Delegation of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno discussed prospects for international cooperation with heads of diplomatic missions

Today, July 29, a meeting of representatives of Belarusian organizations with heads of diplomatic missions of the Republic of Belarus on issues of work in foreign markets was held in Minsk. The event was attended by Viachaslau Ramanenka, Vice-Rector of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, and Alena Belakoz, Head of the Internationalization Education Centre.

The annual consultations of heads of diplomatic missions of the Republic of Belarus with representatives of Belarusian enterprises have taken interaction to a qualitatively new level. The individual negotiation format made it possible to examine in detail the specifics of work in target foreign markets, resolve problematic issues, and adjust strategies for promoting their services abroad.

Representatives of YKSUG had the opportunity to hold substantive talks with Stanislau Chepurny, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to Turkmenistan. During the dialogue, the parties discussed in detail tools and recommendations for attracting Turkmen citizens to study at Belarusian universities. YKSUG representatives paid special attention to the prospects for developing inter-university cooperation, analyzing the degree of interest of the Turkmen side in joint research, academic exchanges of staff and students, as well as in the implementation of network educational programmes.

The diplomatic dialogue continued with a meeting between the university delegation and Aleksandr Chervyakou, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the People's Republic of China. During the conversation, university representatives expressed deep gratitude for the comprehensive support of scientific and educational projects implemented along the Chinese track. The parties placed special emphasis on the successful development of the joint initiative of YKSUG and Xinjiang Normal University to establish a Confucius Institute in Grodno, which has become a vivid example of effective international partnership.

The international cooperation of YKSUG also continued along the Azerbaijani track. During the meeting with Dzmitry Pinevich, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of Azerbaijan, the parties summarized the results of joint work, the main outcomes of which were the successful establishment and development of academic and scientific contacts with Azerbaijan University of Languages. In addition, the meeting participants highly appreciated the achieved successes in the export of educational services, expressed in the active attraction of Azerbaijani citizens to study at YKSUG.

An equally important vector of the university's international activity was the strengthening of ties with Southeast Asian countries, which was confirmed by the meeting with Uladzimir Baravikou, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and concurrently to the Kingdom of Thailand, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Our representatives turned to the head of the diplomatic mission with a request for assistance in establishing direct contacts with Vietnamese universities where Russian philology is studied. The parties discussed in detail the prospects for organizing academic exchanges that would allow foreign students to undergo specialized training in Grodno for 1–2 semesters.

During meetings with Aleksandr Agarodnikau, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as with Andrei Dapkyunas, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of Austria and the Slovak Republic, university representatives expressed sincere gratitude to the heads of both diplomatic missions. Our representatives highly appreciated the comprehensive assistance provided by the diplomats in implementing the initiatives of YKSUG, which made it possible to increase the export of educational services and strengthen the international image of the educational institution on the world stage.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Viachaslau Ramanenka and Alena Belakoz invited the diplomats to take part in the annual large-scale event "Kupala Dictation" and the events of the creative lounge "Belarus – a Crossroads of National Cultures," which are designed to unite representatives of different countries around the values of friendship and intercultural dialogue.

Guests from abroad to study Russian at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

From August 3 to 22, Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno will open its doors to participants of the 2026 Russian Language Summer School. The educational project will bring together students from Xinjiang Normal University (People's Republic of China) and Germany. The project is traditionally implemented on the basis of the Faculty of Philology, and its initiator and organizer is the Department of Russian Philology of YKSUG.

This year, participants will enjoy a rich three-week programme that will harmoniously combine study and leisure. Participants will attend daily Russian language classes with experienced teachers, lectures on the culture and history of Belarus, as well as a unique course "Karaoke in Russian." The Summer School programme is designed for deep immersion in the language environment and familiarization with modern Belarus, its rich culture and national traditions. International guests will enjoy exciting excursions around the Grodno region and the whole country, culinary and creative workshops. The plans also include vibrant musical evenings and, of course, constant live communication with our students.

It is worth noting that the school's programme is adapted to any level of language proficiency. This allows both beginners and advanced learners to significantly expand their vocabulary, overcome the language barrier and put their knowledge into practice.

Participation in the Summer School is an excellent opportunity for international students to improve their language skills and get to know the history and culture of our country more closely. We are confident that the Russian Language Summer School will become not only a platform for academic growth, but also a space for strengthening international dialogue and friendship.

Series of Master's Thesis defences by students from China continues at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

On the second day of the final qualifying thesis defences, 12 graduates of the "Educational Management" programme successfully crossed their main professional milestone.

The distinctive feature of the "Educational Management" programme is the combination of two different study formats. One of them is an experimental programme under which 81 students study during the holiday period. They come to the university three times during their studies, after which they complete the course with the defence of their Master's theses.

Full-time students, on the other hand, stay in Belarus throughout the year. Today, the most important and long-awaited day has arrived for them – the defence of their Master's theses. This graduation has already gone down in the history of the faculty due to a record number of honours students: for the first time, 15 students are eligible for diplomas with honours. Yesterday, seven Master's students already successfully confirmed their high status; today, the defence and confirmation of eight more "red" diplomas are on the agenda.

Alena Jukh, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Pedagogy, Associate Professor of the Department of Natural Sciences and Linguistic Disciplines and Methods of Their Teaching, shared her view on the level of training of Master's students and the specifics of their work:

– The topics of our graduates are quite serious and deep, all related to the field of educational management. The distinguishing feature of this cohort is the professional experience of the Master's students themselves. These are already established individuals: current lecturers and staff of Chinese universities with 5 to 7 years of work experience, who need a Master's degree for further career advancement. It is noteworthy that among our students there are many professional choreographers who teach at universities or run their own dance schools.

The topics of the research cover management in preschool institutions, primary and secondary schools, as well as management in higher education. Of particular interest are works devoted to changes in the management of the education system in the People's Republic of China. Since 2019, China has entered a new period associated with the active introduction of artificial intelligence. A large-scale reorganization of the educational process is currently underway there, and our Master's students are analyzing these changes in detail.

Alena Jukh also noted that another important block of topics is devoted to the preservation of cultural identity in the era of globalization and the cultural and aesthetic education of schoolchildren. A significant number of works are also related to subject-specific methodologies. For example, yesterday the committee heard a study on the methodology of teaching mathematics and natural sciences.

The degrees and diplomas obtained will open up new career prospects for the specialists and allow them to implement advanced educational practices in their home country. We are confident that this graduation will become another important step in strengthening academic dialogue and friendship between Belarus and China.

An Experimental Project, or How a Comprehensive Final Thesis Was Defended for the First Time at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

Today, July 28, the Faculty of History, Communication and Tourism hosted the defence of Master's theses by students from the People's Republic of China. The graduates successfully completed the educational programme in the specialisation "Journalism" with a profile in "Media Management" in English. The main innovation of this year was the defence of a comprehensive final thesis.

Three Chinese students – Chen Yihan, Zhou Lin, and Yang Fan – worked together throughout the academic year on one common problem: "The Blogosphere in the Chinese Internet Segment: Specifics of Media Platforms, Blog Concepts, Blogger Types, and Audiovisual Design." It is worth noting that such an experience of collaborative research with the participation of international students was the first not only for the Faculty of History, Communication and Tourism, but for the entire Kupala University as well.

The research supervisors were Inna Minchuk, Head of the Department of Journalism, and Anastasia Zezyulevich, Associate Professor of the Department of Journalism.

Inna Minchuk explained the specificity and uniqueness of this format of graduation thesis:

– The Master's students prepared individual studies within the framework of one common problem. While the methodology and analysis tools are uniform, each student has their own research platforms, practical material, observations, and conclusions. The work is aimed at identifying the specifics of the blogosphere in China on three different national media platforms. To develop a strategy for solving the common problem, each student explored their own thematic area: music blogs, cooking blogs, and travel blogs.

The reviewer of the comprehensive study was Viktor Belozorovich, Dean of the Faculty of History, Communication and Tourism. In his assessment, he emphasised that the value of such work lies not only in the final result, but also in the process itself: it is an excellent opportunity for students and teachers to unite to solve one complex problem and improve their teamwork skills.

The advantages of the new format of research work were also highlighted by Inna Minchuk, Head of the Department of Journalism:

– Firstly, by interacting with each other and coming together to solve one common problem, students immerse themselves in the research deeply and thoroughly. Secondly, during discussions of the topic with their supervisors – and regular consultations were held for the joint thesis – students get constant practice in English, which is a foreign language for both students and teachers. And thirdly, when several people come together to solve one problem, the results are more substantial. This is truly an interesting and useful experimental project that will allow us in the future to avoid a formal approach to comprehensive Master's research.

The State Examination Commission, chaired by Yuri Karnevich, Director of the Grodno Television and Radio Company, highly appreciated the results of the fruitful teamwork. The experts noted the relevance of the chosen topics, the depth of analysis, the scientific novelty, and, most importantly, the applied nature of the results.

PHOTO FACT: Defence of Master's Theses by students from China starts at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

The final state certification for international students from China has begun at YKSUG. Over the course of the year, the young researchers have been continuously staying in Belarus, fully immersed in the educational and research environment of the university. A total of 24 Master's students enrolled in the "Educational Management" programme are defending their final qualifying theses. The defence takes place from July 27 to 28, 2026.

The first day of the certification was held at a high level and brought excellent results. Twelve Master's students successfully defended their projects, with 7 of them receiving diplomas with honours. The topics of the Master's theses were distinguished by their depth, relevance, and practical significance for the modern education system. The young researchers focused on issues of strategic management, modernization of education, and implementation of innovations. The Master's students presented unique projects to the expert committee on topics such as improving the efficiency of music education in China, developing a ballroom dance association in China, optimizing the educational process in Chinese schools, the impact of modern pedagogical practices in vocational colleges, innovations in the dance education system, and many others.

We congratulate the Master's students on their successful thesis defence! We wish them the realization of all their plans and professional growth!

National Center for Artistic Creativity of Children and Youth announces call for applications for International Festival Competition "Creativity Without Borders"

This year, the large‑scale creative project will once again bring together young talents in vocal, choreographic, and instrumental genres. The competition annually gathers more than 10,000 participants aged 6 to 25 from all regions of Belarus and abroad, discovering new names and erasing boundaries for vibrant cultural exchange.

The festival, traditionally held during the autumn school break – from November 2 to 6 – has already won the sincere affection of its participants. The project is designed to unite like‑minded people, discover new talents, and support both solo performers and outstanding creative ensembles. This international meeting of cultures gives young people unforgettable emotions, broadens their horizons, and inspires them to new achievements through live communication with peers from different countries.

National Center for Artistic Creativity of Children and Youth reminds that the call for applications in vocal, choreographic, and instrumental genres will remain open until September 25 inclusive. Based on the results of the preliminary selection, approximately 200 competitive entries will be admitted to the second (final) stage.

The festival programme promises to be rich: participants will not only face competitive challenges but also enjoy professional master classes, creative meetings, an ethno‑disco, and exciting excursions. The high status of the event is confirmed by an international jury panel. Experts in the arts and education from Belarus and abroad not only objectively evaluate performances – they act as mentors, set the highest professional standards, and inspire young artists to new creative victories.

Applications are accepted online. Detailed information and the festival regulations are available on the official website of the National Center for Artistic Creativity of Children and Youth https://nchtdm.by/search/search_do/?search_string=%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%BE+%D0%B1%D0%B5%D0%B7+%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%86.

English-medium Master's degree programme for international students from China implemented at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

At the Faculty of Pedagogy of YKSUG, the English-medium Master's programme for international citizens from the People's Republic of China has entered its active summer phase. During the period from June 1 to September 30, 2026, 101 international students from China are studying in the specializations 7-06-0114-02 "Educational Management" and 7-06-0111-01 "Scientific and Pedagogical Activity" with English as the language of instruction.

Currently, the educational process is organized for 20 Master's students in the specialization 7-06-0111-01 "Scientific and Pedagogical Activity" (groups МДП-НПД-254 и МДП-НПД-255), as well as for 81 Master's students in the specialization 7-06-0114-02 "Educational Management" (groups МДП-ОМ-253, МДП-ОМ-254, МДП-ОМ-246, МДП-ОМ-247).

It is important to note that the key stage of completing the studies will be the final state certification. The defense of graduation theses is scheduled for August 24, 2026 for group МДП-ОМ-246 (8 students), and for September 28, 2026 for group МДП-ОМ-247 (29 students).

The educational process is structured according to a hybrid model, combining in-person classes during the summer period and during academic holidays with distance learning formats. Such an organization of the educational process allows for flexible training and the integration of international educational experience.

During the implementation of the programme, systematic and comprehensive educational processes have been achieved. Special attention is paid to the integration of the competency-based approach, and clear mechanisms for assessing the theoretical and practical readiness of students have been developed. The programme has a distinctly practice-oriented and socio-cultural focus. The developed educational and methodological support allows for the effective combination of academic depth with applied skills.

The implementation of the programme contributes to increasing the international attractiveness of Belarusian higher education and the formation of a sustainable interest in studying in an intercultural and English-language environment. As a result, Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno achieves a high level of quality education that meets modern requirements.

Interactive research-oriented seminars for international students held at YKSUG

The Department of Philosophy of the Faculty of Pedagogy of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno served as a venue for interactive research-oriented seminars "Exploring Creative Thinking of the Individual through Experimental AI-Assisted Projective Techniques." The project supervisor was Snezhana Semernik, Head of the Department of Philosophy, Doctor of Philosophical Sciences, Professor.

The seminars were attended by 10 students from the People's Republic of China: An Zilong, Zhu Zhenji, Liang Yuzhou, Luan Yongkang, Tian Luoyi, Chen Xin, Zhang Jian, Zhou Xueqin, Wu Shaohu, Cheng Xinru.

During the sessions, the students became familiar with methodological tools of the latest technologies for researching creative thinking and conducted diagnostics of creative thinking using experimental AI-assisted projective techniques.

The participants highly appreciated the organization of the seminar and expressed their gratitude for the interactive sessions, as well as their hope for further practical application of the knowledge gained.

Safety issues in the summer period discussed with international students of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

Today, July 16, an information and preventive event for international students was held at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno. Representatives of law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Emergency Situations informed the students about the main requirements of Belarusian legislation and the rules of conduct during the summer period.

The event was opened with a welcoming speech by Vasiliy Sianko, Vice-Rector for Ideological and Educational Affairs of YKSUG. Addressing the international students, he noted the relevance of the topic of the meeting, the need for an integrated approach to forming an understanding of the laws of the Republic of Belarus and safety rules, and their observance by students.

The speakers of the event were Dzina Sytaya, Head of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Leninsky District Police Department of Grodno, and Siarhei Filipovich, Senior Inspector of the Life Safety Promotion Centre of the Grodno Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

In her speech, the Head of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Leninsky District Police Department raised the issue of crime prevention. Dzina Sytaya drew special attention to the need to comply with the rules for paying fares on public transport, safe behaviour during the summer period, and the legal regulation of labour relations.

Siarhei Filipovich familiarised the international students in detail with the rules of conduct on the water and in the forest.

Such meetings are an important part of the work on adapting international students to studying and living in another country. Communication with representatives of law enforcement agencies helps to prevent emergencies and avoid violations of the law.

Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno hosted a delegation from Southwest State University

On July 16, Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno welcomed a delegation from Southwest State University. The main topics of the meeting were the discussion of promising areas of cooperation and the signing of the Cooperation Roadmap for 2026–2027.

Southwest State University was represented by Sergey Emelyanov, Rector of Southwest State University, Professor, Doctor of Technical Sciences, and Svetlana Belskaya, Research Fellow of the Department of Software Engineering.

Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno was represented by Iryna Kiturka, Rector, Aleksandr Karevskiy, First Vice-Rector, Vyacheslav Ramanenka, Vice-Rector, Aleksandr Varantsou, Dean of the Faculty of Physics and Technology, Dzmitry Linnik, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Sviatlana Cheburanava, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Siarhei Shcherbinin, Head of the Educational and Methodological Department, Anton Glazev, Head of the Research Division, Alena Belakoz, Head of the Center for Internationalization of Education, and Hanna Milasheuskaya, Acting Head of the International Cooperation Department.

The visit of the delegation of Southwest State University began with a visit to the Scientific and Technological Park of YKSUG. The Russian colleagues were introduced to the structure of the Technopark, informed about its main activities, and shown its technical equipment.

The participants then proceeded to Zhiliber Park for a solemn rally dedicated to the celebration of the Liberation Day of Grodno from the Nazi invaders. Representatives of the two universities laid flowers and wreaths at the Mass Grave of Soviet Soldiers and Partisans, honouring the memory of those who gave their lives for the freedom of the city of Grodno.

The main event of the day was the business negotiations within the walls of the main building of YKSUG.

At the beginning of the meeting, the guests from Russia were introduced to YKSUG, its departments, history and achievements. Then the Rector of the University, Iryna Kiturka, invited the colleagues to discuss promising areas of cooperation between the two universities, as well as the Cooperation Roadmap for 2026–2027 before its signing.

The Roadmap provides for cooperation in two areas: research and academic. The research sphere implies the identification of areas of scientific cooperation, the initiation of research practices, as well as the publication of research results in scientific journals of educational institutions. Within the framework of academic cooperation, staff exchanges for internships, professional development courses and lecturing will be carried out. The parties also agreed on the participation of universities in scientific-educational, cultural-enlightenment and civic-patriotic events, including the creative lounge "Belarus – a Crossroads of National Cultures," the open women's volleyball tournament for the Cup of the Rector of YKSUG, and the International Civic-Patriotic Marathon "Time Has Chosen Us!"

The outcome of the business negotiations was the signing of the Cooperation Roadmap. At the conclusion of the meeting, Iryna Kiturka thanked the Russian colleagues for the productive dialogue and presented them with commemorative gifts.

After the official part, the representatives of Southwest State University were given a sightseeing tour of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno.

For reference: Southwest State University is a leading classical-type university in central Russia. It is located in the city of Kursk and offers a wide range of technical, engineering, natural science, economic and humanities programmes.

Southwest State University has a strong system of international integration focused on the export of educational services and joint research projects. More than 700 international citizens from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America study at the university. The university is known for joint international projects on the development and launch of small spacecraft, regularly participates in major international educational exhibitions and Rossotrudnichestvo projects in the CIS countries.

Cooperation between Southwest State University and Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno began with the signing of an international cooperation agreement on June 7, 2022.

During the period from 2023 to 2026, representatives of Southwest State University took part in numerous international scientific conferences, seminars and round tables, as well as International Student Olympiads and intellectual tournaments of YKSUG.

During the period from March 3 to 6, 2026, the Head of the Department of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure and Forensic Science of Southwest State University took part in the XXVIII International Scientific-Practical Conference "Paradigm of Law in the Context of the Modern Development of Legal Science and Practice," organized by YKSUG.