How To Get A Grant For Additional Education

The Yessenov Launch Pad (YLP) Program has already empowered 34 Kazakhstanis to acquire essential career skills since its launch 4 years ago. The Program was initiated by Galimzhan Yessenov, a businessman, philanthropist, and founder of the Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation. Every year, the Foundation awards 10 grants to Kazakhstani students and young professionals to take courses and develop both hard and soft skills. While applications for the Program’s new competition are currently open, it is the perfect time to introduce Nursultan and Narkes, past winners of the Program. How did they use their grants?

Nursultan Atymtay, 22, a Kyzylorda native and Nazarbayev University Computer Science graduate, is currently pursuing a master’s degree. He won the Yessenov Launch Pad (YLP) competition in 2024, while in his third year of undergraduate studies.

Choosing a major
I was drawn to the opportunity not only to study technology but also to use it to create solutions. Data Science particularly caught my interest because it combines mathematics, programming, and research, with practical applications in almost any field. Over time, this interest turned into a professional pursuit.

Why did I need the grant?
I lacked the skills to develop modern AI systems, as well as a better command of English. I didn’t want to study AI only in theory. I wanted to be able to independently build working AI applications, conduct research, and present the results to an international audience. Taking this path on my own was challenging, since professional courses and international exams require significant financial investment. Winning the Yessenov Launch Pad grant allowed me to bridge these gaps.

The Yessenov Launch Pad competition
I learned about the competition through a university newsletter. What won me over was the opportunity to personally choose the training program. The competition helped me clearly understand what I wanted to achieve, and why the training I had chosen was essential to carrying out my plan. During the selection process, it was important not just to demonstrate my achievements, but to explain HOW I would use the Program’s opportunities to get results.

Why I won
I had a specific goal and a clear understanding of how to use the grant. I didn’t want to just take a few courses. I wanted to apply the knowledge I gained to specific projects. The Yessenov Foundation’s Expert commission saw me as someone who was ready to work hard and turn opportunities into results. The knowledge I acquired has helped me with research, AI product development, an international internship, and participation in hackathons.

How to win the grant
Apply for the competition with a clear understanding of what skill you need and why – what you will be able to do once you acquire it. In your application, don’t limit yourself to general statements about wanting to develop, show a specific trajectory: where you are now, what you are missing, and where you want to go. It is also important to present your previous experience and motivation honestly and clearly.

What training I completed with the Yessenov Foundation grant
A professional AI Engineering course by Outpeer, as well as an IELTS preparation course and the exam itself. The AI Engineering course lasted 6 months, during which I attended lectures, completed test assignments, and defended four projects. I completed the Program with honors, ranking in the top 7 out of 50 students. The course helped me better understand the mathematics behind modern AI models, generative AI, and the development of AI agent applications. In parallel, I studied at IELTS Smart School for two months, regularly attending classes and the Speaking Club. I scored 7.5 on the IELTS exam (C1 level). These courses gave me skills that I immediately began applying in practice.

Where I am now
I continue to develop professionally in the field of AI. I am pursuing my master’s degree in Data Science at Nazarbayev University and working as an AI engineer in the education technology sector. I develop AI services and work with large language models. I read scientific papers and technical documentation in English, write research articles, and communicate with the international professional community. The training that was once just an idea is now part of my daily work, thanks to the Yessenov Launch Pad.

Future plans
First and foremost, I have to complete my master’s degree. Over the next couple of years, I expect to grow significantly as an AI engineer and continue conducting research in the field of AI. My goal is to work on high-impact projects, publish research, and gradually reach a level where I can develop internationally competitive technologies. I am also considering pursuing a PhD.

Personal time
I love playing the dombra and listening to Kazakh kuis. My work involves so much logic and algorithms that music has become my way to unwind. After several hours of programming, it feels like I start thinking like a computer. The dombra quickly brings me back to my human core. Another hobby of mine is jogging, which helps me recharge my energy.

Narkes Makarimova won the Yessenov Foundation’s YLP Program grant in 2023. The 27-year-old Uralsk native holds a master’s degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology.

Why I needed additional education
I chose data analytics because my previous experience was primarily in science. I was mainly collecting data rather than analyzing it. Over time, I realized I could achieve much more if I had those skills. I tried self-education, but I sorely lacked structure and feedback. I had almost no programming experience, and processing the data I collected in my research was very time-consuming.

Yessenov Launch Pad Competition
I learned about the Yessenov Foundation from an acquaintance who won a competition for a research internship, later became a Foundation scholarship recipient, and started following its programs. That’s how I heard about the Yessenov Launch Pad Program, which provides grants for additional education. My experience participating in the Foundation’s other competitions allowed me to use this experience effectively during group interviews. I appreciate that the Foundation comes up with new and interesting tasks each time, helping to bring out the best in all participants.

Why I was selected
A crucial factor was my clear understanding of WHY I needed this knowledge. I had well-defined professional goals and viewed the Program as a key opportunity to achieve them. It was likely this combination of motivation and understanding of how I would apply the knowledge I gained that played a decisive role.

How to win the competition
Ask yourself what exactly you want to achieve and what skills or opportunities you lack to get there. When you have a major goal, it becomes easier to understand which steps and tools will help you reach it. Competitions and grants are just one of those tools. Don’t try to fit the mold of an ‘ideal participant’, be yourself and demonstrate your motivation. Focus not just on the competition itself, but more on where you want to go by winning it.

What skills I acquired
When I won the grant from the Yessenov Foundation, I built systemic knowledge from scratch over 9 months, opening up a wide range of professional opportunities. I completed the Data Analysis program by Yandex Practicum. Each module concluded with short, single choice questions alongside larger projects based on real-world tasks that had no single solution. It was fascinating to see how differently participants approached the exact same problem. We shared a common platform to discuss assignments and exchange experiences. Ultimately, I learned how to analyze data and handle large datasets using Python.

Where I am now
Having completed my training, I enrolled in and have already graduated from a research-oriented master’s program in Switzerland – a joint program in Chemical Biology offered by the University of Geneva and EPFL. My skills in Python, data processing, and data visualization, which were made possible by the Yessenov Foundation grant, proved especially useful in my work. I currently live in Switzerland with my family, and am at an important stage in my life, enjoying motherhood, while preparing to return to my professional career. I would like to work in the pharmaceutical industry. I recently started learning German and plan to continue until I reach an advanced level.

Feed the soul
I practice yoga and Pilates – I love training outdoors in the fresh air. I also enjoy traveling with my family and taking pictures of nature: trees, flowers, and birds.