Kazakhstan has joined the first international educational program by OpenAI

Kazakhstan has officially joined the first international cohort of OpenAI’s Edu for Countries initiative — a new global educational program launched by OpenAI. Alongside Kazakhstan, the countries participating in the first wave include Estonia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Greece.

Joining the initiative paves the way for the systematic integration of ChatGPT Edu — a specialized version of artificial intelligence adapted for educational purposes — into the national education system. Kazakhstan has become the first Central Asian country to participate in the project.

This partnership is viewed as a strategic step in the development of Kazakhstan’s educational policy. Authorities emphasize that AI does not replace teachers but rather enhances their professional capabilities, reduces administrative burdens, and helps create higher-quality and more personalized learning programs.

The project is being implemented under a memorandum of cooperation signed on November 6, 2025, during the country’s president’s visit to the United States. The main agreements were concluded between OpenAI, Inc., Freedom Holding Corp., and regional partner Bilim Group. The project is funded through private sources, without using the state budget or external grants.

As part of the ChatGPT Edu implementation, 165,000 educational licenses will be provided free of charge to educational organizations in Kazakhstan, including:

— 100,000 licenses for educators in preschool, secondary, and vocational education

— 62,800 licenses for university faculty and administrative staff

— 2,200 licenses for participants in the Astana Hub ecosystem.

According to Deputy Prime Minister — Minister of AI and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev, this step reflects a systematic approach to digitalization and the creation of conditions for forming an AI-literate educational environment.

Starting in January 2026, regular training sessions for users are planned to facilitate the practical application of ChatGPT Edu. This will help improve the digital competence of teachers and students and ensure consistent approaches to the use of AI in the educational process.

Source: Gov.kz