Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Nur-Sultan (Astana)

Nur-Sultan, formerly known as Astana, is the capital city of Kazakhstan and has become an increasingly popular destination for expats and digital nomads. Catering to the international community, Nur-Sultan offers a selection of international and bilingual schools, providing high-quality education for expatriate children. Among the most popular ones are Haileybury Astana and the Miras International School, which are known for their comprehensive curriculums and diverse student bodies. While the city may not have as many international schools as some of the world's largest metropolises, there are still several reputable institutions to choose from, all within a reasonable commute from the city center.

Haileybury Astana

Grades: Early Years to Year 13
Location(s): Nur-Sultan
Website: www.haileybury.kz/en/astana

Haileybury Astana is part of the prestigious Haileybury family of schools, offering a British-style education in Kazakhstan. The school follows the English National Curriculum leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels. With state-of-the-art facilities, including a sports complex, theatre, and science labs, Haileybury Astana provides a well-rounded education. Extracurricular activities are abundant, ranging from music and arts to a variety of sports and clubs.

Miras International School

Grades: Preschool to Grade 12
Location(s): Nur-Sultan
Website: www.miras-astana.kz

Miras International School is an IB World School, offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) program from primary years to the diploma program. The school boasts a multicultural environment with students from various backgrounds. Miras emphasizes academic excellence, personal growth, and the development of international-mindedness. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, and sports facilities, and the school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Astana

Grades: 7 to 12
Location(s): Nur-Sultan
Website: nis.edu.kz/en/

Nazarbayev Intellectual School of Astana is part of a network of schools aimed at gifted and talented students. The curriculum is trilingual, with instruction in Kazakh, Russian, and English, and focuses on science and mathematics. The school is equipped with modern facilities and offers a range of extracurricular activities, including robotics, debate, and environmental clubs.

QSI International School of Astana

Grades: Preschool to Secondary
Location(s): Nur-Sultan
Website: astana.qsi.org

QSI International School of Astana is part of the Quality Schools International group and offers an American-style education with a curriculum based on U.S. standards. The school provides a nurturing environment with small class sizes and a focus on individual student growth. QSI Astana offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses for older students and a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and student government.

Intellectual School of Astana

Grades: 7 to 12
Location(s): Nur-Sultan
Website: astanais.kz

The Intellectual School of Astana is another institution within the Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools network, focusing on a trilingual education system. The school offers a rigorous academic program with an emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students have access to modern facilities and a wide array of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and various clubs.

Spectrum International School

Grades: Preschool to Grade 11
Location(s): Nur-Sultan
Website: spectrum.edu.kz

Spectrum International School provides a bilingual education in English and Russian, with a curriculum that incorporates elements of the Kazakh National Educational Program. The school is known for its focus on science and technology, as well as for fostering a multicultural environment. Spectrum offers excellent facilities, including science labs, a swimming pool, and a sports hall, and encourages students to engage in a variety of extracurricular activities.