Top Universities in Belarus for International Students in 2026

Belarusian State University

Best for: students looking for a large multidisciplinary university.

Belarusian State University, commonly known as BSU, is one of the main classical universities in Belarus. It offers degree programs across natural sciences, humanities, international relations, law, economics and other academic fields.

The university provides educational opportunities in both Russian and English, although the available language depends on the selected program.

International applicants may need to complete an interview that evaluates their knowledge of the language in which the program is taught. Applicants who do not have sufficient Russian-language skills may consider a preparatory program before starting their main degree.

Why international students consider BSU

• broad selection of academic fields;
• programs taught in Russian and English;
• location in central Minsk;
• bachelor’s, master’s and postgraduate options;
• preparatory education for students who need additional language training.

For admission, BSU requires original education documents. Foreign-language documents must generally be accompanied by notarized translations into Russian or Belarusian. Some foreign education documents may also require legalization and formal recognition in Belarus.

Choose BSU if: you want a multidisciplinary university and have not limited your choice to a narrowly specialized technical or medical institution.

Belarusian National Technical University

Best for: engineering, architecture, construction and industrial technology.

Belarusian National Technical University, or BNTU, is a major technical university located in Minsk. It is especially relevant to applicants interested in engineering and applied technical education.

The university offers programs associated with areas such as:

• mechanical engineering;
• civil engineering;
• architecture;
• energy;
• transport;
• information technologies;
• industrial production;
• economics and management in technical industries.

International students applying for Russian-medium programs may need to complete an interview in Russian. Applicants without sufficient Russian-language knowledge can apply to a preparatory department and study Russian together with subjects related to their future specialization.

BNTU states that foreign-language application documents must be accompanied by notarized Russian translations. These may include education documents, medical certificates, birth certificates and other required records.

Choose BNTU if: you are planning a career in engineering, architecture, construction, manufacturing or another technical field.

Belarusian State Medical University

Best for: medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and pediatrics.

Belarusian State Medical University, or BSMU, is a specialized medical university in Minsk. It accepts international applicants for medical education and provides information about admission, invitations, preparatory training and annual tuition fees through its international admission section.

Available study fields include:

• General Medicine;
• Dentistry;
• Pharmacy;
• Pediatrics.

The duration of study depends on the chosen specialty. For example, General Medicine and Pediatrics are six-year programs, while Dentistry and Pharmacy generally have different study periods.

International applicants may be admitted following an interview that checks their knowledge of the language of instruction and relevant subjects. Students may also begin with preparatory education in language, biology and chemistry.

BSMU requires foreign-language documents to be accompanied by translations into Russian or Belarusian. Its invitation procedure specifically mentions translated copies of the passport and education certificate.

Choose BSMU if: you want to study medicine in Minsk and prefer a university focused specifically on healthcare education.

Medical applicants: Before choosing a university, confirm whether the degree will meet licensing and recognition requirements in the country where you plan to work after graduation.

Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics

Best for: information technology, software engineering, electronics and telecommunications.

Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics, known as BSUIR, is one of the most relevant Belarusian universities for students interested in digital and engineering careers.

Its academic areas include:

• software engineering;
• computer systems;
• information technology;
• telecommunications;
• radio engineering;
• electronics;
• digital economy;
• information security.

BSUIR reports that it offers more than 40 Russian- and English-medium study programs. Admission to English-medium programs may involve an interview that evaluates the applicant’s English ability and academic preparation rather than requiring a specific international language certificate in every case.

The university also offers a foundation year for applicants who are not yet ready to begin a degree program.

For enrolment and recognition of foreign education documents, applicants may need notarized Russian translations of their passport, education certificate and academic records.

Choose BSUIR if: you want to study IT, telecommunications, electronics or software-related subjects.

Belarusian State Economic University

Best for: economics, finance, business and management.

Belarusian State Economic University, or BSEU, specializes in economic and business education.

The university includes academic areas connected with:

• economics;
• finance and banking;
• accounting;
• management;
• marketing;
• logistics;
• international economic relations;
• business communications;
• commerce and tourism;
• digital economy;
• law.

Foreign applicants who require a study visa must first obtain an official invitation from the university. To request the invitation, applicants may need to submit copies of their passport and education documents together with certified Russian translations.

After arriving in Belarus, foreign-language documents submitted for enrolment must be accompanied by notarized translations into Russian or Belarusian. Admission may also include an interview in the language of instruction.

Choose BSEU if: your future career is connected with economics, finance, banking, international business, marketing or management.

Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

Best for: students looking for a comprehensive university outside Minsk.

Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno is a multidisciplinary university located in Grodno, a city in western Belarus.

It may be an attractive option for students who want access to a broad university environment but prefer to study outside the capital.

Foreign applicants use the university’s digital applicant system to begin the admission process. Applicants from countries requiring a Belarusian visa must normally obtain an official invitation before travelling.

Documents submitted in a foreign language must be accompanied by notarized translations into Russian or Belarusian. The university states that most documents can be notarized either in the applicant’s country or after arrival in Belarus. However, notarization of the identity document must be completed in Belarus.

Admission may also require an interview in Russian or English, depending on the chosen language of instruction.

Choose Yanka Kupala State University if: you want a multidisciplinary university and are considering studying in Grodno rather than Minsk.

Gomel State Medical University

Best for: international students considering medical education outside Minsk.

Gomel State Medical University is a specialized medical university in Gomel. It has a faculty responsible for working with international students and publishes separate admission regulations for foreign applicants.

Applicants may need to complete an interview in Russian or English, as well as interviews or examinations in chemistry and biology.

Foreign citizens from countries with a visa requirement must obtain an invitation from the university. To request it, the applicant generally submits:

• a copy of the passport;
• a copy of the education document;
• an application addressed to the university rector.

Passport and education documents issued in another language must be accompanied by notarized Russian translations.

Applicants who do not successfully complete the entrance interview may be offered preparatory education before applying for the main medical program again.

Choose Gomel State Medical University if: you want to study medicine and are open to living outside Minsk.