Applying to the Preparatory Department at BNTU
Belarusian National Technical University · Updated June 2026
The Preparatory Department at BNTU is a 10-month foundation programme covering Russian language, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and other subjects relevant to your intended degree. This guide covers the full application process and all fees.
Ready to apply?
Start your application on inBelarus Go and get matched with a licensed agency.
Required Documents
- Valid passport (original + notarised copy)
- Secondary school certificate or equivalent (original + certified translation into Russian)
- 12 passport-sized photographs
- Medical certificate confirming good health (HIV test included)
- Completed application form (provided by your agency)
Step-by-Step Application Process
Choose your preparatory track
Confirm which preparatory programme you are enrolling in and which university you plan to join afterwards. This may affect which subject track (science or humanities) you should choose.
Submit your application on inBelarus Go
Apply and pay the $350 application fee online. Your agency will process your application and request an official invitation letter from the university.
Prepare your documents
Collect all required documents. Secondary school certificates should be original or certified copies with official translations.
Legalise documents if required
We strongly encourage all students to legalise their secondary school certificate before leaving their home country. Even if the university does not always require it, having a legalised certificate avoids delays.
Obtain your visa and travel
Apply for a student visa at the nearest Belarusian embassy, or obtain one on arrival. Do not transit through Russia without an embassy visa. Carry all required funds in your hand luggage. Ensure all banknotes are clean and undamaged.
Complete on-arrival registration
Your agency will guide you through hostel check-in, fee payments, medical examination, and TRP registration. Full tuition must be paid in full on arrival to complete your enrolment.
Fee Breakdown
| Item | Amount | When |
|---|---|---|
Application fee (document review + official invitation letter) Paid online via the inBelarus Go platform before you travel. | $350 | Before arrival (online) |
Full tuition — paid in full on arrival Preparatory programmes require full tuition payment on arrival before classes begin. There is no deferred instalment. | $2,450 | On arrival (cash) |
Hostel prepayment (first 5–6 months) | $600 | On arrival (cash) |
University administration fee (BNTU) One-time. Not charged in subsequent years. | $105 | On arrival (cash) |
University interview / document review | ~$50–60 each | On arrival (cash) |
Annual medical insurance | $240 | On arrival (cash) |
Mandatory medical examination Required by local authorities. Repeats every year. | $100 | On arrival (cash) |
Notarisation & certified translation (passport + academic certificate) Each additional document: $25. | $60 | On arrival (cash) |
Visa extension fee Repeats annually. | $65 | On arrival (cash) |
Visa-on-arrival processing (if no embassy visa) Only if you did not obtain a visa through a Belarusian embassy before travelling. | $150 | On arrival (cash) |
Assistance service fee Contact your agency on inBelarus Go for the current rate. | Set by your agency | On arrival (cash) |
All tuition figures include approximately 2% bank transfer charges.
The assistance fee is set by your agency — contact them on inBelarus Go for the current rate.
Pocket Money for Your First Months
In addition to all the fees listed above, we recommend budgeting at least $500 in pocket money for your first 1–2 months in Belarus. This should cover:
- Food and groceries while you settle in
- Local transport (bus and metro cards)
- Basic household items and personal supplies for the hostel
- Phone SIM card and top-up credit
- Unexpected small expenses and emergencies
- Any minor administrative costs not listed in this guide
Monthly living costs in Minsk for a student are approximately $200–350, depending on lifestyle. Having $500 cash gives you a comfortable buffer for the first weeks until you are settled.
Your Banknotes Must Be Clean and Undamaged
Belarusian banks and most exchange offices will not accept stained, torn, written-on, or significantly worn banknotes. If you arrive with damaged currency, you may be unable to exchange or spend it.
If you do have stained notes, contact your agent — some specialist exchange offices will accept them but may charge a commission of up to 10%. The best approach is to obtain clean, undamaged bills from your home-country bank before travelling.
Read the full guide: Stained Banknotes in BelarusRecurring Payments from Year 2 Onwards
- This is a single-year programme. There are no recurring academic-year tuition payments.
- Hostel fees are paid monthly throughout the year.
Important Notes
FULL TUITION ON ARRIVAL — The Preparatory Department requires the full annual tuition ($2,450) to be paid on arrival before enrolment. There is no split-payment option.
BNTU charges both an interview fee (~$50–60) and a document review fee (~$50–60) on arrival. Budget approximately $100–120 for both.
The university administration fee ($105) is a one-time charge.
We strongly encourage legalisation of your secondary school certificate before leaving your home country.
Carry all required funds in your hand luggage. Border authorities check funds on entry; insufficient funds can lead to deportation.
After completing the preparatory department, you will need to apply separately to a Bachelor's programme at BNTU or another university.
Related Reading
Our team will guide you through every step and match you with a licensed agency.