REGIONAL DISPARITIES IN GROSS ENROLLMENT RATIO (GER) IN HIGHER EDUCATION AND ITS SOCIOECONOMIC DETERMINANTS IN KAZAKHSTAN: TRENDS AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS

This study examines regional disparities in the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education in Kazakhstan and its socioeconomic determinants. The GER varies significantly across regions, reflecting differences in access to higher education and economic development. Urban centers like Astana and Almaty exhibit exceptionally high GERs due to a concentration of universities and educational opportunities, while rural regions such as Mangystau, North Kazakhstan, and Kyzylorda have consistently lower GERs. The study also explores the correlation between GER and per capita income, revealing strong positive correlations in regions like West Kazakhstan and Zhambyl, whereas regions such as Atyrau and Mangystau show weaker correlations, indicating additional barriers to educational access. Gender disparities in GER are also analyzed, with women consistently having higher GER than men, particularly in urban areas. Policy implications include the need for targeted investments in rural and industrial regions to enhance educational access and infrastructure, as well as gender-balanced educational policies to support equitable development.