The foremost dream of Advanced Level students following the Bio Stream is to enter university to pursue a degree course in Medicine and become a Doctor of Medicine some day. Unfortunately all students who pass the Advanced Level with the requisite marks needed to apply for university admission are not lucky to get placements in our universities due to limited places available in them. Therefore, the only avenue open for such students is to explore the prospects of varied options available for studying medicine overseas, at university level.

Pathe Academy, leading Provider of Medical Education Abroad (No. 111/ ½, Maya Avenue, Colombo 6. - www.patheacademy.org) wish to help such aspiring students to fulfil their dream by guiding them to enrol in a world-class medical institution in the Republic of Belarus, located in the centre of Europe, bordering Russia, Ukraine, Baltic States and Poland (one day travel time to Germany by train). It is none other than the Vitebsk State Medical University (VSMU), the premier medical institution in Belarus which was formerly a part of the Soviet Union and now an independent, sovereign state. ‘Belarus’ means ‘White Russia,’ a tender and poetic name that befits the country in the best way. ‘White’ means clean, fair and innocent. Likewise, the people of Belarus are humane, values stay eternal and it stands as a land of calmness.

VSMU’s origin dates back to November, 1934, when it was founded as an essential link in the chain of medical institutions in the former Soviet Union. It has been in existence for over 75 years now and is reckoned to be a highly placed medical university in the whole of Europe.

The academic plan is developed and maintained according to the European Qualifications framework. Students successfully completing the 3rd year are eligible for transfer to the 4th year of the MD programme in any European medical institution. The Kaunas University in Latvia (belonging to Shenegen VISA Zone) is one of them which mostly accepts such students.

VSMU started enrolling foreign students in 1981, being the first in Belarus to do so. Since then more than 1250 foreign students, including over 100 Sri Lankans have graduated from this institution and presently more than 5000 students, both local and foreign, including over 200 Sri Lankans admitted by Pathe Academy are studying in Vitebsk. Its degree of MD is recognized by the Sri Lanka Medical Council, General Medical Council (UK), the WHO, ECFMG of USA and many others.

Benefits of studying in Belarus
The system of higher education in Belarus is well formulated and is of a high level, compatible with European standards. Students could experience the richness of Europe in general and enjoy the harmonious and peaceful environment of Belarus in particular.

Travel to other European countries during summer vacation for sightseeing or part-time work.
Tuition and hostel fees and cost of living, low and affordable in comparison to other places of equal standing.

Simple and straightforward entry process with no visa interviews, no bank statements asked in support of financial standing etc. Avail the expertise of Pathe Academy (Hot line: 077 3017883) with its long experience in admitting a large number of students studying during the last six years or so.