Lukashenko Wants To Abolish Master's Degree Programs In Belarus

• 23.10.2025, 15:35

The dictator opposed the Bologna system.

Lukashenko spoke about education in Belarus at a meeting with officials and law enforcers. October 23, he said that Belarusians do not need the Bologna system with bachelor's and master's degrees.

"A few years ago, we had a big talk with you on this topic and decided: no Bologna process, we have a normal education," said Lukashenko. He referred to the fact that the officials sitting next to him did not graduate from the master's program, but they are "brainy, trained people."

Now Lukashenko regrets that "at the suggestion of some members of the Communist Party" Belarus joined the Bologna process: "Are you going to train people for foreign countries in Belarusian universities?"

Lukashenko suggests leaving the master's program only for those who are going to do science and foreigners who pay for education in Belarusian universities. He did not say that more than a third of Belarusian students also study on a fee-paying basis.

Immediately after the meeting, Minister of Education Andrei Ivanets said that the number of places in the master's program will be reduced - from the new academic year it will be set by the state. Until now it was decided by the universities themselves.

Belarus joined the Bologna process in 2015 - from the second time and subject to the fulfillment of the roadmap. This process implied the adaptation of the education system to European standards with two-stage bachelor's and master's degrees, comparable academic degrees, etc. In 2022, after Lukashenko supported the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Belarus was excluded from the Bologna process.