School Without Overpaying: How Parents in Kazakhstan Can Prepare for the School Year, Choose What’s Needed, and Not Spend Extra

September is approaching, along with expenses for uniforms, backpacks, and stationery. Many parents are already feeling the pressure: chats are overflowing with lists, stores are launching “back-to-school” promotions, and prices for familiar items are rising. In 2025, according to surveys and publications, families spent from 70 to 200+ thousand tenge just to prepare one child. In 2026, the picture is similar, but exact figures depend on the city, school, and your decisions.

The good news: most overpayments can be eliminated if you buy mindfully and don’t give in to emotions. This article is for you: a practical guide to expenses, official requirements, and proven ways to save money.

1. Check the school’s official requirements
Visit the school’s website or its WhatsApp/Telegram group. The main rules for uniforms and stationery lists are usually published in May–June. Uniform requirements are standardized by order of the Ministry of Education (No. 26 of 2016 with amendments). The color is primarily dark blue.

2. Divide purchases into three lists
Mandatory (before September 1): everyday uniform + formal uniform, backpack, spare shoes, sports uniform.
Desirable (after meeting the teacher): specific notebooks, folders, pencil case.
Postpone: branded gadgets, extra “just in case” sets.

3. Compare prices online and offline
Kaspi.kz, Wildberries.kz, Flip.kz, and marketplaces show real prices with reviews. At markets (for example, in Almaty — “Barys” or district fairs) prices are often 20–40% lower. Look for “back-to-school fairs” in August.

4. Don’t buy everything in one day
Buy the basics in July–early August, the rest — after September 1–5, once the teacher provides the exact list.

5. Check quality, size, and return policy
The backpack should have a rigid back and wide straps. The uniform should withstand 30–40 washes per year. Always keep the receipt and tags.

6. Leave a 15–20% reserve
For unexpected notebooks, photos for the stand, transport, or clubs.

7. After the first week, buy only what is actually needed
80% of “just in case” lists end up gathering dust in the closet.

• School uniform and clothing — the main expense (from 20–40 thousand tenge per set according to 2025 data).
• Backpack + pencil case — 8–25 thousand tenge.
• Stationery — 10–20 thousand tenge at the start.
• Spare shoes and sports uniform — 10–18 thousand tenge.
• Meals — in public schools, hot meals are free for grades 1–4 (as of 2026).
• Transport and clubs — the most variable expenses.

Expenses in primary school are lower than in middle and high school: the latter add tutors and exam preparation.

The requirements of the Ministry of Education remain the same: dark blue color, classic business style, without religious attributes or injury-prone hardware. For boys — blazer/vest + trousers + shirts. For girls — blazer/vest + skirt/trousers + blouses (skirt below the knee).

Saving tips:
- Don’t buy the most expensive brand — fabric quality and hardware are more important than the logo.
- Buy two sets (everyday + spare) — saves on washing and wear.
- Buy slightly larger (for growth).
- Check the 14-day return policy.
- Look in specialized stores (Mektep Forma, Detsky Mir) or marketplaces — often cheaper than in shopping malls.

Public school
- Education is free.
- Meals for grades 1–4 are free (2026).
- Uniform, stationery, after-school care, clubs — paid by parents.
- Expenses are transparent but depend on the school and region.

Private school
- Tuition fee (from 100–200 thousand tenge per month and higher).
- Meals, after-school care, some clubs, and materials are often included.
- Uniform may be custom (more expensive).
- Additional services are clearer, but the total amount is higher.

The choice depends on your budget, district, child’s character, and priorities. Before submitting documents, clarify the full price list and what is included.

• Submit documents from May 27 to August 31, 2026 via eGov.kz (free). Required: application, medical certificate 065-u, child’s health passport 052-2/u, 2 photos 3×4.
• Don’t buy the entire stationery list in advance — the teacher will provide the exact list.
• What matters most for the child is a comfortable lightweight backpack and comfortable shoes, not an expensive pencil case with characters.
• Emotional preparation is more important than purchases. Don’t create panic around “everything must be the best”.

• Spare shoes and sports uniform.
• Stationery that runs out (notebooks, pens, glue).
• Meals (if the child is above 4th grade or in a private school).
• Transport (pass).
• Excursions, theater visits, photo sessions.
• Gifts for holidays and class collections (politely clarify if they are mandatory).
• Clubs, sections, tutors.
• Gadgets and mobile communication.
• Printing reports, photos for stands, minor contributions.

Most of these expenses are not “mandatory” but arise regularly.

Divide the year into quarters:
- August — main purchases (60% of budget).
- September–December — stationery + first events.
- January–May — additional classes + summer preparation.

Keep a table in Google Sheets or a family budget app. Allocate 10–15% for unforeseen expenses. Use cashback and Kaspi Red installment plans.

Common parent mistakes:
- Buying the entire list from the chat at once.
- Choosing a uniform “to look nice” instead of practical.
- Ignoring free meals and benefits.
- Buying expensive gadgets “like everyone else”.

• Kindergarten → how to save on kindergarten and school preparation
• Children’s clubs → how much sections really cost and how to find free ones
• Tutors → when they are needed and how not to overpay
• Stationery → where to buy in bulk and with cashback
• Discounted clothing → promotional school collections
• Discounted shoes → how to choose comfortable and affordable ones
• Family budget → Excel template for school expenses
• Cashback and installments → how to get money back on school purchases

1. eGov.kz — Admission to 1st grade 2026–2027 (deadlines May 27 — August 31, 2026, list of documents).
2. Order of the Minister of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 26 dated 14.01.2016 (with amendments) — Requirements for mandatory school uniform (adilet.zan.kz).
3. gov.kz — official clarifications on uniform and meals (2025–2026).
4. Kundelik.kz — official electronic diary platform.
5. Publications from 2025 (The Village KZ, Nur.kz, Ranking.kz) — approximate family expenses (used as examples; check current prices in stores).
6. Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (gov.kz/memleket/entities/edu) — official information on meals and admission.

All data verified as of April 2026. Rules may vary slightly by region and specific schools — always check with your school and on eGov.kz. This is not legal advice, but a practical guide based on open official sources.

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