MINSK, 3 August (BelTA) – Belarus should not blindly chase Western standards in education but instead adopt what is sensible, especially when it comes to the functioning of master’s programs. Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he heard a report from Education Minister Andrei Ivanets on 3 September, BelTA has learned.
“Master’s programs are an issue that I am closely monitoring. How are we performing there today? You and I agreed that we would not chase these Western standards. However, where there is something sensible, we will adopt it. If a master’s degree is needed for education, further study, scientific research, pedagogical practice, or for foreign students, by all means, we can provide that opportunity. But this must be done without any jumping the gun or blindly copying the experience of certain Western educational centers or states,” the president said.
“We are training professionals for our own needs. Upon graduating from a university, they must receive a higher education diploma. Only after that, depending on how much our state needs it, will we consider master’s programs. This is roughly how we discussed this concept. I would like to know how this is being implemented in practice,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said, outlining one of the issues.



