Once your Astana Hub application is approved, two checkpoints follow: an AI-based test and a video interview with a program manager. This is where most anxiety appears. Here is how it actually works and what is really assessed.
• AI test: 5 questions, about 4 minutes each, camera and microphone on.
• Questions are generated from your CV and portfolio and check hard skills.
• After the test - a ~10-minute video interview with a manager (in Russian, English if needed).
• The best preparation is a detailed CV and confidently talking through your projects.
How the AI test works
The test is online. The system asks five questions, roughly four minutes each, with the camera and microphone on. Questions are built from your CV: if you listed mobile app architecture work, expect questions about your stack, decisions and role. The takeaway: test quality depends on CV quality. The more specific your experience, the more predictable the questions.
What the video interview checks
After passing the test you pick a slot and take a short video interview with a manager. It is closer to a meet-and-greet than a stress interview: they clarify your profile, answer questions and explain next steps. It runs in Russian, with English available.
Preparation checklist
| Action | Why |
|---|---|
| Detail your CV | the test questions come from it |
| Refresh your projects | explain stack and decisions confidently |
| Check camera and mic | required for the test to count |
| Quiet place, stable internet | avoid interruptions |
The test is the second stage. What starts the application and the document set: the full Digital Nomad Residency guide.
Common mistakes
- A short, generic CV - vague AI questions, hard to answer.
- Camera off - the result is not counted.
- Memorizing perfect answers - real skills are what matters.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in the Astana Hub AI test?
Five, about four minutes each, with camera and microphone on.
What language is the interview in?
Russian, with English available if needed.
What if I fail?
You can reapply after one month. It is worth strengthening the CV and portfolio first.
Is Kazakh language tested?
No. No language exam is required.
Accurate as of 2026; the format is defined by the program operator and may change. Book preparation.