Lithuanian system of higher education

Undergraduate level - Bachelor or vocational studies

Since 2000 a binary system of higher education entered into force in Lithuania. There are university level and non-university level studies available.
A undergraduate study programme at university level in Lithuania comprises 160 credit points (one credit corresponds to 40 relative hours of student work (in classes, independently, etc.) or his relative working week (system of credits used in Lithuania corresponds to 1,5 ECTS credits)) and lasts between four and five years. Two thirds of the subjects have to be studied at the same higher education institution. There are three blocks of subjects: comprehensive humanitarian and social studies, at least 30% of all credits; fundamentals of the branch of studies, at least 30% of all credits; and specialised subjects, at least 30% of all credits. Graduates at this level are awarded a bakalauras (Bachelor's degree) and/or profesine kvalifikacija (a diploma of vocational qualification and the certificate of graduation from a higher education institution).
At the non-university level study programmes consist of at least 120 credits and last at least 3 years. The professional qualification and diploma of higher education is being obtained after successful completion of studies. At the present situation graduate level studies can not be directly pursued after completion of a college.

Graduate level - Master's studies, specialised vocational studies and residency

Upon completion of a basic study programme, graduates may pursue specialised vocational studies (lasting 1-2 years and comprising of 40-80 credit points
) or studies leading to a Master's degree (lasting 1,5-2 years and comprising 60-80 credit points) Master's graduates have to defend a thesis or a diploma project. Upon obtaining this degree, the recipient can start doctoral studies or practical activity. In some cases students may be admitted directly to the Master's studies. In this case, the studies take 6 years.
After completion of a professional, specialised professional or residency programme, students obtain a professional (e.g. teacher, engineer, economist, etc.) qualification

Lithuania also has uniform study programmes consisting of both basic and Master's studies (for example, medical study programmes taking 5-6 years).

In addition the degree system in Lithuania comprises vocational post-graduate study programmes (duration 1-2 years). These programmes are very popular and are becoming even more so in the field of engineering.

Doctoral level

A doctoral studies can be started if candidate has already obtained a Magistras (Master's) degree or equivalent higher education The education lasts from 3 years (For those with Master's degree) to four years (for those who have completed specialised professional or continuous university level studies), one and a half to two years of which are spent completing doctoral courses. The doctoral courses comprise up to five subjects and final examinations, each subject comprising at least 45 hours. Upon completion of the doctoral courses, a doctoral thesis must be prepared and defended publicly to qualify the candidate for the doctorate. Doctoral studies may be jointly organised by higher education and research institutions. The highest academic degree in Lithuania is the habilituotas daktaras (doctor habilitatus). This degree is awarded to holders of a doctorate who have published significant results in relevant Lithuanian or international journals, as well as a monograph or a habilitation thesis.