BSU Rector proposes to increase tuition fee for Belarusians and decrease for Russians

BSU Rector Siarhei Ablameika proposes to increase tuition for Belarusians and decrease it for Russians.

The Rector stated that at a press-conference in Minsk on March 24. He says in the BSU the tuition for Belarusians is about Br16 million a year, BelaPAN reports.

"It is necessary to increase the tuition fee. Prices on utilities, as well as wages have been increased. It has been centrally done across the country. We plan to increase the tuition for about 15-20%. Usually price increase occurs before July", the Rector said.

He noted that in the case of paying students, parents might realistically assess their financial capability. "When there are students from villages in the Department of International Relations they should access their financial capability, but not saying they have enough money to pay for studies. There are adequate reasons for reduction of the tuition fee, for example, when a student studies well. If not, what can we do?" - the Rector said.

Ablameika reported that BSU had 300 Russian citizens, half of them were on the same terms as Belarusian citizens (based on the results of the CT). The other half is learning on the conditions for foreigners, they pay $3.300 per year. Ablameika believes that the price for Russian citizens must be reduced, because due to the depreciation of the Russian ruble the current tuition fee is too high.

"The price becomes uncompetitive. There have already been cases when Russians take their documents and leave for Russia to continue study there, the price turns to be lower there", Ablameika explained. He says this year Russian citizens have been granted 10% discount of the tuition fee at BSU, next year it may reach 15%.