Education Lithuania

In Lithuania, the process of enrolling a child in a kindergarten or school depends on the child's age, the type of institution (public or private), and the municipality.

Kindergartens (preschool education):

Age groups: nurseries and kindergartens for children aged 1 to 5–6 years.

Pre-school education: for children aged 6–7 years.

Enrollment process

Public kindergartens: In some municipalities, such as Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda, Panevezys, and Taurage, there is a centralized online registration system. For example, in Vilnius, applications are submitted through the portal svietimas.vilnius.lt. A Lithuanian identification number is required to submit an application.

Private kindergartens: Admission is ongoing throughout the year. Enrollment requires signing a contract with the kindergarten administration.

Required documents:

Child's birth certificate.

Copies of the child's and parents' passports, as well as copies of visas or residence permits.

Medical certificate of the child's health status.

Additional documents upon request of the specific institution.

Medical certificate: The certificate is issued by a family doctor in public or private clinics; the service may be chargeable.

Kindergarten fees:

In public kindergartens, parents pay part of the expenses, averaging around 50–60 euros per month. 

In private kindergartens, the cost may range from 165 to 420 euros per month.

In some municipalities, such as Vilnius, families whose children attend private kindergartens are provided with a 100 euros per month per child subsidy. 

Schools (primary and secondary education):

Age groups:

Primary school: grades 1–4 (children from 7 years old).

Basic school: grades 5–10.

Gymnasium: grades 11–12.

Compulsory education: Education is compulsory for children aged 7 to 16 years.

Enrollment process

Public schools: 

In some municipalities, a centralized online registration system is in place. For example, in Vilnius, applications are submitted through the portal svietimas.vilnius.lt.

Private schools: Enrollment is directly through the school administration.

Required documents:

Application form.

Academic record from the previous place of study translated into Lithuanian.

Child's birth certificate.

Medical certificate of the child's health status.

Copies of the child's and parents' passports, as well as copies of visas or residence permits.

Additional documents upon request of the specific institution.

Additional information:

Before applying, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the requirements of the specific institution and the document submission deadlines.

In some cases, proof of residence in the relevant municipality may be required.

For obtaining a medical certificate, it is recommended to book an appointment with a family doctor in advance.

Please note that procedures and requirements may vary depending on the municipality and type of institution. It is recommended to contact the selected kindergarten or school in advance to clarify details. 

In Lithuania, kindergartens and schools with instruction in foreign languages are available, providing immigrants with the opportunity to choose educational institutions that match their language preferences and cultural needs.

Kindergartens with foreign language instruction:

Several kindergartens in Vilnius offer programs in various languages:

Vilnius British International School: instruction in English.

Vilnius Montessori School: programs in English.

Vilnius French International Lyceum: instruction in French.

Mažųjų valdos: programs in English, Spanish, and French.

Kindermusik: instruction in English.

Saulės gojus: programs in English, German, and French.

Vilnius American International School: instruction in English.

NeoZebra: programs in Russian.

Schools with foreign language instruction:

International schools, offering instruction in foreign languages, also operate in Lithuania:

Vilnius International School: instruction in English following International Baccalaureate (IB) programs for children aged 3 to 18 years.

Vilnius International French Lyceum: Education in French according to programs approved by AEFE, for children from preschool age to high school.

British School of Vilnius: Education in English according to the British curriculum for children aged 2 to 16 years.

American International School of Vilnius: Education in English according to the American curriculum for children from preschool age to grade 12.

Recommendations for Parents

Early Planning: Due to the limited number of places in international schools, it is recommended to plan enrollment in advance and clarify application deadlines.

Contacting Institutions: To obtain up-to-date information about programs, admission requirements, and tuition fees, it is recommended to directly contact the chosen educational institutions. 

Public Preschool and School Institutions

Funding and Cost:

Education in public schools and kindergartens is funded by the state, making it free or requiring minimal payment from parents, such as for children's meals.

Curriculum:

Public institutions follow the national curriculum approved by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Sports of Lithuania. This ensures uniform standards of education across the country.

Language of Instruction:

The main language of instruction is Lithuanian. However, there are schools for national minorities where education is conducted in Russian, Polish, and other languages.

Accessibility:

Public schools and kindergartens primarily accept children based on their place of residence, providing convenience for families.

Private Preschool and School Institutions

Funding and Cost:

Private institutions are funded by parental fees and can set their own tuition prices. Costs can vary significantly depending on the level and reputation of the institution.

Curriculum:

Private schools have the right to develop their own curricula, which may differ from state standards. Some offer international programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the British curriculum.

Language of Instruction:

Many private schools offer education in foreign languages, such as English, French, or German, attracting families who wish for their children to be educated in these languages.

Class Sizes and Individual Approach:

Private schools often have smaller class sizes, allowing more attention to be given to each child and the application of individualized approaches in education.

General Features:

Quality of Education: Both public and private institutions strive to ensure high-quality education. However, private schools may offer additional resources and programs due to their funding.

Extracurricular Activities: Private schools often offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and other clubs, contributing to the comprehensive development of the child.

Flexibility in Learning: Private institutions can be more flexible in their approaches to learning, implementing innovative methodologies and adapting to the individual needs of students.

Recommendations for Parents

It is recommended to visit the selected schools or kindergartens, communicate with teachers and administration, to get a complete understanding of the learning and educational conditions. 

In Lithuania, the education system aims to ensure inclusive learning for children with special educational needs, providing them with equal opportunities to receive a quality education.

Structure of Educational Support

Special Schools: Lithuania operates special schools for children with high and very high special educational needs. As of 2021, about 44 such schools educate more than 3,000 students, and another 1,500 children attend special preschool institutions.

Inclusive Classes: Special classes are created in general education schools for students with special needs, where they receive the necessary support within the general educational process. For instance, a class for children with mild intellectual disabilities and speech disorders may have up to 12 students.

Support of Specialists

Educational Assistance: Special educators working in educational psychology services and schools offer consultations to children with special educational needs, their parents, and teachers, facilitating effective integration of children into the educational process.

Teacher Assistants: For students with moderate, significant, and severe special educational needs who are unable to participate independently in the educational process, the position of a teacher assistant is created.

Issues and Challenges

Resource Shortage: Despite legislative initiatives, in practice, children with special educational needs often face a lack of support, unprepared teachers, and the absence of necessary specialists in schools. This leads to some children not completing their education due to inappropriate conditions.

Segregation: The existence of separate special schools sometimes contributes to the isolation of children with special needs, which can hinder their social integration in the future.

Recommendations for Parents:

Choosing a School: Parents are advised to carefully select an educational institution, considering the child's needs and consulting with specialists. From 2024, children with special educational needs have the right to choose the nearest school; however, it is important to ensure that the chosen institution is ready to provide the necessary support.

Below are some special schools designed for children with special educational needs:

Special School in Simnas, Simnas, Alytus District

Founded in 1959 as a school for orphans and children from low-income families. In 1968, it was transformed into a special school for children with learning difficulties. In 1970, classes for children with musculoskeletal disorders were opened, and in 1993 for children with mild intellectual disabilities.

Vilnius Special Boarding School, Vilnius

Provides educational services for children with various special needs, including intellectual and physical disabilities. The school offers individualized learning and rehabilitation programs.

Kaunas Special Boarding School, Kaunas

Specializes in educating children with intellectual and physical disabilities, providing specialized educational programs and therapeutic services.

Klaipeda Special School "Svetliačok," Klaipeda

Educates children with special educational needs, offering programs in Russian adapted to the individual needs of students.

Panevezys Special Boarding School, Panevezys

Offers educational and rehabilitation services for children with various special needs, including sensory and intellectual impairments.

These schools provide specialized educational programs aimed at developing academic skills, social adaptation, and preparation for independent living. It is recommended to contact the chosen institutions directly for more detailed information about the programs, admission conditions, and services provided. 

In Lithuania, special integration programs and Lithuanian language courses have been developed for foreign children to facilitate their adaptation to the new environment and successful inclusion in the educational process.

Integration Programs

Foreigner Integration Centers: Organizations such as "Caritas" of the Vilnius Archdiocese offer social, legal, psychological consultations, as well as educational activities for children and adolescents, promoting their social adaptation.

Individual Integration Plans in Schools: For children returning from abroad or newly arrived in Lithuania, schools develop individual integration plans, including additional Lithuanian language classes and adapting the curriculum to the student's needs.

Language Courses:

Lithuanian Language Courses for Children: Educational centers such as "NeoZebra" offer intensive Lithuanian language courses for schoolchildren, conducted both offline and online, using methods for studying Lithuanian as a foreign language.

Free Lithuanian Language Courses: The Lithuanian Employment Service finances Lithuanian language courses for foreign citizens residing in the country, including children. These courses help overcome language barriers and contribute to successful integration into society.

Additional Resources

Distance Learning of the Lithuanian Language: For children unable to attend classes in person, distance courses in the Lithuanian language are available, which include e-lessons, videos, and other online resources.

Educational Materials: The National Agency for Education of Lithuania has developed interactive methodological materials for children who are starting to learn Lithuanian as a foreign language, which aid their successful integration into the school environment. 

In Lithuania, extracurricular activities for children are organized in various ways and include after-school groups, clubs, clubs, and camps, contributing to the holistic development of students.

After-School Groups

After-school groups are intended for primary school students and provide supervision and support after regular lessons; children do their homework, participate in creative and sports activities, and receive additional nutrition. The organization of such groups is regulated by the school, and enrollment is based on a written application from parents.

Clubs and Clubs

Schools and extracurricular institutions offer a wide range of clubs and clubs, including robotics, video blogging, choreography, drawing, and learning foreign languages. These activities contribute to the development of children's creative and intellectual abilities.

Camps

During school holidays, city camps are organized where children participate in educational and recreational activities.

Additional Opportunities

In Vilnius and other cities in Lithuania, museums, zoos, and amusement parks offer educational programs and interactive exhibits for children. 

In Lithuania, the grading system for student performance in schools and universities is based on a 10-point scale, where 10 is the highest score and 1 is the lowest.

School Education:

10 points — excellent knowledge and skills.

9 points — very good knowledge with minor errors.

8 points — good knowledge with small shortcomings.

7 points — satisfactory knowledge with some errors.

6 points — knowledge below average level.

5 points — minimally sufficient knowledge.

4 points and below — unsatisfactory knowledge; a score of 4 is considered the minimum passing score in schools.

Assessment Features:

A score of 1 is usually given in cases where the student did not submit the work or completely failed the assignment.

Teachers evaluate the student's achievements against specific criteria, not comparing students to each other.

Higher Education:

10 points — outstanding achievements.

9 points — excellent results.

8 points — very good results.

7 points — good results.

6 points — above-average results.

5 points — average results.

4 points and below — unsatisfactory results; in universities, the minimum passing score is usually 5.

Assessment Features:

In Lithuanian universities, the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is applied, which ensures the comparability of grades with other European countries.

To enter Lithuanian universities, international applicants must provide a diploma with grades equivalent to the Lithuanian 10-point scale. 

The admission of foreign students to Lithuanian universities is regulated by specific requirements, which may slightly vary depending on the chosen institution and program. Here are the main ones.

Academic Qualification

High School Diploma: Candidates must provide a document confirming the completion of full secondary education equivalent to Lithuanian. This requires going through the recognition procedure of educational documents through the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education of Lithuania. Some universities conduct this procedure independently.

Knowledge of the Language of Instruction

English: For programs in English, confirmation of proficiency at no lower than B1 level according to the CEFR is required. In the absence of international certificates (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL), some universities offer an internal language test.

Lithuanian Language: For programs in Lithuanian, knowledge of the language at level B1 or higher is required.

Russian Language: Some universities offer programs in Russian, for which confirmation of language proficiency is usually not required.

Motivation Letter and Recommendations

Many universities request a motivation letter in which the candidate explains their reasons for choosing the program and university, as well as their academic and career goals.

Recommendation letters from teachers or employers can be an additional advantage.

Entrance Exams and Interviews:

Some programs, especially in the fields of art, medicine, or engineering, may require taking entrance exams or interviews.

Financial Requirements

Tuition Fees: International students pay for their education. The cost depends on the program and university, for example, a bachelor's degree — from 2,280 to 12,669 euros per year.

Scholarships: Some universities and organizations offer scholarships for international students. It is recommended to check information on the websites of specific universities.

Visa Requirements

Student Visa: Citizens of non-EU countries require a national visa Category D. After the first year of study, you can apply for a temporary residence permit.

Document Submission Deadlines

Document submission generally starts in June, however, international students are advised to apply in advance to have time to prepare all necessary documents.

Exact requirements may vary depending on the university and program. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the information on the official websites of the selected educational institutions and, if necessary, contact their admissions offices for up-to-date data.

Below is a list of leading universities in Lithuania that are highly regarded both within the country and internationally:

Vilnius University

Founded: 1579 — one of the oldest universities in Central and Eastern Europe.

Fields of Study: A wide range of programs in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, medicine, law, IT, and other disciplines.

Features:

- Included in the QS and Times Higher Education world rankings.

- Partners with over 400 universities worldwide.

- Campuses in several cities, including Kaunas and Šiauliai.

 

Vilnius Gediminas Technical University

Founded: 1956.

Fields of Study: Architecture, engineering, IT, management, aviation, and transport.

Features:

- One of the leading technical universities in the Baltic region.

- Has modern equipment for practical training.

- Popular programs in English.

 

Kaunas University of Technology

Founded: 1922.

Fields of Study: Engineering sciences, IT, business and management, social sciences.

Features:

- Focus on research activities and innovations.

- Active involvement in international educational and research programs.

 

Lithuanian University of Health Sciences

Founded: 2010 (merger of the Medical University and the Veterinary Academy).

Fields of Study: Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, public health.

Features:

- One of the largest medical universities in the Baltic region.

- Active cooperation with Lithuanian medical institutions.

 

Vytautas Magnus University

Founded: 1922.

Fields of Study: Humanities and social sciences, music, art, natural sciences, IT.

Features:

- Active participation in Erasmus exchange programs.

- One of the most international universities in Lithuania.

 

Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre

Founded: 1933.

Fields of Study: Music, theatre, cinema, choreography.

Features:

- Known for its graduates working in international projects.

- Active participation in the cultural life of Lithuania and Europe.

 

Šiauliai University

Founded: 1997.

Fields of Study: Education, humanities, economics, engineering.

Features:

- Focus on educational programs and research in pedagogy.

 

European Humanities University

Founded: 1992.

Fields of Study: Humanities, social sciences, law, IT.

Features: 

- Private university focused on education for Russian-speaking students.

- Campus located in Vilnius.

To enroll in Lithuanian universities, foreign applicants need to validate their diplomas and certificates by undergoing the recognition of foreign qualifications process. This process aims to determine the equivalence of foreign education with Lithuanian academic standards.

Main steps of the recognition procedure

Determining the responsible institution. In Lithuania, foreign qualifications are recognized by:

Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (SKVC): recognizes qualifications granting access to higher education, as well as higher education qualifications, excluding doctoral degrees.

Higher education institutions: some universities, authorized by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Sports of Lithuania, independently recognize foreign qualifications. Such universities include Vilnius University, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, among others.

Submitting an application

Via SKVC: Applications are submitted through the Electronic Recognition Area Information System on the website epe.skvc.lt. Registration and document submission are done online, allowing applications from anywhere in the world.

Via university: If the selected university is authorized to independently recognize foreign qualifications, the application is submitted directly to the admissions committee of that university. It is recommended to check the procedure in advance on the university's official website.

Providing required documents:

- Completed application form.

- Identity document (passport).

- Original or notarized copies of diplomas and their supplements.

- Translations of documents into Lithuanian or English, certified according to the established procedure.

- Additional documents confirming a change of name or surname (if applicable).

Application review: SKVC or the authorized university evaluates the submitted documents, determining the compliance of the foreign qualification with Lithuanian standards. The recognition process usually takes up to one month from the submission of all necessary documents.

Receiving the decision: In case of a positive decision, a document confirming the recognition of the qualification is issued, allowing the enrollment process in the selected university to continue.

Important considerations

Document submission deadlines: It is recommended to start the qualification recognition process in advance to complete it before the university admissions campaign begins.

Additional requirements: Some universities may request additional documents or conduct internal exams. Therefore, it is important to be familiar with the requirements of the specific university.

Consultations: In case of questions, it is recommended to seek consultation at SKVC or the admissions committee of the chosen university. 

In Lithuania, a variety of additional courses and programs are available for adults aimed at language learning and enhancing professional skills.

Language courses

Lithuanian language courses:

Lithuanian Employment Service: offers free Lithuanian language courses for foreign citizens residing in the country. The programs are intended for EU citizens, European Free Trade Association, and their family members, as well as third-country nationals residing in Lithuania for at least one year. The courses help improve communication skills and integration into Lithuanian society.

Vilnius Adult Learning Centre: offers both free and paid Lithuanian language courses for foreigners and Lithuanian citizens. The training is conducted in groups or individually, with the option to pass a state Lithuanian language proficiency exam of various categories.

English language courses:

Kalba.Lt: offers English language courses for adults with professional teachers. The educational programs are result-oriented, and the center is an official exam center of Cambridge English in Lithuania.

Berlitz: provides flexible language lessons for adults, tailored to various learning styles, whether for travel, communication, or career advancement.

Professional Courses

Professional Education: In Lithuania, there are 71 state and 2 non-state vocational education institutions offering programs for formal initial and subsequent vocational education. Admission is through the General Admission System, and the contact details of the educational institutions are listed in the state register.

Thus, in Lithuania, adults have a wide selection of additional courses and programs aimed at language learning and professional qualification enhancement, which facilitates their personal and career growth.