Deadline: 07-Jul-2026
The “Education for Belarusians” programme supports displaced or at-risk Belarusian students to continue full-time higher education in Lithuania and the Czech Republic. It provides a monthly allowance of €650 to help cover living expenses during Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Integrated degree studies. The initiative aims to strengthen educational continuity and civic resilience amid political disruption in Belarus.
Overview of the Education for Belarusians Programme
The “Education for Belarusians” programme is a higher education support initiative coordinated by the Central Project Management Agency in Vilnius, in collaboration with Belarusian civil society organisations and EU national contact points. It is designed to support students affected by political instability in Belarus by enabling them to continue their studies in safe academic environments.
The programme focuses on:
- Supporting displaced and at-risk Belarusian students
- Ensuring continuity of higher education
- Strengthening civic resilience and youth empowerment
- Addressing educational disruption caused by political circumstances
- Enabling access to EU higher education institutions
Objectives of the Programme
The initiative aims to protect educational opportunities and support academic continuity for affected students.
Key objectives include:
- Enabling access to full-time higher education abroad
- Supporting youth affected by political repression or displacement
- Strengthening civil society resilience through education
- Reducing barriers to academic progression
- Supporting integration into European higher education systems
Funding and Financial Support
The programme provides direct financial assistance to eligible students.
Funding structure:
- Monthly allowance: €650
- Purpose: Living expenses during studies
- Coverage period:
- Up to 10 months per academic year
- Maximum of 2 academic years
- Applies to:
- Bachelor’s programmes
- Master’s programmes
- Integrated degree programmes
Key conditions:
- Funding is only provided during active academic study periods
- Students must reside in the country of study
Eligible Study Destinations and Institutions
The programme supports studies in selected EU countries.
Eligible countries:
- Lithuania
- Czech Republic
Eligible institutions:
- Recognised higher education institutions in Lithuania
- Recognised universities in the Czech Republic
Study mode requirement:
- Only full-time, in-person study programmes are eligible
- Remote or distance learning programmes are not eligible
Eligibility Criteria
The programme is specifically targeted at Belarusian students in vulnerable situations.
Eligible applicants include:
- Current or former citizens of Belarus
- Students enrolled or planning to enrol in eligible programmes
- Applicants with offers for the 2026/2027 academic year or later
- Individuals studying since the 2020/2021 academic year onward
Additional eligibility conditions:
- Must reside in the country of study
- Must be enrolled in full-time Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Integrated programmes
- Must demonstrate academic ability and motivation to complete studies
Target groups:
- Students expelled from Belarusian universities
- Students facing political threats or persecution
- Students whose families have experienced political pressure
Special Eligibility for SALT Programme Participants
Applicants previously supported under the SALT programme may still be eligible.
Conditions include:
- Continued study in the same academic pathway, OR
- Progression to a higher academic level (e.g., Bachelor’s to Master’s)
- Successful completion of previously funded studies
Programme Rationale and Importance
The initiative plays a key role in supporting educational rights and civic resilience.
Key importance includes:
- Protecting access to higher education under political repression
- Supporting displaced youth in continuing academic pathways
- Strengthening democratic and civic resilience through education
- Enabling integration into European academic systems
- Reducing long-term disruption to educational careers
How the Programme Works / Application Flow
The programme follows a structured support model for eligible students.
Step-by-step process:
- Applicant confirms eligibility based on citizenship and study status
- Student applies for or enrolls in an eligible university programme
- Application is submitted through the programme channels
- Eligibility and documentation are reviewed
- Selected students receive monthly financial support
- Funds are disbursed during active study periods
- Students must continue full-time academic participation
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying for part-time or distance learning programmes
- Failing to demonstrate residency in the study country
- Applying without valid university admission or offer
- Missing proof of eligibility related to Belarusian citizenship
- Assuming support continues outside the academic period
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve chances of selection:
- Secure admission to a recognised Lithuanian or Czech university
- Clearly document academic progression and study plans
- Provide evidence of eligibility and residency status
- Demonstrate academic motivation and ability to complete studies
- Ensure all documentation aligns with programme requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is eligible for this programme?
- Current or former Belarusian citizens affected by political circumstances who are studying or planning to study in Lithuania or the Czech Republic
What financial support is provided?
- A monthly allowance of €650 for living expenses
What level of study is supported?
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Integrated degree programmes
Can I study remotely?
- No, only full-time in-person study is eligible
How long is the support provided?
- Up to 10 months per year, for a maximum of 2 academic years
Which countries are included?
- Lithuania and the Czech Republic
Can SALT programme participants apply?
- Yes, if continuing or progressing academically after successful completion
Conclusion
The “Education for Belarusians” programme is a targeted educational support initiative that enables displaced and at-risk Belarusian students to continue higher education in Europe. By providing financial assistance and access to recognised universities in Lithuania and the Czech Republic, it helps safeguard academic continuity and strengthens long-term educational and civic resilience.
For more information, visit CPVA.
