Kazakhstan’s AI-SANA Initiative: Preparing a Digitally Skilled Generation

Astana, June 20th , 2025 - Kazakhstan is taking a step toward future-proofing its education system with the launch of the AI-SANA initiative - a nationwide program aimed at equipping 100 000 students with practical skills in artificial intelligence, programming, and start-up development.

What’s Already Happening?

Kazakhstan recently launched a big education program called AI-SANA. The goal is to train 100,000 students in skills like artificial intelligence, coding, and starting their own tech businesses by 2025.

The program isn’t just an idea anymore,  it has already started:

• Pilot courses are now running in six universities and four colleges across the country.
• More than 1,000 teachers have been trained to teach the new subjects.
• Tech companies like Google, NVIDIA, and Huawei are helping build online platforms and tools for students.
• Around 10,000 students have already enrolled in the first round of training.

Why Is This Important?

Many university programs in Kazakhstan focus more on theory than practical skills. But today’s job market is changing fast, especially with technology. AI-SANA is meant to fix that.

Here’s what the program wants to improve:

• Help students learn real-world digital skills they can use in jobs or to launch startups.
• Prepare them for careers in areas like AI, data science, and cloud computing.
• Make sure Kazakhstan stays competitive in the digital economy.
• Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship among young people.

How Is the Program Being Carried Out?

AI-SANA is being rolled out step by step. Here’s how it works:

1. Courses in universities and colleges now include AI-SANA content - like machine learning, coding, and digital business skills.
2. Online and blended learning means students can use platforms supported by companies like Google and Huawei. They can access virtual labs, coding exercises, and online certifications.
3. New AI labs and digital classrooms are being built. The government is also investing in training teachers to deliver modern lessons.
4. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education is tracking progress - checking how well the program is working and making improvements as needed.

AI-SANA is a big step forward for education in Kazakhstan. It’s already in motion, with thousands of students learning the digital skills they’ll need in the real world. If it continues to grow, it could become a model for other countries looking to modernize their education systems.

For more details, please visit https://el.kz/en/kazakhstan-strengthens-its-position-in-international-education_400009804