The history of the formation of the system of «diploma mill» in Kazakhstan

Abstract

The article is devoted to the history of the emergence of «diploma mill» in domestic
education. The authors do not doubt the relevance of the study, since the last few years the state has
been fighting against unscrupulous private educational institutions that have put the issuance of
dubious diplomas on a large stream. The authors demonstrate the history of the emergence of the
term diploma mill. It is impossible not to agree with the opinion of the President of the country, K.
K. Tokayev, who believes that such educational institutions undermine the reputation of the
education system in the country and the state itself. The president also said that even after graduating
from more serious universities, young people cannot get a job in their specialty – this is a direct
indicator of the quality of education.
The authors note that in Kazakhstan in the 1990s there was a sharp transition from state ownership to
private ownership, more commonly known as privatization. This phenomenon has particularly
affected the sphere of education, when, along with the traditional ones, non – state educational
institutions began to arise and develop rapidly – kindergartens, gymnasiums, colleges, lyceums, but
above all-universities. Accordingly, the competition between these two segments of the educational
services market has increased.
In the pursuit of income, private universities have forgotten about the quality of education, which has
caused their closure over the past few years. Despite the periodic cleaning of the educational field,
not conscientious private universities still exist, but their activities are a matter of time.
It is necessary to understand that the main key to the success and improvement of the quality of
Kazakhstan's higher education, regardless of the form of ownership, was and remains competition.
With the only condition that competition should be healthy, devoid of protectionism on the part of
state bodies. And who will ultimately stay afloat in the domestic market of educational services will
be decided by such qualities as creativity, innovation, and dedication.