Information on the Soviet system of higher education in Lithuania

The Soviet system of higher education in Lithuania consisted of long-cycle studies. Programmes leading to the award of a professional qualification after 4 to 6 years of studies were offered. Holders of the professional qualifications had access to postgraduate studies. Currently, such qualifications are equated to qualifications awarded after completion of either university 2^nd cycle (Master’s studies) or integrated studies (Ministerial order No. 754, adopted on the 26^th of April 2002, by the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania). Holders of these have the right to enter the 3^rd cycle (Doctoral) studies. In the professional sector, such qualifications give the right to work.

Information on the current system of higher education in Lithuania

According to the Law on Research and Studies of the Republic of Lithuania adopted on the 30^th of April, 2009 (came into force on the 12^th of May, 2009) studies can be of the following types: college studies and university studies.

College studies are 1^st cycle undergraduate studies intended to prepare for professional activity on the basis of applied research activities. 120–160 national credits (180-240 ECTS) are required to complete college studies. After completion, a degree of profesinis bakalauras (Professional Bachelor) or profesinis bakalauras (Professional Bachelor) and a professional qualification are awarded. In the professional sector, the aforementioned degree gives the right to work. Graduates of college studies have the right to enter the 2^nd cycle (Master) studies after completion of additional requirements.

University studies are organized in three cycles.

1^st cycle university studies lead to a degree of bakalauras (Bachelor) or bakalauras (Bachelor) and a professional qualification. 140–180 national credits (210-270 ECTS) are required to complete the 1st cycle university studies. Bakalauras (Bachelor) degree gives access to the 2nd cycle studies.

2^nd cycle studies lead to a degree of magistras (Master). Teologijos licenciatas (Licentiate of Theology) can be awarded after completion of the 2^nd cycle studies in theology. 60–80 national credits (90-120 ECTS) are required to complete the 2^nd cycle studies. Magistras (Master) degree and Teologijos licenciatas (Licentiate of Theology) both gives access to the 3^rd cycle studies.

3^rd cycle (doctoral) university studies may be in the field of academic research or arts. Research doctoral degree or a doctoral degree in arts is awarded after completion of the studies.

Vientisosios (integrated) university studies (combining studies of the 1^st and 2^nd cycles) are also offered in Lithuania. Traditionally, these studies are offered in several fields of medicine, veterinary medicine, law, and religious studies. Workload in credits of vientisosios (integrated) studies is 200–240 national credits (300-360 ECTS). After successful completion of integrated studies, a degree of magistras (Master) is awarded and access to the 3^rd cycle is granted.

Non-degree studies allow to acquire a qualification or to prepare for independent professional activities. Certificate is issued after completion of such studies.

Information on credits and grading

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