Kindergarten: How to Enroll Your Child, Avoid Overpaying, and Actually Save Money in Kazakhstan

In 2026, the preschool education system in Kazakhstan works in a new way: vouchers “follow the child,” and parents can choose any accredited kindergarten — state or private. This has genuinely expanded options, but queues in popular districts remain, and extra expenses have not disappeared.

Parents most often ask: “How much will I actually pay?”, “Can I get into a kindergarten faster?” and “How can I avoid giving away an extra 50–100 thousand tenge a year on ‘voluntary’ contributions?” We break everything down with current figures and links.

State kindergartens
Parent fee is only for meals (100% of their cost). Nationwide average: 15–25 thousand tenge per month.
Examples for 2025–2026:
• Astana — 19,700 tenge (< 3 years) and 20,800 tenge (3–6 years).
• In regions often 12–18 thousand tenge.
Meals for children from large families receiving ASP or with income below the subsistence minimum are 100% compensated.

Private kindergartens
• With voucher (state order): parent pays only for meals + possible extras (same as state).
• Without voucher: full commercial price — from 50–70 thousand tenge in regions to 100–140 thousand tenge in Almaty and Astana. Premium options — 200–500 thousand tenge. Current national average around 30–38 thousand tenge (higher in Almaty).

Mini-kindergartens and home groups
Often 35–60 thousand tenge. Fewer children, flexible schedule, but always check the license.

Comparison table

Everything is online and free.

1. Go to egov.kz → “Education” → “Enrollment of preschool children in the queue”.
2. Log in with EDS or via eGov Mobile.
3. Enter the child’s IIN, select up to 3–5 desired kindergartens (you can choose on the map).
4. Mark any benefits if applicable.
5. Sign the application with EDS.

The application enters the unified database. When your turn comes — you will receive a push notification and a message in your personal account. Processing time is instant; placement is given as spots become available.

Waiting times
In Almaty and Astana in popular districts — from 6–12 months to 2–3 years (depends on the microdistrict and child’s age). In regions and new districts — faster. Check the exact status in your egov personal account.

Priority right:
• Children with special educational needs;
• Children with disabilities and children of parents with disabilities;
• Orphans;
• Large families;
• Children of military personnel and others.

When submitting, simply mark the category — the system will automatically give priority.

Since 2025 (pilot extended until July 1, 2026), the state issues a voucher for every child aged 2–6 years. Money goes not to the kindergarten, but “follows the child.” Parents can choose any kindergarten from the list of accredited ones and pay only for meals and extras. This makes it much easier to get into a good private kindergarten at almost the price of a state one.

1. Check the license on elicense.kz using the kindergarten’s BIN/IIN.
2. Read the contract: what is included in the price, whether there is an “entry fee” (illegal in voucher kindergartens).
3. Visit in person: cleanliness, menu, number of children per group, qualifications of teachers, cameras, daily schedule.
4. Ask questions:
• What extra payments are mandatory?
• How often are collections made for repairs/gifts?
• Is there a refund in case of illness?
• How does the kitchen handle allergies?

1. Believing “verbal” promises about “everything included.”
2. Not checking the license.
3. Paying an “entry fee” without a contract.
4. Choosing a kindergarten far from home (transport + time eats up the budget).
5. Forgetting about the tax social deduction (up to 118 MRP per year for paid educational services).

• Stationery and uniform — buy in parent wholesale chats or on Kaspi with cashback, not at the kindergarten.
• Meals — if your child has allergies, arrange to bring your own (many kindergartens allow it).
• Clubs — choose the ones already offered at the kindergarten instead of paid extras.
• Clothes and shoes — look for second-hand and sales.
• Taxi/shuttle — choose a kindergarten within walking distance.

1. Right after birth (or as early as possible), put your child on the queue via egov.
2. Monitor the status in your personal account.
3. When you receive a placement — confirm it within 2 days.
4. Within 5 working days, submit documents and sign the contract.
5. Before the first day: check that everything is included in the price, buy the minimum necessary items, prepare your child for adaptation (talk to your pediatrician).
6. Keep all receipts — you can claim the tax deduction next year.

Be sure to indicate this in your application and in the contract. In voucher kindergartens and inclusive groups, the state provides additional funding. Meals are adjusted individually, but it is better to provide a doctor’s certificate in advance.

Useful reads on zhivem.kz:

• Social payments and child benefits
• How to apply for large family benefits
• Family budget: how to manage and save
• Children’s goods with discounts and cashback
• Children’s clubs: where to find affordable ones
• Medical centers and tests: how to save on healthcare
• Cheap first-aid kit for kindergarten
• Useful apps for parents
• Children’s clothing and shoes with cashback

1. egov.kz — official queue enrollment service (current instructions 2025–2026).
2. Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and akimats (resolutions on parent fees and vouchers).
3. elicense.kz — license verification.
4. Zakon.kz, Tengrinews, Informburo — news on voucher financing and prices 2025–2026.
5. Real listings and BNS data on average prices (Kaspi, Zoon.kz).

All figures and rules are current as of April 2026. Before taking any action, check your egov personal account — the situation in your district may differ. This is not legal advice, but a practical parent-to-parent guide.