Lithuania
Geography of Lithuania
Lithuania is one of the largest countries amongst the Baltic States. This occupies 99km of coastline on the Baltic Sea. The total land area is counted 65,200 sq.km. It has land borders to North with Latvia and with Russia's Kalinin grad out post towards the south. It shares other boarders with Belarus and Poland, which joins Lithuania with, rest of the European union.
The country is mostly flat surfaced with an altitude of 300 meters above sea level. Its soil is enriched with fertile soil due to encircling rivers. Dominated by forest zones and contributes its economy due to timber. The capital of Lithuania is Vilnius and it has strategic seaport called Klaipeda.
It is always worthwhile to add a note on the country's history. Its formation, as a country was dating back to 1236 and it has passed through turbulent history under the control of polish and later under USSR. Lithuania gained its sovergnity in 1991 from Russia after the dissolution of USSR. It has finally joined in EU and NATO in 2004 along with other Eastern European Countries.
The total population accounted for 3.56 millions, out of which 84% constitutes Lithuanians and 7% polish, 6% Russians, others 3%.
The official language in Lithuanian and English is also largely spoken. Most of them belong to Roman Catholics.
The Government constitutes elected parliamentary system with 141 seats, effective for 4-year term. Civil law predominates the legal system. There are constitutional, supreme, Appeal courts and the Judges are appointed by the President (Mr.Dalia Grybauskaite has been the president since 2009 May).
Privatization of economy is the policy of the country 60% of GDP from the services.
The Local Currency:- The currency is Litas (LTL). One Euro= 3.4528ltl. In near future all the monitory process will be converted into Euros.
Entry and residence Permits: - Lithuania is a part of EU. So visa free movements are existing between the schengen Countries.
The PR can be issued to non EU Nationals provided they have sickness insurance, funds to support and place to stay. Temporary PR is issued to EU citizens crossing borders for short term, like EU national can get PR within one month of stay whereas it takes 6 months to non EU citizens. Alternatively residency can be given to anyone who can pay tax and favorable to boost country's economy and spends 183 days in a year or 280 days in two years within Lithuania.
Transportation Facilities: - There are three international airports, two of them in Vilnius. There are international train services connecting Germany, Russia, and Poland. There are equally bus services operating between this countries and known as most preferable means in contrast to -railways . Klaipeda is the most famous commercial shipyard but with less passengers ferries. Banking is moderately developed with many foreign banks.
Tax Rates: Micro-enterprises has to pay 13% profit tax. There are free zones with tax exemption for investors of more than 1 million Euros.
Climate: Lithuanian climate is transitional between maritime and continental. The average temperature is +20 ° c may rise over 30 ° c in summer. In winter -5 to -20 ° c are recorded on an average ,for detailed weather forecast contact: http://www.metro.lt/English/
Why study in Lithuania?
It is a common question in the minds of all prospective students aspiring for foreign education. As a matter of fact many students around the globe have specific interest in spending their higher education in a gorgeous country like Lithuania. Lithuania is a legend of success in spite of its turbulent history and stands as model for all developing EU Nations. It is not only a home of excellent universities but also a firm seat of cultural integrity. The cultural institutions offer chance to foreign students to see traditional art and hear conventional music of local artists. This sort of information is quite valuable information to edit in their course curriculum.
Outside the Vilinus people are quite tranquil and students are exposed to picturesque Lake Glaive on which boat rides are available. In addition city Kaunas is a home to innumerable museums and many other beautiful and fascinating towns scattered throughout the countryside.
As for academics the University of Vilinus is one of the oldest universities in the Eastern Europe and a largest university in Lithuania. The Alumni and its professionals have occupied higher positions as poets and held greater positions in the local Government. The present students are also benefited from such high level teaching and classroom discourses that the university has always been known for.
In a nutshell a prospective student finally feel enriched with fascinating and rewarding experience by having spent the college days in such a gorgeous Baltic state.
Education system in Lithuania
In accordance with law on education, every child has to undergo primary education from the age 6-7 years. In Lithuania everyone has right for education, the secondary education is compulsory till 16 years of age. School children have to stay in school for 12 years. But some manage to leave the school by 9 years and join vocational training schools, which offer the secondary school certificate and qualifications necessary for a job. Earlier education system was much centralized, but now a day's most of the cities have their own schools. Nevertheless the curriculum does not differ much among them. After vocational Junior colleges or manual training school the student can take an entrance exam to qualify for university studies.
Higher Education Concept of Lithuania:
There are two types of institutions offering higher education, known as universities and colleges. They are basically of state type, non-state type. Non-state types of institutions are mostly private organizations, which follow their practice in accordance with the license issued by the state. University studies are organized in three cycles. Cycle 1.Undergraduate, cycle 2 graduate, cycle 3 postgraduate. Integrated studies lead to master's degree by combining the first and second cycles of the university levels. The third cycle trains the researches. The quality of every student program is evaluated by ministry of education. The national credit system is based on an average of 1600 working hours/academic year and one credit is accounting for 40 hours or 7 days of course work. To apply for under graduate programme the candidate should have secondary school leaving certificate. Similarly to apply for graduate programme one should have equivalent bachelor's degree and to apply for post graduate studies the student should have qualifying master's degree. Admission usually takes place on competitive base in accordance with the rules set by the ministry of education, and evaluated by the ministry of education and science.
University level studies:
First stage studies: To get admission he/she has to produce a maturity certificate with higher secondary certificate. The course guidelines are prescribed by ministry of education and science. This first cycle of university study leads to bachelor's degree. The study usually lasts from 4-5.5 years (140-180 national credits). Now the student can enter the second cycle of the university level.
Second stage studies: Master's degree usually lasts for one and half to 2 years ( 60-80 national credits). A master degree program prepares the student with independent research orientation. Sometimes integrated course can also give the master degree (with 180-240 national credits)that may not be longer than 6 years. The only exception is with medical course where the integrated approach may not last more than 7 years (280 national credits).
University 3 rd level studies: This stage of studies are directed to train the medical professions holding degrees like medical doctor deontology veterinary doctor, etc .., integrated degrees. After completion of (80-240 national credits) 2 to 6 years of residency. The residency certificate in the special field is issued.
After successful completion of master degree doctoral studies may take 3-4 years of an own research and submit the doctoral thesis which should cover at least (20 national credits). Higher education departments of the research institutes organize usually doctoral studies jointly. The doctoral thesis must be publicly defended in order for the candidate to qualify for doctorate.
Teacher's education:
- Training of primary school teachers is usually undertaken at higher education institutions.
- Training of secondary grade teachers is undertaken at Vilinus University.
Grading system followed by higher education institutions:
- 1-10 are the maximum grade
- Grade 10- excellent
- Grade-9 very good
- Grade-8 good
- Grade-7 highly satisfactory
- Grade-6 satisfactory
- Grade-5 sufficient
- Grade 4-1 insufficient.
A short glance over Lithuanian mega universities ( KTU, KUM ):
Kaunas University of medicine ( KMU ) : It is one of the renowned universities for medical and allied fields. It was established in 1919 and it has 5 faculties. Faculty of medicine, Faculty of pharmacy, odontology, faculty of nursing and faculty of public health. It has 4 research institutes and university hospital. All these faculties make the KMU a unique university in Lithuania.
In addition to education faculties it also participate research activities by the virtue of its medical research centre. Usually it works with mutual co-operation with WHO. KMU offers 4 degree programmes in English language.
- Medicine (6 years duration)
- Odontology (5 years duration)
- pharmacy (5 years duration)
- Master in public health (2 years duration).
Tuition fee per year:
- Medicine 5,500 €
- Odontology 7,000€
- Pharmacy 4,500€
- Master's in public health 3,940€
Here programmers are open to worldwide participants. For further information on the course visit KMU website.
About KTU: It is one of the largest technical universities in Baltic States. It has national wide reputation for higher education and research activities.
It is situated in the city called Kaunas ,the second largest city in Lithuania. The history of KTU is dating back to 1922. During the recent past the university has developed a lot in all its fields of activities and became visible in the international arena.
KTU is known for its courses in ultra sound, organic chemistry mechatronics systems diagnostics environmental engineering etc.
Doctoral studies at KTU:
Maximum period of doctoral study is 4 years. A student will be assigned a supervisor for research. There are some subjects he/she has to pass during the program. At least (30 ECTS Credits). During the period of studies and exams the student will be paid scholarship.
Admission procedure: The volume of students depends on the total funds available.
Master degree or have graduated one level of higher education system can also compete. Former students who have discontinued their doctoral / masters programme can also take part. Admission depends on the master degree grade and reference from the scientists and previous work experience.
à Admission committee usually takes place on 27 June in ktu central building.
Master degree's offered at KTU (in English):
Industrial engineering and management
- Environmental management and cleaner production.
- Control technologies.
- Ultra sonic material characterization.
- Mechatronics.
- clothing and polymer products engineering
- Applied chemistry
- Marketing management
- European integrated studies
- MBA
Bachelor degree (in English):
Export engineering.
Application checklist:
- Copies of legalized educational credentials.
- Duly filled application form
- Notorised copy of passport
- One recent passport size photo (3x4 cm)
- Bank statement, affidavit in original
- Copy of document showing paid application fee
- List of publications and recommendation letters (For master degree programmes)
Application deadlines: 1 st of June for non-EU students for autumn semester, which is an yearly semester starts by 1 st September.
Student Accomodation
Following are the type of student accommodation in Lithuania.
• University owned residence halls.
• University owned flats/individual houses.
Off campus private accommodation:
- Sharing types of flats/ houses by students.
- Renting a room / rooms with friends.
- Renting a part of family house.
- Living with relatives.
Type1(a): This sort of residence is a good option for the new students. In this type of accommodation student gets an opportunity to mingle with multi cultural society of students. The halls are generally having sharing rooms with common kitchen to suit the self catering needs of specific students.
Type1(b): These types of flats/houses are suitable for matured / reserved foreign students. They may present quite cheap option and free of responsibility of filling the flat mates in case of any dropouts.
To get such an accommodation please contact your Accommodation Officer.
Type2(a): Sharing a flat/house with friends, this is a common option for senior students. In this type the responsibility of filling the flat mates is of course bothering and bills of house contracts are also a bit headache for the foreign students. Such types can be arranged through the letting agents, by looking at the college notice boards , newspapers and online property listings.
Type2(b): This is almost similar to the first type but only you will be missing your old flat mates of similar tastes.
Type2(c): Renting a room in a family home is a common option for post graduate students and is always a comfortable option with a homely atmosphere. The only disadvantage in the timings of a student which may not be convenient to the family and similarly students cannot bear screaming of children.
Type2(d): Living with parents, relatives is of course a cheapest way and clean way, but rarely available boon for a foreign student.
Job market in Lithuania
Following are the categories generally found in the classifieds.
- Agricultural jobs ( Involving fruit picking jobs)
- Banking, Finance and accounting.
- Construction field jobs
- Engineering, Project management jobs.
There are many part time jobs in stream line for foreign students.
You can always publish your CV freely at this site in search of jobs.
http://www.largas.net/darbobirza.htm[LT ]
Alternately check the following site for readily available jobs
http://sci,lt/jobforum/eng/default.htm[EN][LT][RU ]
Also you can post your CV online to facilitate the employers looking at you
http://www.ldb.lt/eures/[EN][LT ]
* Following are few tips on legal working of a non EU student:
- He/she should find local potential sponsor and should obtain work permit from Lithuanian national labor exchange office prior to commencing of employment.
- Student is allowed to work for 20 hrs / week.
- Student is allowed to work only after completion of one year study.
Student should work only in the position that matches his area of study.
Now a day's work permits are issued only for highly qualified persons with degrees like MA, MBA, Ph.D,M.sc, with minimum experience of 3 years in the field.
Alternately work permit is issued for the highly experienced professionals falling in the category of official list of missing Specialists. Such lists are issued semiannually.
For students, on campus jobs are like assistants and receptionists for various departments. This work may account for 20-30 Hrs / Week, Usually offered for students in second academic year.
Summer break usually gives plenty of job opportunities for foreign students in bar, restaurant and seasonal works in Klaipeda port, Palanga, Nida.
Off campus jobs: They are usually generated as part-time/ permanent positions from local companies such jobs are usually for administrators, translators agents, sales assistants.
Job search engines , CV data base and jobs offer portals.
1.www.virtualcv.lt 2www.topcv.lt
Student living expenses
Currency, Banking:
Lithuanian currency is in Litas, usually in the denominations of 10, 20, 50,100,200,500. And with 1,2,5,10,20 centas and circulating coins of denominations 1, 2, 5 litas.
1. € = 3.04528 litas. Foreign currency may be brought in and can be freely exchanged at local banks.
All major credit cards are valid. The bank note dispensers are available at all major centers.
Student living expenses: According to recent calculations living expenses are calculated as 1200Litas per single student inclusive of accommodation.
Expenditure profile/student/month
• Food à 600lts
• Accommodation à 200lts
• Books à 500lts
• Local transport à 20lts
• Insurance à 50lts
• Miscellaneous - 130lts
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1200lts
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Lithuanian universities
| S.No. | English Name | Established | City | Number Of students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mykolas Romeris University | 1990 | Vilnius/Kaunas | 16000 |
| 2 | Lithuanian Academy Of Physical Education | 1934 | Kaunas | 2700 |
| 3 | Lithuanian Academy Of Music and Theatre | 1919 | Vilnius | 1100 |
| 4 | Lithuanian University Of Agriculture | 1924 | Kaunas | 7400 |
| 5 | Lithuanian Veterinary Academy | 1922 | Kaunas | 1500 |
| 6 | European Humanities University | 2006 | Vilnius | |
| 7 | LCC International University(LCC) | 1991 | Klaipeda | 640 |
| 8 | International Business School Of Vilnius University | 1989 | Vilnius | 2400 |
| 9 | Kaunas University Of Medicine | 1922 | Kaunas | 3600 |
| 10 | Kaunas University Of Technology | 1922 | Kaunas/Panevezys | 17500 |
| 11 | Kaunas Priest Seminary | Kaunas | ||
| 12 | ISM University of Management and Economics | 1999 | Kaunas | 900 |
| 13 | General Jonas Zemaitis Military | 1992 | Vilnius |
Content Source:- http://www.wikipedia.org