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Higher Education System of Lithuania

In Lithuania, higher education is provided in state or non-state higher education institutions. Students must have completed secondary education in order to gain admittance into the higher education. In Lithuania, following are the types of higher education institutions:

Universities: The universities offer bachelor's, master's and PhD study programmes.
Non-university- Colleges: The colleges in Lithuania offers only professional bachelor's degree programmes.
Research institutes: These institutions emphasize mainly on the research and experimental development-cultural and social. The institutions may offer joint doctoral courses along with other higher education institutions.

Higher Education Qualifications: At a Glance

Following are the higher education qualifications awarded in Lithuania:

First cycle-Bachelor’s degree: This qualification is awarded by both universities and colleges. The colleges offer professional bachelor’s degree, while the universities offer academic bachelor’s degree. This qualification lasts for 3 years at colleges; while at universities it lasts for 4 years.

ECTS: 180 credits

Second cycle-Master’s degree: This qualification is awarded by the Universities in Lithuania. This qualification requires 1-2 years of full-time study. To gain admittance into the Master’s degree programme in Lithuania, students must hold an academic bachelor’s degree.

ECTS: 60 to 120 credits

Third cycle-Doctoral degree: Universities or universities along with the research institutes offer Doctor’s degree in science or art. The duration varies, but generally requires 4 to 6 years of study. This qualification is only awarded by the Universities.

At the higher education level, studies may be full-time or part-time.

Assessment

The performance of the students is assessed using a 10-point scale. The knowledge, skills acquired and understanding level are being assessed. Pupils are evaluated by an individual teacher or a committee of teachers that represent a specific area of study. Higher education studies are assessed as per the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

To know about the grading system for higher education, click here.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements vary depending upon the level of study, course ad type of higher education institution. Applications for Bachelor studies require candidates to hold a secondary education completion certificate. For admittance into the Master’s degree programme, the candidate must hold a bachelor degree.

To know more about the admission requirements and procedure for admission into the Lithuanian higher education institutions, click here.

Student Visa for Lithuania

International students coming from non-EU/EEA countries to study in Lithuania require student residence permit. International students can apply for it at the Lithuanian embassy in their home country. To know more about the student permit requirements and procedure, read the post “Study Visa for Lithuania”.

Study and Living Costs

The tuition fee varies depending upon the institution, qualification and study programme. To know about the costs of study and living in Lithuania, click here.

Scholarships

Many scholarships are offered to the students who wish to study in Lithuania. The Education Exchanges Support Foundation is an institution authorised by the Ministry of Education and Science of Lithuania that manages the state scholarship programme. To know about different scholarships offered in Lithuania to students for study and research, click here.