Applying to the Russian Language Course at BSUIR
Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics · Updated June 2026
The Russian Language Course at BSUIR is a 10-month intensive programme for international students who need to build their Russian proficiency before entering a degree programme. This guide walks you through every step of the application process and lists all the fees you should budget for.
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 and general health check)
- 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 and language programmes require full tuition payment on arrival before classes begin. There is no deferred instalment. | $1,950 | On arrival (cash) |
Hostel prepayment (first 5–6 months) | $600 | 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. | Up to $100 | 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 payments.
- However, hostel fees are paid monthly throughout the year.
Important Notes
FULL TUITION ON ARRIVAL — Unlike Bachelor's and Master's programmes, the Russian Language Course requires the full tuition fee ($1,950) to be paid on arrival before you can be enrolled. There is no deferred instalment.
BSUIR does not charge a university administration fee — a saving compared to some other Belarusian universities.
The visa-on-arrival fee at BSUIR is up to $100, lower than at many other universities.
We strongly encourage all students to legalise their school certificate before leaving their home country.
Carry all required funds in your hand luggage — not in checked bags. Insufficient funds at the border can result in deportation.
After completing the Russian course, you will need to re-apply to a degree programme. Your agency can assist with this continuation process.
Related Reading
Our team will guide you through every step and match you with a licensed agency.