What international students should know before applying
Studying in Belarus involves several connected decisions: choosing a suitable degree, comparing universities, checking your eligibility, preparing documents and completing the invitation and visa process.
The correct order is important. Applicants should first confirm the university and program requirements before translating, notarising or legalising their documents.
Your application plan
- Choose your subject and qualification level
- Compare universities offering relevant programs
- Confirm the teaching language and program duration
- Check academic and entrance requirements
- Calculate tuition and living expenses
- Prepare the required application documents
- Complete the invitation and visa procedure
- Prepare for arrival and final university enrolment
Start with the program. A university may offer many degrees, but the requirements, teaching language and fees can differ between faculties and study programs.
Why international students consider Belarus
Belarus has universities specialising in medicine, information technology, engineering, economics, business, languages and other academic areas.
Applicants can compare institutions in Minsk and regional university cities, taking into account their preferred subject, available budget and daily living environment.
Different study areas
International applicants can explore medical, technical, economic, linguistic and multidisciplinary universities.
Several university cities
Study options are available in Minsk, Grodno, Gomel, Vitebsk, Brest and other cities.
Preparatory options
Some applicants may need preparatory language or academic study before beginning their main degree program.
Structured admission process
The application generally follows a sequence from eligibility review and document preparation to invitation, visa and enrolment.
The available teaching language, program format and admission route must be checked with the specific university. Do not assume that the same conditions apply to every institution.
Choose what you want to study
Begin by identifying your preferred academic field. Program guides help you compare universities, entry requirements, teaching languages and study-related costs.
Medicine
Compare medical universities, admission procedures, teaching languages and qualification-recognition considerations.
Study medicine in Belarus →Dentistry
Review dentistry programs, entrance requirements, program duration and practical training information.
Study dentistry in Belarus →Information technology
Explore information technology, software, telecommunications and related technical programs.
Study IT in Belarus →Engineering
Compare engineering universities and programs in civil, mechanical, electrical and other technical fields.
Study engineering in Belarus →Economics
Explore economics, finance, banking, accounting and related university programs.
Study economics in Belarus →Business and management
Compare programs in business administration, management and internationally oriented commercial subjects.
Study business in Belarus →Compare universities in Belarus
After selecting a subject, compare universities that may offer a suitable program. Review the city, specialisation, admission route and current conditions for international applicants.
| University | City | Main areas to explore | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belarusian State University | Minsk | Sciences, humanities, international relations and multidisciplinary studies | View BSU |
| Belarusian National Technical University | Minsk | Engineering, technology and architecture | View BNTU |
| Belarusian State Medical University | Minsk | Medicine, dentistry and healthcare-related education | View BSMU |
| Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics | Minsk | Information technology, telecommunications and engineering | View BSUIR |
| Belarusian State Economic University | Minsk | Economics, finance, business and management | View BSEU |
| Minsk State Linguistic University | Minsk | Foreign languages, linguistics and translation studies | View MSLU |
| Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno | Grodno | Multidisciplinary university programs | View university |
Tuition fees and living costs
Your budget should include more than the university tuition fee. International applicants may also need to plan for accommodation, insurance, medical examinations, documents, travel and daily expenses.
Costs to include in your plan
- University tuition fee
- Preparatory course when required
- Dormitory or apartment accommodation
- Health insurance and medical examinations
- Translation and notarisation of documents
- Visa and migration-related expenses
- Travel to Belarus
- Food, transport and personal expenses
Tuition and accommodation fees can differ by university, program, teaching language and academic year. Use current official information when calculating your budget.
How to apply to a university in Belarus
The exact admission procedure depends on the university and program, but international applications commonly follow the stages below.
- Choose a university and program. Confirm the qualification, specialisation and teaching language.
- Check your eligibility. Review your previous education, subjects, grades and language requirements.
- Prepare your application documents. Make sure names, dates and academic information are complete and consistent.
- Submit the application for review. The university may evaluate documents before continuing the admission procedure.
- Complete an interview or entrance assessment. The format and subjects depend on the selected program.
- Receive the study invitation when applicable. The invitation may be required for the visa process.
- Apply for the appropriate visa. Follow the procedure applicable to your citizenship and place of application.
- Arrive and complete final enrolment. Present the requested originals and complete university formalities.
Documents required for admission
Document requirements vary by university, program, applicant’s age and country of education. Always request or check the exact checklist for your intended university.
Common application documents
- Valid passport
- School certificate, diploma or previous degree
- Academic transcript or mark sheet
- Medical certificate
- HIV test certificate when required
- Passport-size photographs
- Birth certificate for some applicants under 18
- Application forms requested by the university
- Translations or notarised translations when required
- Legalisation, apostille or recognition when applicable
Check before preparing: universities may have different requirements for originals, copies, translation language, notarisation and legalisation.
Prepare translations only after checking the requirements
Foreign-language admission documents may need to be translated into Russian or Belarusian and, in some cases, notarised.
Applicants may use a qualified translation bureau. One available option is Perevedi.by, a Minsk-based bureau that provides translation and notarisation of official documents.
Before ordering a translation, confirm the required language, certification format and spelling of your name with the selected university.
- Passport translation
- School certificate or diploma translation
- Academic transcript translation
- Medical document translation
- Notarisation when required
- Name and surname consistency check
University invitation and student visa
After the initial admission review, an international applicant may need a university invitation or another supporting admission document before applying for a student visa.
1. University review
The university checks the submitted educational and personal documents.
2. Admission decision
The applicant completes any required interview, examination or additional document request.
3. Invitation procedure
The university prepares the appropriate invitation or admission document when applicable.
4. Visa application
The applicant follows the current procedure applicable to their citizenship and place of application.
5. Travel planning
Travel should be arranged only after the required admission and entry documents are ready.
6. Arrival formalities
The student completes migration, accommodation and university enrolment procedures after arrival.
University invitation
Learn what the invitation is, when it may be required and which documents are normally reviewed first.
University invitation guide →Student visa
Review the main visa stages and prepare to confirm the latest procedure with the relevant authority.
Belarus student visa guide →Visa and entry requirements may change and may differ by citizenship. Verify the current procedure before booking travel.
What happens after arriving in Belarus
Admission is not always complete when you receive an invitation or enter the country. Students usually need to complete additional university and administrative procedures after arrival.
Present original documents
Bring the originals and certified versions requested by the university.
Complete medical checks
Follow the current university requirements for examinations and certificates.
Sign university documents
Complete the final enrolment agreement and other required forms.
Arrange accommodation
Complete the dormitory procedure or confirm alternative housing.
Complete migration formalities
Follow the instructions provided by the university and relevant authorities.
Begin your studies
Receive your timetable, university access information and faculty instructions.
Get help with your university application
BelUniver helps international applicants understand their university options and move through the application process in the correct order.
- University and program selection
- Initial eligibility review
- Application document checklist
- Admission process guidance
- Invitation procedure support
- Visa preparation guidance
- Pre-arrival planning
- Enrolment support after arrival
Share your preferred study area and educational background to begin reviewing suitable options.
Get admission supportFrequently asked questions
How can an international student apply to study in Belarus?
Start by choosing a university and program. Then check your eligibility, prepare the required documents and complete the university’s application, invitation and enrolment procedures.
What can international students study in Belarus?
Applicants can explore programs in medicine, dentistry, information technology, engineering, economics, business, languages and other academic areas. Availability must be confirmed for the selected university and intake.
Can international students study in English?
Selected programs may be available in English. The teaching language differs by university, faculty and intake, so it should be confirmed for the exact program.
Is IELTS required to study in Belarus?
Language assessment rules vary. A university may consider a language certificate, an interview or another assessment method. Check the requirements of the selected program.
What documents are required for admission?
Common documents include a passport, education certificate, academic transcript and medical documents. Translations, notarisation, legalisation or additional documents may also be required.
Do I need a university invitation?
An invitation or another university-issued admission document may be required as part of the visa or entry process. The applicable procedure depends on the applicant’s circumstances.
How much does it cost to study in Belarus?
The total cost depends on the university, program, accommodation and personal expenses. Calculate tuition together with insurance, documents, travel and monthly living costs.
Can BelUniver help with the complete admission process?
BelUniver can help applicants compare suitable options, understand admission requirements and prepare for the main application, invitation and arrival stages.
Take the first step toward studying in Belarus
Tell us what you want to study and provide information about your previous education. We will help you understand which university options and next steps may be relevant.
- Choose a suitable university
- Find a relevant study program
- Review your admission eligibility
- Prepare the correct documents
- Understand the invitation process
- Plan your arrival and enrolment
Information last verified: August 2026