Letters

Regarding the Procedure for the Selection of Students and the Allocation of Funding for Participation in Summer School Programs Abroad (May 21, 2025)

The Vilnius University Student's Representation, having reviewed the Procedure for the Selection of Students and Allocation of Funding for Participation in Summer School Programs Abroad and its attachments submitted by the Lithuanian Science Council, submitted proposals regarding the accessibility of this measure and the improvement of the selection process.

The letter noted that, according to the submitted procedure, funding is allocated on a reimbursement basis, meaning that a student must already have been invited to participate in a summer school and have paid the participation fee. VU SR noted that such a model could create additional financial barriers for some students, as the decision to participate in a summer school may be determined by available personal funds rather than academic motivation or the benefits of the summer school. Therefore, it was proposed to allow students to apply for funding before incurring participation, travel, or accommodation costs.

The letter also proposed refining the criteria for evaluating applications. VU SR suggested placing greater emphasis on the student’s motivation and the benefits of the summer school, evaluating not only the program’s alignment with the student’s field of study but also its contribution to individual academic and professional growth, as well as the acquisition of intercultural and interdisciplinary competencies.

Link to the letter: https://www.vusa.lt/d/G4YXA0

Regarding the Draft Order of the Minister of Education, Science, and Sports of the Republic of Lithuania (July 30, 2025)

The Vilnius University Student's Representation, in response to the draft ministerial order submitted by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Sport for approval regarding the allocation of state-funded study places for first-cycle and integrated study programs, state-funded study places in first-cycle and integrated study programs, and the procedure for compiling the first and second competitive rounds of applicants for study scholarships in 2025, has presented its position on the proposed solutions.

The letter emphasized that the basis for admission selection should be adequate academic preparation, and that higher education must be accessible to individuals who have met a clearly defined admission threshold. VU SR noted that decisions regarding additional points or adjustments to the competitive score must be made responsibly, taking into account their impact on the equality of applicants, legitimate expectations, and the quality of higher education.

VU SR viewed the option of restoring actual scores most favorably, as such a decision would allow for a more accurate assessment of the academic preparedness of high school graduates from different years. The letter also expressed support for a model of adjusting the competitive score, under which a correction coefficient would be applied to 2025 high school graduates who scored up to 85 points, while the results of those who scored 86–94 points would be recalculated using a special formula. However, VU SR noted that such changes must be adopted in a timely and transparent manner and without violating the deadlines set by law.

Link to the letter: https://www.vusa.lt/d/nVXvQ0

Regarding Amendments to the Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners (September 26, 2025)

The Vilnius University Student's Representation, in response to a letter from the Ministry of the Interior forwarded by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Sports, presented its position on the proposed amendments to the Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners.

VU SR supported the proposal to issue temporary residence permits for study purposes for a period not exceeding 8 years, with an exception for doctoral students. However, the letter expressed opposition to the proposal to limit international students’ working hours to 20 hours per week, with the exception of internships scheduled during vacation, study, or internship eriods.

VU SR noted that such a restriction could negatively impact international students’ financial independence, integration, and ability to live comfortably in Lithuania. The letter emphasized that students holding a temporary residence permit or visa already face an additional financial burden, including the need for private health insurance, so limiting their working hours could further complicate their situation. VU SR proposed maintaining the current regulations on the scope of work for international students and addressing these issues systematically, in coordination with the strategy for attracting and integrating international students.

Link to the letter: https://www.vusa.lt/d/DX3vJ0

Regarding the Appeal on the Amendments to the Law on Medical Practice of the Republic of Lithuania (September 29, 2025)

The Vilnius University Students’ Representation, together with the Junior Doctors Association, the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Residents’ Council, the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Students’ Representation, the Lithuanian Medical Students’ Association, and the Lithuanian National Union of Students, addressed members of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania regarding the proposed amendments to the Law on Medical Practice, which aim to redistribute 15–20% of state-funded residency places into positions requiring graduates to work in regions for a mandatory period.

The appeal emphasized that although ensuring the accessibility of healthcare services in the regions is an important objective, the proposed measures are disproportionate, ineffective, and may have negative long-term consequences for the Lithuanian healthcare system. The organizations noted that the proposal would restrict physicians’ right to freely choose their workplace, discriminate against medical residents compared to other professions, and create an obligation rather than motivation to work in the regions.

The letter also highlighted that more flexible mechanisms already exist, whereby healthcare institutions finance residency studies in exchange for a commitment to work in a specific location. According to the organizations, the shortage of healthcare specialists should instead be addressed by improving working conditions, expanding residency training bases in the regions, and creating long-term incentive measures rather than introducing mandatory placement policies.

Regarding questions submitted by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Sports concerning preparations for the 2026 general admission process to Lithuanian higher education institutions (November 24, 2025)

The Vilnius University Student's Representation, having received questions from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Sports regarding preparations for the 2026 general admission to Lithuanian higher education institutions, presented its position on admission requirements for first-cycle and integrated studies.

In the letter, the VU SR advocated for maintaining the current requirements for state final exams. It was also noted that the mathematics exam should remain mandatory for most fields of study, as logical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving are important skills in many study programs. At the same time, it was emphasized that the fundamental problem is not the mathematics exam itself, but the quality of mathematics instruction in general education schools.

VU SR also expressed the position that uniform minimum admission requirements should apply to applicants to colleges and universities. The letter emphasized that differing requirements could create an unjustified hierarchical perception of higher education institutions and limit students’ choices based on the content and objectives of their studies. In response to questions regarding the impact of the level of the study program on the competitive score, VU SR proposed that such decisions be made only after conducting a thorough impact analysis. It was also proposed to apply alternative admission criteria for graduates of short-cycle study programs and to review the requirements for admission during the second round of the competitive selection process so that this measure would better reflect the goals of the social dimension.

Link to the letter: https://www.vusa.lt/d/0b1vAG

Regarding the Coordination of the Draft Procedure for Compiling the 2026 Competitive Rounds (November 25, 2025)

The Vilnius University Student's Representation, having received a letter from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Sports regarding the coordination of the draft procedure for compiling the 2026 competitive rounds, submitted its comments and opinion.

In the letter, the VU SR endorsed all proposed amendments aimed at standardizing the results of students who graduated in 2025 and ensuring equal opportunities for applicants to Lithuanian higher education institutions in 2026. VU SR welcomed the measures related to students exempted from final exams, the application of coefficients, changes to the grading scale, and the recalculation of results.

At the same time, the letter noted that the draft does not change the requirements for the second round of admissions. VU SR expressed concern that the current logic of the second competitive round, under which the criterion of practical work experience becomes essential, does not sufficiently reflect the priorities of the social dimension of higher education. The letter proposed reviewing the requirements for the second competitive round in the future so that this measure would be more oriented toward underrepresented groups and individuals facing real academic, social, financial, geographical, or informational barriers in pursuing higher education.

Link to the letter: https://www.vusa.lt/d/DB3zRn

Regarding the Coordination of the Draft Procedure for Internships at the Department of Environmental Protection under the Ministry of the Environment (December 1, 2025)

The Vilnius University Student’s Representation, having received the draft procedure for internships at the Department of Environmental Protection under the Ministry of the Environment, submitted its recommendations for improving the document.

The letter drew attention to the section of the procedure manual regarding the appointment of an internship supervisor. VU SR noted a potential lack of alignment with the model contract for student practical training, approved by order of the Minister of Education, Science, and Sports, which stipulates that a student must be assigned an internship supervisor with at least 3 years of relevant work experience.

VU SR also proposed adding a provision to the procedure that would clearly specify the number of working days within which the Department of Environmental Protection must inform the intern of their acceptance or rejection for the internship position. In the opinion of VU SR, such an addition would provide greater clarity to students considering an internship or who have submitted an application.

Link to the letter: https://www.vusa.lt/d/DaAlgD

Regarding the Draft Amendments to the Law on the Lithuanian National Radio and Television (December 4, 2025)

The Vilnius University Students’ Representation, together with the Lithuanian Youth Council and the Lithuanian National Union of Students, responded to the amendments to the Law on the Lithuanian National Radio and Television currently under consideration in the Parliament by presenting their position on the proposed changes to the procedure for dismissing the Director General of LRT.

The position statement emphasized that an independent public broadcaster is essential for fostering civic engagement among young people, developing critical thinking, and strengthening trust in democratic institutions. The organizations also expressed concern that the proposed amendments could weaken LRT’s institutional independence and increase the risk of political influence over the public broadcaster.

The organizations called on the Parliament and political parties to ensure a stable, transparent, and independence-based legal framework for LRT that complies with democratic principles and European standards.

Regarding the Institutional Evaluation Model for Higher Education Institutions Being Developed by the Center for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (December 9, 2025)

The Vilnius University Student's Representation, having participated in a consultation organized by the Center for Quality Assessment in Higher Education regarding the newly developed institutional evaluation model for higher education institutions, submitted proposals for improving this model.

The VU SR welcomed the change to the institutional evaluation model, under which the right to self-accredit study programs could be granted to higher education institutions demonstrating the highest results for effective management and internal quality assurance systems. The letter also emphasized the need to clearly define the circumstances under which such a right could be revoked, so that the system remains transparent, understandable, and does not leave room for inconsistent interpretation.

The letter also included specific proposals regarding the areas to be evaluated. VU SR proposed refining the criteria for higher education institution management, academic self-governance, personnel policy, internal quality assurance, and study program portfolio management. Significant attention was given to student involvement in the institutional evaluation process: it was proposed to clearly define the role of student self-governance in preparing the institution’s self-assessment, to require the submission of student feedback as a mandatory document, and to ensure the participation of student representatives in the working group preparing the self-assessment.

Link to the letter: https://www.vusa.lt/d/nqRvLG

Regarding Changes to Programs Implemented by the Lithuanian Science Council to Promote Student Research Activities (December 9, 2025)

The Vilnius University Student's Representation, having evaluated the programs implemented by the Lithuanian Science Council to promote student research activities, submitted proposals regarding student research projects, Student Summer Internships, and the procedures for selecting students and allocating funding for participation in summer school programs abroad.

Regarding summer schools abroad, VU SR proposed waiving the requirement for students to have paid the participation fee in advance before entering the competition, as such a requirement may limit some students’ ability to take advantage of the funding opportunity. It was also proposed to disburse funds in advance of the internship or summer school, with an obligation to return unused funds, and to additionally provide for the allocation of per diem allowances.

The letter also proposed refining the application evaluation criteria by including an assessment of the academic institution’s level and a more individualized evaluation of the student’s motivation and the benefits provided by the summer school. Regarding student research projects, VU SR proposed allowing applications to be submitted in English and expanding the target group to include not only students in their final year of a integrated study program. Regarding the funding conditions for student summer internships, it was proposed to strengthen the objectivity of the selection process by establishing an evaluation committee consisting of at least two members.

Link to the letter: https://www.vusa.lt/d/DKB660

Regarding the Development of Bicycle Infrastructure and the Installation of Bicycle Storage Facilities in the Municipality of Vilnius City (January 27, 2026)

The Vilnius University Students’ Representation addressed the Mayor of Vilnius City Municipality regarding the development of bicycle infrastructure and the installation of bicycle storage facilities near student dormitories in the Saulėtekis campus area.

The letter emphasized the importance of sustainable mobility for students’ well-being, environmental sustainability, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. VU SR highlighted that more than 24,000 students study at Vilnius University and actively use the infrastructure and services available in Saulėtekis and across the city.

VU SR proposed installing secure and covered bicycle storage facilities with repair stations near student dormitories, as well as prioritizing the development of safe and well-lit cycling infrastructure connecting Saulėtekis with other parts of Vilnius. The organization noted that such measures would improve students’ mobility, encourage the use of sustainable transport, and contribute to the creation of a more student-friendly and environmentally sustainable city.

Regarding the Planned Number of State-Funded Medical Residency Study Places for 2026 (January 19, 2026)

The Vilnius University Students’ Representation, together with the Junior Doctors Association, the Lithuanian Medical Movement, the Lithuanian Family Physicians’ Trade Union, the Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine Residents’ Council, the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Students’ Representation, the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Residents’ Council, and the Lithuanian Medical Students’ Association, submitted a position regarding the planned reduction in the number of state-funded medical residency study places for 2026.

The letter emphasized that the proposed number of 365 state-funded residency places is lower than in 2025, despite the fact that more students will graduate from medical studies in 2026 than the number of funded places available. According to the organizations, such a decision contradicts the Government’s objective of gradually transitioning to a fully state-funded residency model, increases the risk of physician emigration, and may further deepen the shortage of healthcare specialists in Lithuania.

The position also highlighted that the decreasing number of residency places may negatively affect the sustainability of the healthcare system, increase physicians’ workloads, and reduce the accessibility of healthcare services for patients. The organizations called for increasing the number of state-funded residency places and for more active involvement of medical organizations and university representatives in the decision-making process.

Regarding the Approval of the Procedure for Allocating Support to Improve the Integration of Foreign Students Studying at Lithuanian Higher Education Institutions in 2026 into the Labor Market (January 30, 2026)

The Vilnius University Student's Representation, in response to the draft procedure prepared by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Sports and submitted for public consultation regarding support for the integration of foreign students studying at Lithuanian higher education institutions in 2026 into the labor market, submitted its comments.

The letter noted that the intended target group of beneficiaries includes second-cycle or integrated study program students enrolled in full-time studies during their final semester. VU SR proposed including first-year master’s students in this measure so that they could become familiar with opportunities in the Lithuanian labor market earlier and make more informed decisions regarding their future career paths in Lithuania.

The letter also proposed postponing the start and end dates of internships, as the coordination phase took place very close to the scheduled start of the internships. Additionally, VU SR proposed including students in the social sciences and humanities in the target group and increasing the internship quotas, given the growing number of international students and the aim to provide them with more opportunities to integrate into the Lithuanian labor market.

Link to the letter: https://www.vusa.lt/d/nggzln

Regarding the amendment to Order No. V-224 of the Chair of the Lithuanian Science Council “On the Approval of the Procedure for the Selection of Students and the Allocation of Funding for Participation in Summer School Programs Abroad” (February 6, 2026)

The Vilnius University Student's Representation, in response to the draft order of the Chairman of the Lithuanian Science Council submitted for public consultation regarding the amendment of the procedure for the selection of students and the allocation of funding for participation in summer school programs abroad, presented its position.

In its letter, VU SR noted that the submitted draft took into account some of the proposals made by the VU SR in its letter dated December 9, 2025. The changes were positively evaluated, as they eliminate the requirement to pay the summer school participant fee in advance and provide for the possibility of reimbursing all necessary travel expenses, including local transportation costs when necessary.

Additionally, VU SR proposed providing for the possibility, in cases where a bilateral agreement is concluded between a student and an institution of higher education, for the institution to cover a certain portion of the expenses if the student has a need for such coverage. It was proposed that such expenses, upon the student’s submission of a detailed report, could later be reimbursed to the institution from the funds of the Lithuanian Science Council.

Link to the letter: https://www.vusa.lt/d/D5mbeD

Regarding the draft amendment to the Law on Science and Studies No. XI-242, Articles 3, 4, 8, 11, 13, 33, 34, 46, 48, 49, 52, 53, 54, 57, 58, 59, 61, 68, 72, 74, 76¹, 76², 77, 80, 83, 84, 85, 87 (2026-03-04)

The Vilnius University Student's Representation submitted proposals regarding the draft amendment to the Law on Science and Studies, which provided for extensive changes to the articles of the law.

VU SR supported the majority of the amendments proposed in the draft, but drew attention to the amendments to Article 77 regarding the refinement of the list of groups of persons eligible for the second competitive round. The letter welcomed the inclusion of individuals with practical work experience in the draft, but emphasized that applicants over the age of 30 are also one of the priority groups in the social dimension, therefore, greater and additional measures are needed to ensure the accessibility of higher education for this group.

In its letter, VU SR also opposed the proposal to transfer the setting of the percentage of state-funded spots for the second competitive round from the law to the executive branch. VU SR argued that a clear percentage threshold enshrined in the law provides stability for applicants and helps ensure the implementation of social dimension priorities. Additionally, the letter proposed reviewing the criteria for incentive funding for academic achievements so that funds would be directed toward strengthening high-quality studies and an environment tailored to them. It was also proposed to refine the regulation of social scholarships and support for students with disabilities, taking individual needs into account.

Link to the letter: https://www.vusa.lt/d/Dxy3dn

Regarding the Amendment to Resolution No. 149 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of March 1, 2017, “On the Implementation of the Law on Science and Studies of the Republic of Lithuania” (March 23, 2026)

The Vilnius University Student's Representation, in response to the draft Government resolution on the amendment of the Law on Science and Studies submitted by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports to interested parties for coordination, submitted comments regarding the granting of state-supported loans to students, administration, and repayment procedures.

In its letter, the VU SR positively assessed the proposal to allow individuals whose income during the previous tax period did not exceed 75% of the average wage to defer repayment of state-supported loans. VU SR emphasized that, based on the results of a study on state-supported loans, students would view this financial support measure more favorably and be more inclined to use it if loan repayment terms were linked to post-study income.

At the same time, VU SR proposed extending the option to defer loan repayment not only to those who have completed their studies but also to those who have discontinued their studies, in the interest of consistency and social justice. The letter also proposed making state-supported loans available to third-country students holding a temporary residence permit in Lithuania for study purposes. Additionally, it was proposed to clarify disability-related terminology so that it aligns with current legal regulations and is used consistently.

Link to the letter: https://www.vusa.lt/d/D79LKG