Lithuania
Famous cities in Lithuania
1. Vilnius – The capital of Lithuania is very cosmopolitan and globally connected.
2. Kaunas is the second-largest city in Lithuania established on the confluence of the two largest Lithuanian rivers Neris and Nemunas.
3. Klaipeda is the third-largest city and a seaport, the vibrant city full of joy and entertainment, the majesty of its harbor (cruise ships) famous for various summer events.
4. Siauliai the fourth-largest city situated between two main regions of the country and is called “City of Sun”.
5. Palanga has a popular resort on the coast of the Baltic Sea, the most popular spot for Lithuanians or tourists to visit in summer, also called as “Summer Capital”.
Why Study in Lithuania
Lithuania, a modern northern European country is EU member since 2004 and adopted Euro as its official currency in 2015. English is widely spoken though the official language is Lithuanian. It’s a country of the fastest and cheapest internet connection in the European Union. It offers a warm environment for international students.
It is affordable and great value for money. Universities offer free housing at student residence, subsidized meals and additional money to cover living expenses depending on the academic merits of the student. Most universities offer the opportunity of living on campus. Most dormitories have been renovated and equipped with modern appliances and internet access. Universities charge very minimal tuition fees from international students. On average, the cost of programmes at Higher Education institutions is approximately between 1300€ – 5500€ per year.
Lithuania has a long-standing tradition of higher education and offers quality education. Every year more than 40,000 international students go to Lithuania for higher education. More than 350 programmes are taught in English. Degrees and Diplomas are well accredited, internationally recognised and help gain job all over the world.
According to the latest QS World University Rankings, four Lithuanian universities were included among the top universities in the world, Vilnius University, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Kaunas University of Technology and Vytautas Magnus University. Following eight Lithuanian Universities are included among the top universities from emerging Europe and Central Asia:
• Vilnius University: =18 place
• Vilnius Gediminas Technical University: 32 place
• Kaunas University of Technology: 53 place
• Vytautas Magnus University: 61 place
• Lithuanian University of Health Sciences: 115 place
• Klaipeda University: 116 place
• Mykolas Romeris University: =142 place
• Šiauliai University: 301-350 place
The admission procedure is very simple, no IELTS/TOEFL is required. Students can work up to 20 hours/ week. Also, 3 months of full-time work during holidays is allowed. Internship opportunities in Multinational Companies and Professional internships in Management, Technology, Education and Development are available from 6 weeks to 18 months through Universities. Post-study work is allowed for 15 months post studies. Students get Schengen Visa thus can travel to all the Schengen countries.
Lithuanian cities have well-developed systems of public transportation. There is a choice of buses, trolleybuses (in the largest cities of the country), and minibuses. Students are offered large discounts on public transportation tickets.
The Lithuanian Higher Education system
The academic year starts in September and ends in mid-June and is divided into two semesters – spring and autumn. Most courses have a September start date while some commence in February. Deadline for Applications for February Intake is by 31st December and for September Intake is 31st July.
The higher education institutions are of two types: Universities and Colleges (non-university higher education institutions). 22 colleges (including 10 independent) and 21 universities (including 8 independent) offer study programmes in Lithuania. Studies are organised in three cycles: bachelor studies (in universities) or professional bachelor studies (in colleges), post-graduate studies and doctoral studies. Full-time and part-time studies are available.
University provides a universal academic education, theoretical training and the highest level of professional excellence. Duration of full-time studies in universities is four years and for part-time studies, it is often five years. Graduates are awarded a bachelor degree. They can continue their studies in post-graduate studies that last one and a half to 2 years. After post-graduate studies, students can study for a doctoral degree (duration is four years).
College studies (non-university higher education) are oriented towards training for professional activities. The duration of full-time studies in colleges is usually three years and for part-time studies – four years. Practical training covers at least one-third of the study programme. Graduates are awarded a professional bachelor degree. Students with practical experience can complete additional studies (the duration of which is set by each higher education institution) to continue post-graduate studies in universities. College studies are offered by public and private colleges.
Each study programme is evaluated according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), with each year of study being awarded 60 ECTS credits. During the first cycle, students can choose to study for a Bachelor’s degree and/or professional qualification for which they will need to obtain 180 – 240 ECTS. On successful completion of the course, with or without a professional qualification student receive a Bachelor’s Diploma. If they want to study only for the professional qualification, then they receive a Higher Educational Diploma.
During the second cycle stage, Master’s degree and/or a specialised professional qualification one of the options open to students is the Integrated study programmes. These programmes combine university studies of the first and second cycles. The successful graduates are awarded a Master’s Diploma which testifies to their Master’s degree status. They can also attain a professional qualification. Students have to obtain 90 – 120 ECTS credits.
In the third cycle, students study for PhD qualification. This can be for a Doctorate, a Residency (for example, those studying medicine or veterinary science) or postgraduate qualification in the Arts. Postgraduate studies are offered by a university or a university and science institution collectively. The duration of the different postgraduate studies is determined by the Government.
