Study abroad
Study in Belarus
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Belarus
Higher education in Belarus, in Eastern Europe, gives international students a chance to study in a new academic and cultural setting. Universities and other institutions offer programmes at different levels, from first degrees to postgraduate study, across subjects such as business, engineering, health, science and the humanities.
The economy has strengths in infrastructure, healthcare and agriculture, which is reflected in many study options. Teaching is often in Belarusian and Russian, so check the language of instruction and any language requirements for each course. Start with the subjects available here, then compare institutions, costs and application steps.
Travel and safety conditions may change at short notice; official travel advice from your own government is the place to start.
Why study in Belarus?
There is no single reason to study in Belarus. For some students it is the programme itself; for others it is the setting in Eastern Europe, the language or links to a particular industry. It is worth being clear about what matters most to you before comparing options.
- Industry context: Infrastructure, healthcare and agriculture matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Engineering, Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies and Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, with options differing between universities.
- Cities and campus life: Minsk, Gomel and Brest each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Belarus means everyday contact with Belarusian and Russian and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Look closely at course content, entry requirements and student support, and think about where you would like the qualification to take you.
Top subjects to study in Belarus
Below is an editorial selection of subject areas often worth exploring in Belarus. It is not a ranking: the best subject is the one that fits your interests and goals.
- Engineering
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Computing & Information Technology
- Education, PGCE & Teaching
- Business & Management
Links to infrastructure, healthcare and agriculture mean that related courses may include practical projects or industry examples, although this varies by institution. Each subject has its own page for Belarus on this site, with its specializations.
When choosing between these areas, think about what you enjoy studying, the entry requirements for each course and the kind of work you would like to do afterwards. A specialization can matter as much as the broad subject.
Scholarships to Study in Belarus
Paying for study in Belarus can involve more than one source of support, and it is worth researching them before you apply for a course.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Belarus
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Funding is never guaranteed: check eligibility, deadlines and what the award includes, and have a plan in case you are not successful. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Belarus
The academic year in Belarus commonly begins around September. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Application deadlines can fall many months before the course begins, especially for competitive programmes and for students who need a visa. Start by checking the deadline for your specific course, then work backwards to leave time for documents, language tests, applications for funding and the visa process.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Belarus
Before you commit to a course in Belarus, work out the full cost of the programme, not just the first year’s tuition.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Programme length also matters: a longer course or a preparatory year changes the total cost. Always use the current fees published by the institution for the year you plan to start.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Belarus
Rules on studying in Belarus as a foreign national depend on your citizenship and course, so the first step is to find out which category applies to you.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Belarus in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Belarus
How much you spend while studying in Belarus varies from student to student and from city to city. Costs in Minsk can differ noticeably from those in Gomel or Brest and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Ask your institution for its estimate of student living costs and plan for some extra money for arrival and emergencies.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Belarus
What are the advantages of studying in Belarus?
It depends on your goals. Belarus offers programmes across many subjects, a location in Eastern Europe and study in Belarusian and Russian (with some English-taught options). Students interested in infrastructure, healthcare and agriculture may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Belarus?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Engineering, Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences and Computing & Information Technology. The subjects page for Belarus lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When should I apply to universities in Belarus?
Many programmes start around September. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Belarus?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Belarus?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Belarus.
Are scholarships available for international students in Belarus?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Where do international students live in Belarus?
Minsk, Gomel and Brest are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Belarus?
Many courses are taught in Belarusian and Russian. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
Free counselling
Not sure where to begin?
Explore your study-abroad options with guidance.