1 : Universitetas : University

Description:Universities (called universitetas (university), akademija (academy), or seminarija (seminary)) represent university sector of higher education. Universities offer university level degree granting studies and award Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral degrees.

2 : Kolegija : Higher Education College

Description:Colleges of higher education (called kolegija (higher education college) or aukštoji mokykla (higher education institution)) represent non-university higher education sector. Colleges offer college-level degree-granting studies and award Professional Bachelor’s degrees.

entry:6/7

exit:16/17

Primary : Pradine mokykla, Progimnazija, Pagrindinė mokykla

Length of program:4

Age level from:6

Age level to:10

Certificate/Diploma awarded at end:Pradinio išsilavinimo pažymejimas (Certificate of Primary Education)

Basic First Stage : Progimnazija, Pagrindinė mokykla

Length of program:4

Age level from:10

Age level to:14

Certificate/Diploma awarded at end:Pagrindinės mokyklos baigimo pažymėjimas (PMP) (Certificate of Lower Secondary Education)

Basic Second Stage : Pagrindinė mokykla, Gimnazija

Length of program:2

Age level from:14

Age level to:16

Certificate/Diploma awarded at end:Pagrindinio išsilavinimo pažymėjimas (Certificate of Basic Education)

Secondary : Gimnazija

Length of program:2

Age level from:16

Age level to:18

Certificate/Diploma awarded at end:Brandos atestatas (Maturity Certificate)

The Lithuanian general school education consists of primary (pradinis), basic (pagrindinis), and secondary (vidurinis). Primary education lasts for 4 years and is intended for children from 6/7 to 10/11 years of age. Basic education lasts for 6 years and is divided into two stages: the first stage lasts for 4 years and is intended for children aged 10/11 to 14/15, the second stage lasts for 2 years and is intended for children aged 14/15 to 16/17. Secondary (vidurinis) education lasts for 2 years and is intended for children aged 16/17 to 18/19. Compulsory education encompasses primary and basic education.
General education can be offered at the following schools:
- pradinė mokykla, which can offer primary education;
- progimnazija, which can offer primary education and the first stage of basic education;
- pagrindinė mokykla, which can offer primary and basic education;
- gimnazija, which offers the second stage of basic education and secondary education.
The curricula of general education can also be integrated into vocational training programmes, which are offered at schools of vocational education and training (profesinė mokykla). The framework for the programme curriculum, learning outcomes, and assessment is set by the Ministry of Education and Science. The core of the secondary education programme consists of the following subjects: moral education (religion or ethics), languages (mother tongue and foreign languages), mathematics, social education (history, geography, or an integrated social sciences course), natural sciences (biology, physics, chemistry, or an integrated natural sciences course), arts (drawing, music, dance, theatre, or modern arts), information technologies, technologies, and physical education. Upon completion of the secondary education programme, pupils take a required number of school leaving examinations, which are of two types: state-level and school-level. The examinations serve as both a graduation and access to higher education requirement. Pupils who successfully complete the secondary education curriculum and pass the required examinations are awarded Brandos atestatas (Maturity Certificate) which gives access to higher education in Lithuania. Brandos atestatas is at NQF level 4 and at EQF level 4.

Lithuania has a binary system of higher education consisting of college and university studies. The focus of college level studies is the preparation for professional activity and applied research. The studies require 180–240 ECTS credits to complete and lead to a degree of profesinis bakalauras (Professional Bachelor). Holders of the degree have the right to enter 2nd cycle (Master) studies.
University studies are organized in three cycles. The 1st cycle university studies require 180–240 ECTS credits to complete and lead to a degree of bakalauras (Bachelor). The degree gives access to 2nd cycle studies. The 2nd cycle studies require 60–120 ECTS credits to complete and lead to a degree of magistras (Master). The degree gives access to 3rd cycle studies. The 3rd cycle is usually of 4-6 years and leads to a research degree of daktaras (Doctor). There are also vientisosios (integrated long-cycle) university studies (combining studies of the 1st and 2nd cycle), which are usually offered in several fields of medicine, veterinary medicine, law, and religious studies. The studies require 300–360 ECTS credits to complete and lead to a degree of magistras (Master).
Higher education institutions can also offer non-degree programmes, which award additional professional qualification and/or prepare for independent practice in several professional activities. Holders of higher education qualifications are eligible to such programmes. The programmes can be provided by colleges and universities and do not lead to a degree. The aim of programmes is to prepare students for independent professional practice or to upgrade professional qualification. To this type of programmes covers:
- rezidentūra (residency) programmes in medicine, odontology, veterinary medicine. Duration of residency studies is from 2 to 6 years. Rezidentūros pažymėjimas (Certificate of Residency) is awarded after completion of residency studies;
- programmes in pedagogical studies (pedagoginės studijos). Studijų pažymėjimas (Certificate of studies) is issued after completion of other non-degree granting studies.

Law on Higher Education and Research (2016)

Law on Education (2011)

Lithuanian, English

Non-university level

Description:College 1st cycle studies (kolegines studijos) . College studies are offered by college level institutions called colleges (kolegija) or higher education institutions (aukštoji mokykla). The studies last from 3 to 4 years (180-240 ECTS). They are intended to prepare students for professional activity on the basis of applied research activities and practice. The main standards and requirements irrespective of the field of study are nationally set. The studies are focused on the subjects relating to the field of study and to a certain extent to a narrower specialization with practical element comprising at least the third of the programme. To complete the programme, students are expected to prepare and defend a final thesis or, in certain cases, to pass final examinations. Successful graduates are awarded a Professional Bachelor’s degree (profesinio bakaluro laipsnis) in the field of study. A Professional Bachelor gives access to the 2nd cycle (Master) programmes after completing a bridging courses, which helps acquire the knowledge and skills that were not obtained during college studies and are necessary for successful studies in Master degree programmes.

University level first stage : University 1st cycle studies (universitetines pirmosios pakopos studijos)

Description:University 1st cycle studies are offered by university-level institutions called universities (universitetas), academies (akademija), or seminaries (seminarija). Studies last from 3 1/2 to 4 years (210 to 240 ECTS). Studies are research-oriented with subjects related to the field of study and to a certain extent a narrower specialization comprising most of the curriculum. The main standards and requirements irrespective of the field of study are nationally set. To complete the programme, students are expected to prepare and defend a final thesis or, in certain cases, to pass final examinations. Successful graduates are awarded a Bachelor’s degree (bakalauro laipsnis) in the field of study. The Bachelor’s degree (bakalauro laipsnis) gives access to the 2nd cycle (Master) programmes.

University level second stage : University 2nd cycle studies (universitetines antrosios pakopos studijos)

Description:Master studies: University 2nd cycle studies are offered by university-level institutions called universities (universitetas), academies (akademija), or seminaries (seminarija) where research related to the subject area is conducted. The studies last from 1 1/2 to 2 years (90 to 120 ECTS). They prepare for independent research activities and activities which require scientific knowledge and analytical skills. The main standards and requirements irrespective of the field of study are nationally set. To complete the programme, students are expected to prepare and defend a final thesis, which should be analytical and based on independent research. Successful graduates are awarded a Master’s degree (magistro laipsnis) in the field of study. Those who majored in Theology may be awarded a Licentiate degree in Theology (teologijos licenciato laipsnis). The Master’s degree (magistro laipsnis) gives access to the 3rd cycle (Doctoral) programmes. Integrated studies: Integrated (vientisosios) studies are long-cycle studies, which combine the 1st and 2nd university cycles. Holders of Maturity Certificate (Brandos atestatas) or a comparable qualification can be admitted. The studies last from 5 to 6 years (300 to 360 ECTS). The first part of the studies (240 ECTS) is considered to be part of the 1st cycle, the rest of the studies belong to the 2nd cycle. The regulations for each of the cycles apply accordingly. Successful graduates are awarded a Master’s degree (magistro laipsnis) in the field of study, which gives access to the 3rd cycle (Doctoral) programmes.

University level third stage : University 3rd cycle studies (universitetines treciosios pakopos studijos)

Description:University 3rd cycle studies are offered by university-level institutions called universities (universitetas), academies (akademija), or seminaries (seminarija), which were granted the right to offer Doctoral studies by the Ministry of Education and Science as able to conduct advanced research activities. At times doctoral studies may be jointly offered by university level higher education institutions and research institutes. Doctoral studies may be offered in the fields of science, humanities, and arts aimed at preparing for independent and/or experimental research. Doctoral studies last from 3 to 4 years (6 years part-time). They consist of doctoral courses (at least 30 ECTS), specific research activities, and preparation and public defence of a doctoral dissertation. Successful graduates are awarded a Degree of Doctor of Science (mokslo daktaro laipsnis) or a Degree of Doctor of Arts (meno daktaro laipsnis).

There is no special training provisioned for higher education teachers. However, there is a requirement for all lecturers to hold at least a Master's degree.

Course programmes are conducted by transmitting to the student specially prepared learning materials through the postal services. Various virtual environments were introduced and are developed by universities.

Švietimo, mokslo ir sporto ministerija

Street:A. Volano g. 2

City:Vilnius

PostCode:01124

www:https://smsm.lrv.lt

Contacts:Jurgita Šiugždinienė (Head), Job title : Minister

Lietuvos mokslo taryba - LMT

Role:Created in 1991 as an expert institution to look at the challenges of science development on a national level. It also advises the Goverment on science and research issues, evaluates research performance and represents Lithuanian science in European institutions and other international organisations.

Street:Gedimino pr. 3

City:Vilnius

PostCode:01103

www:http://www.lmt.lt

Contacts:Romas Baronas (Head), Job title : Chairman

Lietuvos kolgiju direktoriu konferencija

Street:Tvirtovės al. 35

City:Kaunas

PostCode:50155

www:http://www.kolegijos.lt

Contacts:Nerijus Varnas (Head), Job title : President

Lietuvos universitetu rektorių konferencija

Street:Laisvės al. 13

City:Kaunas

PostCode:44238

www:https://lurk.lt

Contacts:- Rimvydas Petrauskas (Head), Job title : President
- Kęstutis Kriščiūnas (Senior Administrative Officer), Job title : Secretary-General

Studijų kokybės vertinimo centras - SKVC

Services provided and types of students dealt with:Evaluation of foreign qualifications giving access to higher education and higher education qualifications. Information, consultation in the field of educational system of Lithuania. Information, consultation and recommendation on the evaluation and recognition of foreign qualifications related to higher education, evaluation and recognition of foreign qualifications and periods of study.

Recognition for profession:yes

Street:A. Goštauto g. 12

City:Vilnius

PostCode:01108

www:http://www.skvc.lt

Contacts:- Almantas Šerpatauskas (Head), Job title : Director
- Aurelija Valeikiene. (Senior Administrative Officer), Job title : Deputy Director

Lietuvos studentų sajunga

Street:A. Vivulskio g. 36, 2 a

City:Vilnius

PostCode:03114

www:http://www.lss.lt

Contacts:Vytautas Kučinskas (Head), Job title : President

Valstybinis studijų fondas

Role:Administers student finance

Grants:yes

Loans:no

Street:A. Goštauto g. 12-100

City:Vilnius

PostCode:01108

www:https://vsf.lrv.lt

Contacts:Ernestas Jasaitis (Head), Job title : Director

Švietimo mainų paramos fondas

Street:Rožių al. 2

City:Vilnius

PostCode:03106

www:http://www.smpf.lt

Contacts:Daiva Šutinytė (Head), Job title : Director

Brandos atestatas

Requirement for:Professional Bachelor’s programmes.

A comparable qualification

There is a numerus clausus which applies to state funded places, set by the Ministry of Education and Science according to the field of study. Institutions may set their own numerus clausus for fee paying students.

Brandos atestatas

Requirement for:Bachelor’s programmes and integrated programmes.

A comparable qualification.

There is a numerus clausus, which applies to state funded places, set by the Ministry of Education and Science according to the field of study. Institutions may set their own numerus clausus for fee paying students.

Generally, maturity (school level and state level) examinations serve as graduation and admission requirement. However, for admission to certain programmes, especially in arts, an entrance examination may be held.

Definition:A foreign student is a person who is not a permanent resident in Lithuania and is enrolled at a Lithuanian institution of higher education.

Admission Requirements:Foreign applicants should at least hold a level of education comparable to a Lithuanian qualification required for admission to the particular study programme. Information on the assessment and comparability of qualifications is provided by the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (Lithuanian ENIC/NARIC) (www.skvc.lt).

Quotas:Study grants awarded to EU students with foreign qualifications, irrespective of their nationality (including Lithuanian citizens who have acquired their education abroad) should not exceed 10 percent of all state funded grants.

Health:Health insurance is obligatory to all foreign students in Lithuania. EU citizens who have health insurance in their home country do not need additional insurance.

Language Proficiency:A student should be proficient in the language of instruction. Usually, the language of instruction is Lithuanian and an applicant has to pass the pass/fail test in Lithuanian language (www.flf.vu.lt/lsk/). In case the language of instruction is other than Lithuanian (English, German, or Russian), applicants must pass a test to demonstrate their proficiency in that language.

Entry Regulations:Entry regulations may vary depending on the country of origin of a foreign student. Foreign nationals are encouraged to contact a Lithuanian embassy or check on the websites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.urm.lt) and Migration Department (www.migracija.lt) whether they need a visa and a temporary residence permit.

Application to Individual Institution:Yes

Application to Central Body:Yes

While higher education institutions are primarily responsible for the quality assurance and are setting up systems of internal quality assurance, the external quality assurance in higher education is carried out by the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (www.skvc.lt). The Centre is an independent body, which carries out institutional and study programme assessment for the purposes of accreditation. The list of recognized higher education institutions and accredited study programmes is available at: www.aikos.smm.lt.

For Access to Non-University Post-Secondary Studies:Information on academic recognition of foreign qualifications for the purposes of study can be provided by the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (www.skvc.lt)

For Access to University Level Studies:Information on academic recognition of foreign qualifications for the purposes of study can be provided by the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (www.skvc.lt).

For Access to Advanced Studies/Research:Information on academic recognition of foreign qualifications for the purposes of study can be provided by the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (www.skvc.lt).

For the Exercise of a Profession:Information on academic recognition of foreign qualifications for the purposes of work for non-regulated professions can be provided by the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (www.skvc.lt).
Information on the recognition of regulated professions is available at www.profesijos.lt .

UNESCO Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees Concerning Higher Education in the States Belonging To the Europe Region (1994)

Council of Europe/UNESCO Convention on Recognition of Qualifications Concerning Higher Education in the European Region (Lisbon Recognition Convention) (1999)

Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education. Paris, 25 November 2019. (2022)

Is there social security:Yes

Details:Information is provided at http://www.studyinlithuania.lt

By Road:Yes

By Rail:Yes

Available to Foreign Students:Yes

Brandos atestatas

Description:All students are awarded the Brandos atestatas (Maturity Certificate) upon successful completion of secondary education and passing of school leaving examinations. It provides information on the annual marks for each of the subjects and the results of the school leaving examinations. It is the credential, which gives access to higher education in Lithuania.

Bakalauro diplomas

Description:Bachelor’s Diploma awarded after completion of the 1st cycle of university studies.

Credential required for entry:Brandos atestatas

Profesinio bakalauro diplomas

Description:Professional Bachelor’s Diploma is awarded after completion of the higher education college studies.

Credential required for entry:Brandos atestatas

Pazymejimas

Description:Certificate awarded after completion of non-degree studies, which awards additional professional qualifications and/or prepares for independent practice in several professional activities.

Credential required for entry:Profesinio bakalauro diplomas
Bakalauro diplomas

Magistro diplomas

Description:Master’s Diploma awarded after completion of 2nd cycle university studies lasting from 1.5 to 2 years.

Credential required for entry:Bakalauro diplomas

Magistro diplomas (integrated long-cycle)

Description:Master’s Diploma awarded after completion of integrated long-cycle (vientisosios) studies, which combine the 1st cycle and the 2nd cycle of university studies and last from 5 to 6 years.

Credential required for entry:Brandos atestatas

Daktaro diplomas

Description:There are two types of doctorates: - the Doctor of Science is awarded to a person who successfully completes full time studies (up to 4 years) or part-time studies (up to 6 years), prepares and defends a dissertation; may also be awarded to a person who has defended a dissertation without prior study at a HEI. - the Doctor of Arts is awarded to a person who successfully completes studies (usually - 4 years), prepares and defends an arts project; may also be awarded to a person who has passed required exams and defended an arts project.

Credential required for entry:Magistro diplomas

From:2018

To:2019

Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education, Vilnius, 2018. Bodies updated August 2022.