85-year-old applicant fails to pass UNT but vows to return next year

Tengrinews.kz – An 85-year-old woman from Almaty took part in the August Unified National Testing (UNT) – Kazakhstan’s standardized university entrance exam – in a bid to fulfill her long-held dream of entering university, the National Testing Center reported.

Nurikhan apa (a respectful Kazakh term of address for elderly women or grandmothers) dedicated her life to raising children and never had the chance to pursue higher education. This year, supported by her family, she decided to register for the exam.

"On the day of testing, she was accompanied by her children. Before the exam began, Nurikhan apa gave her bata – a traditional blessing – to all applicants, wishing them success and reminding them that it is never too late to study and seek knowledge. This time, her lack of computer skills prevented her from completing the test," the center said.

However, Nurikhan apa promised to learn and return to take the UNT again next year.