The results of the main 2026 Unified National Testing (UNT), which took place from May 10 to July 10, were announced at a briefing at the Central Communications Service, reports the website infohub.kz.
According to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 233,000 applicants took the test. With two attempts allowed, the UNT was taken 422,000 times. Of these, 73.1% of test-takers took it in Kazakh, 26.8% in Russian, and 0.16% (383 people) in English.
The most popular combinations of specialized subjects were Mathematics-Physics, Biology-Chemistry, and the Creative Exam.
Gulzhan Dzharasova, head of the Higher and Postgraduate Education Committee at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, noted: "The high interest in engineering fields is due to the fact that in recent years, by order of the president, the majority of state educational grants have been allocated specifically to engineering and technical specialties."
She added that the format of the UNT remained unchanged in 2026: applicants took three compulsory and two specialized subjects. The maximum score was 140 points, and the test lasted 4 hours.
Currently, documents are still being accepted for participation in the competition for state educational grants. Applications can be submitted until July 20 inclusive through university admissions committees (including virtual ones) or via the eGov.kz portal.
To apply, applicants must provide an identity card, UNT certificate, education document, photograph, and, if applicable, documents confirming eligibility under preferential categories. The lists of state educational grant recipients will be published by August 10.