In 1997 there were 15 State higher education institutions, 29 State research institutes, 20 State research establishments, Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, other research institutions and scientific groups in Lithuania.

The system of higher education in Lithuania comprises 7 universities , 6 academies and 3 institutes. It should be noted that both the capital of Lithuania Vilnius and the second biggest city Kaunas have become academic and students' centers. Besides, the youngest university in Klaipeda satisfies the needs of not only Zemaitija region and the seaport town, but also draws in young people from various Lithuanian regions. Research and higher education institutions are developed in Siauliai, Panevezys and other districts as well. Siauliai Pedagogical institute has put a strategic objective to create a university on a basis of existing specialized institute of teacher's training. The ambition is to consider the possibility of regionalism of higher education.

The system of research and higher education in Lithuania is based on the Law on research and Higher education, passed on February 21, 1991 by the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania. According to the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania and the above-mentioned Law, the principles of autonomy, academic freedom, and integration of research and higher education are enforced.

The aims of higher education and research reform are democratization of the system of research and higher education, development of self-government, modernization of higher education programs, indivisibility and integration of studies and research. New objectives to be achieved currently such as introduction of quality assurance mechanisms and internationalization of higher education in the framework of integration to the system of European higher education. Lithuanian higher education and research are aimed at drawing closer West European and world achievements, ensuring partnership relations.

So far there is no non-state higher education institutions in Lithuania. Two or three applications were considered at the Ministry of Education and Science and the Science Council in 1995, but the establishment wasn't granted due to unfulfilled requirements for higher education institutions. This makes a difference between Lithuania and other Baltic States (Latvia, Estonia) who have 15-20 private institutions each.

As to financing of higher education and research, the Seimas approves the sum total of all allocations for higher education and research institutions. In 1996 it comprised 6.4% of the State budget or 1.18% of the gross domestic product (GDP), Higher education institutions have about 75% of budgetary subsidies, State research institutes - 17-18%.

The state guarantees stipends for excellent and socially supported students, assigns means for study loans for daytime students, provides financial support for international academic exchange, according to the international agreements, grants for Lithuanian researchers, and students going to study or do research abroad, supports publishing.

However, the funds for higher education and research are not sufficient. The salaries of academic staff are very modest, the support for students is small. Institutions themselves have to earn money or to look for sponsors.

Tuition fees were introduced for students called "free listeners". They are persons admitted to the universities above the state financed quota.

Studies- 3-tier system

Higher education is generally available for those possessing maturity certificate (brandos atestatats) or other equivalent document which certify the completion of the secondary school (12 years). The higher education institutions set up entrance requirements which express themselves in exams. Diplomas of US high schools give access to higher education in Lithuania if AP or SAT exams and tests are passed. Certificates of the International Bacalaureate Programs are recognized as well.

About 10,000 secondary school graduates are admitted annually to the Lithuania higher education institutions, and it makes about 40% of the total graduates from secondary level schools.

Bachelor's studies last 4-5 year

Master's studies 1,5- 2 years

Doctorate takes no more than 4 years, 1,5-2 years of which are for doctoral courses. The volume of doctoral courses is no less than 4 subjects with final exams, each subject taking no less than 45 hours. A dissertation is to be produced after the course period.

Habilitated Doctor is the highest research degree in Lithuania. This degree is awarded to persons who demonstrate particularly significant research.

Given this, a short summary of positive features would be:

1. programs in universities became more flexible. Students have a greater choice of interdisciplinary, alternative courses,
2. decentralization of institutions and their study programs (autonomy),
3. universities have moved to 3-tier system (except law and medicine),
4. private colleges emerge, but they are not still recognized and they do not fall under the category of higher education,
5. student numbers have increased, as well as student mobility through various US, UK governmental and EU exchange programs.

f) first state scholarships for study abroad were introduced by Lithuanian government.

Among difficulties we could enumerate:

1. education is getting very expensive for families (because of few state subsidized places, room rent, basic facilities, food prices),
2. in state institutions staff is underpayed, thus not always dedicated enough,
3. technology is not sufficient,
4. fund-raising is not an easy idea to accept to many institution administrators.

Prepared by Audrone Uzieliene, Open Society Fund - Lithuania, Vilnius, Lithuania

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