REGIONAL COMPETITION AND QUALITY IN KAZAKHSTAN’S SECONDARY EDUCATION MARKET

Alikhan Zhaksylyk, Nurgul Kuttybaeva, Zhanibek Zhartay, S. Zh. Nurgaliyeva

2026

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DOI 10.48081/bgqf2173
Data confidence 70 medium
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Abstract

Object: regional assessment of the relationship between the level of competition in the market of secondary education services in the Republic of Kazakhstan and the quality of Education. The study was aimed at identifying interrelationships between the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI) indicator, which characterizes the level of concentration of educational institutions, and quality indicators (average UNT scores, teacher qualification share, school infrastructure and regional income level). Methods: the research methodology is based on quantitative econometric approaches. By Region, official statistics for 2023-24 were used and the level of competition in the market was calculated using the HHI index. The relationships between variables were analyzed using the Pearson correlation and the multi-factor regression model. Additionally, a cluster analysis was carried out, and the regions were grouped according to the quality of education and features of the market structure. Findings: the results show that the market for secondary education services in Republic of Kazakhstan generally operates in a highly competitive environment (HHI < 1500 in all regions). However, the correlation between HHI and the quality of education is weak (r ≈ 0.14), that is, competition alone does not automatically increase the quality of Education. It was found that the level of qualification of teachers (r = 0.84) and the quality of infrastructure (r = 0.80) have a significant impact on the results of Education. Conclusions: competition is an important but indirect factor in improving the quality of Education. The main role is played by the professional level of teaching staff and the quality of educational infrastructure. Therefore, the effectiveness of educational policy should be ensured by the development of these factors and the reduction of regional inequality. Keywords: Secondary Education, Competition, quality, Herfindahl Hirschman Index, Regional Analysis, Market Structure.