Republic of Kazakhstan, the issue of ways to combat corruption in the higher education system of Kazakhstan is of particular relevance. The sphere of education is one of the key spheres of the life of society in view of the assignment to it of such a role as the upbringing of a new generation and, as one of the results, the training of highly qualified specialists, the need for which is manifested in all areas of life and activity of the state without exception. Causes of corruption manifestations are conventionally divided into "universal" or permanent, which are characteristic of almost all types of corruption offenses, and special, inherent only to these types of corruption. Knowing the main reasons for the formation and preservation of the viability of corruption zones in the university environment allows you to take timely measures to prevent the formation and growth of corruption in the environment under study.