Lithuania is the largest of the three Baltic States. It is bound by the Baltic Sea, Latvia, Poland and the Kaliningrad Region of Russia and Belarus. The capital of the country is Vilnius. Lithuania has a population of 3.5 million people. The official language is Lithuanian.

From cities and towns full of historic monuments to wonderful retreats in a pristine natural environment, Lithuania has places to go and see for everyone. Officially recognized as the geographical centre of Europe and connected by numerous routes to major European cities, Lithuania can be easily reached by land, water or air.

Higher Education System

In Lithuania Education is free of charge and compulsory from the age of 6 or 7 to 16 years which covering primary and basic education, as stated in the national Law on Education . Pre-tertiary education is organized in 4 main cycles such as,

Pre-school Education (until age 5 or 6)
Pre-primary Education (1 year, between age 5-7)
Primary Education (4 years, between age 6-11)
Basic Education (6 years, between age 10-17, ends on a basic education certificate)
Lithuania has implemented the Bologna process in 2006.Colleges Offer vocational Education Since 2006, they can award professional Bachelor degrees. Tertiary education can be divided into university and college. Universities offer an Academic Education leading to international Bachelor-Master-PhD degrees.

Education In Lithuania

The Present-day education system In Lithuania Covers:

Formal Education (Primary, Basic, Secondary Education,Formal Vocational education And Training and Higher education studies.)
Non-Formal Education (Pre-school, Pre-primary, Other non-formal education of children)
Educational Assistance (Vocational Guidance, Informational, Psychological, Sociopedagogical, Special assistance of Education, Health care at School, Consultation etc)

Informal Education.

Formal Education Schools shall be divided into the following groups:

General education schools (a primary school, a pre-gymnasium, a basic school, a secondary school, and a gymnasium).
Vocational schools.
Higher Education Institutions (universities and colleges).
Primary Education
According to the Law on Education, children who have reached 7 years of age must go to the 1st form. If parents wish so and if the child is sufficiently mature to study under the primary Education programme, he/she can start attending school from 6 years of age. The duration of the primary education programme is 4 years. Compulsory primary education can be obtained in kindergartens-schools, in primary schools and, which is less common, in basic or secondary schools.

Secondary Education

Upon completion of primary education, pupils start studying under the 6-year basic education programme. The basic education programme is implemented by basic, secondary, youth, and vocational schools and gymnasiums. The compulsory basic education programme consists of two parts,

Part I – a 4-year programme implemented in the 5-8th forms.
Part II – a 2-year programme implemented in the 9-10th forms.
Pupils can start learning the second foreign language in the 5th form and in the 6th form the second foreign language is compulsory. Pupils who study under the basic education programme must be engaged in social activities. In form 10 (form 2 in gymnasiums), pupils are able to choose subject modules and study optional subjects following their bent and abilities.

Foreign pupils, who can not speak Lithuanian, but wish to study in Lithuanian general education schools, can attend one-year developmental classes and developmental mobile groups.

Higher Education Institutions

Lithuanian higher education institutions are either state or non-state. Non-state higher education institutions can pursue their activities according to a license issued by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. There are two types of higher education institutions in Lithuania, Such as:

Universities = In Universities, University Type Studies dominate.
Colleges = In Colleges Non-University Studies Dominate.

Admission to Higher Education Institutions

In order to apply to an undergraduate programme at a higher education institution of Lithuania, Maturity Certificate or comparable qualification is required. To be admitted to the second cycle university programmes individuals should hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent qualification. In order to enter the third cycle university studies, an applicant should have either Master or corresponding degree in the selected study field. Admission to all cycle studies usually takes place on a competitive basis according to the admission rules set up by the institution of higher education agreed with the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania.

Studies at Higher Education Institutions

In Lithuania the national system of quality assurance in higher education operates. The quality of study programmes as well as educational and scientific activities of higher education institutions are periodically assessed by the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education. The first and second cycle studies are conducted in accordance with the study programmes registered by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania. Qualification of higher education can only be acquired in higher education institutions. Studies at higher education institutions are either higher education non-university or higher education university type. There are some reasons to study at Higher Education Institutions:

Non-university studies are undergraduate (professional),one-cycle, aimed at acquiring only the professional qualification, testified by the Higher Education Diploma.

University studies are Organized in three cycles: first cycle – undergraduate (Bachelor or professional), Second cycle – graduate (Master or specialized professional) and third cycle – post-graduate (doctoral, residency or postgraduate art).
Upon the completion of undergraduate university studies,Bachelor Diploma is awarded, testifying Bachelor degree or Bachelor degree and professional qualification. After completing undergraduate professional study programme the Higher Education Diploma is awarded, testifying professional qualification.

Integrated studies are aimed to acquire qualification of the second cycle, when studies of the first and second cycles are combined. Upon the completion of integrated studies the Master qualification or Master qualification and professional qualification, testified by Master Diploma,is acquired. Sometimes only professional qualification is awarded testified by the Higher Education Diploma.

Upon the completion of graduate Master studies,Master Diploma is awarded,testifying Master qualification or Master and professional qualification.
Specialized professional second cycle studies are aimed at acquiring professional qualification in a specific study field, testified by the Higher Education Diploma.
Postgraduate art studies are the third cycle studies designed for the training of higher education institution art teachers and specialization of artists.
Residency is the third cycle studies designed exclusively for training of specialists in the Specific study fields in order to follow their individually chosen careers.

Foreign students admission

A foreign student is a person who is not a permanent resident in Lithuania and is enrolled at a Lithuanian institution of higher education.As a general rule,students must hold the Maturity Certificate or an equivalent qualification and pass an entrance examination (if such is set).A study visa or residence permit,depending on the length of studies,except for some countries,and financial guarantees are required.Students must have a good knowledge of Lithuanian, except for those entering programmes offered in English,German or Russian or individual studies.

Accommodation

Lithuanians are one of the ethnic groups in the Baltic region. While Lithuania has a population of about 2944459 people, there are at least another million living in other countries, with Lithuanians generally located in the USA,Brazil, Canada, Columbia, Russia, the United Kingdom and Ireland. The native language is Lithuanian, one of two living Baltic languages. An interesting fact about the language is that as far back as the beginning of the 19th century people noticed that Lithuanian was very similar to Sanskrit. Linguistics around the world is still fascinated that the Lithuanian language has retained features of this ancient language and it hasn’t really simplified much.

Many Lithuanians are multilingual- two-thirds of the population declare that they are able to speak at least two foreign languages. This exceeds the average of the European Union by several times. According to the data from Euro stat, 66.1 percent of the population of Lithuania, aged 25-64, can speak two or more foreign languages,31.5 percent can speak one foreign language, and a mere 2.5 percent of the population cannot speak any foreign language. The foreign languages people speak most are English and Russian.

Flats or houses for rent are usually advertised in the local and national newspapers, e.g. alio reklama.The largest newspapers advertise in the internet websites, for example, alio reklama Estate agencies can help you to rent or to buy a flat or a house too. You can find all estate agencies in the yellow pages or on the internet. Most of the estate agencies have their own websites, which you can find on the internet: www.imones.lt

Housing costs vary a great deal. The highest prices are in Vilnius,Kaunas and Klaipeda.Estate agencies charge a certain percentage of the price in commission. Before buying a property, you should take care to check that there are no encumbrances on the property. Such encumbrances are registered in the estate register.

Renting a flat or a house should be easy and enjoyable. Especially when you work with a broker, who will listen to your needs and then show you the largest selection of homes to choose from. These brokers have been helping the students rent homes for over ten years. Their greatest skill is really listening to what you want, and then helping you to find the right home. Their service will save you time, and get you the results you want.

Everyday Life

Lithuanians are fond of nature and have a strong feeling of a shared culture that begins as early as primary school, where folk music, national traditions, and holidays play an important role. Among those who remember life under the Soviet regime, pride in surviving a period of repression and difficulty is a focal point of the national culture. The Everyday life of Lithuania is divided into several parts. Some of them are following:

Economy

Lithuania is a member of the European Union and the biggest economy among three Baltic States. Lithuania’s economic freedom score is 73.0, making its economy the 21st freest in the 2014 index. Its overall score has risen by 0.9 Point, with notable improvements in business freedom and the management of public finance outweighing deterioration in lobor freedom. Lithuania has a favorable legislative basis for business as the country is ranked the 3rd in the region of Eastern Europe and Central Asia and the 17th in the world by the Ease of Doing Business Index prepared by the World Bank Group. Lithuania’s economic freedom score has advanced by 20 points over the 19 years it has been graded in the index. Score improvements have occurred particularly in the areas of market openness, regulatory efficiency and the rule of law. Lithuania is ranked the 22nd out of 177 countries in the Index of Economic Freedom, measured by The Heritage Foundation. According to the Human Development Report 2011, Lithuania belongs to the group of very high human development country.

Despite the challenging economic situation, Lithuania has demonstrated a commitment to restoring the soundness of public finance and the credibility of its policies. Now-a-days government of Lithuania Has helped to sustain the momentum for economy recovery.

Food and Transport

Transport

The city center of Vilnius is not that large, but there are options that will get you the city with ease.The city of Vilnius is served by bus and trolleys through the city center and to nearby outlaying areas. The buses can be very crowded during the morning and evening rush hours. In recent years the number of buses and trolleys have greatly increased and to get around Vilnius the public transportation system is ideal.

Additionally, mini-cabs are also available and these can be flagged down anywhere on the street and are available at larger shopping locations and hotels. While a bit more expensive than the public transports these can provide let you off anywhere along their fixed route. Finally, there are also taxicabs available and these can provide door-to-door service. Be sure to agree on fare before beginning your journey. Be sure to watch your possessions on the buses and trolleys of course, and consult the maps before starting your trip. But for visitors looking to get to specific destinations the public transports are ideal and can get you very close to where you need to go.

Food

Traditional foods of Lithuania Nothing else can characterize the nation better as its cuisine. In this respect Lithuanian culinary traditions are the brightest in Eastern Europe. It is not a secret that Lithuanians like to eat good, tasty and a lot of food. It is said about Lithuanian cooks that a good cook can create delicious food just by using simple ingredients. Lithuanian cuisine is pretty simple but has a variety of interesting dishes. Potatoes,rye,beet root, various meat, mushrooms and dairy products are often used when preparing Lithuanian food. It is amazing how much food can be found in the Lithuanian cook kitchen. Over the centuries Lithuanians have created a unique palette of dishes, influenced by the culture of nationalities. A distinctive trait of Lithuanian cuisine is the preponderance of potato dishes. The most impressive of these is cepelinai (Zeppelins),large boiled potato dumplings (made from grated raw potato) with fillings of minced meat or cottage cheese. Other traditional potato dishes are various types of kugelis (potato loaf) and potato salad, potato pancakes made from grated raw potato or boiled potato (sometimes – with a meat filling), and small potato dumplings with mushroom or berry filling. Perhaps the most exotic Lithuanian dish is vedarai or potato sausages – pork intestines stuffed with grated raw potato, baked in a wood stove or electric oven. There are various kind of famous foods in Lithuania.

Cities

Vilnius

Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania.It is a largest city, with a population of 539,939 as of 2014.Vilnius is located in the southeast part of Lithuania and is the second biggest city of the Baltic States. Vilnius was founded in the 14th century by Lithuania Grand Duke Gediminas renowned as a good diplomat. He invited craftsmen, merchants and monks from Western Europe to come and settle here. Thus,Vilnius grew as a centre of tolerance where people of various nationalities, including Poles, Belarusians, Russians, Germans, Jews and others, settled and lived in harmony. Vilnius is the seat of the Vilnius city municipality and of the Vilnius district municipality. It is also the capital of Vilnius County. Vilnius is very pleasant and very beautiful.The city displays a variety of both architectural expression and willpower.Vilnius is a distant and mysterious city,lost in the middle of Europe. It is the city of Myths and poetry. The city spaces and contrasts, where forests make their way to the city center, while a still operating UNESCO protected century-old prison is just two minutes away from the parliament.

Kaunas

Kaunas is the second-largest city in Lithuania and has historically been a leading centre of Lithuanian economic, academic, and cultural life. Kaunas was the biggest city and the centre of a powiat in Trakai Voivodeship of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania since 1413. Kaunas has been developing for many centuries and experienced many ups and downs. The city and its castle were first mentioned in historical chronicles in 1361 by Arabian geographer Alldris.It became the only temporary capital city in Europe during the Interwar period. Now it is the capital of Kaunas County.The total population of Kaunas is about 348,600 and is also called as the second largest city of the country. Kaunas is located at the confluence of the two largest Lithuanian rivers, the Nemunasand the Neris, and near the Kaunas Reservoir, the largest body of water entirely in Lithuania. The centre of Kaunas is divided into the Old and the New Town. The Old Town is a remarkable archaeological monument and an architectural masterpiece incorporating Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles.The New Town is represented by the Laisves Aleja, a central pedestrian street often called the Heart of Kaunas where numerous hotels,shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars are located. Kaunas is famous for M. K. Ciurlionis Art Gallery, where you can find the unique collection of works painted by the famous Lithuanian painter and composer M. K. Ciurlionis.

Klaipeda

Klaipeda is a city in Lithuania situated at the mouth of the Dane River .The river flows into the Baltic Sea. It is the third largest city in Lithuania and the capital of Klaipeda County. Klaipeda is the third biggest city in Lithuania located on the coalescence of the Curonian Lagoon and The Baltic Sea, 311 km North West from the Capital Vilnius. The city has a complex recorded history, partially due to the combined regional importance of the Port of Klaipeda, a usually ice-free port on the Baltic Sea, and the Akmena -Dane River. The total population of Klaipeda is 207,100 in 1992 to 157,350 in 2014. . Klaipeda is well attended by visitors in summer not only during traditional festivals like the Sea Festival, an International Jazz festival, but in casual days too. Popular seaside resorts found close to Klaipeda are Nida to the south on the Curonian Spit, and Palanga to the north. The area of Klaipeda city is approximately 98 km2 in total, 38% of which is covered by buildings, 14% by roads, 14% waters and the rest is committed for farming, and greeneries. Klaipeda is a very charismatic city including a spectacular architecture, majesty of its harbor and original leisure time activities. Klaipeda is now a city of full joy and entertainment. It has a well developed infrastructure and traffic conditions. Klaipeda is unique for its Old Town which is an outstanding example of German architecture; however, the Klaipeda Old Town was demolished many times so now it is quite in disrepair.

Culture

The culture of Lithuania combines an indigenous heritage, represented by the unique Lithuanian language, with Nordic cultural aspects and Christian traditions resulting from historical ties with Poland. The majority ethnicity in Lithuania are Lithuanians who make up 85,08% of population and are the country original inhabitant. Poles come second (6,65%), mostly concentrated in Southeast Lithuania, including Vilnius. Russians are third at 5,88% with their liveliest communities in cities. Fourth largest ethnicity in Lithuania are the Belarusians (1,2%), the fifth are the Ukrainians(0,55%). Although linguistic resemblances represent strong cultural ties with Latvia in various historical moments Lithuania was influenced by Nordic, Germanic and Slavic cultures. Other traditional minorities in Lithuania are the Jews, Germans, Tatars, Latvians, Karaimsand Gypsies, each of them dating to 14th-15th centuries but consisting of 0,1% or less population today.Inter-ethnic relations are generally good in Lithuania.Unlike in many European nations the Lithuania largest ethnic minorities enjoy public schools where the language of instruction is their native one rather than the official Lithuanian language.

Medicine and Health

The culture of Lithuania combines an indigenous heritage, represented by the unique Lithuanian language, with Nordic cultural aspects and Christian traditions resulting from historical ties with Poland. The majority ethnicity in Lithuania are Lithuanians who make up 85,08% of population and are the country original inhabitant. Poles come second (6,65%), mostly concentrated in Southeast Lithuania, including Vilnius. Russians are third at 5,88% with their liveliest communities in cities. Fourth largest ethnicity in Lithuania are the Belarusians (1,2%), the fifth are the Ukrainians(0,55%). Although linguistic resemblances represent strong cultural ties with Latvia in various historical moments Lithuania was influenced by Nordic, Germanic and Slavic cultures. Other traditional minorities in Lithuania are the Jews, Germans, Tatars, Latvians, Karaimsand Gypsies, each of them dating to 14th-15th centuries but consisting of 0,1% or less population today.Inter-ethnic relations are generally good in Lithuania.Unlike in many European nations the Lithuania largest ethnic minorities enjoy public schools where the language of instruction is their native one rather than the official Lithuanian language.

Business Studies

Business Studies work in almost all fields of Society.The Students of Lithuania find Positions in Accounting,Finance, Budgeting and Auditing, Marketing, Sales and Purchasing,Industry and Culture,as well as work in projects, administration and review boards. The students also choose to start their own businesses, many are found in leading positions, both small and large enterprises, as well as at public authorities, private and not for profit organizations. Many work in international enterprises and organizations. Some of Students are also interested in research and a career in academia. Business Studies is defined as Critical reflection, problematization and analytical problem-solving are important elements of our courses and programs.Business Studies is also an interdisciplinary subject that incorporates knowledge from Sociology, Political Science,Psychology,Mathematics,Statistics and Law.

Language Course

Language classes are available in Lithuania for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students.The language of instruction is Lithuanian, except for grammar explanations in English for beginners. Intermediate and advanced groups also have lectures on Lithuanian history, ethnic culture, and social and political life. Lithuania also offered Lithuanian Language and culture Centre of the Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences. The courses are aimed to teach foreign students basic level of Lithuanian Language and culture. Courses last 120 hours and can be attended in August. The Lithuanian Language Evening Course is also offered. They last 50 hours and cost 348 EUR. Classes are held twice a week for a period of three months. These can attended in October or February. Beside Lithuanian language classes (4 to 6 academic hours a day), a cultural programme is available during the Summer Courses.

In Lithuania there is Year-long language is also available. The courses last for 600 hours and a total cost of 985 EUR. The study lasts two semesters: Autumn semester starts at the Beginning of October and ends at the end of December. Spring semester starts at the beginning of February and ends at the end of April. There are 10 lectures per week.

Lithuanian Language Course For Foreigners And People Who Are Interested In Coming To Lithuania To Learn IT

This full-time course emphasizes the development of speaking, writing, pronunciation and listening skills for everyday purposes. Focus is on developing fluent and accurate communicative Lithuanian to enable students to better express themselves in a variety of everyday situations. Not only foreigners, but also people of other nationalities who are residents in Lithuania and wish to improve their skills in spoken or written Lithuanian are invited to take this course.

During this course you will take part in a variety of language learning activities which will include lots of speaking in groups, pairs, and one-on-one which will help you feel more confident in real life situations.

So if you are tired of using gestures in shops, restaurants and on the street, if you want to speak your mind in Lithuanian and be able to understand, If you feel isolated not being able to understand what Lithuanian people are talking about all around you, if you wish to join them in a conversation and be able to express yourself in fluent Lithuanian- this course is just for you!

Lithuania would offer a combined course, 2 lessons of Lithuanian in a group (2 times a week, each lesson 2 hrs long), and individual (one-to-one) learning 3 times a week. The intensity of the course can be chosen according to individual needs of a student. If there would be a special group which would like to study intensively as a group, it could be arranged too.

Students would be able to choose either home stay or living in a flat.

The social programme would also include with activities.

Half-day excursion to the Old Town of Vilnius, which would also serve as an orientation tour.

An exclusion to the KGB museum, Gediminas castle in the centre of Vilnius, other museums could be offered according to personal interests of a student.

Half-day excursion to Trakai castle (there is a museum there as well) outside Vilnius.

Half-day excursion to Europe Parkas ( the museum of modern art to give an artistic significance to the geographic centre of the European continent, as determined by National Geographic Institute).

As Vilnius is famous for its active and happening cultural life, students would be offered possibilities to go to a performances/concerts/exhibitions, etc.

They have a library, self-acess centre, the Internet.

Structure of Studies

There are two types of higher education institutions in Lithuania such as Universities and colleges. Higher education institutions can be of two types: State and Non-state. Higher Education qualifications can only be acquired at higher education institutions.Non-university-level studies are organized in one-cycle undergraduate studies.University-level studies are organized in three cycles:

First cycle (Undergraduate)

Second cycle (Graduate)

Third cycle (Post-graduate)

First Cycle (Undergraduate)

Applicants to such cycle of studies are required to have brandos atestatas or an equivalent qualification.Professional Bachelor degree is awarded after completion of college level studies and the focus of the programmes is preparation for professional activity and applied research. University undergraduate (first cycle) studies-last from 4 to 5.5 years (140 to 180 national credits). To be admitted, students should hold a Maturity Certificate or a comparable qualification.They establish all the general requirements of a programme including the basic qualification requirements for the academic and professional Staff.The first cycle leads to the Bachelor degree and/or a professional qualification.The qualification obtained gives the right to enter the university second cycle. Bachelor degree study programmes are oriented to expand one general education,provide knowledge in certain field of science or art and offer the background necessary for further study or professional activity.

Second Cycle (Graduate)

Applicants to such cycle of studies are required to have a Bachelor degree or an equivalent qualification.Master degree study programmes are designed to prepare for independent research activity or any other activity the performance of which requires scientific knowledge and analytical competence. The programmes require completion of 90-120 credits. To be admitted,students should hold a qualification obtained after completion of a university first cycle study programme or a comparable qualification. A Master study programme prepares for independent research or artistic activities or activities for which deeper scientific knowledge and stronger abilities are required.Master studies are carried out at universities where research corresponding to a subject area is conducted. The general requirements for Master programmes are approved by the Ministry of Education and Science. Studies lead to a Master degree or a professional qualification. After completion of studies a Master degree or a Higher Education Diploma is awarded. The Higher Education Diploma is awarded when studies lead to a professional qualification. This qualification generally gives the right to enter university third cycle studies.

Third Cycle (Post-Graduate)

University postgraduate (third cycle) studies- Residency studies last from 2 to 6 years (80 to 240 national credits). They are designed exclusively for the training of specialists in the fields of Medicine, Odontology and Veterinary Medicine. To be admitted, students should hold an integrated study qualification, namely: Doctor, Medical Doctor, Doctor Odontologist, Veterinary Surgeon, or a comparable qualification. On completion of studies, a Residency certificate, in a special field is awarded. To be admitted, students should hold a Master degree or a comparable qualification. After the defence of the doctoral thesis,the degree of Doctor is awarded.

Non-degree granting study programmes

Holders of higher education qualifications are eligible to such programmes.The programmes can be provided by colleges and universities and do not lead to a degree. The aim of programmes is to prepare students for independent professional practice or to upgrade professional qualification. To this type of programmes belongs:

Residency programmes in medicine, odontology, and veterinary medicine.

Programmes in pedagogical studies.

Duration of Residency studies is from 2 to 6 years. Certificate of Residency is awarded after completion of residency studies.The workload of non-degree pedagogical studies is from 30 to 120 credits. Certificate of studies is issued after completion of other non-degree granting studies.

Quality Assurance

The quality of higher education institutions and programmes is assessed externally by the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education. There are two types of accreditation in Lithuania Such as:

Institutional

Programme Accreditation.

Credit system

After introduction of the new credit system on September 1st, 2011, one credit corresponds to one ECTS credit. The average workload of full-time studies is 60 credits per study year.

How to Apply

In Lithuania Education is free of charge and compulsory from the age of 6 or 7 to 16 years which covering primary and basic education, as stated in the national Law on Education .Pre-tertiary education is organized in 4 main cycles such as,

Pre-school Education (until age 5 or 6)

Pre-primary Education (1 year, between age 5-7)

Primary Education (4 years, between age 6-11)

Basic Education (6 years, between age 10-17, ends on a basic education certificate)

Lithuania has implemented the Bologna process in 2006.Colleges Offer vocational Education Since 2006, they can award professional Bachelor degrees. Tertiary education can be divided into university and college. Universities offer an Academic Education leading to international Bachelor-Master-PhD degrees.

Education In Lithuania

The Present-day education system In Lithuania Covers:

Formal Education (Primary, Basic, Secondary Education, Formal Vocational education And Training and Higher education studies.)

Non-Formal Education (Pre-school, Pre-primary, Other non-formal education of children)

Educational Assistance (Vocational Guidance, Informational, Psychological, Sociopedagogical, Special assistance of Education, Health care at School, Consultation etc)

Informal Education.

Formal Education Schools shall be divided into the following groups:

General education schools (a primary school, a pre-gymnasium, a basic school, a secondary school, and a gymnasium).

Vocational schools.

Higher Education Institutions (universities and colleges).

Primary Education

According to the Law on Education, children who have reached 7 years of age must go to the 1st form. If parents wish so and if the child is sufficiently mature to study under the primary Education programme, he/she can start attending school from 6 years of age. The duration of the primary education programme is 4 years.Compulsory primary education can be obtained in kindergartens-schools,in primary schools and, which is less common,in basic or secondary schools.

Secondary Education

Upon completion of primary education, pupils start studying under the 6-year basic education programme. The basic education programme is implemented by basic, secondary, youth, and vocational schools and gymnasiums.The compulsory basic education programme consists of two parts,

Part I – a 4-year programme implemented in the 5-8th forms.

Part II – a 2-year programme implemented in the 9-10th forms.

Pupils can start learning the second foreign language in the 5th form and in the 6th form the second foreign language is compulsory.Pupils who study under the basic education programme must be engaged in social activities.In form 10 (form 2 in gymnasiums),pupils are able to choose subject modules and study optional subjects following their bent and abilities.

Foreign pupils,who can not speak Lithuanian, but wish to study in Lithuanian general education schools, can attend one-year developmental classes and developmental mobile groups.

Higher Education Institutions

Lithuanian higher education institutions are either state or non-state. Non-state higher education institutions can pursue their activities according to a license issued by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. There are two types of higher education institutions in Lithuania,Such as:

Universities = In Universities, University Type Studies dominate.

Colleges = In Colleges Non-University Studies Dominate.

Admission to Higher Education Institutions

In order to apply to an undergraduate programme at a higher education institution of Lithuania, Maturity Certificate or comparable qualification is required. To be admitted to the second cycle university programmes individuals should hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent qualification. In order to enter the third cycle university studies, an applicant should have either Master or corresponding degree in the selected study field. Admission to all cycle studies usually takes place on a competitive basis according to the admission rules set up by the institution of higher education agreed with the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania.

Studies at Higher Education Institutions

In Lithuania the national system of quality assurance in higher education operates.The quality of study programmes as well as educational and scientific activities of higher education institutions are periodically assessed by the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education. The first and second cycle studies are conducted in accordance with the study programmes registered by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania.Qualification of higher education can only be acquired in higher education institutions. Studies at higher education institutions are either higher education non-university or higher education university type.There are some reasons to study at Higher Education Institutions

Non-university studies are undergraduate (professional),one-cycle,aimed at acquiring only the professional qualification, testified by the Higher Education Diploma.

University studies are Organized in three cycles: first cycle – undergraduate (Bachelor or professional), Second cycle – graduate (Master or specialized professional) and third cycle – post-graduate (doctoral, residency or postgraduate art).

Upon the completion of undergraduate university studies, Bachelor Diploma is awarded, testifying Bachelor degree or Bachelor degree and professional qualification. After completing undergraduate professional study programme the Higher Education Diploma is awarded, testifying professional qualification.

Integrated studies are aimed to acquire qualification of the second cycle, when studies of the first and second cycles are combined. Upon the completion of integrated studies the Master qualification or Master qualification and professional qualification, testified by Master Diploma,is acquired. Sometimes only professional qualification is awarded testified by the Higher Education Diploma.

Upon the completion of graduate Master studies, Master Diploma is awarded, testifying Master qualification or Master and professional qualification.

Specialized professional second cycle studies are aimed at acquiring professional qualification in a specific study field, testified by the Higher Education Diploma.

Postgraduate art studies are the third cycle studies designed for the training of higher education institution art teachers and specialization of artists.

Residency is the third cycle studies designed exclusively for training of specialists in the Specific study fields in order to follow their individually chosen careers.

Foreign students admission

A foreign student is a person who is not a permanent resident in Lithuania and is enrolled at a Lithuanian institution of higher education. As a general rule, students must hold the Maturity Certificate or an equivalent qualification and pass an entrance examination (if such is set). A study visa or residence permit, depending on the length of studies, except for some countries, and financial guarantees are required. Students must have a good knowledge of Lithuanian, except for those entering programmes offered in English, German or Russian or individual studies.

Jobs

Lithuania offers a huge amounts of jobs for graduates and as well as students.For searching job in Lithuania, you can start with the national daily papers and weekly job supplements that are published in the majority of Lithuanian dailies. Obviously, there are many other places where you can find current job vacancies.

Work while studying

Lithuania Offers huge amount of job offers for students.You can help to pay for your education by working part-time while you are studying. International students have the right to work while studying in Lithuania as long as they are enrolled in an Institution. For Non EU students,It is compulsory to hold a valid residency permit.The right to work applies to all students,including those who are in Lithuania for the first time,those who are enrolled in the first year of a university program,and those who are enrolled full-time in a language school.During studies there is 20hrs work permitted as well as 3 months of full time work during holidays. Full time work is permitted for Residence Card holders.

Work After studying

At the moment Lithuania is one of the best places around the world to find a job as an English teacher. TEFL courses (that is Teaching English as a Foreign Language) are run in many cities across Lithuania. The demand for TEFL teachers is enormous and teaching language is a brilliant way to fund your travel and earn as you go. You can work in Lithuania without any restriction after finish your Studies. Students from different countries of the European Union may work in Lithuania after they graduate.