The application period for educational grants in Kazakhstan, which began on July 13, is nearing its end—it will remain open until July 20 inclusive. As of July 17, 2026, more than 103,000 applications have been received nationwide, reports infohub.kz.
Traditional stereotypes that all graduates aspire to become economists or lawyers have been thoroughly debunked. The top three specializations stand out: Information Technology (B057) is the absolute favorite with 8,385 applications; Physical Education Teacher Training (B005) is the year's biggest surprise with 5,260 applicants, securing a solid second place; and Architecture (B073) rounds out the top three with 3,257 applications. In fourth place is Medicine (BM086) with 3,165 applications, followed by Biological and Related Sciences (B050) with 2,823. For comparison, Finance, Economics and Banking (B046) received only 2,054 applications, while Law (B049) attracted 1,651. Physical education is almost three times more popular than law.
Aggregating all applications by broad educational program groups reveals the following national distribution: Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction — 22,015 applications; Pedagogical Sciences — 21,949; Information and Communication Technologies — 11,317.
For applicants with vocational education (TiPO) seeking full-time accelerated programs, priorities are slightly different but leaders remain similar. Out of a total pool of 5,100 applications, the top are: Pedagogical Sciences — 1,982; Engineering and Construction — 1,147; Information Technology (B057) — 918.
The National Testing Center reminded that applicants still have three days, including July 20, to make their final choice or adjust the universities listed in their applications. The final competition promises to be unprecedented.