Almaty, reports infohub.kz.
The girl shared her situation on social media. According to the graduate, she received excellent grades for all 11 years and counted on the 'Altyn Belgi' badge. However, she was not among the candidates.
'All 11 years at school I studied with excellent marks, but I could not get the 'Altyn Belgi' I deserved. The reason is that the school principal did not include me in the list of candidates for 'Altyn Belgi',' the girl said on Threads.
The situation could also affect the graduate's further education. According to her, she won a four-year grant for free education at Turan University in Almaty, but one of the conditions was confirmation of 'Altyn Belgi'.
'I won a competition for the opportunity to study free for four years at Turan University in Almaty. But unfortunately, one of the criteria was having a confirmed 'Altyn Belgi'. Now I have neither the grant nor 'Altyn Belgi',' Umit wrote.
The graduate claims she has report cards for all 11 grades, diplomas, a certificate for the grant, and a recording of a conversation with the school principal.
'I have all the evidence: report cards from 1st to 11th grade, diplomas I received during this time, and the grant certificate. I even have a recording of my conversation with the principal about my situation. I just want to get the 'Altyn Belgi' I deserve and achieve justice,' the girl stated.
The Education Department of the Mangistau region, in response to a request from Kursiv, said that after the graduate's appeal, an inspection was conducted. The Mangistau district education department was given corresponding instructions.
'As a result of the work carried out by the district education department, on August 10, 2026, the applicant's appeal was fully satisfied. For the final resolution of the issue, the applicant is recommended to contact the Mangistau district education department, located in the village of Shetpe,' the department commented.
The department did not clarify whether satisfying the appeal means the graduate will be issued 'Altyn Belgi'. However, the department stated that the situation will also entail measures against responsible employees.
'In connection with the situation, appropriate measures will be taken against responsible persons,' the Mangistau region education department noted.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan published the list of holders of state educational grants for the 2026–2027 academic year. The ministry stated that in the 2026–2027 academic year, more than 75,000 applicants received state educational grants. About 127,000 applications were submitted for the competition — 14,000 more than the previous year. According to the ministry, 60% of grants were allocated to engineering and technical specialties, and over 2,000 places were allocated under the 'Serpin' project.