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Vilnius University

Vilnius University

Vilnius University

Introduction

About Us

Welcome to Vilnius University – the oldest and largest Lithuanian higher education institution.

Since its establishment in the 16th century, Vilnius University, as an integral part of European science and culture has embodied the concept­ of a classical university and the unity of studies and research.

Vilnius University is an active participant in international scientific and academic activities and boasts many prominent scientists, professors, and graduates. Scientific development and the expanding relations with global research centers have contributed to a variety of research and studies at Vilnius University.

With the support of social partners, the university educates globally-minded specialists who successfully integrate into the modern European community.

Why Choose Vilnius University

  • Vilnius University is a classical university with over 430 years of academic traditions and the widest range of study programs in Lithuania.
  • The university offers an academic environment focused on excellence in research and teaching.
  • Vilnius University is 1st in Lithuania according to a national ranking. It is the most popular and most acknowledged higher education establishment among Lithuani­an secondary school graduates.
  • Vilnius University is Lithuania’s leading academic institution, ranked among the top 400 universities worldwide (QS).

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Mission

The mission of Vilnius University is to create, accumulate, and disseminate knowledge by ensuring the continuity of authentic university culture distinguished by the atmosphere where old traditions and new ideas enrich each other.

Freedom of thought and diversity of opinions are the main values of the University community. A unity of research and studies is the core principle of the overall activity of the University.

The University should distinguish itself by a broad spectrum of fundamental and applied research. It should seek to assume the leading position among other Lithuanian institutions in all research areas that are essential to the very nature of a comprehensive University and set itself the goal of international excellence in interdisciplinary research. The University should be committed to the mission of opening the doors and providing universal education for the most talented young people from all districts of Lithuania and educating active and responsible specialists, who demonstrate the need to expand their knowledge and improve professionally and who are able to learn throughout their lifetime. The University should seek that the quality of all forms of studies conforms to the modern culture and technologies and pertains to the needs of the state and society.

Vision

  • To position and distinguish itself in European research and education area through top-level research, which should be sustained by the University’s research teams of international acclaim and new teams, as well as to ensure annually increasing involvement in European research and educational programs;
  • to ensure that the balanced development and interaction of research in humanities, social, physical, biomedical, and technological sciences remains the most outstanding feature of the University, which essentially differentiates it from other Lithuanian establishments of higher education and research;
  • to initiate and actively implement projects of value for the economic development of the country, which would encourage effective cooperation of scientific and educational institutions with high technology companies and create favorable conditions and environment for innovations and entrepreneurship;
  • to create a well-functioning quality assurance system that would guarantee effective monitoring of the existing study programs and development of new programs and which would encourage the implementation of advanced teaching methods and tools. The system should ensure that generic and specific competencies and skills of University graduates are consistent with the needs and tendencies in the economy, culture, and labor market of the country;
  • to significantly expand non-consecutive, distance, and other flexible study forms and methods and become the center of continuous professional improvement and lifelong learning, which plays an important role in the transition of the country toward a knowledge-based society.

Living in Lithuania

Cost of Living

Be realistic while planning your expenses during your stay in Lithuania - it is essential that you have enough money for the whole duration of your study period!

The likely monthly living costs are provided below. These costs are based on a student who lives in Vilnius or Kaunas and has no dependents. Tuition fees, residence permit expenses, and trips to your home country are not included.

Public Transport in Vilnius

Trolleybuses and buses start running at 5:00 in the morning and stop running at midnight. There are as well night buses that run overnight. The timetables can be found on the official Vilnius Public Transport websiteor on mobile applications such as “m.Ticket” or “Trafi”. The apps are easy to use and give the most accurate timetables so they are highly recommended for you.

Public Transport in Kaunas

Trolleybuses and buses start running at 6:30 in the morning and stop running at 22:00 in the evening. There are as well night buses on weekends and festive days. The timetables can be found on the website www.stops.lt/kaunas/#kaunas/en or on mobile applications such as “Trafi”. It is easy to use and gives the most accurate timetables so we would highly recommend it to you.

Telephone

For those who want to use a mobile phone in Lithuania may choose between three mobile phone companies: Telia, Tele2, or Bite. It is much cheaper to use a pre-paid card from one of these companies than to use the services of your home country.

You could get the pre-paid card in most of the grocery stores or specialized company shops. There you could also get information on the best ways to use your card. Please find the addresses of the subdivisions of these companies by following the provided links.

Climate

Lithuania’s climate is transitional between maritime and continental. The average temperature is approximately +20ºC (sometimes it rises over +30ºC) in the summertime and -5ºC (it also may fall to –15ºC or –20ºC) in winter so be prepared for changing weather.

Rankings

VU Reiterated a Record-High Position: University Makes It to the Top 400 World Universities

Vilnius University (VU) has maintained the highest rating that it received last year among Lithuanian higher education institutions, ranking 400th in the latest QS World University Rankings. VU’s position remained unchanged, even after the inclusion of 124 additional higher education institutions in the QS Rankings this year.

Compared to the previous year, VU rose significantly in the new rankings according to its reputation among employers – from 434th to 348th position. This category reflects the evaluation by international employers of the best graduates produced by the institutions. The indicators for international academic staff also grew. In addition, VU occupies an exceptionally high position in terms of its quality of teaching – 137, which is related to the greater attention paid by teachers to each student.

In compiling the QS World University Rankings, higher education institutions are ranked according to a total of six criteria: Academic Reputation, Employer Reputation, Citations per Faculty, Faculty/Student Ratio, International Faculty Ratio and International Student Ratio.

VU has been included in the global QS Rankings among almost one and a half thousand higher education institutions for almost a decade now, and has risen by a total of more than 200 positions during that time. When it was first evaluated in 2014, VU ranked 601-650; and it is currently in 400th place. VU represents Lithuania in shaping higher scientific standards, which are making an increasingly important contribution to attracting international researchers and becoming a serious competitor among the most prestigious European universities.

Visa Requirements

All international students from Non- EU/EFTA countries coming for studies to Lithuania are required to get multiple entry national visas (D).

The application documents for the issue of a national visa (D) should be submitted to the closest Embassy, Diplomatic Mission or Consular Post of the Republic of Lithuania before arrival. The decision to issue a national visa shall be made within 15-45 days after the receipt of the visa application.

Important:

! You cannot obtain a national visa (D) upon arrival in Lithuania. ! A multiple entry national visa (D) can be issued for the period not exceeding one year (new visa for the next 12 months can be issued not earlier than 180 days after the expiration of the last visa or the total validity period of all visas you had). ! If you have a national visa (D) for your studies, you are NOT allowed to work during your studies (only after obtaining a temporary residence permit). ! Only doctoral and master students (residence permit holders) can bring their family to Lithuania.

According to the Lithuanian law on privacy, the embassy is not allowed to communicate with a third party (e.g. University) about a visa application or a refusal reason.

The necessary documents to be submitted to the nearest Lithuanian Embassy for a multiple entry national visa (D):

  1. Completed application for issuing the national visa in the established format (printed and signed by the applicant);
  2. One color passport photo (35×45 mm with light color background, no older than 6 months);
  3. Valid passport (its copy and copy of all stamped pages):
    • Its validity period is at least three months longer than the validity period of the requested visa;
    • It shall contain at least two blank pages;
    • It shall have been issued within the previous 10 years.
  4. Proofs of sufficient amount of funds for subsistence (at least 365 EUR per month + 730 EUR for the return to the state of origin);
  5. Health insurance
    • Covering the entire period of the intended stay.
    • Valid in all participant states of the Schengen Area.
    • The minimum coverage shall be EUR 30 000.
  6. Number of Mediation Letters from Vilnius University to issue a national visa (D) - Request form;
  7. Letter of Acceptance (or Certificate of Student Status ordered via VU IS eStudent application);
  8. Consular fee: 60.00–120.00 EUR.


Note 1: Supporting documents that are in a language other than Lithuanian or English must be accompanied by an official translation of the original document or of a certified copy of the original document in Lithuanian or English.Note 2: The Embassy/ Consulate reserves the right to request additional information/ documentation and, if deemed necessary, to interview the applicant. For detailed information on all visa requirements, it is advisable to visit the website of the Embassy/Consulate of the Republic of Lithuanian.Note 3: A national visa (D), as well as a temporary residence permit, allows students to travel via Schengen area countries for 3 months in each period of 6 months

Scholarships and Funding

Application Deadline
Bachelor and Integrated studies: Tuition Fee Waivers and Scholarships to Apply for Before StudiesJune 1, 2022
Master Studies: Tuition Fee Waivers and Scholarships to Apply for Before StudiesJune 1, 2022
Scholarships to Get During the Study PeriodOctober 10, 2022

Applications open on January 1

We are waiting for your application for studies starting in September 2023 from January 1st.

Locations

  • Vilnius

    3 Universiteto St., , Vilnius

  • Kaunas

    Muitinės gatvė,8, 44280, Kaunas

    • Šiauliai

      84 Vytauto St., LT-76352, , Šiauliai

      Questions