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EuroEducation.net The European Education Directory |
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| Belarus |
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Structure of Educational System Admissions to Higher Education and Recognition of Foreign Credentials Student Life International Cooperation and Exchanges |
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INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS Types of higher education
institutions: University Academy Institute Higher College School leaving and higher education
credentials: Attestat o Srednem
Obrazovanii Diplom o Srednem
Spetsialnom Obrazovanii Diploma of Vocational Education Bakalavr Diplom o Vyshem
Obrazovanii Magistr Kandidat Nauk PhD (Kandidat Nauk) Doktor Nauk STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM Pre-higher
education: Duration
of compulsory education: Age of
entry: 6 Age of
exit: 15 Structure of school system: Primary Type of
school providing this education: Primary School, Length
of program in years: 4 Age level from: 6 to: 10 Basic Type of
school providing this education: Basic Secondary School Length
of program in years: 5 Age
level from: 10 to: 15 Certificate/diploma awarded: Svidetel'stvo O
Bazovom Obrazovanii (Certificate of Basic Education) General Secondary Type of
school providing this education: Gymnasium, Lyceum, College Length
of program in years: 2 Age
level from: 15 to: 17 Certificate/diploma awarded: Attestat O Srednem
Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) Specialized
Secondary Type of
school providing this education: Specialized Secondary School Length
of program in years: 4 Age
level from: 15 to: 19 Certificate/diploma awarded: Diplom o Srednem
Spetsialnom Obrazovanii (Diploma of Specialized Secondary Education) Vocational Type of
school providing this education: Vocational School Length
of program in years: 3 Age
level from: 15 to: 18 Certificate/diploma
awarded: Diploma of Vocational Education (duration of studies 1 to 3 years
depending on previous education: if after secondary school, only 1 year) School
education: School education falls into
three levels: primary (4 years), basic (9 years) and secondary (11 years). A
child can be admitted to school at 6 or 7 years of age. Primary education is
given in primary schools, 1-4 grades in secondary schools and 1-4 grades in
gymnasiums. Basic education is compulsory for all children. It is provided in
basic schools, 5-9 classes of secondary schools and 5-9 classes of gymnasiums.
At the end of basic education, a Certificate of Basic Education is awarded.9th
grade graduates have three possibilities: 1) Third stage of school education
(10-11th grades); 2) Vocational/technical establishments; 3) Technicums. In
secondary education, pupils continue to study in secondary schools 10-11th grades,
grammar schools or lyceums. School-leavers are given a Certificate of Secondary
Education.General secondary education is provided by general secondary schools,
gymnasiums, lyceums and colleges, as well as in first courses of specialised
and technical schools. Gymnasiums provide general secondary education at a
higher level. Lyceums provide vocationally-oriented education that completes
general secondary education. As a rule, lyceums use the teachers and
educational facilities of universities and research institutes. Colleges
provide general secondary education that is strongly oriented towards
vocational training and award qualifications of "special secondary
education". Vocational and
technical education are provided by schools where students acquire professional
and vocational skills together with general secondary education. Vocational and
technical education complement the basic (9 years) education and general
secondary education (11 years). In the former case, training lasts for three
years and leads to a particular trade.
In the latter case, training lasts for one year and leads to students acquiring
a trade. At present, there are 249 vocational-technical schools. Specialized
secondary education lasts for two to four years depending on whether students
have followed basic or general secondary education. Specialized secondary
education establishments include technicums, technical schools and colleges.
Colleges are a new type of institution in Belarus. They provide advanced
specialist training. At present, there are 149 state specialized secondary
education institutions, 55 technicums, 41 colleges, 53 intermediate
occupational education institutions, 5 higher colleges and 7 non state
specialized secondary education institutions. A General Secondary School Reform
is being implemented. The new model of general secondary education will include
three levels: 1-4 years of study (preparatory 1-3 classes) - primary general
education; 5-10th years (4-9 classes) - basic general secondary education;
11-12th years of study (10-11 classes) - complete general secondary education.
The new curriculum includes 17 teaching courses instead of 24-27. The maximum
study load is from 30 to 40 class hours per week in basic and senior school
stages. It is planned to make the third stage of secondary education a lyceum
one with two-year periods of study corresponding to classes 10 and 11. It is
planned to introduce 5 types of lyceums and gymnasiums: general, humanistic,
scientific, artistic and polytechnic. The certificate of lyceum education gives
right of admission to any higher education institution. In 2001/02 there were
86 gymnasiums, 25 lyceums and 5 colleges. Higher
education: At present, there are 44 state
higher education institutions including 25 universities, 9 academies, 4 institutes, 5 higher colleges and 1 higher
technical school. In addition, there are 13 non-public higher education
institutions. A partial reform of the higher education system began in 1993.
The first stage (1993-1994) saw the birth of a multistage system of education.
During the second stage the new provision base was stipulated. The third stage
will provide universities with greater autonomy and academic freedom. The
Ministry of Education will work with internatianl bodies on the problem of recognition
of qualifications. The new structure includes 25-30% of human sciences and
social and economic sciences, 35-45% of disciplines in the general science and
general vocational education, 25-35% of special disciplines, and 10-15% of
specializations. In 1998, a Concept of Standardization was adopted concerning
terminology, and contents of education and specialized training at different
levels. Main
laws/decrees governing higher education: Decree: Concept of the
Development of Higher Education in the Republic of Belarus Year: 1998 Concerns: All higher education
institutions Decree: Law "About
Study of Foreign Citizens in the Republic of Belarus
Year: 1993 Concerns: All higher education
institutions Decree: Law "On
Education in the Republic of Belarus" (new version) Year: 2001 Concerns: All higher education
institutions Decree: Law on Education in
the Republic of Belarus Year: 1991 Concerns: All higher education
institutions. Decree: Regulation on
Certification and Accreditation of Educational Institutions. Year: 1994 Concerns: All education instutions Decree: Regulation on the
Multi-level System of Belarus' Higher Education System
Year: 1994 Concerns:
All
higher education institutions Academic
year: Classes
from: Sep to: Jul Long
vacation from: 1 Jul to: 31 Aug Languages
of instruction: Byelorussian, Russian Stages
of studies: Non-university level post-secondary studies
(technical/vocational type): Non-university
level: In Belarus,
specialized vocational education is not part of the higher education system. It
belongs to the secondary education sector. University level studies: University
level first stage: First level: The Diploma of Higher Education (Diplom o Vyshem
Obrazovanii) is awarded after four to five years. Simultaneously with the
Diploma of Higher Education, it is possible to obtain the diploma of Bakalavr
which is granted to students who obtain marks of 4 and 5. They must follow 300
additional hours of instruction which are given simultaneously with the basic
course that entitles one to a university diploma. Hence, the period of training
(4-5 years) remains the same. The Bakalavr curriculum includes fundamental
scientific subjects, psychology and pedagogical subjects and a foreign
language. Applicants must sit for the Bakalavr examination. The academic degree
of Bakalavr specifies the speciality, it is granted by the State examining
Board and is certified by a Bakalavr Diploma. University
level second stage: Second level: Holders of the Bakalavr's degree or those who have
passed the Bakalavr training course examinations can follow a Master
curriculum.One- to two- year advanced study programmes lead to the Master's
Degree. The course comprises study in the chosen speciality in accordance with
an individual curriculum, research on the theme of the magistr's thesis and a
public presentation of the latter. On completing the curriculum, students are
awarded the academic degree of Magistr, specifying a given speciality (Magistr
of economic sciences, Magistr of technical sciences, etc.) which is certified
by the Diploma of Magistr University
level third stage: Aspirantura and Doktorantura: This stage
corresponds to the training of scientific and pedagogical personnel. There is a
two-level system of scientific degrees. The first is that of Candidate of Sciences.
It requires at least 3 years of study in postgraduate courses, special
examinations and the public defence of a thesis. Following this, the student is
awarded the degree of Kandidat Nauk (Candidate of Sciences).The second level is
that of Doctor of Sciences. Holders of the Kandidat Nauk can prepare a
Doctorate. After following the required research programme, candidates are
awarded the highest scientific degree of Doktor Nauk (Doctor of Sciences). The
thesis is also defended in public.The Dissertation Councils are supervised by
the State Supreme Certifying Committee (Vysshij Attestatsionnyj Komitet, VAK)
of the Republic of Belarus.It is possible to do doctorate research and sit for
a scientific degree while not following postgraduate courses. Higher education
and research establishments support such persons and provide them with a
supervisor. Teacher education: Training
of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers Primary school teachers are trained at specialized
secondary institutions (teacher-training schools and teacher-training colleges)
where courses last for 3-4 years, and at the faculties of Pedagogy and Methods
of Primary Education of pedagogical universities or institutes, where studies
last for 4 to 5 years. Training
of secondary school teachers Secondary school teachers are trained at
specialized secondary education institutions and pedagogical universities and
institutes. General secondary education or specialized secondary education is
the condition of access to universities or institutes. The qualification
awarded is teacher of ... (for example, teacher of Mathematics and Physics or
teacher of Chemistry). Teachers for vocational secondary schools are trained in
pedagogical higher education institutions, universities and in some technical
higher education institutions where engineers-teachers are trained. Training
of higher education teachers Higher education
lecturers are trained in their specialities in institutes or universities and,
after graduation, start their activity as assistant lecturers in order to gain
practical experience in their areas of expertise. Every five years, they must
enrol in up-grading courses to improve their teaching skills as well as their
knowledge in the field. Furthermore, there is a system of training of
scientific and pedagogical staff at post-graduate level. Non-traditional studies: Distance
higher education Distance training is
provided by virtual universities (through Internet) such as Hagen
Correspondence University which provides studies leading to a Master of
Humanities and started operating in Belarus in 1996. Students must hold a
secondary school leaving certificate. There is no age restriction and no
entrance examination. There are also franchising institutions which are
branches of foreign higher education institutions functioning in Belarus. NATIONAL BODIES Administration
& co-ordination: Responsible
authorities: Ministry of
Education Head: Peter Brigadin, Minister Ul.
Sovetskaja 9 Tel: +375(17) 227-47-36 Fax: +375(17) 220-84-83 EMail: root@minedu.unibel.by Role of governing
body: Provides
state education policy, controls quality of education, finances educational
establishments in the limits of budget allocations. National Institute
for Higher Education Head: Siarhei Vetokhin, Head of
Belarussian ENIC Ul.
Moskovskaja 15 Tel: +375(17) 222-83-15 Fax: +375(17) 222-83-15 EMail: enic@nihe.niks.by rudova@nihe.niks.by Role of governing
body: Responsible
for educational research and information on higher education, the Institute
also provides training courses to new rectors, deans and department heads and
acts as Belarussian ENIC. Rectors' Council of
Higher Educational Institutes of Belarus Head: Alexander Kozulin, President Belarus
State University, 64 Scaryna Avenue ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION Admission
to university-level studies Name of
secondary school credential required: Diplom o Srednem Spetsialnom Obrazovanii For entry to: all programmes Name of
secondary school credential required: Diploma of
Vocational Education For entry to: all programmes Name of
secondary school credential required: Attestat o Srednem Obrazovanii For
entry to: all programmes Entrance
exams required: Examination in three-four subjects for most universities. Numerus
clausus/restrictions: Higher education institutions are given the academic
freedom to establish or not privileges for entrants having followed advanced
training at lyceums or gymnasiums or for entrants having finished school with
excellent marks. Special ability requirements are set for artistic studies,
physical education and architectural preservation studies. A certain age limit
is set for full-time students. Other
admission requirements: There can be interview in one subject instead of several
exams. The applicant can enter a preparatory department and study for one year
before trying to enter the higher education establishment. Foreign
students admission Definition
of foreign student: A foreign citizen who trains at a Belarussian higher
education institution. Admission
requirements: Students must hold a secondary school-leaving certificate or an
equivalent qualification to that of general secondary school in Belarus. They
must submit a valid passport, a notorized copy of their secondary education
qualification, a medical certificate and 6 photos. They are then sent an
invitation so as to obtain an entry visa For postgraduate courses, students
must hold a Master's Degree. The rules of admission and instruction are
specified in the Regulations concerning Training Foreign Citizens in the
Republic of Belarus approved by the decree of the Council of Ministers of the
Republic of Belarus of July 7, 1993. Admission documents must be submitted at
least two-and-a-half months before classes begin in Belarussian, Russian,
English, French or Spanish. Admission requirements for foreign students are
adopted by the higher education institutions if they are not otherwise provided
for by inter-state agreements. Foreign students sign a contract with the
institution. Entry
regulations: Students must hold a visa. Health requirements:
A
medical certificate is required. Language
requirements: Foreign students who have no command of the language of instruction can
follow a one-year course at a preparatory department of the institution where
they study the language of instruction and specialization subjects that are
relevant for the chosen course. At the end of the year, they must sit for an
examination. Successful students obtain a graduation certificate and are
admitted to the basic course of study in the chosen speciality. Those who fail
are dismissed from the institution and asked to leave the country. Recognition
of studies & qualifications: Studies
pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition of foreign
credentials): National Institute
for Higher Education, Belarussian ENIC Head: Siarhei Vetokhin, Head of the
Belarussian ENIC Ul.
Moskovskaja 15 Tel: +375(17)
222-83-15 +375(17) 224-45-54 Fax: +375(17) 222-83-15 EMail: veto@nihe.niks.by Deals
with credential recognition for entry to: University Services
provided & students dealt with: Recognition of foreign studies, diplomas and
degrees; evaluation and recognition of partial studies undertaken or experience
obtained abroad.Development of normative quality assurance and recognition system.
Organisation of seminars. Publication of materials and methodical documents on
problems quality assurance and recognition system on paper and machine-readable
carriers. Special
provisions for recognition: For
access to non-university post-secondary studies: Applicants must submit complete
official academic documents together with their application form to the
institution. For
access to university level studies: Applicants must submit complete official academic
documents together with their application form to the institution. For
access to advanced studies and research: Applicants must submit complete
official academic documents together with their application form to the
institution or research institute. For the
exercise of a profession: Applicants must submit complete official academic
documents together with their application form to the appropriate Ministry. Multilateral
agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies Name of
agreement: Agreement on Equivalence of Documents that certify Education, Scientific
Degrees and Academic Ranks Year of signature: 1998 Name of
agreement: Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher
Education in the Europe Region (Lisbon 1997) Year of signature: 2002 Name of
agreement: Paris Convention. Convention for the recognition of studies, diplomas and
degrees concerning higher education in the states belonging to the European
region Year of signature: 1979 Name of
agreement: Prague Convention. Convention of Socialist countries for the mutual
recognition or equivalence of education documents, scientific degrees and
titles Year of
signature: 1972 Bilateral
agreements concerning recognition of foreign credentials Name of
agreement: Bilateral Agreement on Equivalence of Documents that certify Education,
Scientific Degrees and Academic Ranks Year of
signature: 1996 Country/state involved: Russian Federation Name of
agreement: Bilateral Agreement on Equivalence of Documents that Certify Education, Scientific
Degrees and Academic Ranks Year of
signature: 1997 Country/state involved: China Name of
agreement: Bilateral Agreement on Equivalence of Documents that certify Education,
Scientific Degrees and Academic Ranks Year of
signature: 1997 Country/state involved: Ukraine Name of
agreement: Draft Bilateral Agreement on Cooperation Country/state involved: Romania Name of
agreement: Draft Bilateral Agreement on Cooperation Country/state involved: Slovak Republic Name of
agreement: Draft Bilateral Agreement on Cooperation Country/state
involved: Czech Republic References
to further information on foreign student admissions and recognition of studies Title: Student Handbook
(3rd edition) Author: Council of Europe Publisher:
Bock
Verlag in Germany Year of
publication: 1997 STUDENT LIFE National
student associations and unions Belarussian
Association of "UNESCO" Clubs Ul. Kabushkina 18 Tel: +375(17) 2642-555 Belarussian
Association of Student Architects K Marx 14 Fax: +375(17) 2649-923 Belarussian
Coordination Centre of Students Research Transactions Ul. Bobruiskaya
9-418 Tel: +375(17) 2265-710 Union of Belarussian
Students P.O. Box 493 Tel: +375(17) 2373-738 Fax: +375(17) 2101-637 EMail: Bsa@bsa.org.by Health/social
provisions Social
security for home students: Yes Foreign
student social security provisions: Health care for home students is free and provided
by students' polyclinics. Foreign students may take out a health insurance
policy with a Belarussian insurance company. Special
student travel fares: By road:
Yes By rail:
Yes By air: Yes Available
to foreign students: Yes Student
expenses and financial aid Student
costs: Home
students tuition fees: Minimum: 0 (Belarussian Ruble) Maximum:
3000
(US Dollar) Foreign
students tuition fees: Minimum: 1000 (US Dollar) Maximum:
3000
(US Dollar) Type of
financial aid available: Scholarships/grants/fellowships:
First
Degree studies: Home: Yes Foreign:
No Advanced/doctoral
studies: Home: Yes Foreign:
No Publications
on student services and financial aid: Title: Scholarship for
Study and Research in Belarus Author: Ministry of
Education of the Republic of Belarus Publisher: Ministry of Education of the
Republic of Belarus Title: Study abroad
2000-2001 Publisher:
UNESCO/IBE Year of
publication: 1999 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & EXCHANGES Principal
national bodies responsible for dealing with international cooperation and
exchanges in higher education: Department for
Foreign Relations, Ministry of Education Head: Vladimir Tikhonov, Head of
Department Ul.
Sovetskaja 9 Tel: +375(17)
2264-975 +375(17) 2207-693 Fax: +375(17) 2271-736 Participation
of country in multilateral or bilateral higher education programmes Name of
exchange programme: ACCELS Name of
exchange programme: Agreement on cooperation with Romania, Slovakia,
Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania, Yugoslavia Name of
exchange programme: Bilateral agreement on cooperation with China,
Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Germany Name of
exchange programme: COPERNICUS Name of
exchange programme: DAAD Name of
exchange programme: INTAS Name of
exchange programme: IREX Name of
exchange programme: TEMPUS/TACIS Name of
exchange programme: UNDP GRADING SYSTEM Usual
grading system in secondary school Full
Description: 2-5: 5 excellent; 4 good; 3
satisfactory; 2 unsatisfactory (mark 1 does not exist, some schools have
introduced mark 6).Since 2000 some secondary schools use the following system:
5: Excellent (10-9); 4: Good (8-7-6); 3: Satisfactory (5-4-3); 2:
Unsatisfactory (2); 1: Totally Unsatisfactory (1). Highest
on scale: 5 Pass/fail
level: 3/2 Lowest
on scale: 2 Main
grading system used by higher education institutions Full
Description: 2-5; 5: excellent; 4: good; 3: satisfactory; 2: unsatisfactory. Highest
on scale: 5 (excellent) Pass/fail
level: 3
(satisfactory) Lowest
on scale: 2 (unsatisfactory) Other
main grading systems There is also a
credit (zachet) system which is the result of a test (not an examination) for
credit and indicates that all requirements have been met. Since 2000 some
secondary schools (as an experiment) use the following marking system: 5
excellent 10.9: 4 good 8.7.6; 3 satisfactory 5.4.3. NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM Data for
academic year: 2001-2002 Source: National Institute of Higher Education, Minsk, 2002 Copyright © International Associations of Universities |
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