Kazakh Elite School Zaman vs Kazakhstan International School Almaty

	K Kazakh Elite School Zaman Almaty, Kazakhstan	K Kazakhstan International School Almaty Almaty, Kazakhstan
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year KZT 5,300,000 - 6,800,000	Fees / year KZT 4,222,891 - 14,108,852
Age range	Age range 6 - 17 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), Singapore Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 657
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language Kazakh, English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2007	Opened 1998
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Almaty, Kazakhstan. Address: Kargaly district, Kenesary Khan street 56/1. The school is located in Almaty and serves local families and international students.	Location Al-Farabi Avenue 118/15, Almaty 050044, Kazakhstan. The Main Campus offers Kindergarten to IB Diploma Programme for 2–18 year olds. The school is located in central Almaty, described as a beautiful location among the green hills with views of the snow-capped Tien Shan mountains and the city of Almaty.
Stages	Stages Primary (Grades 1-4) – IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). Middle/High (Grades 5-11) – IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP).	Stages Early Years Programme; Primary Years Programme; Middle Years Programme; Diploma Programme.
School type	School type —	School type International IB World School offering Kindergarten through Grade 12 IB programmes.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Zaman School has an Inclusive Education policy to support all students, including those with Special Educational Needs. The school identifies students with additional learning needs and provides learning support through an Inclusive Education Coordinator and dedicated processes. Language support is provided for Kazakh, Russian and English, including English as an Additional Language (EAL).	Additional learning support English as an Additional Language (EAL) program to support students whose first language is not English.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Kazakhstan	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Early Years: Arrival 8:00–8:30; Half-Day Dismissal 12:00–12:30; Full-Day Dismissal 3:30–4:00. Elementary School: School Starts 8:00; Dismissal 3:00; After-School Activities 3:00–4:15. Secondary School: Before-School Activities 8:00–9:30; School Starts 9:40; Finishes 4:15.
Bus service details	Bus service details Delivery is paid separately; ₸60,000–₸70,000 per month.	Bus service details Bus Service: Elementary 08:00 and 15:00; Secondary 09:40 and 16:15. 2025–2026 Bus Fees: One-way route 600,000 KZT; Two-way route 700,000 KZT. ASA Bus Service (for after-school activities): schedule and registration details available; registration deadline August 11, 2025.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / entry fee - Entry fee: equal to one month's tuition (one-time, non-refundable). Tuition (listed as monthly amounts) — by year group - Grades 1–4: ₸ 400,000 per month. Per 5-month term: ₸ 2,000,000. Per 10-month school year: ₸ 4,000,000. - Grades 5–7: ₸ 430,000 per month. Per 5-month term: ₸ 2,150,000. Per 10-month school year: ₸ 4,300,000. - Grades 8–9: ₸ 450,000 per month. Per 5-month term: ₸ 2,250,000. Per 10-month school year: ₸ 4,500,000. - Grades 10–11: ₸ 470,000 per month. Per 5-month term: ₸ 2,350,000. Per 10-month school year: ₸ 4,700,000. - DP (IB Diploma Programme): ₸ 500,000 per month. Per 5-month term: ₸ 2,500,000. Per 10-month school year: ₸ 5,000,000. - Advanced English (1st grade): ₸ 450,000 per month. Per 5-month term: ₸ 2,250,000. Per 10-month school year: ₸ 4,500,000. Additional recurring costs (specified separately) - Meals: ₸ 70,000 per month for full school catering (four meals per day). Per 5-month term: ₸ 350,000. Per 10-month school year: ₸ 700,000. Meals are billed separately from tuition. - Student transport (delivery): ₸ 60,000–70,000 per month depending on route. Per 5-month term: ₸ 300,000–350,000. Per 10-month school year: ₸ 600,000–700,000. Transport is billed separately from tuition. Other costs - School uniform: a required, school-branded uniform is provided/designed for students (no price listed on the uniform page). Specific uniform items and purchase/price arrangements are managed by the school. - Extracurricular activities, special courses, exam fees (e.g., AP/IB external exam fees) and optional services: charges may apply in addition to tuition; these are not itemised on the published price page. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is presented as a monthly rate. The school publishes staged payment instructions for tuition and for food (payment-stage guidance is provided). For planning, common breakdowns use school terms and the academic calendar. The school's academic calendar and payment-stage guidance set the billing periods. Per-term and per-year totals above use a 5-month term / 10-month academic year basis consistent with the school calendar presentation. - Meals and transport are billed separately from tuition and are charged on a monthly basis as shown above. - Entry fee is paid at enrolment and is one month's tuition (one-time, non-refundable). Refund information - The entry fee is one-time and non-refundable. There is no separate published tuition refund policy on the fees page. Any refund conditions for tuition or other charges would be covered by the school's contractual terms and internal policies. Fee payment options - The school provides staged payment instructions and explicitly publishes a payments page that references Kaspi payment processing (Kaspi payment guidance is available). Bank-transfer payment details are provided on the site's banking information sections. Accepted payment channels therefore include the Kaspi payment system and bank transfer (school banking details are published in the bank details section). For exactly how to submit payments (online Kaspi, bank transfer, or other channels) follow the school's payment-stage instructions. Summary (quick reference) - Monthly tuition (selected): Grades 1–4 ₸ 400,000; Grades 5–7 ₸ 430,000; Grades 8–9 ₸ 450,000; Grades 10–11 ₸ 470,000; DP ₸ 500,000. Meals ₸ 70,000/month; transport ₸ 60,000–70,000/month. Entry fee = one month's tuition (non-refundable). Per-term and per-year totals calculated above assume 5-month terms and a 10-month academic year as reflected in the school calendar.	Fee details Application and Admission Fees Kazakhstan International School (KIS) charges an entrance assessment fee of KZT 20,000 per student for Grades 1–12. A one-time non-refundable admission fee of approximately KZT 280,000 is payable upon enrolment. A reservation deposit equivalent to one-third of annual tuition is required to secure a student’s place. Tuition Fees (2026/2027 Academic Year) The school publishes fees in USD. Approximate KZT amounts below are based on an exchange rate of USD 1 = KZT 467.63. Toddlers Half Day: approximately KZT 4,045,000 per year, around KZT 1,348,000 per term Toddlers Full Day: approximately KZT 5,004,000 per year, around KZT 1,668,000 per term Pre-K 3 Half Day: approximately KZT 4,176,000 per year, around KZT 1,392,000 per term Pre-K 3 Full Day: approximately KZT 5,284,000 per year, around KZT 1,761,000 per term Pre-K 4 Full Day: approximately KZT 6,032,000 per year, around KZT 2,011,000 per term Kindergarten: approximately KZT 7,342,000 per year, around KZT 2,447,000 per term Grades 1–2: approximately KZT 10,148,000 per year, around KZT 3,383,000 per term Grades 3–5: approximately KZT 10,709,000 per year, around KZT 3,570,000 per term Grades 6–8: approximately KZT 11,644,000 per year, around KZT 3,881,000 per term Grades 9–10: approximately KZT 12,579,000 per year, around KZT 4,193,000 per term Grades 11–12: approximately KZT 13,515,000 per year, around KZT 4,505,000 per term Billing Schedule and Payment Terms Tuition fees are payable in three instalments across the academic year. The reservation deposit is credited toward tuition fees after enrolment confirmation. Fees are billed in KZT using the exchange rate applicable on the payment date. Boarding Fees Kazakhstan International School is a day school and does not offer boarding facilities. Other Costs and Fees Additional costs may include uniforms, school transport, extracurricular activities, optional trips, and lunch services. These are billed separately from tuition fees. Refund Information The admission fee is non-refundable. Reservation deposits may also be non-refundable if a student withdraws after accepting a place. Fee Payment Options Payments are accepted by bank transfer in KZT. Tuition invoices are issued according to the school’s payment schedule.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details IB programmes across PYP, MYP, and DP. The MYP is delivered to students in grades 5–9 with an emphasis on inquiry-based, interdisciplinary learning and global perspectives. Personal Project and Community Project are key components of the MYP, with 8th-grade students undertaking the Community Project. The Diploma Programme (DP) provides six subject groups plus the DP core (TOK, EE, CAS) and is authorized to be implemented for Grades 10–11 starting in the 2025–2026 academic year; AP electives are available for students on the national curriculum track. The ZAMAN component adds proprietary, values-based, project-based learning with small class sizes and personalized support, including courses such as Family institution, Leadership, Financial literacy, Drama, News analytics, and Kazakh national traditions. A Singaporean science and mathematics pathway is also part of the curriculum.	Curriculum details IB Programme for Kindergarten through Grade 12. The Primary Years Programme (Grades 1-5), Middle Years Programme (Grades 5-9), and Diploma Programme (Grades 10-11) are part of the IB framework. The language of instruction in the elementary years is English, and an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports non-native speakers. The IB approach emphasizes inquiry-based learning and a continuity pathway from PYP to MYP.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Average class size ranges from 8 to 15 students.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates pursue higher education at Kazakhstan-based and international universities. Notable destinations include KIMEP University, Almaty Management University, Kazakh National Medical University, and the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom. Other destinations include De Montfort University in the United Kingdom, the University of Twente in the Netherlands, and The Aldo Galli Academy in Italy.	Higher education progression Graduates earn three diplomas: the IB Diploma, the MSA American High School Diploma, and the Kazakh State Diploma. College counseling supports university applications, with graduates admitted to universities worldwide including University College London, Cornell University, McGill University, and Notre Dame.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented The school provides IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP) and AP courses, together with proprietary courses under its ZAMAN component. Small class sizes and personalized instruction support individualized learning, with project-based and values-based approaches. Proprietary courses include Family institution, Leadership, Financial literacy, Drama, News analytics, and Kazakh national traditions.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Parents receive information about Zaman School, its programs, and the fees. The Admissions Officer provides this information and answers initial questions. The school uses Kazakh and English as the main languages of instruction and follows IB principles in its curriculum. This step establishes the groundwork for applicants and families. 2. Parents make an appointment to arrange a school visit. The Admissions Officer schedules the visit and coordinates the arrangement. The visit allows the family to experience the school environment and meet staff as needed. 3. Parents complete the Student Information Admissions Form and agree on the date of testing. The Admissions Officer oversees this step and confirms testing arrangements. The form collects essential student information for the admissions review. 4. Parent and student meet with the PS/SS Principal and/or Vice–Principal (as necessary). The meeting discusses candidacy, school expectations, and any questions about the admissions process. The Principal or Vice–Principal participates to assess fit and next steps. 5. A student sits for the admission test. The testing session covers relevant subjects to evaluate readiness. The Admissions Officer, along with the Principal or Vice–Principal, oversees the test administration. 6. Review of admission test results and student records. The admissions team examines test scores and prior school records. This review informs whether the applicant meets the program's entry requirements. 7. Assessment by the school psychologist and SEN specialist if social or learning needs identified. If any needs are identified, specialists conduct an evaluation to determine appropriate supports. The school coordinates with families about any recommended accommodations or services. 8. The final decision on enrollment or refusal is made. The PS/SS Principal or Vice–Principal, in consultation with the Head of School, renders the final enrollment decision. The decision is based on test results, records, and any specialist assessments. 9. Parents are informed of the decision within 3 working days after the test. The Admissions Officer communicates the outcome to the family. If admitted, next steps for enrollment are outlined. 10. If a child has been enrolled, parents submit a Confirmation Form and all relevant documents according to the list. The admissions process concludes with document submission and confirmation of enrollment. The school coordinates any remaining requirements for start dates and registration. 11. Parents get acquainted with school policies and regulations. Families review school policies and regulations as part of onboarding. This step helps ensure understanding of expectations and governance. 12. Parents sign the Agreement for Studies and make payment of entrance and tuition fees. The agreement formalizes enrollment, and financial arrangements are completed. Receipt of payments and the enrollment formalities finalize the admissions journey.	Admissions 1. Apply. Submit the online application via OpenApply. Kazakhstan International School welcomes students of all nationalities to join a diverse, international community in Almaty. After submitting the application, you receive an application portal with an electronic checklist of items to finalize the application. The application opens on August 1 of the preceding school year, and applications are accepted year‑round with rolling placements as space allows; many grade levels fill up by April, so early application is encouraged. 2. Required Documents. After submission, a personalized checklist shows the documents required to complete the application. For Grades 1‑12, required documents include birth certificate, passport, photo 3x4, academic reports, teacher recommendation, and parents' identification; MAP results and IEP/psych reports are optional. For Early Years, required documents include birth certificate, passport, photo 3x4, Early Years Profile, and parents' identification; optional: employment letter, residence permit, health insurance card. After acceptance, enrollment requires signing the KIS Educational Services Agreement and paying the Admission & Reservation Fees, plus submitting any required general or identification documents. 3. Interviews / Assessment. Once the application is complete and all required documents are received, Phase 2 includes student assessments and interviews, varying by grade level. Assessments include CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test) and an English Proficiency Assessment; these assessments typically take 2–3 hours total, with no special preparation. All applicants participate in a 30‑minute in‑person interview conducted by the appropriate administrator: EY Principal for Early Years; Grades 1‑5 Elementary Principal; Grades 6‑10 Secondary Principal; Grades 11‑12 DP Coordinator. 4. Decision. Admissions decisions are made exclusively by the Admissions Committee, which evaluates academic history, behavioral background, level of English proficiency, potential needs for support services, and alignment with the school's environment and educational approach. If admitted, families proceed with the next steps: sign the KIS Educational Services Agreement, pay the Admission & Reservation Fee, and submit the required enrollment documents.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships KIS Founder's Scholarship is awarded to outstanding students annually in March. The scholarships are available to current and prospective KIS students who wish to enroll in the KIS IB Diploma Programme (Grade 11). The scholarship covers tuition fees for Grades 11–12 (the duration of the Diploma Programme) and continuation into the second year depends on maintaining a high level of academic performance and co‑curricular contribution; if performance declines, an action plan is implemented and the award may be withdrawn. Scholarship Application Timeline: February 25—the scholarship applications open; April 7—the deadline for submitting applications; April 15—CAT4 assessments completed; April 23—interviews with shortlisted candidates; April 28—final decisions. The application for AY 2026‑2027 is open; apply before April 7, 2026. For questions and the scholarship application, contact Ms. Dana: Email: scholarship@kisnet.org WhatsApp: +7 708 516 0707 Phone (weekdays 07:30–16:30): +7 727 356 5000
Waitlist	Waitlist Waiting list: If a student meets entrance requirements but no place is available, the student can be placed on a waiting list. Entrance test results may be accepted for admission decision within one semester. If performance is lower, the student may retake the admission test no earlier than two months after the previous attempt. At the start of the academic year, families with a student on the waiting list as of October 5 will be asked whether they wish to remain on the waiting list.	Waitlist —
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