☰
INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS
Types of higher education institutions:
Universitetas (University)
Kolegija (College)
School leaving and higher education credentials:
Brandos atestatas
Aukštojo mokslo diplomas (non-university)
Bakalauro diplomas
Aukštojo mokslo diplomas (integrated)
Aukštojo mokslo diplomas (specialization)
Magistro diplomas
Daktaro diplomas
Meno licenciato diplomas
Rezidentūros pabymējimas
STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM
Pre-higher education:
Duration of compulsory education:
Age of entry: 6
Age of exit: 16
Structure of school system:
Primary
Type of school providing this education:
Pradinė
mokykla (Primary School)
Length of program in years: 4
Age level from: 6 to: 11
Basic First Stage
Type of school providing this education:
Pagrindinė
mokykla (Lower Secondary School), Vidurinė mokykla (Secondary School), Jaunimo
mokykla (Youth school)
Length of program in years: 6
Age level from: 10 to: 17
Certificate/diploma awarded: Pagrindinės mokyklos baigimo
pažymėjimas (PMP) (Certificate of Lower Secondary Education)
Senior Secondary
Type of school providing this education:
Vidurinė
mokykla (Secondary school), Gimnazija (Gymnasium), Licéjus (Lyceum),
Tarptautinio bakalaureato mokykla (international baccalaureate school)
Length of program in years: 2
Age level from: 16 to: 19
Certificate/diploma awarded: Brandos atestatas/ Maturity
Certificate
Vocational
Type of school providing this education:
Profesinė
mokykla (Vocational school), Technologijų gimnazija (Technological gymnasium),
Jaunimo mokykla (Youth school)
Age level from: 14 to: 20
Vocational
Type of school providing this education:
Aukštesnioji
mokykla (Junior college)
Length of program in years: 3
Age level from: 18 to: 21
Certificate/diploma awarded: Admission to
Junior Colleges stopped in 2003.
School education:
The development of the current system of education in
the Republic of Lithuania started in the 1990s. Since 2003, the education
system covers; preschool (ikimokyklinis); general secondary (bendrasis
vidurinis), vocational (profesinis), junior college (aukštesnysis), higher
(aukštatis) and adult education (suaugusiųjų švietimas). These types of
education are offered at: preschool education establishments (ikimokyklinio
ugdymo ļstaiga), schools of general education (bendrojo lavinimo mokykla),
institutions (įstaiga), enterprises (įmonė) of vocational education (profesinis
mokymas), junior colleges (aukštesnioji mokykla), higher education institutions
(aukštoji mokyklas), and institutions of complementary and non-formal education
(papildomo ugdymo ir neformaliojo švietimo įstaiga). The continuity of
education in the various types (levels) of educational establishments is
implemented. According to the Constitution adopted in 1992, education is
compulsory until the age of 16.
Education at state and muncipality general education schools, vocational
schools and junior colleges is free of charge.
Pre-school education is not mandatory. It is for children from age 3 to
6 and its fee is partially covered by the State. Since 1986-1987, general
education lasts for 12 years and is acquired in three stages: primary
(pradinis) - 4 years (forms 1-4); lower secondary (pagrindinis) - 6 years (forms 5-10); and secondary (vidurinis) - 2
years (forms 11-12). Each stage can be followed in a separate independent
institution or in one general institution. There are also other types of
establishments providing general secondary education: gymnasiums (gymnazijos)
and international baccalaureate (IB) schools. Gymnasiums admit all applicants
who have completed eight grades in a general education school. Gymnasiums have
a four-year curriculum. The IB shools have a 2-year curriculum and English as
their language of instruction. General secondary education can also be acquired
at youth and vocational schools of appropriate level. Youth schools provide
lower secondary education to 12- to 16- year-old pupils who have trouble in
adapting to society, learning problems or those who have interrupted their
studies. Adults can acquire general
secondary education at adult general education schools (mokymo centras) and in
special classes at general education schools (klasė). The school year starts on
September 1st. In certain districts, where national minorities dominate, the
general secondary studies can be organized in the local language but basics of
the state language are still mandatory. The Lithuanian education system is
still undergoing its reform which is planned to end in 2010. Its main aim is to
network the different types of educational establishment and to give the
opportunity to change direction of studies or re-start studying at any moment.
For more detailed information on the school system, please consult the
Ministry's website at: http://www.smm.lt
Higher education:
HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: There are two types of
higher education institutions in Lithuania: universities and colleges. In
university-type institutions (akademija; seminarija; aukštojoji mokykloja),
university-level studies dominate; in colleges, non-university-level studies
dominate. Higher education institutions can be of two types: state and non-state.
Non-state higher education institutions can carry out their practice according
to a licence issued by the Government. STUDIES AT HIGHER EDUCATION
INSTITUTIONS: Higher education qualifications can only be acquired at higher
education institutions. Non-university-level studies are organized in one-cycle
undergraduate studies. University-level studies are organized in three cycles:
first cycle (undergraduate); second cycle (graduate); and third cycle
(post-graduate). Integrated studies lead directly to a Master's Degree and/or a
professional qualification, by combining the first and second cycles of
university-level studies. Professional specialization studies are organized at
the second cycle after university-level studies (Bachelor or equivalent in the
field of the specialization) to acquire a professional qualification in a
certain field The third cycle trains researchers; art teachers, artists and
medical practitioners. Studies follow the programmes registered by the Ministry
of Education and Science. The quality of the programmes as well as the
educational and scientific activities of higher education institutions are
periodically assessed by the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education.
The national credit system is based on an average of 1600 working hours per
academic year, one credit corresponding to 40 hours or one week of work. There
are three modes of study: daytime, evening and extra-mural. ADMISSION TO HIGHER
EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: To apply to undergraduate programmes, the student must
hold a secondary or equivalent education certificate. To apply to graduate
programmes, the student must hold a Bachelor or equivalent degree. To apply to
post-graduate studies, the student must hold a Master or equivalent degree in
the selected field. Admission to all cycles takes place on a competitive basis
according to the admission rules set up by the higher education institution and
validated by the Ministry of Education and Science.
Main laws/decrees governing higher
education:
Decree: Law on Education (Švietimo
įstatymas) - 1991/06/25 Year: 1991
Concerns: Law available in English at
http://www3.lrs.lt/n/eng/Dpaieska.html
Decree: Law on Higher Education
(Aukštojo mokslo įstatymas) - 2000/03/21 Year: 2000
Concerns: Law available in English at http://www3.lrs.lt/n/eng/Dpaieska.html
Decree: Law on Science and Studies
(Mosklo ir studijų įstatymas) - 1991/02/12 - Amended 2002/06/11 Year: 1991
Concerns: Law available in English at
http://www3.lrs.lt/n/eng/Dpaieska.html
Decree: Law on the Long-term Financing
of Science and Education (Mosklo ir švietimo ilgalaikio finansavimo įstatymas)
- 2000/12/07 Year: 2000
Academic year:
Classes from: Sep to: Jun
Long vacation from: 1 Jul to: 31 Aug
Languages of instruction: Lithuanian,
English
Stages of studies:
Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):
Non-university level:
Studies last from 3 to 4 years (at least 120 national
credits). To be admitted, students should hold a Maturity Certificate (Brandos
atestasas) or a comparable qualification. Studies lead to a professional
qualification (profesinė kvalifikacija) and upon completion a higher education
diploma (Aukštojo mokslo diplomas) is awarded . Non-university studies are
one-level (undergraduate) professional studies which train for a professional
activity. The qualification obtained after completion of non-university higher
education programmes does not give the right to enter university second cycle
(graduate) studies. Non-university higher education studies can be transferred
as an appropriate part of university first cycle or integrated studies on a
course-by-course evaluation basis.
University level studies:
University level first stage: University
undergraduate (first cycle) studies (universitetinés pagrindinés (pirmosios
pakopos) studijos):
Studies
last from 4 to 5.5 years (140 to 180 national credits). To be admitted,
students should hold a Maturity Certificate (Brandos Atestatas) or a comparable
qualification. Undergraduate programmes comply to the guidelines approved by
the Ministry of Education and Science. They establish all the general
requirements of a programme including the basic qualification requirements for
the academic and professional staff. The first cycle leads to the Bachelor
(Bakalauras) degree and/or a professional qualification (profesinė
kvalifikacija). The qualification obtained (Bakalauro diplomas or Aukštojo
mokslo diplomas) gives the right to enter the university second cycle.
University level second stage: University
graduate (second cycle) studies (antroji pakopa):
Master's
Degrees last for one-and-a-half to two
years (60-80 national credits). To be admitted, students should hold a
qualification obtained after completion of a university first cycle study
programme or a comparable qualification. A Master study programme prepares for independent research or artistic
activities or activities for which deeper scientific knowledge and stronger
abilities are required. Master studies are carried out at universities where
research corresponding to a subject area is conducted. The general requirements
for Master programmes are approved by the Ministry of Education and Science.
Studies lead to a Master (Magistras) degree and /or a professional
qualification (profesiné kvalifikacija). After completion of studies a Master's
degree (Magistro diplomas) or a Higher Education Diploma (Aukštojo mokslo
diplomas) is awarded. The Higher Education Diploma is awarded when studies lead
to a professional qualification. These qualification generally gives the right
to enter university third cycle studies. Special professional studies last for
1 to 2 years (40 to 80 national credits). To be admitted, students should hold
a university first cycle or a comparable qualifiaction. These studies prepare
for activities requiring special practical abilities. The general requirements
for special professional programmes are approved by the Ministry of Education
and Science. These studies lead to a professional qualification (profesinė
kvalifikacija). After completion of studies, a Higher Education Diploma
(Aukštojo mokslo diplomas) is awarded. Generally, a qualification obtained
after this type of studies does not give the right to enter third cycle university
(postgraduate) studies. There are also Integrated (vientisosios) studies that
combine university first and second cycles. To be admitted, students should
hold a Maturity Certificate (Brandos atestatas) or a comparable qualification.
Studies lead to a Master (Magistras) degree or a professional qualification
(profesinė kvalifikacija). When studies lead to the award of a professional
qualification, they last for at least 4.5 but not more than 6 years (180 to 240
national credits). When studies lead to the award of a Master's degree, they
last for at least 5 but not more than 6 years (200 to 240 national credits).
The only exceptions in integrated studies are made in the fields of Medicine, Odontology and Veterinary Medicine
where studies may last longer but no more than 7 years (a maximum of 280
national credits). On completion of integrated studies a Higher Education
Diploma is awarded. Generally, a qualification obtained after completion of
integrated studies gives the right to enter university third cycle.
University level third stage: University
postgraduate (third cycle) studies:
Residency (Rezidentūra) studies last from 2 to 6 years
(80 to 240 national credits). They are designed exclusively for the training of
specialists in the fields of Medicine, Odontology and Veterinary Medicine. To
be admitted, students should hold an integrated study qualification, namely:
Doctor (Gydytojas); Medical Doctor (Medicinos gydytojas); Doctor Odontologist
(Gydytojas odontologas); Veterinary Surgeon (Veterinarijos gydytojas) or a
comparable qualification. On completion of studies, a Residency certificate
(Rezidentūros pažymėjimas) in a special field is awarded. Postgraduate art
studies last for a maximum of two years (up to 80 national credits). They are
designed to train higher education institution art teachers and specialized
artists. To be admitted, students should hold a Master's degree awarded on
completion of university second cycle studies or a comparable qualification in
the area of arts. After the successful completion of the studies, the
postgraduate Licentiate diploma in Art Studies (Meno licenciato diplomas) is
awarded. Doctoral studies last for 3 to 4 years. Studies consist of doctoral
courses (at least 20 national credits), specific research activities and the
preparation of a doctoral dissertation. Doctoral studies are jointly organized by higher education and
research institutions.Upon completion of the doctoral course, a doctoral thesis
must be prepared and publicly defended in order for the candidate to qualify
for the Doctorate. To be admitted, students should hold a Master's degree or a
comparable qualification. After the defence of the doctoral thesis, the degree
of Doctor (Daktaro mokslo laipsnio diplomas) is awarded.
Teacher education:
Training of pre-primary and
primary/basic school teachers
Pre-primary
and primary school teachers are trained at higher education institutions.
Training of secondary school teachers
Secondary
school teachers are trained at Vilnius University, Vilnius Pedagogical University,
Šiauliai Pedagogical University, Vytautas Magnus University (in Kaunas) and
Klaipėda University. Four-year course programmes are offered in certain other
tertiary institutions. Master's degrees confer the right to teach in gymnasiums
and colleges. Admission is on the basis of a Bachelor's degree and at least one
year of teaching experience. Some higher education institutions offer study
programmes leading directly to a teacher's qualification, others one-year
courses to obtain the qualification of teacher after completing the regular
study programme.
Training of higher education teachers
A Doctorate is required for teaching in higher
education institutions. A Master's degree is needed to begin a career as a
teacher in a higher education institution. The Habilitation is also required
for certain posts in universities or other research institutions (e.g.
professor, researcher).
Non-traditional studies:
Distance higher education
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.
Lifelong higher education
The Ministry of Education and Science has licensed 90
institutions to offer non-formal studies. Around 700 institutions are listed in
the Register of the Ministry of Economy for adults and others. These include 63
state-owned companies, 288 joint-stock companies, 271 individual companies and
46 foreign investment companies. In addition, special departments for adult
training have been set up in the universities. The courses offered include
training and retraining, particularly in the fields of pedagogy, psychology,
special or additional education etc.
NATIONAL BODIES
Administration & co-ordination:
Responsible authorities:
Ministry of Education and Science (Lietuvos
Respublikos švietimo ir mokslo
ministerija)
Head: Remigijus Motuzas, Minister of Education and Science
A. Volano g. 2/7
LT-01516 Vilnius
Lithuania
Tel: +370(5) 2743080
Fax: +370(5) 2612077
EMail: ministras@smm.lt
WWW: http://www.smm.lt
Department of Science and Studies, Ministry of
Education and Science (Lietuvos Respublikos svietimo ir mokslo ministerijos
Mokslo ir technologiju departamentas)
Head: Albertas Þalys, Director
Sierakausko g. 15
LT-03105 Vilnius
Lithuania
Tel: +370(5) 2663444
Fax: +370(5) 2663466
EMail: a.zalys@mokslas.lt
WWW: http://www.mokslas.lt
Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education -
Lithuanian ENIC/NARIC (Studiju kokybes vertinimo centras - Lietuvos ENIC/NARIC)
Head: Eugenijus Stumbrys, Director
Suvalkų g. 1
LT-03106 Vilnius
Lithuania
Tel: +370(5) 2104777
Fax: +370(5) 2132553
EMail: skvc@skvc.lt
WWW: http://www.skvc.lt
Lithuanian University Rectors' Conference (Lietuvos
universitetu rektorių konferencija)
Head: Vytautas Kaminskas, President
Administrative officer: Kęstutis Kriščiūnas, Secretary-General
Gedimino pr. 3
LT-01103 Vilnius
Lithuania
Tel: +370(5) 2120629
Fax: +370(5) 2120629
EMail: sandra@ktl.mii.lt;
kestutis.krisciunas@ktu.lt
WWW: http://www.lurk.lt
Lithuanian College Directors' Conference (Lietuvos
kolgiju direktoriu konferencija)
Head: Gintautas Braþiunas, President
J. Jasinskio g. 15
LT-01111 Vilnius
Lithuania
Tel: +370(5) 2496320
Fax: +370(5) 2497909
EMail: simona@viko.lt
WWW: http://www.kolegijos.lt
Science Council of Lithuania (Lietuvos mokslo taryba)
Gedimino pr. 3
LT-01103 Vilnius
Lithuania
Tel: +370(5) 2124933
Fax: +370(5) 2618535
EMail: vguoga@ktl.mii.lt
WWW: http://www.lmt.lt
National Examination Centre (Nacionalinis egzaminų
centras)
Head: Vidmantas Jurgaitis, Director
M. Katkaus g. 44
LT-09217 Vilnius
Lithuania
Tel: +370(5) 2756180
Fax: +370(5) 2752268
EMail: centras@nec.lt
WWW: http://www.nec.lt
Lithuanian State Science and Studies Foundation
(Lietuvos valstybinis mokslo ir studiju fondas)
Head: Sigitas Renčys, Director
Goštauto g. 12-407
LT-01108 Vilnius
Lithuania
Tel: +370(5) 2639152
Fax: +370(5) 2639153
EMail: vfondas@ktl.mii.lt
WWW: http://www.vmsfondas.lt
ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION
Admission to non university higher
education studies
Name of secondary school credential
required: Brandos atestatas
For entry to: All
non-university higher education studies.
Alternatives to credentials:
A comparable qualification: Qualifications obtained in
vocational school until 1990 (Kvalifikacijos įgytos baigus studijas profesinėje
mokykloje iki 1990m). Since 1991: Certificate of general lyceum education
(Bendrujų mokslų licėjaus atestatas); Maturity Certificate of Applied Sciences
secondary school (Taikomujų mokslų vidurinės mokyklos brandos atestatas);
Maturity Certificate of profiled lyceum (Profiliuoto licejaus brandos
atestatas); Certificate of vocational secondary school (11 years) (11 metų
profesines vidurinės mokyklos atestatas); Diploma of a college of foreign
language teachers (Užsienio kalbų mokytojų kolegijos diplomas); Qualifications
obtained after successful completion of vocational school if 'secondary
education obtained' (įgijo vidurinį išsilavinimą) is inscribed; International
Baccalaureate; Other international and foreign qualifications.
Numerus clausus/restrictions:
There is a numerus clausus for students entering
non-university higher education studies
Admission to university-level studies
Name of secondary school credential
required: Brandos atestatas
For entry to: All
university programmes.
Alternatives to credentials: A comparable
qualification.
Numerus clausus/restrictions: There is a
numerus clausus for students entering university higher education studies.
Foreign students admission
Definition of foreign student: 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: As a general
rule, students must hold the Maturity Certificate or an equivalent
qualification and pass an entrance examination (if such is set).
Entry regulations: A study visa
or residence permit, depending on the length of studies, except for some countries,
and financial guarantees are required.
Health requirements: A health
certificate and insurance are required.
Language requirements: Students
must have a good knowledge of Lithuanian, except for those entering programmes
offered in English, German or Russian or individual studies (e.g. Music, Art).
Application procedures:
Apply to individual institution for
entry to: Universities, Colleges
Apply to national body for entry to: Most
universities and some colleges have joined the Association of Higher Education
Institutions in Lithuania to organize and coordinate common admission
procedures. Also in cases of intergovernmental bilateral exchanges and
scholarship awards (http://www.lamabpo.lt).
Recognition of studies &
qualifications:
Studies pursued in foreign countries
(bodies dealing with recognition of foreign credentials):
Lithuanian Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher
Education (Lithuanian ENIC/NARIC)
Administrative officer: Aurelija Valeikienė, Deputy Director
Suvalkų g. 1
LT-03106 Vilnius
Lithuania
Tel: +370(5) 2105402
Fax: +370(5) 2132553
EMail: Aurelija@skvc.lt
WWW: http://www.skvc.lt
Deals with credential recognition for
entry to: Profession
Services provided & 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.
Special provisions for recognition:
For the exercise of a profession: Competent bodies
(ministries, agencies, associations) deal with professional recognition. For
the lists of professions and competent authorities please visit:
http://www.profesijos.lt/; http://www.skvc.lt/
Multilateral agreements concerning
recognition of foreign studies
Name of agreement: Council of
Europe/UNESCO Convention on Recognition of Qualifications Concerning Higher
Education in the European Region (Lisbon Recognition Convention)
Year of signature: 1997
Name of agreement: European
Convention on the Equivalence of Diplomas leading to Admission to Universities
Year of signature: 1997
Name of agreement: UNESCO
Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees Concerning
Higher Education in the States Belonging To the Europe Region
Year of signature: 1994
References to further information on
foreign student admissions and recognition of studies
Title: Higher Education in Lithuania
Author: Deprt of Science &
Education, Ministry of Education & Science, ENIC/NARIC
Year of publication: 2002
Title: Welcome to Lithuania for
Studies
Author: Dept of Science &
Education, Ministry of Education & Science, ENIC/NARIC
STUDENT LIFE
National student associations and unions
Lithuanian National Union of Students Associations
((Lietuvos studentų atstovybių sąjunga)
Geležinio vilko g. 12
LT-01112 Vilnius
Lithuania
Tel: +370(5) 2313033
Fax: +370(5) 231-30-31
EMail: info@lsas.lt
WWW: http://www.lsas.lt/
Lithuanian Union of Students (Lietuvos studentų
sąjunga)
Geležinio viko g. 12
LT-01112 Vilnius
Lithuania
Tel: +370(5) 2685330
Fax: +370(5) 2611797
EMail: info@lss.lt
WWW: http://www.lss.lt/
Special student travel fares:
By road: Yes
Available to foreign students: Yes
Student expenses and financial aid
Student costs:
Average living costs: 7200 (Euro)
Home students tuition fees: Minimum: 0
(Lithuanian Lita)
Maximum: 12000 (Lithuanian Lita)
Foreign students tuition fees: Minimum: 0 (Euro)
Maximum: 6000 (Euro)
Publications on student services and
financial aid:
Title: Study Abroad 2005-2006
Author: UNESCO
Year of publication: 2005
GRADING SYSTEM
Main grading system used by higher
education institutions
Full Description: 1-10; 10
(puikiai): excellent; 9 (labai gerai): very good; 8 (gerai): good; 7
(pakankamai): highly satisfactory; 6 (patenkinamai): satisfactory; 5 (silpnai):
sufficient; 4-1: insufficient.
Pass/fail level: 5/4
Lowest on scale: 1
Other main grading systems
Alongside the 10 point system, institutions may use
the pass/fail system. Examinations and work defence evaluations, as a rule, are
graded. For the courses that do not end with an examination, the pass system is
used to test if students have earned the credits allocated to it. Students succeed when they prove they have
assimilated not less than 50% of the required knowledge.
NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM
Data for academic year: 2005-2006
Source: IAU from Lithuanian Centre
for Quality Assessment in Higher Education, Vilnius, 2006
Note on Higher Education Institutions: Also General Jonas Zemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania, http://www.lka.lt; Telsiai Seminary , http://www.tks.lt; and Vilnius Saint Joseph Seminary, http://vilnius.lcn.lt/seminarija
