Kazakhstan’s state-run youth sports schools are switching to a new funding model. Budget allocations will now be based on the number of students rather than solely on the institution’s budget estimate, reports infohub.kz.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has approved a per-capita normative funding methodology for state youth sports schools. It is set to take effect by the end of July 2026.
Under the new system, the state will determine a guaranteed amount of spending per athlete. The funding will cover coaches’ and administrative staff salaries, equipment, sports gear, participation in competitions and training camps, and pharmacological support. Building maintenance, utilities, communications, and transportation will continue to be funded separately under a budget estimate.
The funding level will also depend on the sport the child practices. All disciplines have been divided into three cost categories. The most expensive group includes, for example, ice hockey, water sports, equestrian sports, biathlon, curling, sailing, and esports. The middle category covers football, tennis, volleyball, basketball, and artistic gymnastics. The lowest-cost group includes boxing, judo, MMA, chess, togyz kumalak, sambo, kickboxing, karate, and other sports.
Additionally, the authors set uniform rules for calculating coaches’ workload, group sizes, and expenses for athletes’ participation in competitions and camps. The ministry intends this to standardize funding for state sports schools across the country.