(25 February 2026 | Source: press service of the Agency for Civil Service Affairs)
In Kazakhstan, an external analysis of corruption risks in education and science has been completed. The inspection revealed systemic shortcomings in the examination of scientific projects and the use of budget funds. Based on the results of the analysis, new mechanisms for control and transparency of financing have been introduced.
WHAT VIOLATIONS THE ANALYSIS REVEALED
The Agency for Civil Service Affairs (ACSA) conducted an external analysis of corruption risks in the field of education and science on the instruction of the Head of State.
According to the agency, systemic shortcomings were identified in the selection and implementation of scientific projects. Out of 13,500 experts, approximately 75% did not actually participate in the work. Cases of formal conduct of examinations and adjustment of results in favour of individual applicants were recorded.
Violations of the principles of objectivity were found in 30 studies worth 11.5 billion tenge. The materials do not specify which projects are in question.
WHAT MEASURES WERE TAKEN AFTER THE INSPECTION
Following the analysis, more than 100 recommendations were developed. Between July and December 2025, measures were taken jointly with the relevant ministries to implement them.
A new methodology for calculating the cost of expert services was approved. Previously, foreign specialists received around 400,000 tenge, while domestic ones received an average of 8,500 tenge. A unified approach to remuneration has been introduced to level the playing field and strengthen national expert capacity.
A register of unscrupulous experts and project leaders who have violated scientific ethics or failed to deliver stated results has been created. Inclusion in the register temporarily restricts access to participation in competitions until actual achievements are confirmed.
Information on the progress of scientific projects and the spending of funds is publicly available on official resources.
FINANCING CONTROL AND DIGITAL SOLUTIONS
According to the analysis, risks of fictitious student registration were identified in 2,966 schools. Digital access control systems have been introduced in 2,962 schools (99.9%), which, according to the ACSA, should eliminate funding for students who are not actually present.
At the National Centre for State Scientific and Technical Expertise, digital solutions for automated tracking of publications and results of grant projects have been introduced. Encryption of participant data has also been ensured to avoid conflicts of interest.
A mechanism for the automatic selection of experts using random sampling with elements of artificial intelligence has been introduced.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE BUDGET
The implemented measures, according to the agency, are aimed at forming a transparent management system and ensuring the targeted use of more than 270 billion tenge allocated for 2026.
The agency reported that it will continue systematic work to ensure legality and integrity in the fields of education and science.