The New Strategy of VMU Pays Attention to the Graduates
In December, 2020, the Council of Vytautas Magnus university (VMU) approved University’s strategy for 2021-2027, and a plan of measures for this strategy is currently in preparations and will later be discussed at VMU Senate, finalised, and submitted to the Council. Taking into consideration overall strategy of VMU, individual departments are preparing their own strategies.
In preparation for the new 2021-2027 strategy of the university, a new direction of “Cohesive and focused community” was included to envisage the great focus on the VMU community: fostering its diversity, well-being, and self-expression.
VMU Vice-Rector for Communication, Mrs Vilma Bijeikienė emphasizes that in this direction particular attention is being paid to the graduates of the university and their mobilisation.
“We are currently offering certain benefits and services to VMU graduates, but it is important to constantly expand and improve them, and therefore we have included several new measures to the strategy. One of them is the “VMU Identity” card. During their years of studies, students become accustomed to using a student card, which becomes an integral part of their studies and connection with the university. After the graduation, when students have to say goodbye to their student cards, we want to give them an opportunity to maintain a symbolic sense of connection with the university. The “VMU Identity” card would not only have symbolic but also practical functions, related to the benefits offered by the university, for example discounts on studies, services of Sports Centre, etc.”, – says V. Bijeikienė.
“We will seek to create an international network of graduates. The number of foreign students at the university is growing rapidly, therefore it is very important to maintain an active communication with them and this could open the door to wider cooperation opportunities. Moreover, we are hoping to achieve an ambitious goal of establishing a VMU Foundation of Patrons and Sponsors, which could provide more favourable conditions for graduates who wishes to support university, research activities or students. Finally, in the strategy we have envisaged a new position of alumni coordinator”, – plans were shared by the Vice-Rector.
VMU has also started to promote active involvement of graduates in the structural governing bodies of the university, such as VMU Senate or the Council, as well as study program committees. The Vice-Rector has no doubt that this is a very important step because graduates not only know the university itself, the system of study organisation, institutional culture, but also have accumulated some professional experience, which allows them to share their invaluable insights in creating the future university.
“Probably one of the most important goals of the university is to serve for the progress of the society and to develop talents that would become the creators of the further progress. That is why we will make every effort to ensure that the talents we have developed would continue to feel like members of the VMU community and we will use our potential to look for new talents. For the goals that were set in the strategy, we are hoping to reach a wide, global network of VMU graduates, while ensuring closer and smoother cooperation, discovering effective means of communication and benefits, so that VMU people would continue to spread the message about their Alma Mater and would always enjoy returning to it”, – said VMU Vice-Rector for Communication.
Lithuanian Language and Culture Course VMU
On the 17th of July, the Lithuanian Language and Culture Course (VMU) will once again continue its mission of uniting Lithuanian language enthusiasts from all around the globe. The course is beloved by global Lithuanian community members, people tracing their family tree, and foreigners who want to learn more about the rich and interesting Lithuanian history, as well as possibly… talk to their Lithuanian partner in his or her mother tongue.
The Lithuanian Language and Culture Course is no less than a lift-off point for one’s personal life goals and a virtual door opening international opportunities – participants often become Lithuanian language ambassadors in their countries, gain useful connections, participate in global projects, and create families.
The course at Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) has been organized for more than 20 years in Vilnius and Kaunas. However, now it offers remote access, making it possible for people to attend classes from wherever they are at that moment. You are only required to have a good internet connection, and preferably neighbors who are not going through some repair work in their apartment. The global pandemic encouraged remote learning – last summer we taught students from more than 30 different countries. When preparing the course program, we also take into account different time zones – students successfully balance lectures with studies and work.
This summer, the online course is being organized for the third time. Both new and already familiar participants are welcome to participate. We want the remote courses to be equally engaging as the real-life ones. Therefore, we arrange virtual visits to Lithuanian museums, Opera and Ballet Theater, invite students to take part in various quizzes, sing Lithuanian songs together, make “pink soup” online, attend history and philosophy lectures.
There is a variety of reasons that bring students to our course: the importance of the Lithuanian language when integrating into the local labor market, study opportunities, Erasmus+ exchanges, Baltic study programs, family members, and partners living in Lithuania.
“I have been living in Lithuania for a year now,” says Antonio, a Mexican Business Logistics student at VMU. “I had the pleasure of attending both summer and winter courses. The intensity of the courses, the creativity of the teachers, and the possibility to use the Lithuanian language every day exceeded my expectations. I look forward to using my Lithuanian language skills in my work environment as soon as possible.”
“What immediately comes to mind when I think about the Lithuanian Language and Culture Courses is the lesson about our pets,” – recalls an Erasmus+ exchange student Elias. “I will not lie, the Lithuanian language is not one of the easiest ones: cases, word stresses, pronunciation of certain sounds… Yet, this did not stop us – a group of 10 foreigners – from discussing, sharing fun stories, asking questions.” The Austrian student says he did not hesitate and started searching for Lithuanian language courses as soon as he got invited to participate in the Erasmus+ program. “Language is a gateway to experiencing any culture.”
Last year, more than 125 students from around the world took part in this course. An even larger number of participants is expected this year. Seize the opportunity and sign up for the Lithuanian Language and Culture Course now.
Anyone wishing to apply for a scholarship must register by April 11th. The application form is open to other course participants until June 11th.
You can find the registration form and more information about the course here:
http://balticsummeruniversity.com/
Lithuanian Short-Term Studies
The call for applications for 2020-2021 Lithuanian short-term studies is now open!
One semester /one academic year study program on Lithuanian language and related subjects.
30/60 ECTS*
| Study field | Philology |
| Short term studies | 30 ECTS (1-2 semester) |
| Contacts | vilma.leonaviciene@vdu.lt |
Why Baltic studies?
Vytautas Magnus University Academy of Education offering one semester programme for students, lecturers and researchers of foreign countries for short terms Baltic studies.
http://studyin.lt/scholarships/short-term-studies/
The Baltic studies programme is designed for students studying in English or Lithuanian languages. Students who have completed the Baltic studies programme are awarded a 30 credit, one semester certificate.
Please note: The Baltic studies programme contains more than 30 credits in offered subjects – the students themselves choose (in accordance to their needs) subjects worth 30 credits in total.
| Title of the Subject | ECTS |
| Curriculum development and management (Ugdymo turinio kūrimas ir valdymas) | 3 |
| Management of Emotional Intelligence (Emocinio intelekto valdymas) | 3 |
| Lithuanian Language for foreigners (A2) | 6 |
| Lithuanian Language for foreigners (A1) | 6 |
| Social Communication | 4 |
| World Literature (Pasaulio literatūra) | 4 |
| Literature text analysis (Literatūros teksto analizė) | 6 |
| Foreign Language (Užsienio kalba) | 6 |
| Lithuanian Literature (XIX-XX) (Lietuvių literatūra XIX-XX a.) | 4 |
| Language for research | 10 |
| Lithuanian Language for foreigners (B2) | 6 |
VMU Lithuanian language and culture summer courses in Kaunas and Vilnius invite to apply for scholarships
Ministry of Education, Science and Sports of the Republic of Lithuania together with Education Exchanges Support Foundation has announced a call for scholarships for the courses organised in the summer of 2020 at Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas and Vilnius.
Lithuanian Language and Summer Courses:
- Kaunas (11-07-2020 – 09-08-2020)
or
- Vilnius (27-07-2020 – 23-08-2020)
Important notes before you apply:
- Students who have received Lithuanian state scholarships for consecutive 12 months in the period of 1st September, 2019 – 1st September, 2020, are not eligible to apply for any Lithuanian state scholarship for 1.5 years.
- These courses are available for those whose Lithuanian language proficiency is no higher than C1.
- Documents submitted must be completed in English or Lithuanian only.
- Application deadline – April 7, 2020 for foreigners and foreigners of Lithuanian origin, May 22 for Erasmus student (who apply only to get their tuition fee waivered).
- Please note that results of the selection process for foreigners and foreigners of Lithuanian origin shall be announced around the end of April – beginning of May.
The application form and detailed information about the call can be found here.
Registration for Sports and Arts Activities has started
We kindly invite students of Vytautas Magnus university, who are studying in Kaunas, to register for sports and (or) arts Ž_for Spring semester 2019/2020, that are organized by VMU Sports Centre and VMU Arts Centre.
All students of VMU are welcomed to join sports and arts activities regardless to their study majors (e.g. students of law may join mixed gender choir „Daina“ of VMU Agriculture Academy).
All activities for VMU students are free-of-charge. Students can register for several activities at once.
Registration for Sports Activities
Registration for Arts Activities
Open Competition for University Fee Exemptions for Spring Semester
Vytautas Magnus university (VMU) has launched an open competition for university fee exemptions for Spring semester 2019/2020. The purpose of the competition is to achieve the mission of socially responsible university by reducing social exclusion, creating appropriate financial conditions for VMU students to be accommodated and (or) study (taking into account different social (material) situations, study results and (or) accommodation in the dormitory).
University fee exemptions for Spring semester 2019/2020 may be granted at a rate of up to 100% to cover:
TUITION FEES, and this exemption may be granted for students of a full-time bachelor, master or integrated studies:
- who are currently in a difficult social (material) situation;
- whose grades (taking into account credits) average for the last examination session is not lower than 8 (eight).
ACCOMMODATION FEES, and this exemption may be granted for students of a full-time bachelor, master, PhD or integrated studies, who are currently living in the dormitory of VMU and who have concluded Agreement for Accommodation, which is valid until June 30th, 2020, based on:
- social (material) situation;
- dormitory and room type, where student is being accommodated (NOTE: students, who are currently living in a single-bed room of the dormitory cannot be awarded accommodation fee exemption).
University fee exemptions through the open competition may be awarded as a matter of priority, by taking into account social (material) status, for:
- Orphans, students who were granted custody or guardianship until adulthood or who have lost both of their parents (both of the parents have passed away);
- Students with disabilities;
- Students from the families with large number of children (there are four or more children in the family, who are currently students, school pupil or minors, and who are not older than 24 years).
Given the social (material) status, students must provide following documents for the competition:
- Orphans: original documents of the death certificates of your mother and father, with official translations to Lithuanian, English or Russian languages with the translator’s stamp attached.
- Students with disabilities: original document, which proves your disability with official translations to Lithuanian, English or Russian languages with the translator’s stamp attached.
- Students from the families with large number of children:
- Original certificate of family composition with official translations to Lithuanian, English or Russian languages with the translator’s stamp attached;
- Original documents/certificates which proves age of your brothers and sisters with official translations to Lithuanian, English or Russian languages with the translator’s stamp attached.
Students who are willing to apply for fee exemptions, has to complete an electronic application form and submit (upload) documents, which proves social (material) status of the family, together with official translations to Lithuanian, English or Russian languages with the translator’s stamp attached. This must be done no later than by February 16th, 2020. Results of the open competition will be published by March 1st, 2020, by personally informing students about it by an email send to the emails address, which was indicated in the Application Form.
Tuition fee and accommodation fees exemptions shall be awarded by taking into account all the support granted for the student by VMU, awarded scholarships, granted exemptions and (or) size of the fees paid for the University and given the support and (or) scholarships awarded from the State budget funds, private legal or natural persons.
More information
Application for University Fee Exemption, Spring Semester 2019/2020
Invitation to participate in Lithuanian Language and Culture Winter Courses!
Education Exchanges Support Foundation announces the beginning of applying to Lithuanian Language and Culture Winter Courses. Lithuanian Language and Culture Winter Courses will take place from the 4th of January until the 2nd of February 2020 at VMU Education Academy in Vilnius.
The deadline for registration is 24th of November
If you would like to learn one of the oldest languages of the world, get to know about the twists and turns of our exciting – you must apply to this course!
Everything you need to do is to fill this application form.
Dear Erasmus students!
We are very glad that during the next semester, you will be studying at Vytautas Magnus University or others Lithuanian Universities. To make your experience in Lithuania even more unforgettable, we would like to offer an amazing opportunity – free participation in Lithuanian Language and Culture Winter Course 2020 in Vilnius! The course is organized: 4th of January until the 2nd of February 2020
If you would like to learn one of the oldest languages of the world, get to know about the twists and turns of our exciting – you must apply to this course!
Everything you need to do is to fill this application form.
The deadline for registration is 24th of November . After this deadline we will select 10 the most motivated students who will take part in this course. Please note that the offer does not include a scholarship; however, Education Exchanges Support Foundation of Lithuania will cover the whole price of this course for you.
Moreover, these courses can be included into your Learning Agreement, meaning that you will get credits for them and may be eligible for Erasmus+ scholarship for the said period as well.
More information about this course can be found here. For more detailed information please contact the course coordinator Vilma Leonavičienė vilma.leonaviciene@vdu.lt
VMU Career days 2019: “Starting point: career”
Do you want to make active and meaningful use of your free time? Come and meet “Kaunas In” institution who will tell you all about work, practice and volunteering opportunities in Lithuania. The public institution “Kaunas In” is an institution of the Kaunas city municipality.
“Kaunas In” has three main objectives: to promote business, tourism and international marketing development of Kaunas and to create conductive conditions for these activities in the city. Institution are responsible for marketing communication activities with target groups, such as business enterprises, tourism agencies, incoming tourists, foreigners visiting Kaunas with a purpose of working here, returning emigrants and international branding activities of Kaunas.
On 9th of October, 15:00, on VMU Career days 2019, we are inviting you to the meeting with “Kaunas In” institution. Come and learn everything about job, internship and volunteering opportunities for international students in Lithuania.
Meeting will be held at VMU Small Hall (S. Daukanto st. 28, Kaunas).
Apply now: competition for exchange studies at non-EU/EEE countries
Students are invited to participate in a competition for one semester or one year long exchange studies at non-EU countries with Erasmus+ or VMU Mobility scholarship.
Students have to submit completed online application form (Outgoing – Application for Bilateral and Erasmus Study Exchange) until 29th of September, 2019
Selection criteria:
- compatibility between the plan for studies or research at the Higher Education Institution abroad and the study programme at VMU;
- motivation;
- results of studies or research during the last two semesters (for VMU Mobility scholarship GPA should be no less than 8.0);
- good knowledge of the language in which lectures will be taught.
Selected students will receive Erasmus+ or VMU Mobility scholarship.
Students will be personally informed via email about the results of first selection stage and invitation to second stage – interview.
More information about universities, conditions and contact persons.
Apply Now: BA and MA Degree Studies in English
This year Vytautas Magnus University is offering 44 bachelor and master degree programmes taught in English. Everyone interested is welcome to apply online before 1 July. Citizens of other EU member states also have the opportunity to apply for state-funded MA studies at VMU before 24 June.
Bachelor’s Degree Programmes in English
Those who are seeking an undergraduate degree have a wide range of choices this year, especially since VMU has expanded and opened two new academies dedicated to education and agricultural sciences.
VMU Education Academy offers BA studies of Pedagogy of Primary Education and Early Foreign Language Teaching: this high-quality programme prepares primary school teachers and gives special focus to early foreign language teaching.
Meanwhile, the Agriculture Academy offers four undergraduate programmes: Administration of Rural Development, Agricultural Mechanical Engineering, Logistics and Commerce, Water Resources Engineering.
Other university divisions offer plenty of first-level study choices as well. Faculty of Arts is organising innovative studies of Music Production, Faculty of Economics and Management is conducting BA programmes of Business Administration and Economics and Finance, Faculty of Humanities invites applicants interested in pursuing a degree in English Philology, while Faculty of Informatics provides studies of Informatics Systems.
Faculty of Natural Sciences welcomes undergraduates of Biology and Genetics, Biotechnology, and Environmental Science. Those who are interested in politics-related careers may choose International Politics and Development studies or World Politics and Economy. And last but not least, the Faculty of Social Sciences is offering a bachelor degree programme in Society, Culture and Communication.
Master’s Degree Programmes in English
Prospective master’s degree students can choose from an even more diverse assortment of programmes. The newly established Agriculture Academy alone offers no less than 7 of them: Administration of Rural Development, Agri-Food Business Management (Joint study programme), Agricultural Mechanical Engineering, Business Logistics, Hydraulic Engineering, Sustainable Energy, and Transport Machinery Engineering.
At the Education Academy, applicants are invited to choose Educational Management: a programme which prepares future educators, educational managers, human resources developers.
Faculty of Economics and Management conducts 4 English-language Master’s programmes: Finance, International Economics, Marketing and International Commerce, and Sports Business MBA, which is a joint programme co-organised with the Euroleague Basketball Institute.
More options are available at other faculties: East Asia Region Studies and Sociolinguistics and Multilingualism at the Faculty of Humanities, Applied Informatics at the Faculty of Informatics, Performing Arts at the Music Academy.
Faculty of Natural Sciences offers MA studies of Applied Biotechnology, Environmental Management, and Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. Four English-language programmes are provided at the Faculty of Political Sciences: Diplomacy, Diplomacy and International Relations, Journalism and Media Industries, and the Interdisciplinary Master’s in East European Research and Studies (MIREES).
Another four graduate programmes can be selected at the Faculty of Social Sciences: Applied Sociology, Organizational Psychology, Social Anthropology, and Social Work.
