Study at Vilnius Universities

Vilnius University is one of the most prestigious and solid European universities. International recognition of the quality of higher education in Lithuania gives diplomas a significant weight and simplifies employment.

Advantages of education in Lithuania: prestige, peculiarities of stay, language

Lithuania is a small, fast-growing European state, ranking 82nd in the world in terms of GDP, with an inflation rate equal to 0,8%... Lithuania's financial position allows the country to subsidize the maintenance of universities recognized and in demand in Europe. A university graduate in Vilnius receives a European-style diploma and the opportunity to get a job practically out of competition - on the basis of the prestige, quality and thoroughness of education.

Upon admission, the main factor is taken into account - academic performance. Full-time education involves living in Lithuania for the period of study, which is possible on the basis of a student visa and other options. Without knowledge of Lithuanian, or at least English, neither study nor living in real life is possible: about 8% of the population speaks Russian.

Having moved to Vilnius, the young man gets involved in Western European culture, learns to be in a completely new society, with different rules and requirements. In this country, an atmosphere of friendliness and law-abiding prevails, which is even more conducive to a life full of interesting events.

Higher education: the process of obtaining and nuances

The age of the applicant is defined as 17+. In addition to full-time stationary programs, there are both correspondence and distance programs. To enter Vilnius University (hereinafter VU) is not an easy task, you will have to compete with the most prepared applicants from all over the world. The number of lucky people who manage to be enrolled in university studies is no more than 10% of the total number of applicants.

The main task for a Russian, Belarusian, Ukrainian, etc. - to confirm your level of education received at school. To do this, you need to contact the Center for the Assessment of the Quality of Education (SKVC), where experts will determine whether the acquired level of knowledge gives the right to study at a particular university in Lithuania.

For programs where teaching is conducted in English and Russian, documents must be submitted by May 1 (if the applicant is a citizen of a country that is not a member of the European Union). Those who agree to study on a contract basis must submit documents no later than July 15, regardless of whether their homeland belongs to the European Union.

Study begins on September 1, and the academic year consists of 2 semesters:

1. Autumn lasts until January 26;
2. Spring - from February 4 to June 30.

The lecture duration is 1.5 hours.

Successful completion of the program does not consist in listening to the nth number of hours, but in collecting a certain number of credits. 1 credit (or ECTS, the transcript in English sounds like the European Credit Transfer System) is equal to 40 hours of a student's working time.

These are not only lectures and practical exercises, but also:

• Seminars;
• Consulting;
• Exams;
• Industrial practice, etc.

Certification takes into account the degree of student participation and achievement of success in theoretical, practical classes. For example, you can become a bachelor only by accumulating 180-240 credits in total in all subjects. The levels of study are not limited to bachelor's degree, there is an opportunity to complete master's, doctoral and postgraduate studies.

The degrees of study and the timing of obtaining a complete education are as follows:

• Bachelor's degree (3-4 years);
• Master's degree (1 - 2 years);
• Doctorate - 4-6 years.

At the end of each semester, strict control of the quality of studies is carried out by assessing in writing (most often) or orally on a 10-point system. Certification - the same exams, the failure of which or a low score is fraught with problems.

Education programs

Higher education can be obtained in Lithuania not only at universities, but also at colleges. Bachelor's level is the first stage of higher education. Studying for a bachelor's degree is available to those who have completed secondary education and have a corresponding certificate. One becomes a bachelor after graduation both at universities and colleges, but these are different levels: after college, a bachelor can find a job, but the university will not accept a master's degree.

Having received a bachelor's degree at a college, who wants to improve his educational level, he has the right to continue his studies at a bachelor's degree at the university (1 year), after which he can study for a master's degree. The level of study in the master's program gives a chance to get a Ph.D. degree (subject to successful study and defense of a Master's thesis) and engage in scientific activities.

By status, there are two types of universities in Lithuania: state and private. In the presence of accreditation, both types of institutions issue equivalent diplomas, with a difference in the rating for the quality of education. Private universities teach students on a paid basis.

Conditions for admission

For admission to the university, the following conditions are required:

• Availability of a document on complete secondary education;
• Education Quality Assessment (SKVC);
• Knowledge of the language (at least - English), about which a certificate must be obtained;
• Successful passing of exams (if there are such requirements in the university).

Before starting the admission procedure, it is worthwhile to adequately assess the financial capabilities of the family. You need to thoroughly know the language in which the teaching will be conducted according to the chosen program.

At the end of the 9th grade in Russia (this level of Russian education is equal to the Lithuanian gymnasium, where students study in grade 10 inclusive), one can enter the Lithuanian gymnasium, where the future student will take a preparatory course in grades 11-12 and receive a certificate of full secondary education.

Those teenagers who do not intend to go to university are entitled to go to college or technical school after receiving incomplete secondary education.

List of required documents

In addition to the application, a package of documents is needed, including:

• The original of the certificate and a notarized copy of the translation into Lithuanian;
• Foreign language proficiency certificate;
• Knowledge Quality Confirmation (SKVC);
• Motivation letter;
• A copy of the passport, notarized;
• 3 photos (format - for documents);
• A receipt confirming the payment of a contribution of 100 euros;
• Bank document confirming the ability to pay for living and paying for studies.

You can also submit papers online (excluding the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry). By submitting documents, the applicant is obliged to pay the entrance fee when completing the application (100 euro). Non-students should be prepared for the non-refundable amount of this fee. Documents in Russian, English or Lithuanian do not need translation and are suitable for admission; in other languages, they must be translated.

When confirmation of enrollment comes from the university, you need to issue a study visa. Do not forget about the availability of honey. insurance, and the amount should not be below 30 thousand euros... Upon arrival to study, you will need to obtain a residence permit - a document giving the right to temporarily stay within Lithuania.

Tuition fees in 2021

A large number of universities are concentrated in Vilnius, the cost of education in which is several times lower than in higher education in other European countries - Switzerland, England, etc.

Vilnius University... This is a state university. There are different forms of study at VU: paid, budget. Tuition fees also differ depending on the program. The payment indicators are as follows: for a bachelor's degree - from 1861 to 2400 euros, on master's degree - 2242-3400 euros, and it costs twice as much to study computer modeling (6438 euro). Integrated programs in dentistry and medicine are priced accordingly € 12960 and € 8520.

University of Applied Sciences (SMK)... This university is private, teaching is conducted in English. Level of study - bachelor's degree, the cost of any program is equal to 2,800 euros.

Vilnius University Gediminas... The University is a public institution based on the basis of the Civil Engineering Institute. For bachelor's programs, the price of study is within 2700-3500 euros, for master's - 2600-3900 euros.

University of Management and Economics... Private institution founded by the Norwegian Business School. At the university you can get a double diploma - in addition to the Latvian one, you can also get a diploma from one of the European countries on the basis of partnership programs.

The cost of studying under the programs of the university is as follows:

• Undergraduate - from 3850 to 4400 euros;
• Master - 4950-660 euros;
• Doctorate - 5454-8182 euros.

The forms of study are full-time, part-time, and distance learning.

International School of Business and Law... This university is private, young, but managed to win the National Award for the Quality of Education. Programs for organizing tourism and hotel business are especially popular. Here they receive a bachelor's degree, the fee is within 2200-3000 euros.

Vilnius College of Technology and Design... This institution of higher education is public, the cost of study is 2210 euro... There are 2 undergraduate study programs, one of them - graphic design - is taught in Russian.

Is it possible to get education for free

Studying for free in Lithuania is a very realistic option, but only for those with outstanding abilities. By decision of the Lithuanian government or teachers and university management, foreigners may be offered free tuition.

What are the scholarships and grants for foreigners

Scholarships and grants to foreigners can be provided in the following options:

• 100% exemption from fees for all years of study;
• Discount on payment in the amount of 50% for the entire period of study;
• Complete, i.e. 100% exemption from payment for one academic year;
• 100% discount for tuition during the 1st semester.

Only students with excellent academic performance can benefit from grants and scholarship discounts.

For 2021, the Latvian government has established 70 scholarships for foreign students with a bachelor's degree and who applied for a master's degree with a package of documents by May 1. Subsidy amount - 380 euros per month, but the scholar cannot count on other payments either from the state or from the university.

There are other downsides too:

• The right to the scholarship can be used only once;
• Those who are already participating (or intending to) in an international joint study program are not eligible for a scholarship.

The choice of candidates is influenced by:

• Undergraduate performance;
• Motivation;
• The level of knowledge of the language of instruction.

Features for internship and study exchange programs

Many institutions of higher education operate ERASMUS +, a mobility program that allows students to study for 3-12 months. in universities of other states.

This program is available to students of such institutions:

• VU;
• International School of Business and Law;
• Vilnius College of Technology and Design;
• University named after Gediminas;
• University of Management and Economics, etc.

The acquired experience of studying at the best universities in Europe broadens the horizons and opens up new opportunities. There is a real chance to get a double degree.

Accommodation and meals for students

Institutions of higher education provide their students with hostels on a paid basis: the payment is necessary to pay off utilities and the cost of maintaining the premises. The cost of living, depending on the comfort of the conditions, is within 115-150 euros per month... There are dorms in VU, the price of living in which is equal to 45-87 euros, as well as at the University. Gediminas.

The University of Management and Economics does not have its own housing stock for students, and the International School of Business and Law for Foreigners is ready to provide rooms on the campus (for 200 euros). At the Vilnius College of Technology and Design, all foreign students are provided with a hostel, and the price of living is equal to 87 euro.

In the absence of housing stock, foreigners can rent a room or apartment.

The cost of living depends on the proximity to the center and the prestige of the area:

• 1-room apartment - 240-360 USD / month;
• Room - 128-220 USD / month

Students can get food in canteens, cafes both on campus territories and in the city itself. Dormitories usually have refrigerators and microwaves. Food prices in Lithuania are moderate, so food is not the main item of expenditure here.

Top universities in the country

It is difficult to single out the best universities in Lithuania, each of them has its own advantages and characteristics. Education in Lithuania is prestigious due to quality and international recognition. The priority of a country's universities can be determined by their ranking.

Vilnius University

In the country, this is the number 1 university, and in the global ranking, the institution occupies 401-410 lines. In the ranking of the best universities in Europe, VU entered the TOP-50 at number 45. The number of foreigners among students is about 1%, the total number of students is about 19 thousand people.

The VU structure is as follows:

• 13 faculties in Vilnius and 1 in Kaunas;
• 4 research institutes-centers;
• 7 institutes.

The infrastructure facilities of the university include not only libraries, museums, an astronomical observatory, but also hospitals, a botanical garden, etc. Most of the training programs are presented in English, Lithuanian, although there are courses with teaching in Russian (philology, international relations). www.vu.lt.

Vilnius Technical University Gediminas.This institution took 551-600 places in the world list of universities. The university began its history in 1956 and since then has been stepping up the pace in terms of the quality of education. The levels of education are represented not only by bachelor's and master's degrees, but also by postgraduate studies. www.tsc.vgtu.lt/en.

Kaunas University of Technology.This state university was formed in 1920 and reached the highest level in 2021, ranking 701-750 lines in the world ranking. At KTU you can get education on programs in architecture, telecommunications, mechatronics, fashion engineering, etc. and master other rare professions. ktu.edu.

University named after Vytautas the Great.The university completes the list of institutions of higher education included in the list of the world's best universities (ranks 801-1000). Having started to operate in 1922, the university has grown into a huge educational institution, uniting 10 faculties and 2 institutes. The share of foreigners among students is approximately 3%... www.vdu.lt.

Reviews about studies

Vladislav G., 20 years old:I study at VU at the bachelor's degree (I finished the 2nd year), at the Faculty of Management and Business - Entrepreneurship. I live in a hostel on Didlaukio Street. Conditions are acceptable. We pay about $ 3 thousand a year for study, in Moscow it is not at all cheaper. I am planning to go to Switzerland for an exchange next year. I have to work hard, but I'm not complaining and I'm quite happy.

Victoria A., 19 years old:She completed her first year at the Vilnius College of Technology and Design on the program "Multimedia Design" (bachelor's degree). It is very interesting to study. There is inexpensive food, cheap travel. We all live in a hostel, pay up to 87 euros per month. Living conditions do not suit me, next year I will rent a room for about the same money. Although I am an excellent student, I did not even apply for free studies: then the way to the ERASMUS + program would be closed to me.

You can get education in Lithuania if you try to master the English language perfectly and have good academic performance in order to be competitive and adequately pass the exams (if necessary). Although you will have to study a lot and persistently, the result in the form of a European-style diploma is worth it: with such a document, you can easily find a high-paying job with growth prospects.