UAE investors have opened SABIS International School, Astana, bringing a new international education option to families in Kazakhstan’s capital.
The $30 million school has been developed by Emirates Global Education Investment Group, Mazrui International and SABIS Holding. The project has the capacity for 3,400 students and sits on a nine-hectare site. Total investment is expected to reach up to $45 million.
For parents, the opening is significant because it gives families in Astana access to an international school offering English-language education alongside Kazakh and Russian, without requiring students to study abroad.
The school officially opened in August 2026, with construction having started in March 2024. It is the first school in Kazakhstan to operate under the SABIS educational system.
UAE Investors Bring International Education To Astana
The UAE-backed project was developed with support from the Astana City Education Department and KAZAKH INVEST.
The project followed an instruction from Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev after his official visit to the UAE. The school is therefore also an example of growing education and investment links between the UAE and Kazakhstan.
The campus has been designed as more than a conventional school building. It includes academic facilities, a performing arts theatre, a semi-Olympic swimming pool and sports facilities.
A separate kindergarten building is also part of the campus. This gives the project an early-years provision alongside its school-age education.
The development has also created around 100 new jobs in Astana.
What The SABIS School Offers Families
The SABIS International School, Astana is designed for students from Grades 1 to 12, according to the school’s published information.
English is the main language of instruction, while Kazakh and Russian are also taught. This three-language model reflects the school’s international focus while responding to Kazakhstan’s national education requirements.
The curriculum combines the SABIS educational system with Kazakhstan’s national requirements. Students will also be prepared for international examinations and applications to universities around the world.
For families considering an international school, the combination is worth noting. Students can follow an international education pathway while remaining within Kazakhstan’s education environment.
The SABIS approach also includes regular assessment of student progress, proprietary learning materials and structured teaching methods. The system places emphasis on monitoring academic progress and identifying areas where students may need additional support.
A Large Campus With Capacity For 3,400 Students
The scale of the Astana campus is notable. The nine-hectare site can accommodate up to 3,400 students, giving the school considerable room for growth as enrolment develops.
For students, the facilities extend beyond classrooms. The performing arts theatre could support music, drama and other creative activities, while the swimming pool and sports facilities provide opportunities for physical education and extracurricular activities.
Meanwhile, the separate kindergarten building creates a dedicated space for younger children. This broader campus model may appeal to families looking for a school that combines academic learning with sport, arts and early-years education in one location.
How Much Does SABIS International School Astana Cost?
Tuition varies according to year group. Published information puts annual fees at approximately $6,500 to $8,600, although parents should check the school’s latest fee schedule for the exact cost applicable to their child’s year group. The school’s published information also highlights admissions, tuition and fees as part of its enrolment process.
For parents comparing international schools, tuition is only one part of the overall cost. Families may also want to consider registration fees, transport, meals, uniforms, extracurricular activities and other school charges before making a decision.
What The New School Means For Astana Families
The opening gives families in Astana another international education option, particularly for those seeking English-medium learning.
It also provides students with a pathway that combines international examinations with Kazakhstan’s national requirements. The school says its graduates will be prepared for university study in Kazakhstan and internationally.
For educators, the opening is also worth watching because it introduces the SABIS system to Kazakhstan for the first time.
SABIS was founded in 1886 and now operates across 21 countries and five continents. In 2026, the organisation is marking its 140th anniversary.
According to SABIS President Victor Saad, the school aims to provide families in Astana with access to high-quality international education without leaving Kazakhstan. He said the school would combine SABIS’s nearly 140 years of experience with Kazakhstan’s national education standards and cultural values, making international-level education more accessible locally.
A New UAE Education Investment In Central Asia
The Astana project also highlights the growing role of UAE investors in education beyond the Gulf. With $30 million already invested and total investment expected to reach $45 million, the project represents a substantial commitment to the local education sector. For students and parents, however, the more important measure will be what happens inside the new campus.
The combination of international curriculum, multilingual learning, university preparation and extensive facilities gives families more choice. The school’s long-term impact will ultimately depend on the quality of teaching, student support and learning outcomes it delivers.
For Kazakhstan’s education landscape, the opening marks the arrival of the SABIS system in a new national context. For UAE education investors, it also demonstrates how regional expertise and capital can contribute to new international education opportunities.
