Higher Education Institutions and Qualifications in Lithuania
Here given in brief about Higher Education Institutions in Lithuania and Degrees/Certificates/Diplomas awarded.
Universities
Universities in Lithuania provide theoretical knowledge and skills. Lithuanian universities offer bachelor’s (academic) degree that lasts for 4 years, master’s degree that lasts for 1-2 years, and doctoral degree that lasts for 4 to 6 years. The university education is offered by the universities, seminaries and academies in Lithuania. This higher education institution also conducts research activities.
Colleges (Non-university Studies)
Colleges in Lithuania provide practical education and training. They prepare students for professional work.
Colleges provide professional bachelor degree (full-time) that requires 3 year of full-time of study at the institution.
In Lithuania, there are public as well as private colleges. Colleges also provide applied research studies and professional arts programmes.
Research Institutes
This is an institution that focuses mainly on research and experimental development. These institutions offer joint doctoral courses in collaboration with higher education schools. In Lithuania, there are state or non-state research institutes. These institutions conduct long-term research that relates to the society, state or economic systems.
For the list of universities, colleges and research institutes in Lithuania, click
here.
Higher Education Qualifications
First Cycle: Undergraduate Studies-Bachelor’s degree
University level: Academic Bachelor’s degree
- Duration: 4 years
- ECTS: 210-240 credits
College level: Professional Bachelor’s degree
- Duration: 3 years
- ECTS: 180-240 credits
Integrated Studies
Universities grant first and second cycle of studies together, and prepare students for doctoral studies. The integrated study is applicable to the following professions: Medical studies and Law. After successful completion of the integrated studies, students obtain a Master’s degree.
- Duration: 5-6 years
- ECTS: 300-360 credits
Second Cycle: Master’s degree and Specialized Professional Studies
Universities in Lithuania award Master’s degree. To gain admittance into this degree programme, students must hold a bachelor’s degree awarded by the Universities.
- Duration: 1-2 years
- ECTS: 90-120 credits
The specialized professional studies prepare students for a particular profession that needs special practical skills. To gain admittance into this programme, students must have completed undergraduate studies at universities in Lithuania. After the successful completion of the study, students who pass are awarded a professional qualification.
Post-graduate Studies
Third Cycle: Doctoral studies
Universities in Lithuania award doctoral degrees. Doctoral (PhD) studies are for post-graduate pupils and researchers. The doctorate studies prepare researchers in several scientific areas.
- Duration: 4-6 years (Varies depending upon the field of study)
To gain admittance into this cycle students must hold a master’s degree or its equivalent, or must have completed integrated studies. This cycle involves preparation and submission of a doctoral thesis, and also requires a completion of coursework. Candidates are required to publicly defend their doctoral thesis. This study is organised jointly by the universities and research institutes. Doctor’s degree is awarded after successfully completing the doctoral studies.
Subjects: Humanities, social sciences, law, philosophy, economics, history, management, communication and information, physical sciences, education, psychology, biomedical sciences, sociology, philology, natural sciences, medicine, and technological sciences.
Post-graduate Art Studies
The post-graduate art studies educate the art teachers for higher education institutions. Students are required to present and defend an art project. Students who successfully complete the post-graduate art studies are awarded a degree of Art Licensee.
The residency studies are for candidates who have attained qualifications in the fields determined by the Government. The fields are: Veterinary medicine, medicine and odontology. After successful completion of the studies, a professional qualification of a general practitioner or clinical specialist is awarded to the graduates.
- Duration: 2-6 years (Varies, depending upon the programme)
- ECTS: 40 credits
Residency in odontology is a third cycle university studies in dentistry field. At the end of studies, a professional qualification certificate of an odontology specialist is awarded.
Residency in the fields specified above are full-time courses that imparts theoretical as well as practical training. The training is organized by the university.