, 
Coordinator for International Studies Dr. Sigita Mėlynytė
Saulėtekio al. 7, Room C143, +37052234449, Email / MS Teams:
Deputy Director for Studies Dr. Ingrida Prigodina Lukošienė
Saulėtekio al. 7, Room C149, +37052398201, Email:
General University Studies (GUS) and Optional Courses
General University Studies (GUS) – general education in all the first cycle (bachelor's) and integral study programmes of Vilnius University.
Optional Courses. At the end of the semester, registration for the next semester's Optional Courses/modules takes place in the VU information system. The deadline for registration for Optional Courses (modules) for the spring semester is December 15, and for the autumn semester, May 15. Students of the first semester of study must register for Optional Courses (modules) during the first two weeks of the semester. It is possible to deregister from an optional course and choose another one during the first two weeks of the semester in which it is offered.
Optional Courses are presented in study plans of study programs.
Individual Study Plan and Individual Studies at VU LSC
Individual study plan:
- An individual study plan is created after the motivated personal request of the student. The student submits a request for an individual study plan through the eStudentas (VU IS) electronic system. Applications for an individual study plan are submitted during the first two weeks of the semester.
- An individual study plan is possible only for the advanced and debt-free study student.
- An individual study plan is created for the ongoing semester.
- An individual study plan is not possible for the first semester of the first study year.
- As a case of exception, when a student of the first year of studies plans to change study programme after the winter session, due to significant differences in study plans and in order to avoid debts of more than 15 credits, an individual plan may be created with the approval of the study programme chairperson.
- An individual study plan can be created only at the same level of studies, and a change in no more than 30 per cent of study subjects is possible.
- An individual study plan with the change of the optional courses is created in coordination with the chairperson of the study committee and after their approval.
- An individual study plan with the change of the compulsory courses is created after approval by the study programme committee.
- Upon receiving the approval of the chair of the study program or the committee on the individual study plan, the application is approved by the Deputy Director for Studies of the Life Sciences Center.
Requirements for the First Class
During the first lecture of the study subject, the lecturer has to familiarize the students with the description of the study subject, indicating the methods, procedures, assessment criteria, and accounting requirements for students' achievement assessment. The assessment methods, procedure, assessment criteria, and accounting requirements presented during the first lecture cannot be changed during the semester. Students have to be informed of changes due to unforeseen circumstances (changes in the resolutions of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania or Vilnius University, personal affairs of the lecturer, fundamental changes in the organization of the study process) as early as possible. During the first class, the lecturer answers the questions asked by the students related to the subject, discusses methods of communication with the students, and preliminarily discusses the dates for accounting.
It is recommended to publish the subject assessment strategy (accounting requirements, assessment methods) in the subject’s virtual course in the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE = Lith. VMA) (in the VLE system). It is also recommended to publish the work plan, timetable, and accounting times in the virtual environment.
During the first class, the lecturer discusses dividing the students into groups. Students are assigned to groups by the senior of the students of the year who has divided the students evenly into all the planned groups. The lecturer himself can distribute students (by surname in alphabetical order) into groups of equal size.
During the first laboratory work, lecturers inform students about the order and safe behaviour in the laboratory, conduct a safety briefing, and have students sign the work safety log.
Student Participation in Classes, Illnesses, Excuses
A student who is unable to attend the interim accounting at the time indicated in the timetable due to illness or another important reason may account for it at another time agreed with the coordinating lecturer.
The student’s absence from compulsory accounting has to be supported by a document (in case of an illness, a medical certificate (form 027/a or 046/a, extracts from e-health indicating the time of illness (calls to doctors for consultation are not suitable), in other cases - an official document proving a valid reason for absence). A serious reason for absence at the VU LSC is illness, representing Lithuania or VU in sports or cultural activities, loss of a close relative, participation in conferences, or participation in military exercises.
If the student does not attend the final assessment (exam), the lecturer has to record the absence in the register; it will be cancelled, and the evaluation will be postponed after the student submits a document justifying the absence to the VU LSC Studies Division. A student for whom the final assessment of a subject has been delayed has the right to take the exam individually no later than two weeks after the end of the postponed term, at a time determined by the lecturer of the study subject.
According to point 28 of the VU Study Regulations, students with a disability or a temporary health disorder are subject to flexible forms of assessment of study achievements, adapting them to the individual needs and capabilities of the student arising from the disability or temporary health disorder and ensuring that the study achievements will be assessed appropriately.
According to the VU Study Regulations, every student has the right to be informed about the study achievements of their subject and to receive feedback on the evaluation of assessment tasks for study achievement. A student who disagrees with the final assessment of the subject has a right to submit a well-founded written appeal to the VU LSC Committee on Dispute Resolution no later than seven calendar days from the date of publication of the final assessment of the subject, and for interim accountings, no later than three work days after the interim accountings.
If the study achievements of the subject fall below the threshold (less than 5 points) during the final assessment, the student may retake the final assessment once during the first two weeks of the new semester. If the subject is not passed during the re-take session, the student must repeat the course. When taking an exam that has been postponed (for a good reason), the student must contact the subject lecturer themselves to discuss the time and place of retaking the exam (at a time convenient for the lecturer).
A student who repeats a course must come to the first classes of the subject, introduce himself to the lecturer, and discuss with the lecturer the mandatory accountings and assessments accepted.
Psychologist's Consultation
Psychological consultations
The purpose of psychological counselling is to help people identify, understand, and address personal or interpersonal difficulties related to psychological well-being or behaviour. During psychological counseling, a psychologist can help to recognize and change negative or illogical thinking, form a positive attitude towards oneself and the outside world, overcome feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, feel responsible and in control, restore the ability to feel pleasure, find solutions to everyday problems and to use them in various areas of life, to overcome stress, post-traumatic experiences, to resolve interpersonal conflicts.
VU students can receive up to 4 free of charge individual sessions each year. The sessions are facilitated by experienced and qualified practitioners and can be conducted remotely or in person. The duration of a session is 45–50 minutes. More information about the Vilnius University Well-Being Division services can be found here: https://www.vu.lt/en/studies/life-at-vu/psychological-support.
Registration for consultations
To register for a consultation, please fill in the form. When a consultation becomes available, the administrator will contact you to confirm the date and time of your appointment.
Please note that if there is a high volume of requests, a waiting list may be in place. This can result in waiting times of up to 6 weeks. If you refuse the offered consultation time twice, you will automatically be placed at the back of the waiting list.
In-person consultations are provided at the psychological counselling offices located in Vilnius at VU Faculty of Philosophy (Universiteto g. 9/1), Faculty of Physics (Saulėtekio al. 9), Faculty of Medicine (M. K. Čiurlionio g. 21), Institute of International Relations and Political Science (Vokiečių g. 10), as well as in Kaunas at VU Kaunas Faculty (Muitinės g. 8).
Emergency psychological help
Vilnius University community psychologists offer urgent, free-of-charge psychological help for students and employees if:
- You are going through a psychological crisis – a tough period, such as losing a loved one, a traumatic experience, etc.
- You have thoughts about suicide or harming yourself.
- You have had severe psychological conditions, such as depression, psychotic episodes, etc., and you feel it may happen again shortly.
Don't be alone and ask for help; we will try to find solutions together.
Register for the consultation by emailing , calling VU community psychologists directly at +370 658 99392, +370 699 34818, or +370 690 09131, or by immediately registering for a consultation. Consultations are available in Lithuanian, English, Russian, and Ukrainian.
If you are worried about a friend or colleague who needs help, don't hesitate to contact us; together, we will find ways to help them.
For Incoming Students
Congratulations on choosing to study and work at Vilnius University Life Sciences Center!
In this info-pack, you will find helpful information to make your transition to Lithuania easier.
Resident permit
A Temporary Residence Permit is a document that grants the bearer the right to temporary residence in Lithuania for the period specified in the Permit. If a student or employee has a Temporary Residence Permit, they may choose a place of residence, leave the country, and return. However, the student or employee should inform the Migration Service of any changes to their place of residence. A Temporary Residence Permit shall be issued when a student or employee is not a citizen of a Member State of the European Union. Usually, a Temporary Residence Permit in Lithuania is issued for a period of one year or two years.
You must first submit an application for an issue or renewal of a temporary residence permit electronically through the Lithuanian Migration Information System (MIGRIS).
To issue the said Permit, the following documents shall be submitted:
- The application of the set form for issuing a Temporary Residence Permit in Lithuania;
- The valid travel document;
- The valid visa, if the application is submitted after the arrival of the student or employee in Lithuania;
- A photo relevant to the age (40 x 60 mm) – 1;
- The documents certifying the base for issuing a Temporary Residence Permit in Lithuania:
5.1. The documents certifying that the student has been admitted to studies at a higher education institution in Lithuania or that the employee has been accepted for a specific position;
5.2. A mediatory letter issued by the said higher education or work institution; (Note that the VU central administration office issuing said document is on vacation in August and may not reply during that month) - If the student is underage, the consent of his (her) parents or one of them, the tutor, or another legal representative for studies and residence in Lithuania is required.
- The document certifying that you have sufficient means of subsistence and/or get income for living in Lithuania on a regular basis (EUR 924 per month in 2024);
- The document of the place of residence in Lithuania;
- The health insurance.
At present, the first application for issuing a Temporary Residence Permit in Lithuania is processed within 2-4 months. If a shorter period remains before the start of your studies/work, choose the national visa D and submit the application for these documents upon arrival in Lithuania. The visa application is completed online through the system of the Migration Department (MIGRIS).
If a student/employee continues his (her) studies/work in Lithuania, the Temporary Residence Permit shall be renewed after the expiry.
Upon renewal of the Temporary Residence Permit, the student/employee shall submit a mediatory letter issued by the higher education/work institution confirming that the person is not excluded from it. A student/employee shall apply for renewal of the Temporary Residence Permit no later than 2 months before the expiry of its validity period, but not earlier than 4 months before the expiry of its validity period.
More information on how to acquire a resident permit in Lithuania:
https://www.vu.lt/en/studies/master-studies/living-in-lithuania/visa-residence-permit#temporary-residence-permit-trp-for-degree-seeking-non-eu-efta-citizens
https://www.migracija.lt/esu-studentas1
https://ihvilnius.lt/services/migration-depart
https://www.renkuosilietuva.lt/en/registering-as-a-resident/
https://www.renkuosilietuva.lt/en/temporary-residence-permit/
Health insurance
Foreign nationals permanently residing in the Republic of Lithuania are eligible for the Compulsory Health Insurance (CHI). CHI is needed to access all public health services in Lithuania.
Rights of international students to participate in the health insurance system:
Non-EU country nationals:
- D visa holders
- Have no right to participate in the CHI system;
- Do not pay CHI contributions
- Can get healthcare services funded by their private health insurer in accordance with the conditions established in the insurance policy.
- Holders of a temporary residence permit
- Have no right to participate in the CHI system
- Do not pay CHI contributions
- Can get healthcare services funded by their private health insurer in accordance with the conditions established in the insurance policy.
- EXCEPTION: if students legally work in Lithuania, they participate in the CHI system.
- Holders of a permanent residence permit
- Participate in the CHI system
- Are covered by CHI through the means of the State
- Can get free healthcare services
EU country nationals (+ NO, JK, LI, IS, CH)
- EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) holders
- Have a right to receive necessary healthcare services funded by the THIF on the basis of their EHIC;
- Have no right to register on the list of Family doctors;
- In case of an emergency, you can get necessary healthcare services based on the EHIC.
- Holders of PD S1 (The S1 form is a document that you can obtain from your country of origin to qualify for state healthcare in Europe)
- After registering this document in the territorial health insurance fund (THIF),
you have the right to receive all healthcare services on the same conditions as permanent residents of Lithuania: you have the right to register with the family doctor, can receive subsidized pharmaceuticals, and planned healthcare services upon the referral of the family doctor.
- After registering this document in the territorial health insurance fund (THIF),
EU country nationals (+ NO, LI, IS)
- Cross-border healthcare (EU citizens have the right to access healthcare in any EU country and to be reimbursed for care abroad by their home country)
- Have a right to receive planned healthcare services in any chosen healthcare institution (public or private);
- Cover the expenses of healthcare services from their own resources and apply to the competent institution of their home country for reimbursement;
Important information for EHIC and S1 holders:
Free healthcare services are provided in the institutions that have contracts with THIFs.
A referral from a family doctor is required to access planned specialized and inpatient healthcare services.
In an emergency, a referral is not needed.
Important information concerning cross-border healthcare:
If you want to receive cross-border healthcare, first contact your competent institution in the country where you are insured and ascertain what the requirements are in order to be reimbursed for the cost, as well as whether you need prior authorization for these services.
More information:
https://ligoniukasa.lrv.lt/en/
https://ihvilnius.lt/services/vlk
People from non-EU countries must arrange their own health insurance. For PhD students, it may be possible for the costs of health insurance to be covered by your doctoral funds. For this option, contact the doctoral studies administrator. You can do this after you receive the TRP.
Bank account
These are the biggest and most popular banks in Lithuania:
Revolut (recommended for incoming international students and employees)
https://help.revolut.com/en-LT/help/profile-and-plan/getting-started-with-revolut/
Opening a Revolut account in Lithuania is free, regardless of your nationality. If you choose the Standard plan, there are no monthly fees. Still, some charges may apply for services like ATM withdrawals beyond certain limits (e.g., 2% fee after €200 in withdrawals) and currency conversions after a monthly threshold. Revolut also offers Premium and Metal plans with more perks, but these have monthly fees of around €10 and €17, respectively. Delivery fees may apply for the physical card.
Luminor
https://www.luminor.lt/en/private/become-customer
Bank account opening fee – 200 eur
Swedbank
https://www.swedbank.lt/private/d2d/accounts/becomeOurCustomer?language=ENG
Bank account opening fee – 200 eur
SEB
https://www.seb.lt/en/private/become-customer/become-customer
Bank account opening fee – 250 eur
Housing
For the information on renting or buying an apartment in Lithuania, you can check these links:
https://ihvilnius.lt/finding-a-place-to-live/renting-a-place-in-vilnius
https://www.renkuosilietuva.lt/en/housing/
There are also dormitories available for students of Vilnius University. Dormitories in Vilnius are situated on Saulėtekio, Olandų, or Didlaukio streets. However, due to
limited capacity at the dormitories, places won't be assigned to all
interested students. Usually, they are assigned only to undergraduate and master's students, not to PhD students or incoming researchers.
https://www.vu.lt/en/studies/master-studies/living-in-lithuania/accommodation#student-dormitories-in-vilnius
Information on how to apply for a room:
https://www.vusa.lt/en/dormitories
https://www.bustas.vu.lt/en/
Learning Lithuanian language
Lithuanian language classes are offered at the LSC if there is sufficient interest (at least 8 participants) to form a semester-long group. If, during the current semester, there are not enough people interested in learning the language at LCS, the course can still be taken at the VU Faculty of Philology (LSC can cover the course fee upon request). To learn more about current availability and interest, reach out to the LSC representative for your career stage.
More information: https://www.flf.vu.lt/en/lsk/courses
Public transport
Trafi – the leading platform for using public transport and more. In the app, you can easily buy tickets. This all-in-one app will also give you live traffic and public transport updates, helping you choose the fastest route to your destination every time. However, to use the Trafi app, a Lithuanian telephone number is required.
Students receive a 50% discount on short-term tickets and an 80% discount on day/monthly tickets with LSIC or ISIC cards.
Another option for buying public transport tickets is to buy them directly on the bus or tram with a contactless card. By tapping a contactless payment card on the validator, you will purchase a full-price 60-minute ticket for €0.90. The ticket will be activated automatically. More about this option:
https://judu.lt/en/contactless-payment-on-public-transport/
More information on public transport in Vilnius:
https://www.govilnius.lt/plan-your-trip/getting-around-vilnius-/public-transport
https://judu.lt/en/for-public-transport-passengers/routes-and-timetables/
Lithuanian Student Identity Card (LSIC) or International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
Every full-time or exchange student of Vilnius University has the right to get a Lithuanian Student Identity Card (LSIC). If you want to get an LSIC, you must register and order the card at https://lsp.lt/register. However, it might take up to a month for an LSIC card to be made and delivered after the order.
More information on LSIC:
https://www.vusa.lt/en/production-of-lsic
https://lsp.lt/en/how-to-order-lsic
An alternative to an LSIC is an ISIC card (International Student Identity Card), which has many similar benefits and discounts. When ordering the card in person at the ISIC issuing points in Vilnius, the card can be made and acquired during the appointment.
More information on ISIC: https://www.isic.lt/en
Emergency number - 112
The common emergency number for the Lithuanian police, rescue, and fire department, as well as for medical emergencies in Lithuania, is 📞 112. Assistance by the 📞 112 number is available in Lithuanian, English, Russian, and Polish.
Relocation guide prepared by International House Vilnius:
https://ihvilnius.lt/relocation-guide-form
Another information center for valuable articles on life in Lithuania and integration tips:
For Your Development and Career
Useful information and practical advice to help you on your career path.
Contacts of Study Department
Study issues at the LSC are supervised by the Deputy Director for Studies Dr. Ingrida Prigodina Lukošienė.
If you have any questions related to your studies, please contact the Study Department.
Social Insurance Services – SODRA
From providing access to the various types of social insurance benefits available to residents to managing pensions, Sodra is the agency serving individuals who contribute to Lithuania’s social insurance fund.
Students who are not employed (or receiving only a university student stipend) do not need to contribute to SODRA.
Only employees, students employed on the projects, or postdoctoral researchers need to pay taxes to SODRA. However, employees with legal contracts do not need to worry about paying their own taxes – employers pay them on their behalf. As such, contracted employees only need to declare their income for the previous calendar year if they want to receive tax refunds or verify the taxes they have paid.
If you are a student and do not work, you do not need to register at STI or provide any other information.
More information:
https://www.sodra.lt/
https://ihvilnius.lt/services/vlk
https://www.renkuosilietuva.lt/en/social-security/