The head of the Belarusian state has signed a decree on changes to the rules of admission to universities and secondary special education facilities.
Now the future students will be able to take the CT in four subjects. Previously, it was three: Belarusian or Russian language were required. Now it will be possible to take tests of two languages, and then select the certificate with the best result. If the applicant is sure about the school they want to apply to and the tests they need to take for it, it is not required to take four exams.
The CT certificates will be valid for two years. That is, if the applicant is not admitted in 2017, they will be able to use these results in the admission campaign of 2018.
Graduates of specialized educational classes will find it easier to enter pedagogical schools. To study to become a teacher, they will only have to take an interview at the university. However, the terms of compulsory employment for them will be five years instead of two.
Uladzimir Dunayeu on changes
In his commentary for “Belsat”, the member of the Public Bologna Committee Uladzimir Dunayeu praised the increase in the number of subjects tested from 3 to 4, as it is “expanding access to higher education, making the process of finding the necessary specialization flexible”. The expert also expressed criticism:
“There is another side to this: changes in the length of compulsory employment for those who get admitted in pedagogical universities on preferential terms. The increase in the term from 2 to 5 years is an absolute contradiction to the obligations of Belarus on the roadmap of the Bologna process. Thus, the decisions are conflicting: there are some weak movement in the direction of Bologna commitments, on the other hand, there is an increase in the length of compulsory employment”.
“Contrary to common sense, the state is holding onto the tool that has lost any minor efficiency and is turning a blind eye to the real problems”.
Also the applicants will have three backup testing times.
In addition, the document creates equal conditions of competition to all universities for admission to agricultural school. For those entering all schools in a shortened period, there are two entrance examinations in school subjects. These items are determined by the institution’s admissions board.
