Some less-discussed countries in Europe also offer universities that international students can consider. Belarus is one such country. Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordering Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. Studying in Belarus can be an affordable route to a degree from a Belarusian higher education institution, but students should check recognition requirements in the country where they plan to work or continue studying. The good news is that studying in Belarus with little or no tuition cost may be possible if you receive a Belarusian grant, state-funded place, or a large scholarship. However, most foreign students normally pay tuition, and living, visa, medical insurance, registration, travel, and meals are usually separate costs.
Belarusian universities accept foreign applicants through individual university admissions offices and the official Study in Belarus information portal. Before applying, students should also check current travel advisories, visa rules, and university safety guidance, as conditions and entry requirements can change.
How to Study in Belarus for Free
1. Choose your career path
During the first few days of primary school, you probably never thought about some of the careers you are now considering at the university level. The career paths we ultimately choose can be influenced by a number of factors, such as social status, peer response, peer acceptance, and personal preference.
Choosing a career path is important when applying to universities because some universities specialize in certain areas while others do not. By choosing your career path, you can narrow down the universities in Belarus that you will review when deciding where to apply.
2. Determine Belarus universities that match your chosen career
Narrowing down your university choices involves matching your chosen career to the programs and opportunities that universities offer. Some universities focus on research and development, while others focus on areas such as engineering, medicine, economics, or the humanities. Depending on your career path, some universities may be a better fit than others.
This process of elimination is easier when you have a list of the programs each university offers and a clear idea of where you want to be after graduation. Choosing is not always easy, especially since it may shape the next few years of your life, but this step is necessary when planning your studies.
3. Strive to have better applications
Excellent essays and application drafts are not written in a day. Your application to any university should be prepared carefully, with revisions made more than once. Rough drafts are helpful because they can be refined until they are stronger than your previous versions. Having someone proofread your work is also an effective way to correct mistakes and add ideas that may improve your university applications.
Submitting well-written and concise applications is key to improving your chances of being accepted by the university of your choice. To study in Belarus for free or at a reduced cost, a good starting point is to submit strong applications, maintain a good GPA, and prepare any required test scores or documents.
4. Apply for Scholarships in Universities in Belarus
Financial constraints should never be a barrier for students who are qualified and motivated to study. Scholarships, grants, and state-funded places can reduce tuition significantly, and a full grant may allow you to study without paying tuition. In Belarus, grant-funded foreign students usually study in Russian and may receive a scholarship and hostel accommodation for the period of study, while travel, meals, medical insurance, visa, and registration expenses are usually paid by the student. Because scholarships and grants have limits and eligibility criteria, checking official pages before applying is important.
Belarusian State University, located in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, lists information for foreign students and international training opportunities on its website. However, applicants should verify the current status of any Erasmus+ or international mobility opportunity directly with the university and the relevant program, since older Erasmus+ references may not reflect current options.
Another way to search for funding is to use the official Study in Belarus portal and individual university admissions pages. For example, Brest State Technical University publishes current information for foreign applicants, including deadlines, documents, tuition fees, and dormitory costs, on its foreign applicants page. Always rely on current university pages instead of old third-party PDFs when checking scholarships, tuition, and admission conditions.
5. Look for Cheap Universities in Belarus
The official Study in Belarus tuition page states that foreign citizens generally pay tuition. Full-time first-cycle degrees start from US$2,500 per year, part-time first-cycle degrees start from US$1,400 per year, and master’s degrees start from US$2,500 per year. Individual universities may charge different fees depending on the program, language of instruction, and level of study.
For example, Brest State Technical University lists full-time Russian-taught programs at US$2,200–2,600 per year, English-taught first-year programs at US$3,500 per year, Russian-taught master’s programs at US$3,000 per year, and English-taught master’s programs at US$3,700 per year. If you want affordable options, compare official university fee pages and also look at the Cheap Universities in Belarus for International Students.
Living costs vary by city, housing type, and lifestyle. The official Study in Belarus site lists sample prices such as public transport at about US$0.30 per trip and café meals from about US$3.50, while private flat rental can vary widely. Estimating your minimum tuition and living costs can help you decide whether you need financial support to pursue studies in Belarus.
6. Work Part-time in Belarus
To study in Belarus as an international student, you may need a student visa. Visa requirements vary by nationality and embassy, but an educational visa generally requires an original invitation from a Belarusian educational institution approved by the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Applicants may also need a valid passport, completed visa application form, photograph, medical insurance, and other documents requested by the relevant Belarusian embassy or consulate.
After signing an education agreement and being admitted, foreign students must also complete temporary registration or temporary residence procedures in Belarus. The Study in Belarus portal states that students need to submit their passport with a Belarusian student visa, photos, medical insurance, and payment receipts for the registration fee, and that foreign applicants must submit their passport for registration within five days after arrival.
Working part-time can help students cover some expenses, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed way to study for free. Current university guidance states that foreign students receiving higher education in Belarus may work up to 20 hours per week without a special permit. Students should confirm the latest employment rules with their university and immigration office before accepting any job.
7. Enjoy your time as an international student through affordable means
Part of being a student in a foreign country is being able to enjoy its cultural sites and local experiences. However, you can still manage your costs by choosing affordable restaurants, free or low-cost activities, and student-friendly transportation options. Planning your budget in advance can help you enjoy your time in Belarus without overspending.
8. Do one or more steps listed above
To study in Belarus for free or at a significantly reduced cost, you should use one or more of the steps above. Your best option is to secure a full grant, state-funded place, or large scholarship. You can also reduce costs by choosing an affordable university, applying early, comparing official tuition pages, living in student accommodation when available, and working within the legal limits for international students.
I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Europe Scholarships Page and Available Courses for International Students!
