The biggest landlocked country on the planet, Kazakhstan is an under-the-radar TEFL location. From mountains to vast steppes, the unique geography and welcoming culture of Kazakhstan continues to attract more TEFL teachers each year. And with a new government education policy focused on improving English skills, the demand for TEFL teachers here is growing.
Read on for The TEFL Org’s guide to teaching English in Kazakhstan – from top locations to TEFL in the country, to the salaries and types of jobs available. Qosh keldiniz!
Key Takeaways
- While Kazakh and Russian are commonly spoken, English proficiency is low.
- You need a TEFL certificate and a bachelor's degree to teach in Kazakhstan
- English teachers need a C3 visa to work legally in Kazakhstan.
- Most paid teaching jobs come through private language schools, international schools, and universities.
- English teachers can earn a monthly salary of around ₸220,000–₸650,000 ($475–$1,400 / £350–£1,030) at private and international schools.
- Intellectual schools (NIS) offer monthly salaries up to ₸1.85 million ($4,000 / £2,950) but are very competitive.
Requirements for Teaching English in Kazakhstan
Following economic growth and an emphasis on trilingual education, Kazakhstan has increased the entry requirements for English teachers in recent years.
Do I need a TEFL certification to teach English in Kazakhstan?
Yes, you need a TEFL certificate to teach English in Kazakhstan. Teaching requirements have tightened up over the years, and 120 hours of TEFL training is the minimum requirement listed by most employers. While it’s possible to find work without, this will be limited to low-paid teaching jobs or volunteer roles.
Can I teach without a degree in Kazakhstan?
You need a degree to teach English in Kazakhstan. A bachelor’s degree is a legal requirement to get the work visa, and employers in Kazakhstan frequently list a bachelor’s degree as a requirement for teachers.
Learn more about teaching English abroad without a degree with The TEFL Org.
Do I need teaching experience to teach in Kazakhstan?
Generally, you need teaching experience to teach English in Kazakhstan. Due to the trilingual education system, they have high entry-requirements for their teachers. However, it’s possible (but difficult) to teach English without experience in Kazakhstan at private schools in large cities like Astana and Almaty with a TEFL certificate and a degree.
Tip: You can gain experience before securing your first job! With TEFL Org’s 40-hour Observed Teaching Practice course, you can gain valuable in-class experience and feedback to improve skills and gain confidence before teaching.
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Visa Requirements for Teaching English in Kazakhstan
To work in Kazakhstan legally, you’ll need to get the correct visa known as the C3 work visa.
However, you’ll need to secure employment first. That way, your employer can sponsor your visa application and obtain a visa invitation letter from the Ministry of Labour.
Here’s what you need to get the C3 visa:
- Completed visa application form
- Invitation letter with a visa support number from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan
- Proof of employment contract
- Proof of qualifications (degree and TEFL)
- Clear criminal background check
- Valid passport
Important: The information above is not intended as legal or visa advice. Immigration rules can change; be sure to check the official Kazakhstan government website for updated rules.
Salary and Cost of Living
Here's everything you need to know about what you'll earn and spend as an English teacher in Kazakhstan.
How much can you earn teaching English in Kazakhstan?
The average salary for a foreign English teacher in Kazakhstan ranges from ₸220,000–₸650,000 ($475–$1,400 / £350–£1,030) per month. This salary depends on a number of factors, such as your qualifications, experience, location, and your teaching job.
Here’s how the salary ranges across different teaching jobs:
- Private language schools: The most accessible teaching job is at private language schools, or language centers. Teachers here earn around ₸220,000–₸650,000 ($475–$1,400 / £350–£1,030) depending on the students, institution, and their contract type (monthly or hourly salary).
- International schools: International school teachers earn a salary of around ₸500,000–₸1 million ($1,050–$2,100 / £775–£1,560) per month or more in Kazakhstan.
- Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS): Intellectual schools are similar to international schools, but they’re government-funded and designed to lead the future leaders of Kazakhstan. Advanced teachers at these schools are highly valued and can earn around ₸1.85 million ($4,000 / £2,950) per month.
Want to learn more about teaching abroad salaries? Check out the TEFL Org’s Salary Guide!
How much does it cost to live in Kazakhstan?
The average cost of living for a single person in Kazakhstan ranges from around ₸250,000–₸350,000 ($535–$750 / £395–£555) excluding rent.
Rent for a one bedroom apartment in major cities range from ₸200,000–₸400,000 ($430–$860 / £315–£630) in Almaty and Astana, with the latter being slightly more affordable. As you can see, teaching in an entry-level position in big cities like Almaty or Astana can prove expensive.
Here are some ways to be mindful with your teaching salary when teaching in Kazakhstan:
- Live outside the center: Living outside the city center of Almalty or Astana can save you up to ₸100,000 ($215 / £160) per month.
- Use public transport: If you took our previous tip, public transport can help you get around Kazakhstan conveniently. Public transportation is affordable, with one-way tickets on Buses, trolleybuses, and metro links costing around ₸110 ($0.25 / £0.20) in Kazakh cities.
- Opt for shared housing: If you’re open to housemates, consider splitting the rent with other expats or teachers. Sharing a house or apartment with others can save you around ₸100,000 ($215 / £160) per month, and it’s a great way to meet new people.
- Eat locally: Traditional Kazakh food and meals such as beshbarmak, kazy, manti, and others can be found at inexpensive restaurants for as little as ₸4,000 ($8.60 / £6.30).
- Cook at home: Want to save even more? Shop at local food markets, cook at home, and avoid buying imported foods!
| Restaurants | KZT | USD | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inexpensive restaurant meal | |||
| Domestic beer (0.5 litre) | |||
| Regular cappuccino | |||
| Water (0.33 litre) | |||
| Markets | KZT | USD | GBP |
| Regular milk (1 litre) | |||
| Loaf of white bread | |||
| Regular eggs (1 dozen) | |||
| Apples (1 kg) | |||
| Transportation | KZT | USD | GBP |
| One-way ticket (local transport) | |||
| Monthly pass (regular price) | |||
| Taxi start (normal tariff) | |||
| Gasoline (1 litre) | |||
| Utilities | KZT | USD | GBP |
| Electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage (for a regular apartment) | |||
| Regular prepaid monthly mobile tariff with 10GB+ data | |||
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | |||
| Clothing and shoes | KZT | USD | GBP |
| Pair of jeans (Levis 501 or something similar) | |||
| Summer dress in a chain store | |||
| Nike running shoes (mid-range) | |||
| Men's leather business shoes |
English Teaching Jobs in Kazakhstan
Most English teaching jobs in Kazakhstan for foreigners come in the private sector, particularly private language schools and international schools. If you have exceptional qualifications such as a degree in education, a teaching license and years of experience, you could even teach at one of the intellectual schools (NIS).
The school year starts in September, but some private schools hire year-round. Many jobs can be found on job boards such as Serious Teachers, TES, location-specific Facebook groups, or by applying directly on the school’s website.
NIS Schools
Nazarbayev Intellectual (NIS) schools are government-funded intellectual schools that cater to advanced students with the potential to become prominent Kazakh figures. Unlike traditional public schools, intellectual schools offer the best salaries and benefits, but also the highest level of job requirements education as you’ll be teaching some of the country's most advanced students.
What to expect at an NIS school in Kazakhstan:
- Excellent classroom facilities
- Students of affluent and prominent backgrounds
- The highest entry requirements, including a teaching license and years of experience
- Monthly salary of up to ₸1.85 million ($4,000 / £2,950) at NIS schools.
Private language schools
Private language schools or language centres cater to young and adult students who want additional English language lessons. Classes typically take place on weekends and evenings to cater to students and workers with busy schedules.
Language schools offer an excellent salary when their students are corporate clients and business professionals. This is especially true in locations like Astana, Almaty, or Atyrau – the “oil capital” of Kazakhstan.
What to expect at a private school in Kazakhstan:
- Teaching a range of subjects to different age groups
- Small classroom sizes
- Year-round hiring, more relaxed entry requirements for some institutions
- Wide ranging monthly or hourly salary depending on students
Tip : Advanced TEFL qualifications such as teaching young learners or ESP (English for Specific Purposes) subjects like IELTS exam preparation or business English are sought after at these schools.
International schools
International schools in Kazakhstan seek teachers who can teach English in a range of subjects, whether it be maths, science, art, or music to local and international students. Teachers require advanced qualifications, such as a TEFL, teaching license, previous teaching experience, and a bachelor’s degree (in education or a specific subject depending on the job title and requirements).
What to expect at an international school in Kazakhstan:
- Teaching Kazakh and international students
- Smaller classroom sizes
- Teaching specific subjects with English as the primary language
- High requirements; bachelor’s in education or another subject, TEFL, teaching license
Teaching English in Major Cities
Here are some of the best cities for English teachers in Kazakhstan.
Teach English in Astana
Once a military fortress on the Silk Road, Astana has transformed into Kazakhstan’s modern finance and tech hub. From the futuristic Nurzhol Bulvar to the combination of Western, Asian, and Soviet influenced architecture, Astana is a dynamic city.
As a hub for education and innovation, the city is home to language schools, international schools, intellectual schools, and universities such as:This also opens the door for private tutoring opportunities with university students and young professionals.
When you’re not teaching, you can stroll along the Ishim river, visit the Astana Opera House, learn about Kazakh history in the National Museum, or hit the Khan Shatyr indoor beach club. With a major international airport, railway stations, bus networks, and a developing metro system, you can navigate the city and beyond with ease. However, keep in mind that Astana is the second-coldest capital in the world after Ulaanbaatar.
Teach English in Almaty (Nur-Sultan)
Kazakhstan’s largest city by population – and formerly its capital until 1997 – Almaty (officially renamed to Nur-Sultan) is often referred to as the “southern capital.” The city is one of the most developed in the country, and is a hub for academics, with teaching jobs particularly prominent in private schools, international schools, and universities.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hit the ski resorts, lively nightclubs, or Communist Party halls-turned-festival venues. Or, if you want to take things more slowly, visit its green spaces, the Museum of Arts, relics of Soviet military history, and gaze upon the backdrop of Snowy mountains and Soviet architecture with your morning coffee. Astana can offer it all!
TEFL Org Teacher Story
Want some on-the-ground insight? Here’s what TEFL Org tutor, Carl, had to say about his teaching experience in Kazakhstan.
Carl, Atyrau
“I chose Kazakhstan for the adventure, first of all. It wasn’t a place that many teachers had been to, so going to somewhere new and a bit off the radar felt exciting. Secondly, to be honest, I chose it for the money. At that time (2012), there were some well paid jobs.
I taught in Atyrau which is a town in the west of Kazakhstan near the Caspian sea, teaching General English and Academic English to university aged students.
I didn’t know what to expect; everything surprised me! Especially the friendliness of the students and coworkers. They were really happy to have teachers and wanted to take me out for dinner and show me around the town.
Kazakhstan is definitely one of the friendliest places I’ve ever lived in. I found the welcome I received there to be really warm and true, and I can’t say that’s the same in every place I’ve taught.
In some ways the country is very modern and cosmopolitan - many Kazakhs have lived and studied abroad, but can also be very traditional in some ways. Be open to the people, if you show them respect they will give it back to you double. Some of my favourite students ever have been Kazakh.”
Ready to Teach English Abroad? Get TEFL Certified!
Before you set off for your teaching abroad journey, you’ll need to complete your online TEFL course. By becoming TEFL certified, you’re not just letting employers overseas know that you studied the required modules, but you’ll become an effective and confident teacher in the classroom.
With in-depth modules structured around teaching philosophies, group management techniques, engaging lesson activities, and even cultural awareness, a TEFL certification is the first step to master your craft in the foreign language classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much do international teachers get paid in Kazakhstan?
It depends on many factors, such as your qualifications, experience, and job type. With most jobs taking place in the private sector, salaries are competitive, ranging between ₸220,000–₸650,000 ($475–$1,400 / £350–£1,030) per month at private and international schools.
Q. Can I teach English in Kazakhstan without a degree?
No, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree at minimum to teach English in Kazakhstan. As the emphasis on English education has increased, so has the entry requirements for English teachers.
Q. Can I teach English in Kazakhstan as a non-native speaker?
Yes, you can teach English in Kazakhstan as a non-native speaker. While employers generally prefer native English speakers, you can find a job teaching English as long as you have a TEFL, degree, proof of English proficiency (such as an IELTS) and teaching experience.
