Belarus To Allow Doctoral Admission Without Master’s Degree

Belarus plans to introduce changes to the rules for admission to master’s programs. The number of state-funded places will be determined by the government rather than universities, and applicants will be able to enter doctoral programs without first completing a master’s degree. These issues were discussed today at a meeting between Aleksandr Lukashenko and the leadership of the Council of Ministers.

Following the meeting, Education Minister Andrei Ivanets said that all three pathways for obtaining a master’s degree will remain: state-funded and paid programs for Belarusian citizens, and paid programs for foreigners.

The changes will affect state-funded places. Previously, universities independently decided the list of specialties and the number of budget-funded spots, but now the allocation will depend on the government’s demand and the need for specific specialists, BelTA reported.

Universities will retain the right to enroll as many foreign students as they wish on a paid basis.

Applicants will be allowed to enter doctoral programs without mandatory completion of a master’s degree.

“The president once again emphasized that artificial barriers created for gifted and talented students must be removed. The idea is that those who are interested in scientific and research work should have the opportunity to enter doctoral programs without completing a master’s degree. In this regard, each university and academic council must identify such students and issue appropriate recommendations.

Those who wish to stay in academia and teach at universities after graduation should also have this opportunity without the mandatory completion of a master’s program,” Ivanets explained.

At the meeting, Lukashenko also spoke out against the Bologna Process. In his view, Belarusian universities under the Bologna system train specialists for foreign countries.

“A few years ago, we discussed this thoroughly and agreed: no Bologna Process — we have our own proper education system. … What, are you going to train people in Belarusian universities for abroad?” Lukashenko said.