How to Study in Minsk for International Students
Minsk, one of the beautiful cities in Belarus, is a city that needs to be considered when planning on studying abroad. Here, you can immerse yourself in a rich local culture and learn about its history and the factors that make it unique.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Minsk currently has 22 universities, from which 17 universities are a part of the public sector and 5 universities are private institutions.
Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Minsk you should definitely check out are Belarusian State University, Belarusian National Technical University, and Belarusian State Medical University.
Being able to study in Minsk as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Minsk, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Minsk
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Minsk, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 2,500 BYN to 18,300 BYN, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 3,200 BYN and 19,600 BYN.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Minsk
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Minsk, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Belarusian State Academy of Music | 17,300 BYN - 18,300 BYN | 19,100 BYN |
| Belarusian State University of Culture and Arts | 9,800 BYN - 14,700 BYN | 13,700 BYN - 19,600 BYN |
| Belarusian State Academy of Arts | 13,800 BYN - 14,200 BYN | 13,800 BYN |
| Belarusian State University of Physical Culture | 6,300 BYN | 8,100 BYN - 8,800 BYN |
| Belarusian State Economic University | 7,600 BYN - 9,600 BYN | 8,900 BYN - 9,600 BYN |
| Belarusian State Agrarian Technical University | 5,800 BYN | 6,600 BYN - 7,800 BYN |
| Minsk State Linguistic University | 6,600 BYN | 6,700 BYN |
| Belarusian State Technological University | 7,100 BYN - 12,600 BYN | 8,600 BYN - 11,900 BYN |
| Belarusian State Medical University | 11,200 BYN - 13,500 BYN | |
| Belarusian National Technical University | 2,600 BYN - 3,800 BYN | 5,700 BYN |
| Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics | 7,500 BYN - 12,500 BYN | 8,300 BYN - 10,800 BYN |
| Belarusian State University | 2,500 BYN - 10,600 BYN | 7,800 BYN - 13,600 BYN |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Minsk
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Minsk Innovation University | 3,600 BYN | 3,200 BYN - 4,500 BYN |
| International University MITSO | 7,900 BYN | 4,500 BYN - 5,800 BYN |
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Minsk, check out the Cheap Universities in Minsk!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Minsk for International Students
Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Minsk, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.
Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.
In Minsk, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Minsk may require non-native English speakers to prove language proficiency by taking standardized English tests, such as the International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS, and the Test Of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. You can also check out if your target university is accepting a Duolingo English Test score because some universities in Minsk are accepting Duolingo scores. When you take any of these tests, note that you’ll need to get at least the required minimum score to qualify for your preferred university.
To give you an idea, here are some universities in Minsk and their required minimum scores for each program level.
Belarusian State Economic University
Master’s degree
- IELTS: No Minimum Score
- TOEFL: No Minimum Score
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.
Application Procedure to Study in Minsk
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Minsk have online applications available on their websites, like Belarusian State University and Belarusian National Technical University. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Minsk.
Belarusian State University
Belarusian National Technical University
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
Belarusian State Medical University
Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.
After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!
The admission process in Minsk differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.
The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Minsk.
The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.
4. Visa Application for International Students in Minsk
If you’re going to study in Minsk, you will need to apply for a student visa in Belarus
In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Belarus. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Student Visa.
To start your student visa application in Minsk, you will need to present the following:
- Visa application form
- One passport photo showing your full face
- Valid Passport
- Copy of educational certificate
- Medical insurance contract
- Receipt of paid consular fee
Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Belarus is 60 EUR.
After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:
- Choose a higher education institution that you wish to enroll in.
- Determine the type of visa you need.
- Submit the visa application and other requirements at the embassy or consulate.
- Wait for your visa to be processed which typically takes 5 business days.
- You may be asked to undergo an interview after the application.
For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.
That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Minsk. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!