Belarus, situated at the crossroads of Eastern Europe, offers a unique and enriching educational experience that combines academic excellence, cultural diversity, and affordability. In this article, we will explore the compelling reasons why studying in Belarus can be an outstanding choice for international students, from its top-notch universities to its welcoming environment.
Esteemed Universities with International Recognition
Belarus boasts a selection of prestigious universities known for their academic excellence and global recognition. These institutions provide a solid foundation for students' future careers.Affordable Tuition Fees and Cost of Living
Studying in Belarus is cost-effective, making it an attractive option for international students. With reasonable tuition fees and a relatively low cost of living, students can receive a quality education without financial strain.Multicultural Society
- Diverse Student Community: Belarus hosts a diverse international student population, providing a multicultural environment where students from various backgrounds come together, fostering global perspectives and lasting friendships.
- Cultural Festivals: Belarus celebrates a range of cultural festivals and events throughout the year, offering students the chance to immerse themselves in vibrant traditions.
English-Taught Programs
Many universities in Belarus offer programs in English, ensuring accessibility for international students who may not be proficient in the local language.Strategic Location
Belarus's strategic location in Eastern Europe provides easy access to neighboring countries, allowing students to explore diverse cultures and travel to captivating destinations during their studies.Scholarships and Financial Support
Belarusian universities often offer scholarships and financial aid to international students, easing the financial burden and making education more affordable and accessible.Growing Economy and Career Opportunities
Belarus's economy is evolving, presenting potential job opportunities for international graduates, especially in sectors like information technology, engineering, and healthcare.Safe and Welcoming Environment
Belarus is known for its safety and hospitality, creating a secure and welcoming atmosphere for international students.Beautiful Landscapes
- Lush Countryside: Belarus is characterized by picturesque countryside with pristine lakes, dense forests, and charming villages, providing students with opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.
- Historical Sites: The country boasts historical landmarks and architectural treasures, offering glimpses into its rich heritage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, studying in Belarus offers a harmonious blend of education, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in exploring diverse traditions, enjoying cultural festivals, or immersing yourself in the serene countryside, Belarus provides a distinctive and fulfilling educational experience.Belarus Visa Types
Before you start the actual procedures to get a visa to Belarus, you need to check out which visa type you actually need to apply for. If you apply for the wrong visa your application may be rejected, or you may get a visa that is not that useful for you. There are three types of Belarusian visas according to the intended period of stay:- B – Transit visa.
- C – Short-term visa, valid for up to 90 days. This visa can be granted for the following purposes: business, for participation in sport or cultural events, tourism, private purposes, study, employment, religious reasons, implementation of humanitarian programs, visiting the burial places and journalistic activity.
- D – long-term visa, valid for up to 1 year with the right to stay up to 90 days, unless otherwise stipulated by the international treaties of the Republic of Belarus.
There are three types of Belarusian visas according to the intended number of entries:
- Single entry visa. It enables its holder to enter Belarus only once, stay and depart, within a specified number of days of stay, but not more than 90 days.
- Double entry visa. It permits its holder to enter the territory of Belarus up to twice, stay and depart within a specified number of days of stay, but not more than 90 days.
- A multiple-entry visa. It entitles its holder to enter Belarus, stay and leave more than two times, the period specified in the visa and within a specified number of days of stay, but not more than 90 days per year, unless otherwise stipulated by the international treaties of the Republic of Belarus.
Required Documents for a Belarus Visa:
In order to receive a visa, you must submit the following documents to your local Consular Section or representative office:- Visa application form. Complete the form, without leaving any blank spaces. If a question does not apply to you, type “N/A”. If the answer is no, then write “none”. You should sign the form personally, whereas application forms for minors should be signed by their legal representative. You can find the application form
- One passport photo. It should be sized 35×45 mm, in high resolution, showing your full face against an even light background.
- Your Valid Passport. It must be valid for at least another 90 days beyond your departure from Belarus. It should also have at least two blank pages for the visa.
- Original letter of invitation,with the signature and, if a business, seal of the inviting party.
- Medical insurance policy. It must be valid for the whole period of your stay in Belarus with a minimum coverage of 10,000 euros.
- Other documents stipulated by the Consular office according to the nature of your visit and the type of visa you are applying for.
Required Documents for a Belarus Short-Term Visa:
For the purpose of business, participation in sport or cultural events:
- An original letter of visa support of a legal entity. The letter must be issued on the letterhead with the full name of the entity, its location and phone number.
For private purposes – one of the following documents:
- An original invitation, issued by the local unit of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.
- Official confirmation of serious illness or death of a close relative or spouse, if the purpose of your trip to Belarus is to visit a close relative or spouse seriously ill or who died in Belarus.
- An original document, confirming the ownership of the real estate property in Belarus.
- A letter of visa support of a Belarusian healthcare institution or contract for medical services with a Belarusian healthcare institution, if you are coming to seek medical treatment in Belarus.
For tourism — one of the following documents in original:
- A letter of visa support of a Belarusian tourist company, stating that the foreign citizen will respect the rules of stay in the Republic of Belarus. It must be issued on a letterhead with the full name of the tourist company, its location and telephone number.
- A letter of visa support of a sanatorium-and-spa resort or recreation center, issued on a letter-head with its full name, location and telephone number, purpose, period of stay of a foreign citizen, services rendered, confirmation of the voucher reservation and full or partial prepayment for the services.
- A letter of visa support of a representative of farm tourism business with its name and address, purpose, period of stay of a foreign citizen and the services rendered.
For visiting the burial places:
- An original certificate of the local executive committee, confirming the fact of burial in the Republic of Belarus and the maintenance of the graves of close relatives or spouse of a foreign citizen.
To study:
- An original invitation of the Belarusian educational institution. The document must be approved by the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
For religious reasons:
- An original letter of visa support of a religious association, issued on a letterhead with the full name of the religious association, its location and telephone number.
- A letter of visa support of the Humanitarian Activities Department of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Belarus or another authorized governmental institution of the Republic of Belarus.
For journalistic activity:
- Accreditation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.
For employment – one of the following documents:
- A copy of a special employment permit, issued by the local unit of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus. The permit must be certified by the Belarusian Public Notary.
- Relevant confirmation from the local unit of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus. This document must be delivered directly to the Embassy/Consulate.
Required Documents for a Belarus Long-Term Visa
For the purpose of business:
- An original letter of visa support of a Belarusian legal entity.
- A document, that proves the necessity of multiple visits to the Republic of Belarus during the requested period of visa validity.
For participation in sport or cultural events:
- An original letter of visa support of a Belarusian legal entity.
- A document, that proves the necessity of multiple visits to the Republic of Belarus during the requested period of visa validity.
For private purposes – one of the following original documents:
- An invitation, issued by the local unit of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.
- A document, that proves the existence of the property right to the house/apartment on the territory of the Republic of Belarus – for the property owner and his/her family members.
- A contract for medical services with a Belarusian healthcare institution, prepared in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Belarus – for processing a visa to a foreigner who is in need of medical care, provided in Belarus, as well as to an accompanying person, if required.
For visiting the burial places:
- An original certificate, issued by the local executive committee, confirming the fact of burial on the territory of the Republic of Belarus and the maintenance of the grave of a close relative or spouse of a foreign citizen;
For religious reasons:
- An original letter of visa support of a religious association, approved by the Commissioner for Religious and Ethnic Affairs.
- A letter of visa support of the Humanitarian Activities Department of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Belarus or another authorized governmental institution of the Republic of Belarus.
For journalistic activity:
- Accreditation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.
For employment:
- A copy of a special employment permit, issued by the Regional branch of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, certified by the Belarusian Public Notary.
- Confirmation from the Regional branch of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, delivered directly to the Embassy/Consulate.
Belarus Visa Processing
A Belarus visa application file may take up to five workdays to be processed. You will get an answer on your application after 5 days of submission, the latest.
The Belarus visa fees, regardless of the visa type of the number of entries as €80 individual visa applications and €10 per person for group visa applications.
Belarus Visa fees for nationals of a few countries are a bit different though. Citizens of Japan and Serbia in need of a visa are exempted from consular fees for any kind of visas.
Whereas, nationals of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland need to pay the following fees, when in need of a visa:
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Transit visa (type B):
- Single – €10
- Double – €15
- Group single (per person) – €10
- Group double (per person) – €18
- Multiple-entry – €35
-
Short-term visa (type C):
- Single – €25
- Double – €35
- Group single (per person) – €10
- Group double (per person) – €18
- Multiple-entry – €80
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Long-term visa (type D) – €80