New rules for mandatory working out were explained to students – holders of grants graduating university in 2026

In the light of the updated legislation, The L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University hosted an online information meeting for graduating students in 2026 studying under a state educational grant. The topic of discussion was the duty of young professionals to work out their grants .

The meeting was opened by Baizhuman Kashkhynbay, Director of ENU’s Academic Affairs Department, who emphasized the importance of complying with the law for graduates who received education by a state educational order.

Detailed explanations were provided by Akzira Serikkalikyzy, a representative of the JSC “Financial Center”. She spoke about the procedure for completing the training, monitoring mechanisms, the procedure for notifying graduates, as well as the grounds for release from obligations or granting a deferral. Special attention was paid to changes in legislation that entered into force in February 2026.

The regulatory framework is represented  by the Rules approved by the Order of the Acting Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan of August 11, 2023 No. 403, as well as paragraph 17 of Article 47 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Education". In accordance with them, citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan who have studied in higher and (or) postgraduate education institutions by a state educational order are required to complete three-year or equivalent working out in bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs.

The monitoring covers all graduates of grants, including those who studied under the rural quota, participants of the Mangilik El Zhastary - Industriyaga! (Serpin) project, graduates of pedagogical and other majors, as well as doctors of philosophy (PhD) and doctors by industries.

Graduates of other specialties who studied under a state educational order are required to work in organizations regardless of their form of ownership.

At the same time, specific employment directions are provided for different categories of specialists. Graduates of pedagogical majors are required to work in educational organizations. Doctors of Philosophy (PhD) are trained in government agencies, universities, scientific organizations and departments, Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools, higher colleges, healthcare organizations and residency bases. Graduates of other specialties can find jobs in organizations regardless of their form of ownership.

It is also explained that when transferring from paid tuition to a grant or vice versa, as well as when expelling and subsequently reinstating, the period of compulsory work is calculated in proportion to the actual period of study under a government order.

The updated version of the Law "On Education" provides for the possibility of exemption from compulsory work or granting a deferral by decision of the commission for certain categories of citizens. These include: persons in the absence of vacancies at the place of residence of the spouse; those who have enrolled and completed their master's or doctoral studies; persons with disabilities of group I or II; citizens who have completed military service; pregnant women and parents of children under three years of age; parents and guardians raising a child with a disability; recipients of disability benefits caring for a person with a group I disability.

Those who have continued their studies in foreign educational institutions are granted a deferral for the period of study.

It is also noted that graduates will receive SMS notifications from the number 1414 and PUSH notifications through the EGOV portal. The need for a prompt response was emphasized – the response should be provided within 15 minutes.

At the end of the meeting, the students received answers to their questions. The organizers emphasized the importance of regularly conducting such explanatory events aimed at improving the legal literacy of students and reducing the risks of violating work obligations.