VMU Agriculture Academy Autumn Intake 2025/2026 is open!

Would like to gain strong knowledge, solid skills, and invaluable international experience? Thinking about an unforgettable European student adventure and traveling the world?

Top-quality studies in a high-ranking university and living in Kaunas – located in the center of Europe – may be the perfect combination for You.

Your lifetime adventure can start now with Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy.

Application is open from December 1, 2024, for Autumn Intake 2025/2026 study programmes:

APPLY HERE -> vytautasmagnus.dreamapply.com

DEADLINES:

May 15, 2025
- For applicants from non EU/EFTA countries, except the countries listed below.
July 1, 2025
- For applicants from EU/EFTA countries
- For applicants and citizens of visa-free countries: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Georgia (Sakartvelo), Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Moldova, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States, Ukraine, and Venezuela.
  Note: Please check if you need a visa to enter Lithuania here.

Note (!) Diplomas may be added after application deadline.

Note (!) Studies start on August 25, 2025.
Note (!) Due to limited admission places, applications for autumn intake for the academic year 2025-2026 might be closed earlier. Spring (February) intake is not offered.

Information about Application and Admission Procedures

Information about Scholarships

Contact person: VMU Agriculture Academy International Coordinator Ekaterina Makrickiene ekaterina.makrickiene@vdu.lt, +370 37 752 386.

More information about VMU Agriculture Academy study programmes.

VMU Agriculture Academy is launching a new MA program, Aquamatics

Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy is launching Aquamatics, a new double-diploma master’s program in Environmental Engineering (E03), within the broader field of Engineering Sciences (E). This forward-thinking program addresses the growing global demand for experts in sustainable water management and environmental protection. Aquamatics provides students with interdisciplinary knowledge and hands-on skills, empowering them to tackle complex challenges in water-related environmental issues.

The aim of the study program Aquamatics is to prepare highly qualified environmental engineering specialists who are able to solve theoretical and practical problems of water management, analyse and model natural water phenomena and engineering processes using the latest information technologies by integrating knowledge from different fields. The graduate will not only understand the problems of threats arising from climate change and related hydrological and hydrobiological changes, but will be ready to search for solutions by determining the causes of environmental changes and rationally evaluating/predicting their ecological effects and changes as well. The Master will be able to offer practical solutions to eliminate/limit the impact of such activities by performing: an inventory of surface and underground water and water-related environment; implementing effective monitoring methods for these areas, proposing and checking the effectiveness of corrective actions using statistical and mathematical modelling methods, design activities related to water environment protection and melioration, implement modern, proven solutions related for water protection. Upon successful completion of these studies, the degree of Master of Science in Engineering will be awarded.

The program is carried out in collaboration with University of Silesia in Katowice. The admission is planned for 2025 autumn (opening from December 1, 2024).

Solemn meeting of the VMU Senate. Presentation of the Honorary Doctorate regalia to Prof. Irina Pilvere

Prof. Irina Pilvere. LBTU picture

Chair of the Senate of Vytautas Magnus University, Prof. Ričardas Krikštolaitis, and Rector, Prof. Juozas Augutis, kindly request the honour of your presence at the solemn meeting of the Senate, where Professor Irina Pilvere will be awarded the VMU Honorary Doctorate. The event will take place on 27 September at 3 p.m. in VMU Aula Magna (7 Gimnazijos St., Kaunas).

International project SKILLS at VMU Agriculture Academy – for a secured change in societal values and a greener future

The world’s challenging climate change, depleting resources and rising levels of environmental pollution are worrying signs that long-delayed changes to social, economic and environmental issues are imminent. With international organizations calling for real action as soon as possible, university researchers are starting with the most important steps – changing the attitudes and competences of future agricultural professionals and communities so that they can live well, not just now but in the future.

Encouraging society to move faster towards the Sustainable Development Goals

Dr. Vilma Atkočiūnienė, Professor at the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development, Agriculture Academy, Vytautas Magnus University, explains that to initiate change, the European Union (EU) has introduced the circular economy as a high-level as a high-level emerging global strategy. “This strategy includes the ambition for society to move beyond its current development towards the Sustainable Development Goals set out in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This makes the circular economy a global strategy and a key priority for the EU to move away from today’s linear economy of production and consumption towards a sustainable use of resources,” she shares her insights on the important changes taking place and the goals for the future.

As a new paradigm, the circular strategy permeates all the processes of the agri-food sector, the activities of farming and local communities, rural landscaping and the natural environment. “Importantly, the transition to circular agriculture requires the implementation of a new governance model that encompasses all the main stages of the agri-food system: primary production, processing, food consumption, by-products and food waste”, says the researcher, noting that the transition to circular agriculture is not only a matter of technology and a significant restructuring of production, but also has a strong link to changes in societal attitudes and perspectives.

The change starts with updating the study programs

Prof. dr. Vilma Atkočiūnienė says that the idea of the SKILLS (Strengthening Key Competences in Agriculture for Value Chain Knowledge) project, which is being carried out by the scientists of the VMU Agriculture Academy together with international partners, is based on the improvement of green competences. “Among the objectives, the need to know the value chain, to promote sustainability, economic prosperity and social justice in the agricultural sector and in the use of natural resources have been identified as important challenges for the circular economy model. It is worth noting that the aim is not only to talk about the changes we want to see, but also to initiate them by channelling resources into active academic and practical activities,” the researcher shares her insights.

The project aims to raise public awareness of the new, sustainable Circular Economy. It also aims to raise awareness of a more efficient food supply chain. “The first step is to educate students, by updating the curricula of agricultural faculties in higher education institutions so that highly qualified graduates understand the importance of the circular economy and how it works. Theoretically sustainable solutions can create competitive advantages for companies and regions alike, so it is crucial that young qualified professionals have a good understanding of the circular strategy and a paradigm that is close to their values,” says Prof. Dr. V. Atkočiūnienė on the importance of education.

Aiming to initiate change across the agri-sector

The scientist says that this project is particularly important for the VMU Agriculture Academy community, as the main objective of the project is to contribute to the development of the competences of students, potential students and agricultural producers of agricultural products, by presenting and promoting the concepts of circular agriculture and green growth.

“The project aims to promote the modernisation of study programmes and the introduction of digital courses at the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development of VMU Agriculture Academy. The aim is to make digital courses more attractive to students, as well as to attract farmers, members of rural communities, and specialists from municipal Agriculture and Rural Development departments. In order for society to move beyond its current development and towards the sustainable development goals set out in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as many people as possible in the sector need to be involved in the process of education and value change. It is not enough to instil sustainability and sustainable development values in students alone, as they will be confronted with older colleagues, communities and professionals who are slower to move towards the circular economy, or who are standing still when they finish their studies. By making it convenient for all those involved in the agri-sector and rural development to study and train, we are creating the conditions for a faster and more certain change in societal values,” says Prof. Dr. V. Atkočiūnienė.

She notes that implementing green solutions in practice faces different challenges in each country. And their implementation is becoming more individualised, depending on the natural, economic, cultural and social specificities of a country or region. “The SKILLS project has focused on finding and describing sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions, both as researchers and practitioners, with the aim of making them as easy as possible to implement. Despite the cultural and economic differences between the different project countries, it is easier for researchers to find common ground on concepts, principles and tools,” says the professor.

Aiming to change attitudes towards the agro-sector and rural development potential

Improving and modernising the curricula of universities and agricultural higher education institutions is crucial, she notes, as faculties in the field of agricultural and rural change management are facing declining enrolments. “On the one hand, the agricultural sector is rapidly modernising, with robotics, new farming strategies and the development and implementation of Smart Villages strategies. On the other hand, there is still a popular perception that agriculture is a less modern sector and that rural life is more complex, less interesting and less meaningful”.

Prof. Dr. V. Atkočiūnienė notes that this can be effectively changed by raising public awareness of the needs and development potential of agriculture and rural development, as well as the possible career opportunities for qualified professionals. She points out that during the pandemic, the agricultural sector was one of the least affected, as food production (including food raw materials and agricultural produce) must continue despite the challenges and extreme conditions that may arise in the future. According to the researcher, this demonstrates the resilience of the sector to challenges and the viability of those seeking broad and secure career opportunities.

Opening up more career opportunities for future graduates

Prof. Dr. V. Atkočiūnienė emphasizes that this project contributes to important changes for the VMU Agriculture Academy community, especially for students. “Developing green competences, engaging young farmers, municipal professionals, community members and other rural and urban residents in the transition from a linear economy to a circular economy is important for the VMU Agriculture Academy Bioeconomy Development and other faculties. It opens up new opportunities for the creation of higher value-added jobs and broader employment prospects after graduation”, says the researcher about the importance of the project for the VMU Agriculture Academy community.

The SKILLS project promotes the concept of circular agriculture as a sustainable and resilient economic sector. “The SKILLS consortium aims to raise and accelerate awareness of circular agriculture among students and farmers, tourism and other economic developers. The outreach and education is based on a Study on the main challenges and potential of circular agriculture for employment, carried out by researchers from the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development of VMU, as well as on training material consisting of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises and a module – a set of digital courses – that will help agricultural and rural development professionals and beginners in farming to make a quicker transition to circular agriculture, to rethink their activities and to develop their green competences,” summarizes prof. Dr. V. Atkočiūnienė.

Extended application deadline for VMU AA Autumn Intake 2024/2025. Apply until July 12th!

Would like to gain strong knowledge, solid skills, and invaluable international experience? Thinking about an unforgettable European student adventure and traveling the world?

Top-quality studies in a high-ranking university and living in Kaunas – located in the center of Europe – may be the perfect combination for You.

Your lifetime adventure can start now. With VMU Agriculture Academy.

Application is open for Autumn Intake 2024/2025 study programmes:

Semester starts: September 1, 2024

Extended application deadline is July 12, 2024 for:

Ukrainians
Applicants from EU/EFTA countries
Applicants and citizens of visa-free countries: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Sakartvelo, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Moldova, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela
Applicants currently residing in Lithuania and holding valid TRP

Information about Application and Admission Procedures

Information about Scholarships

APPLY HERE

Contact person: VMU Agriculture Academy International Coordinator Ekaterina Makrickiene ekaterina.makrickiene@vdu.lt +370 37 752 386

More information about VMU Agriculture Academy study programmes

Join us at the 14th International Scientific Conference “Accounting and Finance for Business 2024: Towards Sustainability”!

We are pleased to announce the upcoming 14th International Scientific Conference “Accounting and Finance for Business 2024: Towards Sustainability” to be held online on 14-15 November 2024, hosted by Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agricultural Academy Faculty of Bioeconomy Development in Lithuania.

This conference will bring together thought leaders, researchers and practitioners from different countries to explore the central role of sustainability in accounting and finance. Our invited keynote speakers will address key issues such as the stock market’s reaction to the green initiatives of Italian SMEs and the huge potential of green finance. In addition, the conference will shed light on the professionalisation of accountants in post-communist environments and examine the evolving behaviour of taxpayers amidst digital business processes.

On the first day of the conference, we invite you to listen to the following keynote presentations:

Giuseppe Galloppo (Italy), presentation “Green Initiatives and Stock Market Reaction of Italian SMEs”
Nora Marija Laurinaityte (Lithuania), presentation “Unlocking the Potential of Green Finance”
Nadia Albu (Romania), presentation “Professionalization of accountants in a post-communist setting”
Zhelyo Zhelev (Bulgaria), presentation “Taxpayer behaviour in the context of digital business processes”

On the second day of the conference, there will be a panel discussion on ” Linking sustainability policy to future finance and accounting”, featuring presentations by Giedrė Padaigienė, Head of Sustainability for Swedbank Business Clients in Lithuania, and Ronaldas Kubilius, Head of the ESG team at PwC Lithuania. This session promises to provide valuable insights into the integration of sustainable practices in finance and accounting, as well as insights into strategic business decisions.

Register Now!

Early registration for oral and pre-recorded presentations, as well as abstract submissions, is open until July 5, 2024. Take advantage of the early registration fee of 20 EUR.

Standard registration for presenters until October 7, 2024. Registration fee of 40 EUR.

Registration for listeners until November 12, 2024 is free of charge.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of sustainable financial practices and innovation. Register today at https://afk.vdu.lt.

Visit of teachers of VMU Agriculture Academy to Chulalongkorn University (Thailand)

The teachers of Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy assoc. prof. dr. Midona Dapkienė (Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Engineering) and prof. dr. Laima Česonienė (Department of Environment and Ecology, Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology) visited Chulalongkorn University (Bangkok, Thailand) according to Erasmus+ Mobility agreement on June 10th to 14th 2024.

Founded in 1917, Chulalongkorn University (Chula) is Thailand’s first institution of higher education. For the 14th consecutive year Chulalongkorn University is ranked the first in Thailand according to the QS World University Rankings and is placed 224th in the world. The University consists of 26 faculties, schools, colleges and institutes, with a range of 447 degree programmes on offer. More than 37 thousand students study in this institution and about 8 thousand teachers and other staff work in it.

The representatives of VMU Agriculture Academy presented their University, shared knowledge in the field of their research and teaching, and got acquainted with the study process and research carried out in the Department of Environmental Engineering of Faculty of Engineering of Chula. They discussed the possibilities of the joint projects and cooperation in teacher’s and student’s exchange under Erasmus+ programme.

The teachers of Agriculture Academy had an opportunity to participate in the Cula International Staff Exchange Week ,,Connecting Through Differences“. Representatives from universities in China, Indonesia, Germany and other countries took part in this event. The participants of the International Week were introduced to the University’s international aspirations, innovations, student activities, as well as the Thai language and traditions. Excursions to famous historical and cultural objects were organized during this event.

Second Transnational Partners Meeting of the Erasmus+ project “The digital Blue Career to overcome the Carbon Crisis – Innovations in Aquaculture Curriculum” [DiBluCa] at the University of Thessaly

The second partners’ meeting of the Erasmus+ international project “The Digital Blue Career to overcome the Carbon Crisis – Innovations in Aquaculture Curriculum” [DiBluCa] (No. 2023-1-LT01-KA220-HED-000154247) took place at the University of Thessaly in Volos, Greece, from 11 to 12 June.

The meeting provided an overview of the first results of the project – an analysis of the current situation of aquaculture education in the project partner countries. Questionnaires developed by researchers from Balikesir University were distributed to students and teachers in the project partner countries as well as to representatives of the target groups. The survey was completed by 261 participants, a total of 110 academics/teachers and 151 students.

There was unanimous agreement among the survey participants on the need to increase knowledge and skills related to climate change, the implications of the future post-carbon crisis and new topics in aquaculture education to mitigate the effects of climate change. The environmental impact of aquaculture, particularly in relation to global warming, emerged as the most pressing issue, alongside issues such as fish farming, biotechnology and disease management.

Surveys have shown the need for a forward-looking approach to aquaculture education. Equipping students with the knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of climate change is critical to the long-term sustainability of the aquaculture industry.

It is notable that most participants were not familiar with the term ‘blue career’, although many were aware of concepts such as global warming and a post-carbon future.

The results of the surveys show that students are open to innovative ways of learning and see the potential for this knowledge to benefit their careers. In terms of preferred learning environments, students prefer blended learning, which combines face-to-face interaction with online or flexible learning methods.

During the meeting the working document of the second project outcome – pedagogical methodology – prepared by the researchers of the National Technical University of Odessa was presented. This result is of particular importance as it will help the project participants in the preparation of the e-learning platform, e-book, lecture slides and lecture notes. After consolidation of the partners’ suggestions and comments, this document will be finalised at the end of July.

The second day of the meeting was dedicated to a technical visit to BioMar, one of the world’s largest producers of high-quality sustainable feeds for the global aquaculture industry. The company operates a total of 17 feed production sites in Norway, Chile, Denmark, Scotland, Spain, France, Vietnam, Greece, Turkey, China, Ecuador, Australia and Costa Rica, serving more than 90 countries worldwide. The company is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and GLOBALG.A.P. standards.

The participants discussed the dissemination of information, the preparation of the interim project report and other organisational and operational issues.

The project partners are Balikesir University (Turkey), University of Dubrovnik (Croatia), Odesa National University of Technology (Ukraine), University of Thessaly (Greece), coordinator Vytautas Magnus University (VMU).

The next meeting will be held at the University of Dubrovnik (Croatia) in January 2025.

The project will run from 01.11.2023 to 31.10.2025.

Admission to PhD studies at VMU Agriculture Academy

Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy offers doctoral studies in 8 fields of research in natural, social, technological and agricultural sciences.

Application for admission to doctoral studies is carried online.

Research Area	Research field	Dates of receipt of documents
Natural sciences	Ecology and Environmental Science	Will be available later
Technological sciences	Environmental Engineering	01 05 2024 – 15 05 2024 (no later than 5 p.m.)* 05 06 2024 – 20 06 2024 (no later than 5 p.m.)
	Mechanical Engineering	01 05 2024 – 15 05 2024 (no later than 5 p.m.)* 05 06 2024 – 20 06 2024 (no later than 5 p.m.)
	Transport Engineering	Will be available later
Agricultural sciences	Agronomy	24 04 2024 – 26 08 2024
Agricultural sciences	Forestry	03 06 2024 – 23 08 2024
Social sciences	Economy	03 06 2024 – 29 08 2024
Social sciences	Management	03 06 2024 – 29 08 2024

*Submission of documents for the recognition of qualification obtained abroad in Lithuania (for those applicants who have obtained their education at a foreign higher education institution and do not have a document confirming the recognition of their diploma in Lithuania)

The application for participation in the admission to doctoral studies and scanned copies of the necessary documents are provided online (online registration).

The application will be registered, when will be filled all necessary parts of Admission to doctoral studies online system epasirasymas.vdu.lt.

The application is considered not to be registered if all the necessary documents or information is not provided.

More information about the admission, dissertation topics, candidates for scientific supervisors and document forms.

More information:

Research and Innovation department Doctoral School
Universiteto str. 8A-202, 53341 Akademija, Kaunas distr.
+ 370 37 752 254, +370 672 63856
monika.brimaite@vdu.lt

+ 370 37 209 815
doktorantura@vdu.lt

Republic of Moldova work visit at VMU Agriculture Academy

On June 7 Republic of Moldova delegation – Mr. Vladimir Bolea, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, H.E. Emil Druc, Ambassador at the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova to the Republic of Lithuania, Mr. Iurie Scripnic, State Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, Ms. Diana Cosalic, Director at the Agency of Intervention and Payments in Agriculture (AIPA), Mr. Radu Dan, First Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova to the Republic of Lithuania and Mr. Rolandas Taraškevičius, EU High Level Adviser on Agri-food sector Development at the European Union High Level Advisers Mission to the Republic of Moldova – visited Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy. Together with Vice-Chancellor of VMU Agriculture Academy and Director of Bioeconomy Research Institute the delegation visited VMU Agroinovation Center and it’s laboratories of Biofermentation of plant raw materials, Pasteurization of plant raw materials, and Hunting Research.

Head of the laboratories of Biofermentation of vegetable raw materials and Pasteurization of plant raw materials prof. dr. Elvyra Jarienė presented ongoing scientific research and unique products being developed. Presenting the Hunting Research Laboratory, lect. dr. Artūras Kibiša showed a very large collection of collected horns and stuffed animals.

During the visit the prospects of the cooperation were discussed.