HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

There are two types of higher education institutions in Lithuania: universities and colleges. A university (the name of the institution has to contain the word “universitetas” (university) or “seminarija” (seminary)) carries out university studies, conducts research, experimental development and/or creates high-level professional works of art. A college (the name of the institution has to contain the word “kolegija” (college) or “aukštoji mokykla” (higher education institution)) provides college studies, develops applied research and/or created professional works of art. Lithuanian higher education institutions are either state or non-state. 

ADMISSION TO HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Persons having at least a secondary or a corresponding education are admitted by way of competition to study programmes of the first cycle (undergraduate) and integrated study programmes. Persons having at least a Bachelor’s or Professional Bachelor’s degree or a corresponding qualification of higher education and meeting requirements set by the accepting higher education institution are admitted by way of competition to the second cycle (graduate) studies.

STUDIES AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Studies at higher education institutions are carried out according to degree and non-degree study programmes. There are two types of study programmes: university and college.

Degree studies consist of three cycles: the first cycle (undergraduate) i.e. Professional Bachelor’s and Bachelor’s degree studies (6th level in Lithuanian Qualifications Framework (LTQF) and 6th level in European Qualifications Framework (EQF); the second cycle (graduate) i.e. Master’s degree studies (7th level in LTQF and 7th level in EQF); the third cycle (postgraduate) i.e. Doctoral degree studies (8th level in LTQF and 8th level in EQF). 

The first cycle college study programmes are more oriented towards preparation for professional activity. On completion of these studies, students are awarded a Professional Bachelor’s degree or a Professional Bachelor’s degree and a qualification, which are certified by the Professional Bachelor’s Diploma. The first cycle university study programmes provide versatile general education, theoretical preparation and professional skills of the highest level. On completion of these studies, a Bachelor’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree and a qualification are awarded, which are certified by the Bachelor’s Diploma.

The second cycle (Master’s degree) study programmes are designed to prepare for independent research (artistic) work or any other work the performance of which requires scientific knowledge and analytical competences. On completion of these studies, students are awarded a Master’s degree or a Master’s degree and a qualification certified by the Master’s Diploma. On completion of the second cycle theological study programmes and after consultation with the Catholic church hierarchy,persons may be awarded a degree of Licentiate in Theology which is certified by the Master’s Diploma.

Higher education institutions may deliver joint degree programmes on completion of which a joint degree is awarded. Institutions may also carry out study programmes so that graduates could receive a double degree.

In Lithuania, a national system of quality assurance in higher education is in place. Only accredited study programmes are carried out. An accredited study programme is entered in the Register of Study and Training Programmes and Qualifications for a fixed period of time.

The volume of studies is calculated in credits. A study credit is a unit for measuring the learning outcomes and workload of a student. The volume of one year of studies of 1600 hours equals 60 credits. One study credit is equal to one European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credit.

The mode of studies can be full-time and part-time. Irrespective of the mode of studies on the basis of which the same study programme has been completed, the acquired education in both cases is equivalent.