Admission to state-financed places at higher education institutions in Belarus has been completed. First Deputy Minister of Education of Belarus Alexander Bakhanovich spoke about the key results of the admissions campaign, in-demand specialties, and government support measures for young professionals.

– Alexander Gennadyevich, admission to state-financed places at higher education institutions has been completed. What results can be summarized?

– Important and significant results have been summarized. This year, 32,000 applicants became first-year students. The admission targets for state-financed places have been fully met.

The overall competition nationwide was 1.7 applicants per place: 54,300 applications were submitted for 32,000 places. Of these, 5,300 were admitted without entrance examinations and without competition. These are winners and runners-up of international and national Olympiads, holders of certificates with special distinctions (gold and silver medals), excellent students, and top graduates of the National Children's Technology Park, university lyceums, and specialized classes.

The growing percentage of applicants admitted without entrance examinations demonstrates the high level of preparation and motivation of young people and confirms the correctness and effectiveness of the decisions made in the education system.

— Which majors were most in demand this year?

— Competition for a number of programs is traditionally high. For example, at the Belarusian State University, the competition for the Graphic Design and Multimedia Design reached 13 applicants per place. For a number of other majors, the competition was 7-8 applicants per place.

Among the top scores, international relations leads the field: 395 points at BSU for International Conflict Resolution and International Economics and Trade. High results were recorded in IT majors: Economic Informatics – 394 points, Software Engineering – 391 points. Sticking with the tradition, Dentistry is the leader in medicine, this time with 388 points.

Analysis of the admissions campaign confirms the relevance of our chosen strategy. We prioritize training personnel for the real sector of the economy and the social sphere. This year, every fourth applicant is a future engineer, every tenth is a medical professional or teacher, and a comparable number of applicants chose agricultural majors. These four majors provide the human resources foundation for the country's economic development.

— What can you say about the quality of admissions and career guidance?

— The quality of admissions is directly related to the level of preparation and the informed choice of applicants. Throughout the year, we have been conducting systematic career guidance work. We have organized approximately 400 events, including large-scale events such as the "Education and Career" exhibition and joint open days with leading employers and recruitment agencies. Thanks to this, every applicant was able to gain career guidance and make an informed choice of specialty and educational institution.

– August 1st is an important date for young professionals. How are their placement and employment organized?

– In total, approximately 60,000 young professionals – graduates of higher, secondary specialized, and vocational education institutions – will begin working this year. Taking advantage of their right to social leave (31 calendar days), they will begin their first jobs on August 1st.

The state has created a comprehensive set of measures to support young people. This includes additional payments, compensation, housing (including rental housing), relocation allowances equal to the last scholarship received, and additional payments for relocation.

A wide range of support measures are also implemented at the enterprise and organizational level: additional allowances are established, incentives are provided, and conditions for professional growth are created. Each young professional is assigned an experienced mentor who helps them adapt to the team and develop practical skills. Necessary social and living conditions are created, and occupational safety is ensured. Enterprises and organizations demonstrate a high degree of social responsibility, creating a comfortable environment for young people to launch their careers.

— What words would you like to address to those just beginning their student journey and to those starting work?

— Congratulations to everyone who has become a student, and I wish you success in your studies! Remember, your future begins with the correct and informed choice.

To those who begin their careers on August 1st, I wish you professional success, the fulfillment of all your plans, and a worthy contribution to the development of our country!