Kazakhstan unveils plans to overhaul education system in 2015

It was announced by Minister Aslan Sarinzhipov at the government's hour at Majilis (Lower Chamber of the Kazakh Parliament) on Monday.

"According to the state program of education, approved by President Nazarbayev, the year of 2015 is when Kazakhstan is supposed to make a transition to the 12-year education model. There is no reason to foil the planned schedule," Minister Sarinzhipov noted.

In his words, the ministry intends to start introduction of the new 12-year education standard at primary schools. "The content of syllabus for Grades 5-9 will be updated simultaneously. Grade 12 is expected to be introduced on the basis of higher education institutions with per capita financing of education. It will be introduced for students who are willing to school for additional year," Mr. Sarinzhipov elaborated.