Belarus considers cancelling pre-application interview at universities

Belarus is considering cancelling professional and psychological interview for high school graduates who apply for such university majors as Public Administration, Law, and Journalism. Relevant changes to the university and college admission system were made during the government session held on 11 March to improve the system, BelTA learnt from the presidential press service.

The revised admission regulations also suggest changing the university enrollment requirements for the winners of national and regional school subjects competitions, laureates of national and international contests, and prize-winners of the Special Fund of the President of the Republic of Belarus for Support of the Talented Youth applying for the most popular university courses: International Relations, Legal Studies, Economic Law, Public Administration, and Law. High school graduates applying for such professions will be selected on a competitive basis.

The winners of the national competition in social science will be exempt from the corresponding entrance exam and will get 100 points for it.

In turn, Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Anatoly Rubinov suggested introducing video and audio recording of entrance exams for creative professions (vocal, dance, acting exams, etc.). He also said that it is necessary to improve the structure and content of tests. In particular, he suggested reducing the number of questions in Part A and increasing Part B that requires demonstration of real knowledge and skills. Besides, Anatoly Rubinov supported introduction of a computerized automated student admission system.

Attending the session were rectors of the universities of Belarus, including private ones. The President invited them to participate in the discussion.

At the end of the session Alexander Lukashenko ordered to finalize the draft decree on the approval of the revised version of university and college admission regulations so that the document comes into force in March.