Teach for Qazaqstan: Answers to frequently asked questions

Unfortunately, no. Passing the APK is a mandatory requirement for employment in state schools. You are given two attempts to pass the exam. The Foundation creates all the necessary conditions for exam preparation. If you fail the exam after two attempts, you will not be able to work in partner schools. 
No, according to the updated selection criteria, current teachers cannot participate in the Program. However, individuals with a teaching degree but no teaching experience are eligible to apply. Please note that there are limits to the number of participants in this category. 
No, a teaching degree is not required. The core idea of the Program is to reduce educational inequality by attracting qualified candidates from other fields of expertise, so they can bring changes to schools based on their own experience and skills, inspire children, and unlock students' potential. 
There is no specific GPA requirement for the Program. When selecting candidates, we focus on competencies and potential rather than GPA. Academic success does not always guarantee effectiveness in the role, so the selection team evaluates many other factors when preparing teachers within the Foundation. 
Candidates can complete a self-screening on the official Program website. If questions remain after the screening, you can email the official TFQ email, and we will review your transcript. Also, remember that national requirements for pedagogical requalification mandate a related field of study. 
At each stage of selection, assessors (certified professionals in assessment) will be involved to evaluate the results. Each candidate will be randomly assigned to an assessor. Independent observers will also be present during the selection committee meetings to monitor the entire selection process. The results will be published across all channels: the Program’s social media, official website, and individual notifications sent to each candidate. 
To apply for the Teach for Qazaqstan Program and to complete the first and second stages of the selection process, candidates do not need to be physically present in Kazakhstan. All that is required is to visit the Program’s website and fill out the application form online. 
The application form can be filled out in either Kazakh or Russian.

The mandatory requirements for participants are: 

  • Citizenship of the Republic of Kazakhstan 
  • A bachelor’s or master’s degree 
  • Willingness to relocate 
No, English is not mandatory, but it is encouraged.

The selection process consists of 4 stages: 

Stage 1: Candidates need to fill out the application form and submit a motivational essay. 

Stage 2: Consists of two parts: ability tests (verbal reasoning and abstract thinking) and a video interview. 

Stage 3: Consists of three parts and is conducted in person in various cities of Kazakhstan. Candidates are required to prepare a demo lesson, complete a group exercise, and go through a competency-based interview. 

All necessary information is available under the “For Applicants” section on the official Foundation website (sections "Selection Process" and "Candidate’s Path") here: https://teachforqazaqstan.org/ru/page/challenger 

To participate in the Program, candidates must have a higher education degree. Final-year university students can also apply, provided they obtain their degree before starting employment at partner schools 
No, there are no age restrictions for participating in the Program.