Abstract
Purpose of the study . The study aims to identify the scale and specific features of external and regional educational migration of young people in Kazakhstan, and to justify policy measures aimed at transforming educational mobility into a driver of sustainable development. Methodology . The research employs comparative and structural methods of analysis of migration statistics by region and field of study, as well as content analysis of government programs and regulatory documents governing migration, education, and youth policy in Kazakhstan. Originality . This study is the first to compare external and regional youth migration in Kazakhstan within a unified analytical framework. The proposed approach reveals the relationship between territorial imbalances within the country and the scale of brain drain abroad. Its value lies in the integration of quantitative migration statistics and public policy analysis, which together provide a comprehensive understanding of migration processes. Results . The largest outflow of young people is observed in technical, economic, and pedagogical specialties, particularly in the northern and eastern regions of Kazakhstan. In contrast, two southern and two western regions demonstrate a relative capacity to attract young people. A comparison of government programs indicates a gradual adaptation of youth policy to new challenges, although significant gaps remain in retaining specialists in strategically important fields.