Lithuania education system

Adult vocation training
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Non – formal education
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Special education
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Doctoral studies
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Higher education studies
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Post – secondary education
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Continuing vocational traning
Secondary
education 12 class
11 class
Basic education 10 class
9 class
8 class
7 class
6 class
5 class
Primary
education 4 class
3 class
2 class
1 class
0 class (Prie – school education)


The present-day Lithuanian educational system covers pre-school development, general child and youth education and junior college training, higher education and adult education. There is a binary higher education system in Lithuania, that is, HE institutions are of two types: universities and colleges. There is a binary higher education system in Lithuania, that is, HE institutions are of two types: universities and colleges. A higher education is acquired after the completion of undergraduate studies, which last four or five years in an institution of higher educatioA higher education is Acquired After the completion of Undergraduate Studies, which last four or five years in an institution of higher education. Upon completion of the undegraduate studies, a specialized professional or Master degree programme, lasting one and a half to two years, can be undertaken only at the Universities. Upon completion of the undegraduate Studies, a specialized professional or master degree program, lasting one and a half to two years, can be untertaken Only at the University. Doctoral studies in Lithuania last for four years. Doctoral studies in Lithuania last for four years.
Level 0
Pre-school education
Pre-school education is provided to children between one and five (or six) years of age. At the request of parents, children in this age group may be educated at nurseries, nursery-kindergartens, kindergartens, kindergarten-schools, or other schools according to a pre-school curriculum aimed at satisfying the inherent cultural (including ethnic), social and cognitive needs of a child.
Pre-primary educationAt the request of parents, pre-primary education can be provided to a child. Provision of pre-primary education to a child commences in the calendar year a child turns six years of age. The one-year curriculum of pre-primary education is implemented by kindergartens, primary schools, and other schools.
Level 1
Primary education
Provision of primary education commences when a child is 6/7 years of age. The four-year primary education curriculum is implemented by kindergarten-schools, primary schools, and other schools. Primary education is aimed at providing a child with the basics of moral, cultural and social maturity and elementary literacy and enabling him to get ready for studies according to the basic education curriculum.The duration of the primary education curriculum is four years (forms 1–4). Upon completion of the primary education curriculum, a person gains primary education.
Level 2
Basic education
After completing primary education, 10/11-year-old children are taught according to the basic education curriculum implemented by gymnasiums and secondary, basic, youth, vocational and other types of schools. The purpose of basic education is to provide an individual with the basics of moral, sociocultural and civic maturity, general literacy, and the basics of technological literacy; to raise national consciousness; to develop the quality of seeking the aim and ability to make decisions and choices and to continue learning. The duration of the basic education curriculum is six years (forms 5–10). Upon completion of this curriculum, a person gains basic education.
Primary vocational training
Primary vocational training may be provided to individuals who have basic education and are at least 14 years old.Upon completing the primary vocational training curriculum and/or passing qualifying examinations, the student gets a primary professional qualification and/or completes basic education.
Level 3
Secondary education
Secondary education is provided to 16/17-year-old students who have basic education. The purpose of secondary education is to assist a person in attaining the general academic, sociocultural and technological literacy; moral, national and civic maturity; and the basics of professional competence and/or qualification. The secondary education curriculum consists of compulsory and optional modules of general education, and there is also a possibility to choose modules of vocational training. The curriculum is implemented by gymnasiums, secondary and vocational schools, and other types of schools.The duration of the secondary education curriculum is two years (forms 11–12). Upon completing this curriculum and passing examinations for the school-leaving certificate, a pupil completes secondary education.
Primary vocational training
Primary vocational training may be provided to students who have basic education.Upon completing the vocational training curriculum and passing qualifying examinations and/or examinations for the school-leaving certificate, a student gets primary professional qualification and/or completes secondary education.
Level 4
Continuing vocational training
Continuing vocational training is provided to people who have a primary professional qualification. Its purpose is to upgrade the professional qualification or to obtain another one. Continuing vocational training encompasses both formal adult vocational training/learning and non-formal adult education.Qualification is obtained when a learner completes the vocational training curriculum and/or passes qualifying examinations.
Level 5
Post-secondary education
Post-secondary education used to be provided to individuals with secondary education who wanted to obtain higher education. The curricula of the post-secondary education were implemented by post-secondary education schools. Admission to these schools was stopped in 2003 and post-secondary education schools were reorganized.
Level 6
Higher education studies
Education under the higher education curricula is available to people who are at least 18-years-old and have completed secondary education. The purpose of higher education is to assist an individual in obtaining a higher education degree and a corresponding qualification, as well as to prepare an individual for an active professional, social and cultural life. The higher education curricula are implemented by the higher education schools, i.e. universities and colleges. There are two types of studies at the higher education schools: consecutive and non-consecutive studies. The form of consecutive studies is established by each higher education institution itself.A college is a higher education institution in which study programmes are focused on practice. In colleges, students study under non-university study programmes. Applied research and/or scientific development or professional arts are developed in colleges. The non-university study programmes consist of 120 credit points. The standard duration of studies is three years (full time studies). Possible forms of studies are: full-time, part-time, and extramural studies. The non-university study programmes consist of at least 120 credit points, but not more than 160 credit points. A professional qualification and a diploma of higher education are awarded under successful completion of non-university studies.A university is a higher education institution in which university study programmes prevail. At universities, scientific research is carried out, Master’s and doctoral studies are organized, and/or a high-level professional artistic activity is developed, and postgraduate art study programmes are implemented.The university studies consist of three stages. The first stage (Bachelor’s degree) study programmes are designed to gain theoretical basics in a particular subject area and to develop professional skills, necessary for independent work (the university study programmes target mainly theoretical knowledge, whereas non-university study programmes are practice-oriented). The second stage (Master’s studies or special vocational training programmes) study programmes are intended to prepare a student for an independent scientific or artistic work, or some other type of work that requires scientific knowledge and skills. These study programmes can be pursued only by those students who have completed the first stage study programme in the subject area specified in the admission rules.The duration of undergraduate (first stage) studies is 3–5 years. Upon completion of these basic studies, a Bachelor’s degree is awarded.The duration of Master’s degree studies is 1.5–2 academic years. Upon completion of Master’s degree studies, a Master’s degree is awarded.The duration of integrated studies is 4.5–5 years. Upon completion of this programme, a Master’s degree and/or a professional qualification are/is awarded.Level 7
The third stage university study programmes are intended for the professionals of the highest qualification: Doctoral studies — for scientists, Postgraduate Art studies — for professional artists, and Residency — for the physicians, odontologists, and veterinary surgeons and specialists. These study programmes can be pursued by individuals who have completed at least the second stage studies, or integrated studies in the subject area specified in the admission rules.The duration of doctoral studies is four years. Upon completion of the doctoral study programme, a Doctor’s degree is awarded.The duration of postgraduate art studies is no longer than two years. Upon completion of the postgraduate art studies, a qualification degree of Licentiate of Art is awarded.Residency studies last from one to six years. During the first stage of Residency one of the qualifications of a medical doctor of more general profile is obtained, whereas the second and the third stages of Residency are intended for gaining a qualification in a more specific area.
Special education
Special education is intended to assist people with special needs in their development and to help these people learn according to their abilities, obtain education and qualification, and overcome social exclusion. Special education includes early, pre-school, general, vocational, post-secondary, higher, adult education and supplementary education for people with special needs.Upon completion of special education, a person can get a certificate of education of a certain level and/or qualification. In certain cases, qualification is granted without having completed a certain level of education.
Non-formal education
Non-formal education provides a possibility to test one’s abilities in various fields (music, art, sports, etc.). By applying methods of non-formal education at various camps, workshops, and youth projects, different situations are simulated, and in these situations young people disclose and develop their personal, behavioural, communication, cross-cultural, organisational, mobility, and creative skills.The aim of the non-formal child education is to satisfy the learners’ cognitive, educational, and self-expression needs and to help them to become the active members of society. Whereas the aim of non-formal adult education is to provide an individual with conditions for life-long learning, conditions to satisfy the cognitive needs, to develop current qualification and to gain further qualifications.
Adult vocational training
The purpose of adult vocational training is to provide people with the occupation which is in demand in the labour market, within a rather short period of time (from several weeks to several months). Adult vocational training programmes are designed for individuals who have completed general (10 years) or secondary (12 years) education. Individuals may pursue adult vocational training from 18 years of age (in certain cases from 16 years of age). Adult vocational training is provided by Labour Market Training Centres. These Centres mainly provide adult vocational training, vocational retraining, and qualification development. The activities of the centres are regulated by the Lithuanian Labour Market Training Authority.Lithuania - Educational System-overviewThe people of Lithuania are highly educated. Nearly the entire population between the ages of 15 to 39 has completed basic schooling. Nearly the entire population between the ages of 15 to 39 has completed basic schooling. A major overhaul of Lithuanian education practices followed the country's restoration of independence in 1991. A major overhaul of Lithuanian education practices followed the country's restoration of independence in 1991. The system of primary-secondary-higher education was developed between the two world wars with the Soviets further expanding this to adult education. The system of primary-secondary-higher education was developed between the two world wars with the Soviet further expanding this to adult education. The Soviets highly politicized philosophy of education was evaluated and replaced. The highly politicized Soviet philosophy of education was evaluated and replaced. Independent Lithuania no longer adheres to the "Soviet school" philosophy. Independent Lithuania no longer adheres to the "Soviet School" philosophy. It now focuses on an ideology based on Lithuanian history and culture. It now focuses on an ideology based on Lithuanian history and culture. However, the system still utilizes some Soviet organizational methods (US Department of State 1998). However, the system still utilizes some Soviet organizational methods (U.S. Department of State 1998).Education Between the ages of 7 and 16 is compulsory and free of charge at all levels, as a result of the 1992 Constitution. The three levels of Lithuanian education include: comprehensive (from 7 to 16 years of age), vocational and schools of further education (from 16 to 18), and higher education. The three levels of Lithuanian education include: Comprehensive (from 7 to 16 years of age), vocational and schools of further education (from 16 to 18), and higher education. Furthering this delineation, there are three types of comprehensive schools: primary (grades 1 to 4), principal (grades 5 to 9), and secondary (grades 10 to 12). Furthering this delineation, there are three types of comprehensive schools: Primary (Grades 1 to 4), principal (grades 5 to 9) and secondary (grades 10 to 12). There are over 2,000 schools across these levels. There are over 2.000 schools across these levels. Preschool is also available should parents wish to enroll their children. Preschool is also available should parents wish their children to Enroll.Schools are located in all cities, towns, and villages. The more remote schools generally begin with first grade and end with fifth or ninth grade. The more remote schools will generally begin with first grade and end with fifth or ninth grade. Students are likely to attend a public institution for primary and secondary school, where they are commonly enrolled in art and music courses in addition to their academic schedule. Students are Likely to attend a public institution for primary and secondary school, where they are commonly enrolled in art and music courses in addition to their academic schedule. Following secondary education (grade 12), the majority of students go on to vocational schools; the next largest percentage of students attend college-like institutions. Following secondary education (grade 12), the majority of students go on to vocational schools, the next largest percentage of students attend college-like institutions. The remaining students continue at polytechnical institutions. The remaining students continue at polytechnical institutions.Following Lithuania's independence from the Soviet Union, more than 67 percent of Lithuanian students now attend religious classes in general schoFollowing Lithuania's independence from the Soviet Union, more than 67 percent of Lithuanian students now attend religious classes in general schools. In addition to the religious courses, students also study history, mathematics, science, ethics, Lithuanian, and Lithuanian literature. In addition to the religious courses, students also study history, mathematics, science, ethics, Lithuanian, and Lithuanian literature. Foreign language study includes English, German, Russian, French, and Latin for accelerated classes. Foreign Language Study includes Español, German, Russian, Français, and Latin for accelerated classes. Foreign language study begins in the fifth grade, with English as the primary language of study. Foreign Language Study Begins in the fifth grade, with Lietuanian as the primary language of study.Teachers now offer a wider variety of subjects and de-emphasize the teaching of Russian history and the Russian language Teachers now offer a wider variety of subjects and de-emphasize the teaching of Russian history and the Russian language. Teachers are beginning to attend summer workshops, where they can learn new teaching practices (Kudirka 1991). Teachers are beginning to attend summer workshops, where they can learn new teaching practices (Kudirka 1991).The academic year runs for 10 months from September through June.The academic year runs for 10 months from September through June. There is a summer break from July 1 to September 1. There is a summer break from July 1 to September 1st Classes are primarily taught in Lithuanian, although in closed communities of ethnic minorities, the state does provide support for education in the native language. Classes are Taught primarily in Lithuanian, Although in the closed communities of ethnic minorities, the state does provide support for education in the native language. Parents are permitted to choose the school of general education according to its language of instruction (EuroEducation Net 1996) (NAFSA 1991). Parents are permitted to choose the school of general education according to its language of instruction (EuroEducation Even 1996) (NAFSA, 1991).
Lithuania has established goals for its educational system. Lithuania has established goals for its educational system. They are as follows: They are as follows:To develop mental and physical abilities; to lay firm the foundations of morality and a healthy way of life; and to develop intellect while providing conditions for the further development of individuality To develop mental and physical abilities, to lay the firm foundations of morality and a healthy way of life, and develop the intellect while providing conditions for the further development of individuality.To offer children both general and professional education corresponding to the current level of science and culture To offer children both general and professional education corresponding to the current level of science and culture.To provide the opportunity for the residents of Lithuania to continue their education It provides the opportunity for The Residents of Lithuania to continue their education.To clarify personal rights and to instill a sense of civic duty to the family, nation, society, and the State of Lithuania, as well as the need to participate in the cultural, social, economic, and political life of the Republic (NAFSA 1991).To clarify personal rights and that instills a sense of civic duty to the family, nation, society, and the State of Lithuania, as well as the need to participate in the cultural, social, economic, and political life of the Republic (NAFSA 1991)