Structure of higher education
The higher education system in Belarus includes universities, academies and institutes offering a variety of undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programmes.
Universities offer a wide range of specialisations, including humanities, technical and natural sciences. An example is the Belarusian National Technical University in Minsk.
On the other hand, academies specialise in certain fields, such as art, economics or pedagogics. For example, the Belarusian State Agricultural Academy, which is located in the town of Horki.
Institutes train personnel in narrow professional areas, and there are not so many of them in Belarus.
If you do not have enough points to go to a higher education institution at once, there are colleges and technical schools in the country. They offer the opportunity to receive vocational education, often integrated with higher education. Many universities have colleges. After graduating from college, you can enter a related field of study at a university on a shortened programme.
Educational process
The educational process in Belarusian universities is organised in a semester system. The academic year is divided into two semesters: autumn and spring.
Teaching uses both traditional methods (lectures, seminars) and modern approaches, including project-based learning and interactive methods. Many programmes include compulsory practice, which allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in practice and gain experience.
Individual work includes preparing for classes, writing essays and coursework, and preparing for exams.
Grading and examinations
The grading system in Belarusian universities is based on a ten-point scale, where 10 is the highest grade and 1 is the minimum grade. But the minimum threshold is 4 points. If your score is lower, it is considered not positive and the student is sent for retake.
Students receive grades for homework, seminar participation and mid-term tests.
There are examinations at the end of the semester, which may be either written or oral. The examinations may include tests, essays and practical assignments.
The grading system of students' knowledge is divided into two main types:
Examinations — the final form of testing knowledge on disciplines, assessing the level of mastering the material.
Credits — an intermediate form of control, confirming the mastery of a certain amount of material without grades.
To be awarded a diploma, students must pass state examinations, which usually include the diploma thesis defence and examinations on core disciplines.
Features for international students
International students have the opportunity to study in Russian or English, depending on the programme. Many universities offer preparatory courses to learn the language and adapt to the educational process.
Moreover, Belarusian universities often participate in international exchange programmes, which allows students to broaden their horizons and gain experience studying abroad.
The system of higher education in Belarus is characterised by a high level of specialist training and wide opportunities to acquire knowledge in various fields. Education is conducted in modern conditions using the latest technologies and methods, which allows graduates of Belarusian universities to be competitive in the international labour market. International students can count on support and resources to help them adapt to the new educational environment and successfully complete their studies.
