International schools in Kazakhstan offer families access to a surprisingly diverse range of educational options. Whether you are relocating to Almaty, moving to Astana for work, or a local family looking for an internationally recognised curriculum, Kazakhstan now has more than 18 international schools offering British, IB, American and bilingual programmes.
Most international schools are concentrated in Almaty and Astana. Almaty remains the country's commercial and cultural centre, while Astana has become a growing hub for government, business and international organisations. School fees vary considerably, from more affordable local international schools to premium British institutions charging over £25,000 per year.
For most families, the best school depends on curriculum preference, location, community fit and long-term university goals rather than rankings alone.
| School | City | Curriculum |
|---|---|---|
| Perspective School | Astana | Bilingual |
| Kazakh-American University KAU School | Almaty | International |
| EdVille International School | Astana | IB, IPC |
| Kazakhstan International School Almaty | Almaty | IB |
| International School of Almaty | Almaty | IB, American |
| Galaxy International School | Almaty | Cambridge |
| International Steppe School of Astana | Astana | IB |
| Haileybury Almaty | Almaty | British |
| Ardingly Astana | Astana | British |
| Haileybury Astana | Astana | British, IGCSE, IB Diploma |
| Almaty International School | Almaty | American |
| Tien Shan International School | Almaty | American |
| QSI International School of Astana | Astana | American |
| Spectrum International School Astana | Astana | Cambridge, IB |
| Miras International School Astana | Astana | IB |
| Kazakhstan International School Astana | Astana | IB |
| Miras International School Almaty | Almaty | IB |
| International College of Continuous Education | Almaty | IB |
Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.
The international school sector in Kazakhstan has expanded significantly over the past decade. Families can now choose between globally recognised qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate, Cambridge IGCSEs, A Levels and American diploma programmes.
Almaty generally attracts families looking for a larger expatriate community, a milder climate and easy access to outdoor activities. Astana, meanwhile, offers newer infrastructure, modern housing developments and a growing international business community.
Many families report that the school community and daily lifestyle ultimately matter just as much as academic outcomes.
One international educator who spent four years living in Almaty described the city as having "beautiful nature, just enough to do without getting bored" and highlighted the city's green spaces and family-friendly environment. Among international families, community fit and location are often just as important as curriculum when selecting a school.
The IB is the most widely available international curriculum in Kazakhstan.
Schools offering IB programmes include:
The IB is particularly popular among internationally mobile families because of its strong global recognition and broad academic approach.
The British curriculum is another leading option.
Schools following British pathways include:
Students typically progress through Cambridge IGCSEs before taking A Levels or the IB Diploma Programme.
Families seeking an American educational pathway often consider:
These schools are often chosen by families planning university study in North America.
Curriculum: Bilingual Programme
Located in Astana, Perspective School combines local and international educational approaches. Families looking for a bilingual learning environment often consider the school because of its balance between academic development and language acquisition.
Curriculum: International Programme
KAIS offers an international learning environment with a strong emphasis on English-language education. The school serves families looking for smaller learning communities and internationally focused teaching approaches.
Curriculum: IB and IPC
Edville International School follows internationally recognised frameworks including the International Primary Curriculum and IB programmes. Families considering inquiry-based learning often include Edville on their shortlist.
Curriculum: British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB Diploma
Haileybury Astana is one of the most established British international schools in Kazakhstan. The school serves approximately 800 pupils and offers a broad academic and extracurricular programme.
Curriculum: British Curriculum
Located in Kazakhstan's largest city, Haileybury Almaty provides a British-style educational pathway and is often considered by families seeking university preparation through internationally recognised qualifications.
Curriculum: IB and American Curriculum
One of Kazakhstan's longest-established international schools, ISA serves both local and international families and offers pathways recognised by universities around the world.
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Kazakhstan International School offers a complete IB pathway from early years through secondary education. The school is known for its international student community and inquiry-based learning approach.
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Miras International School is one of Kazakhstan's most recognised IB schools. The school attracts families seeking internationally recognised qualifications and a multicultural educational environment.
Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.
There is no single best school for every family. Haileybury Astana, Haileybury Almaty, Kazakhstan International School and International School of Almaty are among the most frequently shortlisted options.
Fees vary considerably, ranging from a few thousand pounds per year to nearly £30,000 annually at premium institutions.
Yes. Kazakhstan has several IB World Schools including Kazakhstan International School, Miras International School and International School of Almaty.
Both cities offer excellent options. Almaty generally has a larger expatriate community, while Astana provides newer infrastructure and a growing international population.
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This guide was written by Aziza F, part of the doris editorial team. doris sources school data from institutions worldwide and speaks directly with parents navigating the school search process. Fee data reflects published and publicly available information for the 2026 to 2027 academic year and is reviewed annually.
External sources: International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Assessment International Education and community discussions from international educators living in Kazakhstan.
Schools are listed for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.