Applications are now open for the 'Ticket to Life' educational program, offering free higher education to graduates of orphanages.

Applications are now open for the 'Ticket to Life' educational program, offering free higher education to graduates of orphanages.

21.04.2025

Nurbank JSC announces the commencement of applications for participation in the 'Ticket to Life' social education program. This initiative provides a unique opportunity for orphaned children and adolescents without parental care to receive free higher education at one of the country's leading universities - Caspian University, as well as a monthly scholarship from Nurbank for the entire duration of their studies.

There are only a few weeks left until the end of the academic year. For 11th-grade graduates, this is a particularly anxious period - it involves entrance exams, career choices, and dreams about their future. According to the forecast of the Ministry of Education of Kazakhstan, the number of 11th-grade graduates in 2025 will be approximately 188,900 students. Each one of them is given the opportunity to step into a new life. However, among them are children for whom this path will be especially challenging - the graduates of orphanages.

The state takes on solving the main tasks: education, upbringing, and provision of basic needs. However, reaching adulthood demands independence, bringing many challenges, from organizing daily life to choosing a life path. Many children from orphanages, without the support of close relatives, face difficult situations.

To help overcome these challenges, Nurbank launched the 'Ticket to Life' social program in 2014. This initiative allows graduates of orphanages and children without parental care to study free of charge at Caspian University. Additionally, the bank covers scholarships, travel expenses, and daily necessities. Upon completing their studies, program participants are guaranteed employment.

Support for students extends beyond educational processes. Nurbank encourages children's aspirations for development by financing their interests and activities related to sports clubs. Students undergo internships at bank branches and offices, which helps them acquire necessary skills and prepare for a career - including positions in regional branches and Nurbank's affiliated companies.

Since the program's inception, more than 85 young men and women from various regions of Kazakhstan have participated in it. Each year, the number of participants steadily grows. In the 2024-2025 academic year, 24 students are studying under the program. This year, the ninth batch of program graduates will receive their diplomas and embark on their paths.

Applications are now open for participation in the 'Ticket to Life' program for the 2025-2026 academic year. More details about the program and participation conditions can be found at the following link: /ru/bank/social-projects/ticket-to-life/#

The program can be best described by its participants, the inspirational initiators, and the heads of educational institutions attended by program students. The real stories of the participants, as well as opinions of individuals who have been part of this project, can be found in our material.

Eldar Sarsenov, the founder of the 'Ticket to Life' program

            Despite positive statistics showing a decrease in the number of children without parental care and family support, this issue still persists. One of the main problems is the future of children after leaving boarding schools. Those who leave orphanages face challenges such as obtaining education, finding employment, managing finances, making independent decisions, and more. Many find it difficult to adapt to adult life.

            Typically, all these skills are gradually acquired by an ordinary person who grows up in a conventional family context while adapting to the environment. According to statistics, only one in ten children from orphanages manages to enter higher education. Imagine a class of twenty - only two of them would get into higher education. Education provides children with a chance for socialization.

            Having lived in different countries, I want to highlight that Kazakhstan offers significant social support to orphaned and abandoned children. Provisions include child placement in orphanages, guaranteed secondary and vocational education, and even the opportunity to receive an apartment in the privileged category. In assessing the situation, we identified a gap - the absence of full-fledged higher education, hence the creation of the 'Ticket to Life' project.

            For these children, the 'Ticket to Life' indeed becomes a gift of fate.

Dmitry, a graduate of the 'Ticket to Life' program

Age: 23 years.

Hometown: Ust-Kamenogorsk

University: Caspian University

Specialization: Software Engineering

Current Position: Software Engineer at Nurbank JSC

The deputy director for educational work of the orphanage told me about the 'Ticket to Life' program. Getting into the program wasn't difficult because the requirements were not much higher than the scores needed for the UNT. To participate, you needed to write an essay about yourself, have an interview with a Nurbank representative, and provide your UNT certificate.

When I entered the university, I chose Software Engineering because the IT sector was rapidly developing and becoming popular in 2020. The knowledge I received helped me in my future career.

I currently work as a designer in the bank’s systems development department at Nurbank. Here, I develop interfaces for mobile and web applications, and I love my job.

I can confidently recommend this program because children from orphanages rarely get the chance to study for free, live in a dormitory, eat meals, and spend more time in Almaty without worrying about these essentials.

Eloiza, a student of the 'Ticket to Life' program

Age: 20 years

Hometown: Uralsk

University: Caspian University

Specialization: Interior Design

I learned about the 'Ticket to Life' program from my grandmother - she saw the information on social media. We immediately applied and started preparing for the entrance exams.

The process of getting into the program wasn't difficult because I chose a creative field that I liked. I took two creative exams at the university: the first was a drawing exam, which was a bit tricky for me because I was extremely nervous. But the second exam went splendidly – I scored high marks. I am now majoring in Interior Design.

One of the wonderful aspects of student life is that you can be independent, choose how to spend your time, and meet various people. You also get the chance to learn about genuinely interesting things and engage in exciting gatherings, trips, and student events.

I support the 'Ticket to Life' program because it offers a fantastic opportunity to see a new city, get a quality education, and gain valuable experience. Additionally, it aids in your growth, unlocking your potential, and positively changing your life.

Arman, a student of the 'Ticket to Life' program

Age: 18 years

Hometown: Aktobe

University: Caspian University

Specialization: Software Engineering

My sister told me about Nurbank’s educational project. I immediately decided that I would go to study in Almaty. After passing all the selection rounds, a Nurbank employee called to inform me that I was accepted to study, and they had even bought my plane ticket. I was overjoyed! I was especially happy knowing I would be flying to Almaty instead of spending two days on a train.

I am currently studying IT at Caspian University. I believe a software engineering profession is one of the most in-demand and promising careers in our country.

I advise all guys dreaming of higher education to carefully look into this program. It offers many benefits: free tuition and accommodation, a good scholarship, and employment opportunities.

Meruert Raskulova, Deputy Director of the 'Support Center for Children of M. Zhumabayev District' KSU of the 'SR Educational Department' KSU

Our institution currently accommodates 60 children. Unfortunately, many decide to leave for adult life after completing the 9th grade. They strive to move to big cities to experience freedom and independence. However, we constantly encourage them to stay at the center until they finish the 11th grade, as in these two years, they mature, change their outlook on life, and start perceiving things differently.

Our partnership with Nurbank's social project began in 2023. Bank employees contacted us and invited us to participate. Currently, one of our students is studying under this program. We were overjoyed when we learned that Danila got his 'ticket.' Danila is now a second-year university student and enjoys everything. We have applied again this year, and we are hopeful that another of our students will be selected for this program.

Many of our learners face challenges after leaving the center, especially those who do not know their parents’ homes, as many of them enter our care from the age of three. What appeals to us about the 'Ticket to Life' program is that Nurbank takes full responsibility for the children’s education and stay, providing them with scholarships and helping them find employment after graduation. Of course, much depends on the children themselves, but thanks to this program, we are confident about their future. We hope more such projects emerge in our country to support orphaned and abandoned children.

Pavel Koval, Director of the Kostanay Region Administration's Education Department 'Rudny City Support Center for Children with Special Social Needs' KSU

Our orphanage was opened in 1959 and is located in Rudny. About 80% of our residents are children left without parental care or who have lost one or both parents. Currently, 152 children are cared for in our institution, but these numbers constantly change: some children go to live with families, while others might join us.

We help children understand that there are many paths and opportunities in life and that each of them can succeed. The first successes are achieved when children begin to develop self-confidence during school. We are proud to have very good and excellent students among our children. A couple of years ago, most children would leave the center after the 9th grade, but today, they plan on entering higher education.

We stumbled upon the 'Ticket to Life' program by chance - one of our teachers saw a brochure about the initiative. Our first participant who opened the doors to this program for other graduates was Yanna. After her, eight more of our children enrolled in the program.

I believe the 'Ticket to Life' is a much-needed, essential, and timely educational program. Children need support and attention during this period as many find themselves lost and experience significant stress. Nurbank provides support for education, daily living, and accommodation, and offers a pathway to employment.

We are delighted to participate in this program, and we are pleased that our children prove themselves positively, not letting us down, and inspiring other graduates to apply for this program and study at one of Kazakhstan’s beautiful cities.

Source: https://stan.kz/balalar-uyinin-tulekterine-tegin-zhogari-bilim-aluga-mu-416776/

25.04.2025