Hundreds of students from across the country gathered on campus to compete in the KIMEP Intellectual Olympiad on Mar. 30.
For many, this Olympiad is more than just an exam, it is a coveted chance to get into one of Kazakhstan’s leading universities and win one of the 34 scholarships available. Nearly 400 attended the event.
The scale of the olympiad is great, over thousand students apply each year from different regions. About 7% of applicants ultimately win.
“From 15 to 16 percent of the university’s budget is dedicated to merit-based scholarships, and the Intellectual Olympiad is one of the key initiatives organized by our office,” said Oxana Shegay, director of the Financial Aid Office at KIMEP. “Since 2011, we have awarded more than 200 students scholarships through this Olympiad. It allows us to recognize and support outstanding students, ensuring that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of their ambition.”
The first stage is an English proficiency selection process. Only those who meet the minimum language requirements through IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, or KEPT exam as well as all other criterias are invited to the next stage, which takes place on campus.
Then participants demonstrate their knowledge in one of several subjects, depending on their desired field of study. This year, 970 participants filled out registration forms, 561 of them passed the first stage. Ultimately, 390 applicants, accompanied by their parents, arrived at the university to participate in the Olympiad. Last year, 893 students registered, 472 passed the first stage, and 326 took part in the olympiad.
For many students, this was not their first university olympiad but rather another opportunity to demonstrate their skills.
“I’ve participated in several olympiads organized by universities like SDU and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, but this Intellectual Olympiad stands out for its high level of organization,” said Tomiris Turysbaeva, a graduate student of Gymnasium No. 140 in Almaty. “I really appreciated the opportunity to take the exam on campus and experience the university first hand, rather than doing it online like other institutions.”
Some had traveled from remote regions, sacrificing comfort and time in pursuit of their dream of higher education.
“My sister, Lashyn Anapia, found out about the olympiad on social media and came from the village of Kandoz in the Kyzylorda region to try her luck,” said Aigerim Tolkynbayeva, the sister of a senior-year student and a professor at Kazakh National Women’s Teacher Training University. “I think this is a great opportunity for rural students to earn a chance to pursue their tertiary education at the prestigious Western-style university.”
This year applicants for BCB and SCSM solved math problems consisting of six tasks of increasing difficulty. Meanwhile, those choosing to study in CSS or Psychology faced a two-part exam consisting of a World History multiple-choice section and a 500-word essay on environmental issues in modern Kazakhstan.
For Translation Studies and Foreign Language programs, the exam structure was similar, but the essay focused on linguistic and pedagogical topics.
As students passed through registration, the New Academic building quickly filled with hundreds of participants.
“I came to KIMEP’s open day and learned about the Intellectual Olympiad,” said Aisulu Nurgozha, a high school senior from Almaty. “I’d been waiting for this opportunity ever since. Winning the scholarship would mean my family wouldn’t have to struggle financially to support my education.”
Parents exchanged reassuring words and whispered encouragement to help their children cope during the stressful competition. Other students reviewed materials or chatted with friends on their phones as they waited to start their exams.
Once inside the exam rooms, the true test began. The students focused on their papers and started answering questions. Outside the exam rooms, family members waited, reviewing brochures about KIMEP.
“We came to this olympiad to support our son, Sanzhar Zhumabek, from Konayev city,” said Nuri Zhumabekuly, his father. “He is taking the exam in International Relations, and if he can win a scholarship, he plans to choose KIMEP, as it offers a prestigious education in English.”
For students like Nurgozha and Zhumabek, getting a scholarship often determines whether they can pursue their academic dreams, given that KIMEP is one of the most expensive universities in Kazakhstan.
As potential students competed in the Olympiad, current KIMEP students volunteered helping staff.
“I’ve been volunteering for this event for three years in a row with my friends because I enjoy meeting with graduates and being part of this special event,” said Inkar Kakimova, a third-year student. “It’s not just about the exams, but also the sense of community and support that KIMEP provides to its future students.”
The Olympiad lasted for 2 hours, but the entire event, including registration and the afterparty, ran from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. During the lunch break, the organizers gave participants the chance to engage with professors. The administration also introduced students to the programs and opportunities of the university.
“Intellectual Olympiad isn’t just a financial boost; it is a shining example of meritocracy in action,” said Dr. Juldyz Smagulova, Dean of College of Human Sciences and Education. “We are committed to seeking out exceptional students dedicated to academic excellence and leadership.”
Meanwhile, KIMEP Geeks organized a quiz for participants and Akzharkyn Zholak, Nurtilek Zheten and Aldiyar Askhat became winners receiving KIMEP shoppers as prizes. The Literature Society also added to the interactivity by reciting poems and reading excerpts for students to guess which books the quotes were from. As the event came to an end, Art Revolution cheered students up with their lively performance.
“Being here, I feel like a part of the KIMEP community,” said Zholak. “If you never try, you never know what you’re capable of. That’s why I’m planning to apply for another KIMEP scholarship.”
While this year’s winners will be announced in May, past champions of the Olympiad share their success stories.
In the coming weeks, KIMEP professors will evaluate each test, ensuring a fair and rigorous selection process. By late April or early May, the winners will be announced.
A total of 34 scholarships will be awarded, with two scholarships available for each program: the top scorer will receive a full 100% scholarship, while the runner-up will be awarded a 50% scholarship.
The Olympiad had tested students’ skills, resilience, and determination. Now, all they can do is wait.
Kumisbike Minasheva, a winner of last year’s Intellectual Olympiad, said all of her training was worth it.
“Winning the Olympiad was a life-changing moment for me. It helped me grow academically through studying in English and personally as well by offering great connections with incredible people,” Minasheva said. “Even though I trained and prepared a lot for this Olympiad, I didn’t expect to win. When I received the acceptance email, it was the proudest and happiest moment of my life.”