Kazakhstan overhauls university admission tests

Kazakhstan will replace its two-decade-old national university entrance exam with a new modular, skills-based assessment developed in partnership with US testing giant Educational Testing Service (ETS).

In a statement, ETS and Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education, together with the National Testing Center (NTC), confirmed work has begun on a new Admissions Insight Test (AIT), building on an agreement signed in November 2025 to reform the country’s admissions processes.

The AIT is expected to play a central role in reforms to the admissions system currently built around what is called the Unified National Testing (UNT) framework, introduced in 2004, which serves as both a school-leaving examination and the main basis for university admission and state scholarship allocation.

The reform applies to Kazakhstan’s domestic admissions and is intended primarily for students applying to Kazakh universities.

“The Admissions Insight Test represents a decisive step forward for Kazakhstan’s higher education system,” said Sayasat Nurbek, minister of science and higher education.

“By building this new admissions exam in partnership with ETS, we are strengthening trust, fairness and global alignment in how students enter our universities.

“This work positions Kazakhstan to lead in education innovation while ensuring our students are prepared for success in a rapidly changing, international and AI-driven world.”

The ETS Research Institute will work with Kazakh officials to design an assessment measuring both academic achievement and the broader competencies needed for university and what the ministry described as an “AI-centric global economy”.

Unlike the existing UNT model, which produces a single overall score, the new test will be divided into separate modules assessing different subjects and skills.

It will combine subject modules aligned with the school curriculum and intended field of study with skills-based tests assessing critical thinking, academic writing and research skills, communication, quantitative and digital literacy and creative thinking.

The announcement comes as admissions testing systems globally face renewed scrutiny, with universities experimenting with AI tools even as concerns remain about bias and transparency.

ETS has previously argued that assessment models must evolve beyond traditional high-stakes formats towards more personalised and competency-based approaches.

For Kazakhstan, the reform forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen the international standing of its higher education sector.

Previous efforts have focused on quality assurance and governance reform, while more recent policy initiatives have highlighted the use of artificial intelligence to drive innovation.

No implementation timeline has yet been announced.

tash.mosheim@timeshighereducation.com