Back
Today, science plays a key role in Belarus and is given a great role. We will tell you how a foreigner can get education in Belarus, as well as about the rules of admission of foreign citizens and types of education for them.
Ministry of Education of Belarus
The Ministry of Education of Belarus is a state administration body, which implements the state policy in the field of education, as well as manages the quality of education and conducts the state youth policy.
In January 1919, the Commissariat of Education of the BSSR Provisional Workers' and Peasants' Government was established. In February it was transformed into the People's Commissariat of Education of the Lithuanian-Belarusian SSR. In July 1920, the Department of National Education was established at the Minsk Provincial Revolutionary Committee, soon transformed into the Commissariat of Education of the Voinrevcom of the BSSR. On its basis on December 17, 1920 the People's Commissariat of Education of the BSSR was established. Until 1936 it was also in charge of theatrical, circus and pop activities.
After the reforms in education, which lasted 73 years, the Ministry of Education was established on January 10, 1992. It is still in operation today.
Today the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus implements the state policy in the field of education, regulates, manages and controls the quality of education, and coordinates the activities of other bodies in this field.
Types of education in the Republic of Belarus
Basic types and levels of education in Belarus:
- preschool (nursery and kindergarten);
- general basic education (starts at 6-7 years and lasts for 9 years);
- general secondary education (grades 10-11) and primary vocational education (vocational schools and lycees) or specialized secondary education (technical colleges and colleges);
- higher vocational education (higher colleges, institutes, universities and academies).
After completing basic education, a pupil may continue his or her education in grades 10-11 or in colleges, lyceums, gymnasiums and technical vocational schools, where he or she receives both general secondary education and vocational training.
Basic school education is free of charge, and graduates of vocational and technical schools, who have received training at the expense of the national budget, must undergo compulsory training in their specialty within two years.
Picture 1 Photo by udf.by
Pre-primary education
Pre-primary education is the multifaceted development of a child and his or her preparation for school.
In preschool institutions, groups for children of different ages are created to organize training and education: from one to two years; from two to three years; from three to four years; from four to five years; and from five to seven years.
During preschool education, the child attends a kindergarten, where educators conduct educational classes aimed at developing logical thinking; the child also learns to count, write and read.
General secondary education (school education)
School starts at 6-7, rarely from 5 years old. Primary school includes the 1st-4th grade, where pupils learn general subjects: mathematics, Russian and Belarusian languages, literature, one foreign language and so on.
Secondary school - grades 5-9. At this stage, new subjects are added for study: history, chemistry, biology, physics, computer science, etc.
At the end of the 9th grade, a pupil can continue his or her studies at school or go to a professional technical education institution.
At the end of grades 10-11, pupils prepare for final exams at the end of grade 11 and for entering a higher education institution.
Vocational technical education
If a pupil at the end of Grade 9 chooses to finish school and get a vocational education, he can study in schools and lyceums.
Vocational education includes not only a vocational education program, but also a program for grades 10-11, which students study in parallel.
At this stage, the following occupations are available:
- foreman;
- assembler;
- construction worker;
- hairdresser;
- chef;
- driver;
- salesman;
- carpenter and others.
Secondary vocational education in Belarus
Secondary vocational education is in demand among young people. Colleges and technical schools train specialists for almost all sectors of the economy and social sphere.
List of technical professions in colleges and technical colleges:
- electromechanic;
- electrician;
- architect;
- locksmith;
- machinist;
- geodesist;
- mechanic;
- technologist;
- turner;
- sanitary technician;
- programmer and so on.
Economic specialities:
- accountant;
- administrative assistant;
- logistician;
- marketing economist;
- checker-cassier.
Creative specialties:
- actor;
- designer;
- fashion designer;
- wood carver:
- Popular group leader;
- concertmaster;
- music teacher;
- operator of computer graphics and so on.
Specialties of the service sector:
- librarian;
- pastry chef;
- chef;
- waiter;
- barkeeper;
- seamstress;
- tailor and so on.
You can also master legal and agricultural specialties.
Higher education in Belarus
In Belarus, the ratio of students to total population is one of the highest in Europe. Both public and private institutions of higher education provide professional training for students. They can be of the following types:
- general universities;
- professional universities and academies;
- institutes.
Also, the student must choose the form of study for himself/herself at the moment of admission: day, evening, correspondence or distance education.
The length of study in higher education institutions is usually 4-6 years depending on the chosen specialty. For example, economists study 4 years, engineers - 5 years, and doctors - 6.
All graduates of higher education institutions at the end of their studies receive a state diploma.
All higher education institutions in Belarus are subordinate to the Ministry of Education.
Second higher education
A student from the 3rd year can enter the second higher education and combine studies at the same time as the first one.
For whom the second higher education is suitable:
- for those who have decided to change their field of activity;
- for managers or for those who want to become them;
- for those who want to expand their field of professional competence;
- for successful senior students who want a double education.
Second higher education can be obtained by full-time, part-time or distance education.
Additional education in the Republic of Belarus
There are two types of additional education in Belarus: part-time and inclusive. If you have a desire and opportunity, you can choose any of them.
Part-time education
You can study by correspondence in any specialty of any university, except medical specialties.
Education by correspondence means attendance of installation lectures for one or two weeks six months before the session. At lectures tell minimum about a subject and speak about examinations and credits. The educational institution determines the dates of the setting lectures and sessions.
Inclusive education
An integrated education model has been created in the education system of the republic, which is a significant achievement in comparison with the previously existing model of separate education, when a person with a disability had no chance to study with his or her peers in kindergarten, school or university.
Traditionally, the concept of inclusive education has been limited to definitions related mainly to the exercise of the right to education and the social inclusion of students with special developmental needs. However, the concept has evolved towards the idea that all children, without exception, should have equal rights, conditions and opportunities in education, regardless of their cultural, economic and social status and the differences in their abilities and capacities.
Inclusive education has the following characteristics:
- every child, irrespective of his or her own characteristics and abilities, has the opportunity to attend an educational institution in his or her place of residence, where opportunities for realizing his or her potential and for interaction with other children are provided;
- the physical environment and the whole learning process is adapted to the needs of each child;
- all staff are trained and take non-discriminatory and respectful approaches in their interaction with children and their parents.
Can international students study at Belarusian universities?
International students can study at Belarusian universities, but usually for a fee. The cost of studying depends on the university, the chosen specialty and form of study.
Picture 2 Photo by intofact.ru
How do international students enter universities in Belarus?
The first step for a foreign applicant is to choose a university and a specialty. Then the applicant should send the documents to the chosen university to receive an invitation. Then apply for a visa, which will allow you to enter the territory of Belarus.
At the university, the applicant passes the entrance interview on the level of knowledge of Russian language. The interview determines the student's preparation for higher education in Belarus.
The Belarusian education system is of high quality and low cost compared to Europe. So if you have long wanted to study in our country, then choose a university, collect the necessary documents and come for knowledge.