17,000 students in Kazakhstan choose psychology as major

July 12, 2026 - 15:16

More than 17,000 young people in Kazakhstan have chosen psychology as their field of study, signaling a sharp rise in interest in mental health professions. The trend was explored in a recent episode of the BIZDIÑ ORTA podcast, where experts gathered to talk about the growing demand for psychologists and the need for better oversight in the field.

The discussion centered on the new Law on Psychological Activities, which was recently adopted to regulate the psychological services market. Until now, almost anyone could call themselves a psychologist, leading to inconsistent quality and potential harm to clients. The law aims to set clear standards for training, certification, and ethical practice.

Podcast participants noted that the surge in psychology students is a positive sign, but it also raises questions about the quality of education and the readiness of graduates to handle real-world cases. Many universities have expanded their psychology programs, but experts worry that not all of them meet the necessary requirements.

The new regulations are expected to help by requiring licensed professionals and establishing a state registry of psychologists. This should give the public more confidence when seeking help. With 17,000 students now in the pipeline, the hope is that Kazakhstan will soon have a well-trained workforce to address the country's growing mental health needs.