System of education in Belarus in June 2026 

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14 July 2026
System of education in Belarus in June 2026
Photo: Ministry of Defence

June is a distinctive month for the Belarusian education system, marking the transition period between the end of the school year and the beginning of the summer holidays. The most significant event in June is traditionally the publication of the results of the centralized examinations (CE) and centralized testing (CT), an analysis of which allows for some preliminary conclusions about the possible direction of the admissions campaign, the main phases of which will take place in July.

At the same time, summer health camps open across the country in June, becoming the principal location for ideological and paramilitary activities among schoolchildren. These activities continued to be held in preschool, secondary vocational, and higher education institutions throughout the month, demonstrating the continuous nature of these activities regardless of the season and stage of the educational process.

Detailed results of the monitoring study are presented in the full version (link to document), however the key features and events of in Belarusian education in June include the following:

1. Results of centralized examinations (CE) and centralized testing (CT) and their impact on the admissions campaign

The particular attention given to centralized examinations and testing results was driven by the previous year’s results in which applicants’ scores demonstrated an abnormally high increase. An analysis of the 2026 centralized examination results reveals a mixed picture, particularly when looking at the results for individual subjects. While 638 graduates achieved the maximum 100 points in their elective subjects[1] – an increase of only 15 compared to the previous year – the results for the state language exam demonstrated a very different dynamic. 1,301 graduates achieved the maximum score in Russian – more than 1.8 times higher than last year’s results and which represents a sharp increase in the number of those achieving 100 points in this subject. A similar situation was observed when analyzing the results of the centralized testing, which was conducted this year on May 26[2] and 29[3], and June 2 and 5.[4] Although the total number of perfect scores in the centralized testing results has decreased compared to last year (800 versus 981), the results of the Russian language test also appear anomalous.

Despite the overall decline in the number of perfect scores, the number of perfect scores in this subject increased by almost 1.7 times compared to the previous year. Taking together the results of the central examination and centralized testing, 2,864 perfect scores were recorded in 2026 – 282 more than the previous year. This set a new record for the total number of tests with zero errors. This is largely owing to the results in tests for Russian language, where the most significant increase in the number of perfect scores was observed. This phenomenon may have a significant impact on the admissions campaign. The overall increase in competition scores, primarily due to improved results in the Russian language, will likely lead to another increase in passing scores for both state-funded and fee-paying places at higher education institutions. As a result, some applicants, despite relatively high results, may not qualify due to increased competition across the board among applicants.

Under these circumstances, some applicants will have several options, each of which, to varying degrees, aligns with the state’s interests in employee training. First, applicants who do not achieve the guaranteed score for general admission can pursue targeted training, for which 6,300 places have been allocated in 2026.[5] Second, technical college education may be an alternative to university admission. Finally, another option for applicants may be to enroll in programs that have experienced recruitment challenges in recent years and where admission is often possible even with relatively low entry scores. This primarily applies to agricultural programs, which are supported by the state but are in low demand among young people.

2. Downward trend in the number of students in Belarusian schools continues

In mid-June, Olga Karzhova, a representative of the Ministry of Education, announced that approximately 82,000 first-graders would enroll in Belarusian schools in September 2026.[6] Although the official’s statement was neutral and aimed at allaying concerns among parents of future schoolchildren, the announced figure demonstrated a continuing downward trend in the number of students in Belarusian schools. Moreover, monitoring studies and independent media reports[7] indicate that this trend is long-term. Compared to last year alone, the number of first-graders will decrease by almost 10%, and when considered over a longer period, the situation appears even more alarming: over the past five years, the number of children entering first grade has decreased by approximately a third. Significantly, this trend shows no signs of reversing in the near future. The number of preschool-aged children in Belarus also continues to decline rapidly, suggesting a further decline in the number of first-graders for at least the next three years. The main factors influencing this situation are the declining birth rate in Belarus and the increasing outflow of young families abroad. The decline in school enrollment has serious consequences for the country’s entire education system, as it will ultimately lead to further optimization of the educational network, including the closure of schools with small enrollments and reductions in teaching staff. These processes will most noticeably affect small towns, especially rural areas, where negative demographic trends are most acute. Furthermore, this situation may further impact the decline of Belarusian-language education, as a significant number of Belarusian-language schools are located in rural areas and small towns.

3. Ideological events at the end of the school year and the instilling of an ideological component in schoolchildren’s summer recreation programs

The beginning of summer break for schoolchildren and the end of the academic year at colleges and universities notwithstanding, the results of the monitoring study showed that ideological work in the Belarusian education system has not ceased. The main areas of ideologization of the educational process, observed throughout the academic year, continued to be implemented at all levels of education.

The main focus of ideological efforts in June were the numerous events dedicated to the Great Patriotic War (the Second World War – WWII). In June, regular meetings between students and representatives of the Belaya Rus movement and party were held at colleges and universities across Belarus as part of the Immortal Glory of the Great Victory project. Meetings between young children and prosecutors continued in preschools in the Minsk region as part of the Letter on Belarus project, where children were told about the events of WWII. At summer camps, prosecutors held customary lectures on the “genocide of the Belarusian people” during WWII. At the end of the month, students from Belarusian schools, colleges, and universities were actively invited to the Russian traveling museum Victory Train. In connection with the anniversary of the beginning of WWII, all levels of education were involved in various commemorative rallies and events. On the eve of June 22, events were held across the country as part of United Awareness Day on the theme Remembrance for the Future. College and university students participated along with teachers and lecturers. The nationwide minute of silence held on June 22 also gained national traction. As during the Victory Day celebrations in May, there were reports of young children dressing up in military uniforms. Even more significant was an event attended by students from a college in Gomel.[8] As part of this activity, students first attended a reenactment of a military battle, after which they were given the opportunity to pose for photographs with weapons. Such practices are poorly aligned with the spirit of commemoration events marking the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, whose central idea has been to preserve the memory of the victims of war and promote anti-war values.

Throughout June, classes openly aimed at disseminating pro-government ideological narratives among children and young people were held at various educational levels. The most striking example of such meetings was the resumption of the Step to Success campaign, which has been held for the past several years at summer camps for children. Officials, members of parliament, and pro-government activists often serve as speakers for this project, putting across a pro-government ideological agenda to schoolchildren. Another significant area of ​​ideological efforts was the promotion of official symbols among children and teens. Special classes were held in kindergartens and summer camps, during which students drew the official flag of Belarus on the pavement with chalk. Concurrently, special ideological classes on official symbols were held for camp attendees across the country. The practice of engaging schoolchildren and students in overtly propagandistic campaigns and events continued. Over the course of the month they were recruited to participate in pro-government flash mobs, photographed wearing t-shirts with quotes from Alexander Lukashenko,[9] taken to events that discussed the “imperialist and neo-fascist” policies of the United States[10] and the rewriting of the history of the war by Western countries,[11] shown propaganda museum exhibits,[12] and pressed into taking photos with the book Our President.[13]

4. Conclusion of major paramilitary tournaments and the militarization of student summer holidays

The transitional character of June was particularly evident in the militarization of the Belarusian education system. Over the course of the month, paramilitary events typically held at the end of the school year wrapped up simultaneously and rolled into similar practices for the summer vacation system for children and teens.

In early June, mandatory military field training for 10th-grade students continued in all Belarusian schools. In 2026, these training sessions were first held in a ten-day format. During the training, students received drill, tactical, and firearms training, learned the basics of operating unmanned aerial vehicles, and learned how to provide first aid in the field. Another important feature of June was the conclusion of most of the major military tournaments and competitions held among students throughout the school year. The finals of the traditional military games Zarnichka,[14] Zarnitsa,[15] and Orlyonok[16] were held at the Brest training ground. Also in early June, the finals of the Vyzov[17] tournament, held among Belarusian schoolchildren, took place. The regional military sports game Bastions was held in Molodechno for students from colleges in the Minsk Region.[18] Regional stages of the Proryv paramilitary tournament were held in Minsk,[19] the Grodno Region,[20] and other regions of the country, with teams from various universities actively participating. The Orthodox Church also hosted several paramilitary tournaments for schoolchildren.

On the other hand, with the start of the summer recreation season, a shift in militarized practices was observed in children’s camps. It should be noted first that a network of military-patriotic camps was opened across the country. Concurrent with this, a militarized component was actively integrated into regular summer camp programs. Specifically, visits by representatives of law enforcement agencies to camps have become a common practice. During these visits, schoolchildren are introduced to the specifics of service in the security forces, told about its benefits, and encouraged to consider a future in the security forces. Another component of the militarization of summer recreation programs has been organized visits by children and teens to military units and other divisions of the security forces. During these events, schoolchildren are introduced to the conditions of service, army life, and the activities of the security forces, while at the same time engendering a positive attitude toward military service.

5. Intensification of international contacts with traditional partners, repression against students and graduates of the European Humanities University (EHU), and the decline in the positions of Belarusian universities in international rankings

Throughout June, international contacts in education were established between Belarus and foreign partners from Azerbaijan, Algeria, Vietnam, Ghana, Egypt, Zimbabwe, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, North Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, the UAE, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Sri Lanka. In June, China and Russia remained Belarus’s traditional primary focus of international educational cooperation. However, for the first time in a long time, the intensity of contacts with Chinese partners was higher than that of with Russian partners. An equally important report from June was the increase in educational contacts with Belarus’s other traditional educational partners – Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Among the most significant events in the development of the educational partnership between Belarus and China are negotiations on the establishment of an educational and cultural center for Chinese students in Minsk.[21] Also in June, Grodno State University announced the imminent opening of another Confucius Institute on its premises, demonstrating the further expansion of China’s presence in the Belarusian education system.[22] However, the growth of educational contacts with China does not mean a reduction in cooperation with Russia. On the contrary, cooperation with Russia continues to develop. At the end of June, plans were announced to launch School 21 in Belarus – a Sberbank educational project aimed at training IT specialists.[23].

The Belarusian education system remains isolated from the European educational space, and no contacts with European partners were observed over the reporting period. Moreover, as predicted earlier, repressive practices against former and current EHU students in Belarus began to intensify in June. According to human rights organizations and independent media, dozens of cases of searches and summonses for questioning were recorded in Belarus over the course of the month against individuals currently studying or previously studying at the university.[24] The demonstrative refusal to cooperate with European countries in education is having a negative impact on the development of the Belarusian education system as a whole. One indicator of this trend was the publication of the latest edition of the QS World University Rankings 2027, in which the positions of Belarusian universities continued to decline.[25] Compared to last year, Belarusian State University (BSU) lost 86 positions in the ranking and took 533rd place, Belarusian National Technical University (BNTU) fell to the 901-950 group, and the Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics (BSUIR) dropped out of the ranking of the best universities in the world altogether.

6. Celebrations of Russia Day held by pro-Russian organizations in Belarus

In the first half of June, pro-Russian organizations in Belarus actively celebrated Russia Day by holding a series of events at various venues with the participation of Belarusian school and university students, local government bodies, and the general public.

On June 2, the Belarusian State Philharmonic hosted a celebratory concert, A Military Deed – A Spiritual Deed, to mark Russia Day.[26] The concert was part of the IV International Music Festival, which has been held in hero cities and cities of military glory since 2022.[27] Military orchestras, spiritual choirs, folk music ensembles, and renowned soloists participated in the festival. The event was attended by Russian Ambassador to Belarus Boris Gryzlov.[28] In Minsk, on the eve of Russia Day on June 9, the multimedia show Opera a la Russe was held at the Great Concert Hall of the Belarusian State Philharmonic as part of the creative project In the Language of Music.[29] The event was organized by the Russian Ministry of Culture with the support of the Rossotrudnichestvo Representative Office in Belarus.

On June 11, the documentary film Thank You, Dear One! was screened at the Russian House in Minsk.[30] Notably, the film revolves around, among others, the notorious singer SHAMAN and chess grandmaster Sergey Karyakin. Both openly support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. That same day, the feature film Catherine the Great was shown at the Russian House in Minsk. Both screenings were part of Russia Day celebrations.[31]

In addition to those held in Minsk, various Russia Day events were conducted at the regional branches of Russian Houses. Russia Day celebrations were held in Mogilev at the Mogilev Regional Technical Library, where a literary and musical evening, The Many Faces of Russia, was held. Speaking at the event, Lyudmila Volodko, Chairperson of the Russian Cultural and Educational Society, emphasized the “historical connection between the peoples of Russia and Belarus.”[32] Vladislav Deinego, Head of the Russian Embassy Office in Mogilev, was the guest of honor. The celebrations included an awards ceremony for active members and partners of the Russian Cultural and Educational Society in Mogilev. They received certificates of appreciation and gifts from the Rossotrudnichestvo office in Belarus. To commemorate Russia Day, the Russian House in Gomel opened an exhibition called Small Towns – Great Inspiration.[33] This is a joint project with the Kaliningrad Region House of Creativity, which commenced after the signing of a cooperation agreement with the Gomel Regional Folk Art Center.[34] In addition to the exhibition, a film screening for students of Gomel educational institutions dedicated to Russia Day was held at the Russian House in Gomel.[35] A festive concert dedicated to Russia Day was also held at the Russian House in Grodno.[36].

For the second year in a row, Russia Day celebrations in Belarus held by pro-Russian organizations have been systematic, engaging Belarusian audiences in themed film screenings, concerts, and exhibitions. Belarusians and representatives of creative groups from Russia participate in these concerts and performances. This approach and active participation only strengthens the connections between the two countries.

7. Pro-Russian organizations’ work with Belarusian students during the summer holidays and activities for International Children’s Day.

In our monitoring reviews a year ago, we noted an emerging trend of pro-Russian organizations working with Belarusian students during the summer holidays. June 2026 confirmed this trend. Organizations are attempting to become more actively involved in student outreach during the holidays.

A celebration for families with children with disabilities was held at the equestrian club in the village of Kleyniki in the Brest District. The event was held as part of Together for a Happy Childhood, which is a project is supported by the Public Council under Rossotrudnichestvo and the Center for International Interaction and Cooperation.[37] The staff of the Russian House in Gomel also held an event for children with special needs on Children’s Day.[38] In Gomel, the Russian House also supported the Let’s Give Children a Holiday charity event organized by the Gomel Regional Branch of the Belarusian Children’s Fund.[39] The Russian House in Grodno and the Russian Consulate General in Grodno participated in the opening of a camp at the Specialized Boarding School in Novogrudok. Consul-Counselor Gavriil Mamontov, Yulia Semenchenko Director of the Russian Center for Science and Culture, and Oleg Anikevich, Director of the Specialized School, participated in the event.[40] All participating students received gifts from the Russian House and Russian-language books were donated to the school library. This was not the only book donation from the Russian House in Grodno in June. For example, 90 Russian-language books were presented to the Skidel City Library.[41] Students from the school camp of School No. 3 in Skidel participated in the presentation of the books. Pro-Russian organizations also organized events in Brest to mark Children’s Day. A film screening and gift presentation were held at the Russian House in Minsk for students of the Masks theater studio.[42] The studio operates under the direction and patronage of the Russian Society. The events were held on June 1 and 2.[43]

Film screenings became the primary format for Russian Houses’ outreach to students in June. The Russian House in Minsk hosted three days of film screenings for primary school students as part of the Cinema Without Borders social and humanitarian campaign.[44] Several screenings for Sunday school students were also held in Grodno. On June 9, the Russian House in Grodno hosted a film screening for children from the Sunday school at the Church of St. Afanasy of Brest.[45] A similar screening was held there on June 15 for students from the Sunday school at the Church of the Synaxis of Belarusian Saints.[46]

With the holiday season in Belarus in full swing in July, pro-Russian organizations can be expected to continue to actively engage Belarusian students in school and recreational camps, both at their own sites and at educational and recreational institutions.

8. Events for Belarusian students and youth in Russia

During the summer months, multiple events are traditionally organized in Russia for Belarusian students and youth. These events are most often cultural, military, and patriotic in nature. Many are implemented through the New Generation[47] and Hello, Russia![48] programs.

In June, Belarusian schoolchildren and teachers participated in an educational program in St. Petersburg as part of the Pushkin’s Petersburg project.[49] Special mention should be made of the project’s organizers, which include the St. Petersburg Committee for External Relations, the All-Russian A.S. Pushkin Museum, the Institute of Russian Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Rossotrudnichestvo, and the Russkiy Mir Foundation. Another important event in St. Petersburg was the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.[50] It was attended by young workers from several large Belarusian companies, including Grodno-based Terrazit and Grodno Azot.[51] Young people from Grodno, Brest, and Minsk attended the SPIEF through the New Generation program.[52] At the Forum, young people met with Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, where they “discussed current issues in international youth policy and common challenges.” Maria Zakharova is known for her anti-Ukrainian and anti-Western rhetoric.

In June, athletes from Belarus took part in a mountain rafting trip in the Altai Republic as part of the International Cultural and Sports Rafting Forum White Water of Siberia 2026.[53] This is not the first time Belarusian athletes have participated in this forum, which has become an annual event. The Belarusian athletes’ trip was held as part of the Rossotrudnichestvo New Generation program.[54]

In June, several cohorts of Belarusian students participated in military-patriotic events. Students from the Minsk Suvorov Military School participated in the IV International Cadet Friendship Festival called In Unity Lies Strength! for students of pre-university general education institutions of the Russian Ministry of Defense and aligned countries[55] They also visited the My Country. My History museum and exhibition complex, which features symbols of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The same group from the Minsk Suvorov Military School participated in the international youth military sports game Heirs of Victory in Russia in mid-June.[56].

In addition to the events held in June, there were some that were only announced. As part of the Hello, Russia![57] program, the Code: Russia! [58] cultural and educational trip program was opened. The program is being launched by the Russian House in Minsk and is aimed at young people and schoolchildren aged 14-19. The winners of the Belarusian student categories will travel to cities in Russia, including Yugra, North Ossetia-Alania, the Pskov Region, and to the International Children’s Center Artek. It is worth noting that following the successful actions of the Ukrainian armed forces in Crimea, trips to Artek have been postponed until the end of the summer.

In addition to trips to Russia, major events involving Belarusian and Russian students were also held in Belarus. Nearly 150 Belarusian[59] students met at a gathering in the Gomel Region during the 34th session of the International Tent Camp for Friendship of Children of Fraternal Nations.[60] Delegations from St. Petersburg and Novozybkov represented Russia at the gathering.

9. Contacts with institutions from the occupied territories of Ukraine

In June, significant promotion and outreach was conducted on various awards, competitions, and applications through the media channels of pro-Russian organizations targeting Belarusian students and youth. Among the largest was recruitment for the Knowledge.Award,[61] in which Belarusian citizens aged 18 and over are eligible to participate. New award categories are also worth noting: “For Contribution to Preserving the Unity of the Peoples of Russia” – in honor of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia – and the category for foreign citizens and international projects – “Foreign Educator.”[62] The award is presented to those who objectively illuminate historical facts about Russia, combat falsifications, and highlight the country’s role on the international stage and the new opportunities it offers.

In June, Belarusians aged 18 to 35 were invited to apply for the Ladoga Youth Educational Forum.[63] The 2026 forum’s main theme will be “strengthening civic identity through culture and history.”[64] The forum will be held from August 30 to September 4, 2026. In June, the application period for the II Alexander Sveshnikov International Choral Conducting Competition was announced.[65] Students and graduates of music universities, as well as conductors aged 18 to 35, are eligible to participate. Foreign participants will be provided with accommodation in Moscow.[66]

During monitoring in June, several contacts between the Belarusian education system and institutions in the occupied territories of Ukraine were recorded.

On the eve of Russian Language Day, a teleconference entitled “The Living Great Russian Word of Vladimir Dahl” was held at the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Grodno.[67] The event was notable for its participation by experts and faculty from the occupied territories of Ukraine, namely Simferopol and Luhansk.[68] Belarus was represented by faculty from Grodno and Skidel, along with students of philology. On June 28, a teleconference with the V. Shatalov Donetsk State Pedagogical University was held at the I. P. Shamyakin Moscow State Pedagogical University.[69] The event was dedicated to Belarus’s Independence Day.[70] University faculty and rector’s office staff participated. As the organizers of the teleconference noted, it “became a symbol of unity and solidarity between the Belarusian and Donetsk peoples, helping to strengthen ties, preserve historical memory, and foster patriotism.”[71].

Several notable cooperation agreements were signed between the town of Ivye in the Grodno Region and Crimea. Chief among these are the Agreement on Cooperation and Joint Activities between the Ivye Secondary School and the Maltsev School Academy Educational Complex in Bakhchisaray, as well as an agreement between the Ivye Museum of National Cultures and the Yalta Historical and Cultural Museum.

Through such events (teleconferences, signing of official agreements, etc.), cooperation with occupied Crimea, along with Donetsk and Luhansk, is formalized. The main consequence of such actions is the targeted legitimization and normalization of the status of the occupied territories in the minds of Belarusian teachers and students. This leads to further entrenchment of the Belarusian education system within Russia’s orbit of ideological and political influence.

Материал доступен на русском языке: Система образования Республики Беларусь в июне 2026

14.07.2026