Studying In Belarus: A Comprehensive Guide For Foreigners

Belarus is a beautiful country with a rich history and unique nature, known for its famous forests and wetlands. It is also a nation of educated people, with more than half of its residents having graduated from higher education institutions. Belarus offers affordable access to world-class education through its high-quality universities, which offer a wide range of programs in various fields. The country's higher education system is represented by 56 universities with 1,046 study programs, including bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs. The cost of studying in Belarus varies depending on the institution and the chosen field of education, but it is generally cheaper than in EU countries. To study in Belarus as an international student, one needs to obtain a student visa and meet the admission requirements of the chosen university, which may include academic records, language proficiency tests, and other documents. Racism and casual racism are present in Belarus, but actual hate crimes are rare. The climate in Belarus can be unpleasant, with hot and stuffy summers and cold, dark, and humid winters.

Cost of studying

The cost of studying in Belarus depends on several factors, including the type of university (public or private), the level of education (undergraduate or graduate), the specific institution and programme, and the student's nationality.

Tuition Fees for International Students

International undergraduate students can expect to pay annual tuition fees ranging from 1,200 BYN to 18,300 BYN. For master's degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are typically between 2,400 BYN and 19,600 BYN. These fees vary across institutions and programmes.

For example, at the Belarusian State University, one of the top universities in the country, undergraduate international students pay between 2,500 BYN and 10,600 BYN per year. Meanwhile, the Belarusian National Technical University, another leading institution, charges international undergraduate students between 2,600 BYN and 3,800 BYN annually.

Private universities tend to have lower tuition fees than public universities. For instance, Minsk Innovation University, a private institution, charges international undergraduate students between 3,200 BYN and 4,500 BYN per year.

Additional Costs

In addition to tuition fees, students should budget for other expenses such as books, accommodation, and living costs. Belarus is known for its affordable cost of living, which can make it an attractive destination for students on a budget.

Fees for Foreign Citizens

Foreign citizens and stateless persons are typically required to pay tuition fees to enrol in Belarusian universities. The fees can range from $1,100 to $5,000 per academic year, depending on the educational programme, institution, and major.

Scholarships and Grants

It is worth noting that there may be opportunities for financial support through scholarships or grants, including those offered under international agreements with the Republic of Belarus. Additionally, citizens of the Russian Federation, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, and Belarusian citizens permanently residing abroad may be enrolled under the same terms as Belarusian citizens, which can include tuition-free options.

Language Courses

For students who need to take a Russian language course before enrolling in a degree programme, there will be additional costs. English is the main language of instruction in Belarusian universities, but non-native English speakers may be required to provide proof of language proficiency through standardised tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Student Visas

Obtaining a student visa is essential for international students planning to study in Belarus. The visa application process incurs fees, including a visa application fee of 60 EUR, and there may be additional costs for medical insurance and other requirements.

Application process

Belarus has 44 universities, with 39 being public and 5 being private. The country is known for its top-quality higher education, and its universities offer bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs. The first step in the application process is to choose the university and program that best suits your needs and interests.

Once you have selected your preferred university, it is essential to visit the official website and admission pages to gather all the necessary information. The specific admission process and requirements may vary depending on the university and your nationality, degree, and program. However, there are some standard documents that you should prepare in advance, including your academic records (transcripts and diplomas), passport, and visa. Additionally, some universities may require a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, and proof of language proficiency, especially for non-native English speakers.

It is important to start the application process early, as it may take several weeks or months. Be sure to carefully follow the admission steps and submit all the necessary requirements to ensure your application is accepted. The key to a successful application is punctuality and a well-prepared application package. After submitting your application, you will typically need to wait for a week or a month for the results.

After receiving your acceptance letter, the next step is to apply for a student visa. This process can be initiated by visiting the embassy or consulate of the Republic of Belarus in your home country or, if unavailable, upon arrival at Minsk National Airport. The requirements for a student visa include a passport with at least six months of validity, a completed visa application form, passport-sized photographs, a statement of medical fitness, the visa fee, and a letter of invitation from your chosen university. Obtaining a student visa is essential before finalising your travel plans and booking your flight to Belarus.

Visa requirements

All foreign citizens travelling to Belarus, including students, must obtain a visa. The type of visa required depends on your country of origin. You can find out more information on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus or the consulate of the Republic of Belarus in your home country. If your country does not have a diplomatic mission or consulate, you can obtain a visa upon arrival at Minsk National Airport.

To obtain a student visa, applicants must submit the following documents:

• Passport with at least six months' validity past the intended travel date
• Completed visa application form
• Two 2" by 2" colour photographs with a plain white background
• Statement of medical fitness
• $60 visa fee
• Letter of invitation on official letterhead from your school

The visa is issued for 90 days. Once in Belarus, individual universities will assist students in obtaining a temporary residency permit, which is valid for one year. An HIV/AIDS test, performed by a Belarusian clinic, is required for the residency permit.

The visa application fee in Belarus is 60 EUR. The first steps in getting your student visa are to choose a higher education institution, determine the type of visa you need, and submit the visa application and other requirements at the embassy or consulate. You can expect to wait around five business days for your visa to be processed. You may also be asked to undergo an interview as part of the application process.

Racism and safety

Belarus is a multi-ethnic state with a vast array of nationalities, many of whom migrated to the country in the 1920s. There are no significant clashes in Belarus based on ethnic, religious, or cultural backgrounds. The state has economic and social guarantees for all citizens, and foreigners and citizens of foreign origin are equal before the law. Over 40% of marriages in Belarus are interracial, and state policy is to guarantee social stability and equality.

There are more than 20 legislative instruments that regulate social life, equality, rights, and freedoms, and any statement leading to racism is banned by law. The Constitution states that everybody has the right to use their mother tongue, guarantees the right to education, and states that all religions and creeds are equal before the law.

However, there are isolated cases of anti-Semitism and anti-Roma racism in Belarus. For example, there have been instances of anti-Semitic manifestations in certain periodical publications, and there have been incidents of vandalism at cemeteries or offensive graffiti on buildings. In addition, a report by the Anti-Racism Information Service indicated that Roma people face discrimination in employment and education.

Belarusian authorities have taken measures to prevent extremist behavior and promote anti-discrimination. They have been cooperating with international organizations to raise awareness about the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and introduce human rights and racial discrimination topics into school curricula.

Student life

Belarus is a beautiful country with a unique history and nature. Known as the "Lungs of Europe", it is famous for its vast forests and wetlands. The country is also highly educated, with more than half of its residents having graduated from higher education institutions. Belarus offers affordable access to world-class education, with a mix of public and private universities.

Cost of Living

Belarus is known for its cheap cost of living, which is significantly lower than in many EU countries. This makes it an attractive destination for international students. The costs of studying in Belarus vary depending on the university and the chosen field of education. Annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 1,200 BYN to 18,300 BYN, while master's degree studies range from 2,400 BYN to 19,600 BYN.

Language

English is the main language of instruction in Belarusian universities. However, as a student, you should be prepared to learn Russian, as it is widely spoken in the country and is essential for everyday life. It is recommended to take a preparatory Russian language course before enrolling in your chosen degree program.

Student Accommodation

All colleges and universities in Belarus have an accommodation department that can assist students in finding lodgings and obtaining a residence permit. Most students live in comfortable and affordable student dormitories. There is also a Student Village in Minsk, which is a modern complex for students of seven universities, including foreigners. The campus offers various amenities, such as a kindergarten, a clinic, a shopping centre, a gym, and an ice arena.

Social Life and Racism

Minsk, the capital of Belarus, has a diverse population with plenty of international students and foreign workers. While casual racism and passive-aggressive behaviour towards people of colour are present, actual hate crimes are rare. Younger, urban people tend to be more open-minded and less prone to racist behaviour. The social life in Belarus can depend on the university and degree program chosen, with some universities being more popular with foreign students than others.

Climate

The local climate in Belarus can be unpleasant, with hot and stuffy summers and cold, dark, and humid winters.

Frequently asked questions