School uniforms in Kazakhstan: what parents need to know now

Tengrinews.kz — Kazakhstani authorities have clarified school uniform requirements for secondary education institutions. Parents were briefed on who determines clothing styles, where items can be purchased, and what financial assistance is available for families, citing the Ministry of Education.
What the school uniform should look like
School uniforms for boys and girls are categorized into casual, formal, and athletic wear. Selection criteria include the child's age, climatic conditions, class location, indoor temperature, and safety standards.

"The style of the school uniform is determined by the educational institution in consultation with the board of trustees, the parent committee, and student government bodies. It is approved through the minutes of a general school parent meeting. Any changes to the uniform must also be coordinated with these councils," the Ministry of Education stated.

It was noted that parents are free to purchase uniforms from any retail chain and choose their own manufacturer. Educational institutions are strictly prohibited from favoring specific suppliers.
Who is eligible for assistance
Children from socially vulnerable families receive government support through the "Vseobuch" (Universal Education) fund to purchase uniforms, footwear, and school supplies..
In preparation for the 2026/2027 academic year, this support is expected to cover approximately 450,000 children. Local budgets have allocated around 23 billion tenge for this purpose.
Key considerations when choosing a uniform
School uniforms must meet safety requirements. Specifically, they must not contain hardware or accessories that could cause injury.
Furthermore, according to the rules established by school charters, students are not permitted to wear headwear inside the school building.
Schools maintain a secular character
The Ministry's clarification also emphasizes that, under Kazakhstan's Constitution, religion is separate from the state, and the education and upbringing system in schools remains secular in nature.
The mandatory school uniform requirements aim to ensure a standardized approach, foster a positive attitude among parents, and increase the accountability of educational institutions in adhering to established rules.
Under the Law "On Education," parents are required to comply with the rules set out in the school's charter, as well as the mandatory school uniform requirements.