On July 4 , 2018, the Law "On amendments and additions to some legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on expansion of academic and management independence of higher education institutions" was adopted, which provides for the gradual expansion of academic and management independence of higher education institutions.

Pursuant to the Law, non-resident training in Kazakhstan has been suspended since January 1, 2019. 

Moreover, deadline for completion of educational programs of higher education was excluded. Thus, universities will develop flexible and integrated educational programs based on training results, providing for accelerated completion of Bachelor Degree program.

Also, the requirement regulating the cost of training at universities on a fee basis was excluded, which is aimed at expanding citizens' access to higher education. In this regard, the amount of tuition fees for educational programs as well as the form of contract for provision of educational services is approved by higher educational institutions independently.

Today, distance learning is used in all the universities of the country.

Distance learning in Kazakhstan involves training carried out with the interaction of a teacher and students at a distance, including through the use of information and communication technologies and telecommunication means.

The requirements for educational organizations to provide distance learning and the Rules for arranging distance learning educational process were approved by the Order of the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In higher education institutions, no more than 20% of the total number of courses throughout the entire period of study may be delivered through distance learning for programs in law, choreography, musical arts, aviation engineering and technology, construction, marine engineering and technology, military studies, and veterinary medicine.

At the same time, distance learning is not permitted in higher education institutions implementing educational programs in medical, pharmaceutical, and pedagogical fields, except in cases provided for in paragraph 2 of Article 37-2 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Education.”

For training in other fields of study, higher and (or) postgraduate education institutions may deliver no more than 50% of the total number of courses throughout the entire period of study through distance learning.

Distance learning is a promising way to get an education. The creation of an effective distance learning system increases the availability of quality education for a significant part of the population, develops technical skills of students, improves the quality of education through the use of modern technical means, electronic libraries, etc.

A new form of training has been introduced – online learning. The introduction of an online learning form will make it possible to increase the attractiveness of universities in the educational services market, including for foreign students, and reduce financial costs for the maintenance of academic buildings and dormitories.

Online learning will also enable teaching a new generation using artificial intelligence and virtual reality, which it its turn will give impetus to the development of modern digital education in the country.