Belarus has one of the highest student-to-population ratios in Europe. The higher education system in Belarus is seen as prestigious due to its high quality and affordability.
There are four main types of higher education establishments to choose from, which can be either private or state operated:
*classical university *profile university or academy *institute
In 2003, university admission tests were replaced by Centralized Testing (CT). It is held on certain days of June-July according to the schedule approved by the Education Ministry. To enter a university, an applicant needs to present up to three test certificates in different academic disciplines. The number of certificates depends on the chosen specialty and presence of internal exams.
During the period of transition to Centralized Testing, the Education Ministry developed uniform admission rules taking into account the training programs of educational institutions. Other important reforms included the launch of the Classifier of Specialties and Qualifications, the higher education standards, and a 10-grade scale. The final stage was the adoption of the Education Code (2011).
In 2023, Belarus approved a new wording of the rules for the admission to general higher education institutions and specialist higher education institutions. The changes are aimed at improving the system of selection of applicants – talented and motivated young people will get additional opportunities. The main innovation is the introduction of Centralized Exams (CE) which serve as school graduation exams and at the same time as university admission exams.
This will significantly cut the number of tests an applicant has to take within several months. Two centralized exams – one in the Belarusian / Russian language and the other in a discipline of choice – will be mandatory for all school graduates. Centralized Testing (CT) will remain in place, but it will be mandatory only for those who want to enter a higher learning institution. The CE and CT will have the same form and level of complexity. Thus, to be enrolled at a higher learning institution, an applicant will need to present test certificates in three (two) academic disciplines. The average score of the school certificate will also be taken into account, and universities will be able to conduct their own internal exams or interviews.
Most courses run for 4-6 years. Aspiring students can choose one of several forms of learning. They can study during the day or evening, in-class or by distance education.
Grants are available for full-time students and scholarships are awarded to very gifted students.
All higher education establishments are governed by the Ministry of Education in Belarus.
1. Match the words with their meanings.
| 1. prestigious | a) an organization having a particular purpose, especially one that is involved with science, education, or a specific profession |
| 2. affordability | b) the process or fact of entering or being allowed to enter a place or organization; |
| 3. institute | c) a person who makes a formal application for something, especially a job; |
| 4. significantly | d) a sum of money given by a government or other organization for a particular purpose; |
| 5. applicant | e) inspiring respect and admiration; having high status; |
| 6. admission | f) the state of being cheap enough for people to be able to buy; |
| 7. innovation | g) in a sufficiently great or important way as to be worthy of attention; |
| 8. mandatory | h) a grant or payment made to support a student's education, awarded on the basis of academic or other achievement; |
| 9. grant | i) required by law or mandate; compulsory; |
| 10. scholarship | j) a new method, idea, product, etc. |
2. Answer the following questions.
1. What are the main types of higher education establishments in Belarus?
2. When is CT held?
3. What do applicants need to present up to enter a university?
4. What was changed in 2023?
5. How long do the university courses run?
6. How can students study?
7. What is awarded to very gifted students?
Belarus has one of the highest student-to-population ratios in Europe. The higher education system in Belarus is seen as prestigious due to its high quality and affordability.
There are four main types of higher education establishments to choose from, which can be either private or state operated:
*classical university *profile university or academy *institute
In 2003, university admission tests were replaced by Centralized Testing (CT). It is held on certain days of June-July according to the schedule approved by the Education Ministry. To enter a university, an applicant needs to present up to three test certificates in different academic disciplines. The number of certificates depends on the chosen specialty and presence of internal exams.
During the period of transition to Centralized Testing, the Education Ministry developed uniform admission rules taking into account the training programs of educational institutions. Other important reforms included the launch of the Classifier of Specialties and Qualifications, the higher education standards, and a 10-grade scale. The final stage was the adoption of the Education Code (2011).
In 2023, Belarus approved a new wording of the rules for the admission to general higher education institutions and specialist higher education institutions. The changes are aimed at improving the system of selection of applicants – talented and motivated young people will get additional opportunities. The main innovation is the introduction of Centralized Exams (CE) which serve as school graduation exams and at the same time as university admission exams.
This will significantly cut the number of tests an applicant has to take within several months. Two centralized exams – one in the Belarusian / Russian language and the other in a discipline of choice – will be mandatory for all school graduates. Centralized Testing (CT) will remain in place, but it will be mandatory only for those who want to enter a higher learning institution. The CE and CT will have the same form and level of complexity. Thus, to be enrolled at a higher learning institution, an applicant will need to present test certificates in three (two) academic disciplines. The average score of the school certificate will also be taken into account, and universities will be able to conduct their own internal exams or interviews.
Most courses run for 4-6 years. Aspiring students can choose one of several forms of learning. They can study during the day or evening, in-class or by distance education.
Grants are available for full-time students and scholarships are awarded to very gifted students.
All higher education establishments are governed by the Ministry of Education in Belarus.
1. Match the words with their meanings.
| 1. prestigious | a) an organization having a particular purpose, especially one that is involved with science, education, or a specific profession |
| 2. affordability | b) the process or fact of entering or being allowed to enter a place or organization; |
| 3. institute | c) a person who makes a formal application for something, especially a job; |
| 4. significantly | d) a sum of money given by a government or other organization for a particular purpose; |
| 5. applicant | e) inspiring respect and admiration; having high status; |
| 6. admission | f) the state of being cheap enough for people to be able to buy; |
| 7. innovation | g) in a sufficiently great or important way as to be worthy of attention; |
| 8. mandatory | h) a grant or payment made to support a student's education, awarded on the basis of academic or other achievement; |
| 9. grant | i) required by law or mandate; compulsory; |
| 10. scholarship | j) a new method, idea, product, etc. |
2. Answer the following questions.
1. What are the main types of higher education establishments in Belarus?
2. When is CT held?
3. What do applicants need to present up to enter a university?
4. What was changed in 2023?
5. How long do the university courses run?
6. How can students study?
7. What is awarded to very gifted students?
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