Choosing a future profession is always stressful for both graduates and their parents. Finding a vocation one loves, enrolling on a state quota, and then not being left alone with the job market after graduation are not easy tasks. We spoke with Sergey Romanovsky, deputy head of the Cherikovsky Police Department for ideological work and personnel provision, about the alternative to civilian universities that the police ministry offers today.

— Sergey Vladimirovich, the Cherikovsky Police Department accepts applications from applicants until 15 April 2027. Where exactly can one apply, and what is the fundamental difference between these institutions and ordinary civilian universities?

— We conduct selection of candidates for departmental educational institutions: the “Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs,” the “Mogilev Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs,” and the “College of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.” The main difference is absolute certainty and stability. Cadets live under full state provision from day one: free accommodation, three meals a day, uniform. Instead of a regular stipend, they receive a monetary allowance. And perhaps the most significant thing in our time is guaranteed employment. A graduate does not need to search for a job, send out resumes, or worry about lack of experience. The place of service is assigned to them from the outset, and the years of study immediately count toward seniority.

• Let's break down the training routes. The first is higher education. What are the requirements for candidates here?

— If we are talking about the Academy or the Mogilev Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, it is a classic general higher education in a full‑time form. We invite civilian youth—boys and girls—aged 17 to 28. One can apply after finishing school, lyceum, or college. The duration of study is four years. Applicants take three entrance examinations: Russian or Belarusian language, social studies, and the history of Belarus in the context of world history.

— What prospects open up for a graduate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs College? After all, it's a secondary specialized education—won't they be disadvantaged in terms of career?

— Under no circumstances. This is a unique feature of our departmental system. After graduating from the college, the graduate receives a diploma with the qualification “Lawyer,” and is immediately granted the special rank of “police lieutenant.” He is then assigned to serve in the interior ministry on full officer positions— in public safety police units or other structures of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In other words, within less than two years a young man becomes an officer with excellent career prospects, and the further possibility of obtaining higher education.

— It sounds tempting, but there's not much time left until mid‑April. Where should a young person who has decided to enroll start?

— You should start right now, not postpone until the last moment. The process of filing a personal file and passing the military medical commission takes a certain amount of time. Come personally to our office by April 15, 2027. We will explain everything in detail, show you, and help you decide. We are waiting for determined young people ready to take a serious and correct step toward their future!

• Thank you for the conversation.