GET’s Bolashak Program is a non-degree academic and professional development initiative hosted at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This program supports scholars from Kazakhstan selected through the Bolashak International Scholarship. 

Participants may join the program as researchers, including scholars supported through Kazakhstan’s 500 Scientists initiative, or as industry professionals pursuing focused professional development. Depending on the program track, scholars may engage in independent research, applied professional learning, or a combination of both.

As the program host, GET coordinates scholars’ participation and connects them with faculty, researchers, and campus partners in relevant fields based on the program’s focus areas and the scholars’ professional backgrounds. Program activities may include seminars, workshops, site visits, and other structured learning opportunities that support professional growth and international knowledge exchange.

Areas of Focus

GET is currently hosts Bolashak scholars in the following areas of focus:

• Agriculture
• Data Science and Machine Learning
• Engineering
• Environmental Ecology
• Law
• Pedagogy

Areas of focus vary by year and are subject to institutional capacity and partner availability. Prospective applicants whose interests fall outside the areas listed above are welcome to inquire about other potential areas of focus by contacting GET at bolashak24@illinois.edu.

Program Structure

The GET-hosted Bolashak Program is a full-time, non-degree program typically spanning 6-12 months. While each scholar’s experience is shaped by their area of focus and program track as researchers or professionals, the program is built around several core components designed to support academic engagement, professional development, and international collaboration.

GET coordinates the program and connects scholars with leading faculty and experts across the University of Illinois. Scholars receive instruction, mentorship, and experiential learning from these academic and professional partners; GET’s role is to facilitate and support these engagements. The program is full-time, with structured weekday activities and occasional evening or weekend events, designed to maximize engagement with academic, professional, and cultural opportunities. Specific schedules, activities, and requirements vary by specialization and individual scholar and are finalized following arrival at Illinois.

Key Program Components

How to Apply

GET is currently accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Bolashak Fellowship Program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Applications are open for the following program specializations:

• Agriculture
• Data Science and Machine Learning
• Engineering
• Environmental Ecology
• Law
• Pedagogy

Prospective applicants whose interests fall outside the areas listed above are welcome to inquire about other potential areas of focus by contacting GET at bolashak24@illinois.edu.

Application Steps

1. Submit your application. Complete the application form. Submitting an application does not guarantee admission or an invitation letter.
2. Participate in an English proficiency interview. Applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview to assess English language skills, which helps determine eligibility and program fit.
3. Receive a decision from GET. We will review all application materials and notify you of your eligibility via email. Eligible applicants will receive an official invitation letter along with next steps for participation in the program.

Program Dates

The Bolashak Fellowship Program is a full-time, non-degree program typically spanning 6–12 months, depending on the scholar’s area of focus and program track as researchers or industry professionals.

For the 2026–2027 cohort, the program has two intake cycles:

• May 26, 2026 – May 25, 2027
• August 10, 2026 – August 9, 2027

Orientation

Participants are expected to arrive and begin orientation on the first day of their listed program start date. Scholars who do not arrive within two weeks of their program start date will be deferred to the next intake cycle.

Academic and Professional Activities

Most activities are scheduled on weekdays, with occasional evening or weekend events to support engagement with cultural, professional, and academic opportunities.

Exact schedules, workshops, courses, and site visits are finalized after scholars arrive at Illinois and may vary based on specialization and individual program plans.