← Back to Blog

Why Belarus? European prices on a reasonable budget

Today, Belarus is considered one of the most prominent educational destinations for Arab students wishing to obtain an internationally recognized European university degree without straining their budgets. While tuition fees in Germany, France, and Poland exceed twenty thousand dollars annually, a student in Belarus can complete their medical or engineering studies for a fraction of this amount.

Belarusian universities — notably Grodno State Medical University, Belarusian State University, and Belarusian State Medical University — hold international accreditations recognized in most Arab, Gulf, and African countries, and their degrees are accepted by medical councils and professional bodies in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and others.

Why do students choose Belarus? 40-60% lower tuition costs compared to Ukraine and Romania — with a similar or better educational level, a safe environment, affordable housing, and universities that maintain established scientific traditions since the Soviet era.

In this guide, we provide you with real and updated figures for 2026, based on the experiences of students we personally accompanied from the moment of application until they received their residency.

University Fees by Specialization

Tuition fees in Belarus vary significantly depending on the specialization and language of study. Studying in Russian is generally cheaper, but it requires proficiency in Russian or completing a preparatory year first. Studying in English is available in most specializations and eliminates the need to learn Russian, although some proficiency in Russian greatly facilitates daily life.

The following table shows annual tuition fees in USD for the academic year 2025-2026, which are average figures that vary slightly from one university to another:

Specialization In Russian In English
Preparatory Year (Medicine) $3,000 $3,500
Human Medicine (6 years) $4,950 $5,850
Pharmacy $4,950 $5,850
Dentistry $5,350 $6,450
Engineering (various specializations) $3,000 – $5,000 $4,500 – $6,000
Business Administration and Economics From $3,000 From $5,000

It should be noted that first-year fees are paid in full before travel, and usually include registration fees and basic health insurance for the first semester. Some universities allow payment in two installments per year — one at the beginning of the first semester and one at the beginning of the second semester.

Note on Medical Specializations

Human medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry are the most sought-after specializations by Arab students, and they are available in several prominent Belarusian universities. The duration of human medicine study is six years, including clinical years in accredited hospitals. The degree is recognized in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Jordan, and many African countries.

Additional Costs

Besides tuition fees, there are costs that no one usually tells you about — and at NorthPath, we believe in full transparency, so here are the complete details:

On-Campus Accommodation
~$700
Per Year
Accommodation + Health Insurance
~$320
Per Year
Medical Check-up upon Arrival
~$90
Once
Monthly Living Expenses
$200-350
Per Month

Accommodation

Most Belarusian universities offer on-campus accommodation (dormitories) at symbolic prices not exceeding $60-70 per month. Rooms are usually double or triple, and include water, electricity, and internet. Some students prefer to rent an apartment with colleagues for $250-400 per month for the entire apartment, which means $100-150 per person.

Residency and Insurance

Every foreign student is obliged to obtain a residency permit within 5 days of arrival and renew it annually. The cost of residency and mandatory health insurance together is around $320 annually. The NorthPath team handles these procedures completely on behalf of the student without any complications.

Medical Examination

Upon arrival, every student undergoes a mandatory medical examination, including basic tests and a lung check, at a cost not exceeding $90. This is done at an accredited university hospital, usually within one day.

Daily Living Costs

Belarus is one of the cheapest countries in Europe for living expenses. A full meal in a popular restaurant does not exceed $3-5, and public transportation is very cheap. Most of our students estimate their monthly expenses at $200-350 for food, transportation, and personal needs.

Estimated Total Cost for the First Year (General Medicine in Russian) Tuition $4,950 + Accommodation $700 + Residence & Insurance $320 + Medical Exam $90 + Living Expenses $2,400 = Approximately $8,460 For the full year — a figure that includes almost everything.

NorthPath Service Fees

At NorthPath, we don't believe in surprises. Our service fees are clear and announced from day one, with no hidden charges or unexpected additional amounts.

Full NorthPath Service Fees: $1,500 50% upon contract ($750) — 50% upon student's arrival in Belarus ($750)

These fees include the full service from the first inquiry until the student's settlement:

Our installment payment system reflects our confidence in our services — you only pay the full amount after you arrive and see for yourself that we have fulfilled all our promises.

Comparing Belarus with Other Study Destinations

Many students compare Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, and Hungary. Here's a clear picture:

Country Annual Medical Fees Cost of Living/Month International Recognition
Belarus $4,950 – $6,450 $250 – $350 Excellent
Russia $5,000 – $8,000 $350 – $550 Excellent
Ukraine (before 2022) $5,500 – $9,000 $300 – $450 Good
Romania $6,000 – $10,000 $400 – $600 Good
Hungary $8,000 – $14,000 $500 – $750 Excellent

Belarus clearly stands out as the best equation between cost, quality, and international recognition. Safety is high, infrastructure is excellent, and universities have a long-standing scientific history. The absence of regional conflicts also makes it a stable destination for students and their families alike.

An extra feature no one mentions Belarus is one of the safest countries in the world — its crime rates are among the lowest globally, and international students can move freely at any time without worry.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

The NorthPath team is ready to answer all your questions — your first consultation is completely free, and we help you choose the right university and specialization for you and your budget

Contact on Telegram Send us an inquiry