Erasmus Days ’22: International Mobility Possibilities. Erasmus+ with a Cup of Coffee at VMU AA

The International Cooperation Department of Vytautas Magnus University team invites you to participate in the traditional “Erasmus Days’22” events on September 27-29! During them mobility opportunities will be presented, students’ experiences will be shared, competitions and fun initiatives will be held both, virtually and live. Hesitating where to go? Join, listen, and choose your direction! A special meeting and conversation about exchange with a cup of coffee is organized for students of Vytautas Magnus University Agricultural Academy (VMU AA).

Special “Erasmus Days’22” event for VMU AA students

On September 28 from 10.00 to 12.00, there will be an event “Erasmus+ with a Cup of Coffee” specially for VDU ŽŪA students (at VMU Agriculture Academy Central Building 217 auditorium (Studentų str. 11, Akademija, Kaunas district). VMU AA international activity coordinators invite all students to come for a different format consultation about exchange opportunities with a cup of coffee. Each student will receive all the necessary information about exchange opportunities, the best advice and recommendations of the coordinators. The organizers promise interesting conversations, good emotions, great atmosphere and delicacies!

All Erasmus Days’22 events

From the 27th to the 29th of September, Erasmus Days will feature inspiring presentations, helpful consultations, and an introduction to life-changing mobility opportunities worldwide.

VMU ICD invites all students to come for a different consultation format on exchange opportunities. Students participating in “Erasmus+ with a cup of coffee” will be able to learn more about the opportunities offered by Erasmus+ programme while enjoying a cup of coffee. Moreover, each student will get all the information they need about the exchange programmes, the best tips, and recommendations from the coordinators. We promise fun conversations, good emotions, a great atmosphere, and snacks!

During International Fair, you will meet with your peers who have already experienced different exchange programmes abroad. It’s a unique chance to contact current students directly and ask for their advice. Live meetings with other students will help you realize the contexts you have never heard of before. As a result, you will get certainty in your decision and confirm or refute your choice.

Haven’t you decided on your next destination yet? We are here to help you! Join us during the Presentation of Exchange Possibilities and learn about all the opportunities for VMU students. Coordinators of the International Cooperation Department will present the exchange opportunities in EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA countries, international traineeships, and much more!

Thinking about studying exchange abroad, but still have some doubts about which country or university to choose. Then the Presentation of Outgoing Students is just right for you! During this event, you will be able to learn about the former VMU exchange student’s experiences, tips, and tricks on choosing the university and destination for your studies.

Join us in a fun team event about Erasmus mobility while exploring the city and doing various tasks and games during Mobility Hunt with ESN VMU. Whether you have already done, are currently doing, or are interested in going on exchange, this event should be a fun way to test your knowledge or learn something new about the wonderful world of the Erasmus programme. And of course, maybe make some new friends while trying to be the fastest to win a prize.

Programme

More information about exchange studies

Ikbol, student of Logistics and Commerce in Lithuania, shares a wonderful message with the young people in Uzbekistan

Lithuania is a member country of the European Union (EU) located at the heart of the continent next to the Baltic Sea. Despite the population size of just three million, the country boasts a very deep university tradition. As a result, students from all over the world have already discovered Lithuania as a very convenient place to attain an excellent education. Ikbol Makhsumov from Uzbekistan is one of them. He is a student of Logistics and Commerce at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU Agriculture Academy). According to Ikbol, the new dual degree programme Logistics and Commerce at the VMU Agriculture Academy and the Tashkent State Agrarian University is the exclusive opportunity for the young people of Uzbekistan to study at a European university, take part in the ERASMUS exchange programme between other European universities, and, most importantly, develop modern competences for a promising career in logistics and commerce upon the return to their home country Uzbekistan.

European-level studies in the European capital of culture

According to Ikbol Makhsumov from Fergana, it was not by chance that he became interested in logistics studies. Logistics is a fast-growing diversified global sector that includes the areas such as warehousing, wholesale and transport. His motivation became even stronger when he learnt about the opportunity to work in this field in South Korea before starting his studies.

Having decided to study logistics, Ikbol started researching universities offering logistics study programmes, reading university websites, comparing programme content, university rankings and services. The VMU Agriculture Academy was the one university to have fully matched his expectations. The fact that he had already visited Lithuania, having made friends with the Lithuanians while working in South Korea, also helped him in his final decision.

“When you meet new friends, it’s natural to want to learn more about their home country. They invited me to visit and travel together around Lithuania, the country with one of the oldest languages in the world, the best basketball players, fresh and green nature, and welcoming people,” – he shares. He has also noted that it was easy to become integrated upon arrival, as young people all over the world share far more similarities than differences. In addition, Kaunas, the second largest city after the country’s capital Vilnius, is a dynamic student city. It is home to a diverse community of young people, qualified university staff and friendly local and fellow students who are always there to help when needed. He is impressed by Kaunas city’s well-developed infrastructure of cycle paths, museums and events – it is no coincidence that the city is this year’s European Capital of Culture.

Master’s studies and an ERASMUS trip on the agenda

Ikbol, who is about to start his fourth year of studies, admits to feeling the excitement of gaining new knowledge every new semester. The diversity of knowledge, laboratory activities, logistics and commerce studies are intriguing for him. He also appreciates the fact that a team of guest lecturers visiting from other foreign universities and leading logistics and retail professionals works with the students every semester.

I.Makhsumov had the opportunity to do an internship in a supply management department at one of the leading Lithuanian companies, where he got acquainted with the company’s operational and management processes, innovative systems, professional environment and modern warehouses. His only regret is that the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented him from taking part in the ERASMUS student exchange programme. However, Ikbol’s plans are to pursue his Master’s degree in Logistics at the VMU Agriculture Academy and to go on an ERASMUS traineeship at a university in another European country.

A chance for everyone to make a big step forward in their career

Makhsumov studying in Lithuania is particularly pleased to hear that young people from Uzbekistan now have the opportunity to study logistics and commerce and pursue a dual degree at the Tashkent State Agrarian University and the VMU Agriculture Academy, as this is a great chance to make a huge step forward in their career.

“Uzbekistan is a growing country with increasing export volumes. And no business is possible without efficient logistics and trade. That’s why young people who choose the Logistics and Commerce dual degree programme at the Tashkent State Agrarian University will have great prospects in the future: find promising jobs at private companies, in the public sector or set up own businesses. Half of their studies will take place in Tashkent and the other half in Lithuania, at the VMU Agriculture Academy. They will also prepare and defend their final theses here,” – says Prof. Dr. Astrida Miceikienė, Chancellor of the VMU Agriculture Academy.

According to the Professor, who specializes in the field of bioeconomics, during their studies in Lithuania, young people from Uzbekistan will get acquainted with the EU legal framework, business development conditions, specifics of logistics processes, import and export rules and regulations. This knowledge will undoubtedly give the holders of the dual diploma an advantage in the future labour market.

During their studies in Lithuania, students will do an internship at modern companies in Lithuania or other EU countries. Many students in Lithuania combine their studies with work. Students from Uzbekistan will also be eligible to work during their studies. All of them will have the opportunity to live in the unique European campus of the VMU Agriculture Academy.

Two university degrees on graduation

Students are young people who want to move around and gain new experiences. The dual degree programmes will give them ample opportunities to take advantage of ERASMUS, Europe’s popular student exchange programme offerring the chance to study or do a traineeship in other EU countries. Being the most comprehensive university in Lithuania, Vytautas Magnus University offers its students exceptional opportunities for complementary studies. Every student has the freedom to design his or her own study path as he or she wishes. While studying his/her chosen major study programme, a student can choose to study any other related study programme. A certificate of completion is issued upon graduation. This way, it is possible to acquire two or even more specialities during the course of studies. The university also offers a wide range of foreign languages to choose from a list of more than 30 languages.

The students from Uzbekistan will graduate with two university diplomas: the Tashkent State Agrarian University and Vytautas Magnus University.

University collaboration is driven by global human challenges

These opportunities opened for the young people of Uzbekistan after the universities signed a cooperation agreement in 2021. The partners plan to actively develop cooperation not only in the development and implementation of dual degree programmes, where part of the study process takes place in Uzbekistan and part in Lithuania, but also to organise joint internships for students and lecturers, student exchanges, joint seminars, scientific conferences, and research projects.

According to Prof. Dr. A. Miceikienė, as the world becomes more global, it is particularly important to pursue intercontinental collaboration between the educational and research institutions, as this helps measure the development of countries and their businesses in the context of different transformations, and to find solutions to climate change, food security, and a host of other issues of relevance to humanity.

#StudentsTalk: I have gained a lot of knowledge and personal experience

Ikbol Makhsumov, Logistics and Commerce student

Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) is not only an institution of studies and research, but also a space where solutions are created, discussed, and sought after, where every innovative idea is extremely important. It is interesting to get to know our wonderful students, who enrich the Academy with its uniqueness, smartness, and openness to the world.

Ikbol Makhsumov, a fourth-year Logistics and Commerce student from Uzbekistan shared his experience about choosing studies in Lithuania and his journey here at VMU Agriculture Academy.

– Why were you interested in studying logistics?

– Logistics is a fast-growing sector with a wide range of subfields such as warehousing, wholesaling, transportation and so on. My initial interest started growing in one of these logistics fields when I was working in South Korea. So, I decided to pursue this interest by studying Logistics and Commerce at VMU Agriculture Academy.

– How did you find out about the opportunity to study in Lithuania?

– Once I decided to study logistics, I was actively researching the universities offering logistics degree programs. I checked the websites of universities to see the content of study, university rankings, tuition fees, scholarships, and other facilities they provide until I came across VMU, which matched my expectations. Moreover, my earlier traveling experience to Lithuania contributed to my choice of study destination.

– What did you know about Lithuania before you came here?

– I knew Lithuania as one of the Baltic states and its capital city Vilnius before making some Lithuanian friends in South Korea. After meeting new friends, it is natural to want to know more about their country, culture, and traditions. Thanks to my friends, I got to travel and learn more about Lithuania which has one of the oldest languages in Europe, best basketball players, captivating nature, and hospitable people.

– What is the difference between young people in Uzbekistan and Lithuania? Was it easy to integrate?

– In terms of young people, we have far more similarities rather than differences. Obviously, there are some cultural and social challenges, but there are common characteristics in educational, recreational activities and lifestyle. Moreover, Kaunas is a dynamic student city where not only Lithuanian, but many international students reside. Personally, I have not met any barriers or difficulties with integration into student life in Lithuania due to highly qualified university staff, friendly local and international students.

– What is the most interesting thing about Logistics and Commerce study program?

– Every semester I feel the excitement and eagerness to start new round of lectures and study subjects. The variety of core and elective subjects that involve interactive and engaging seminars, lectures, lab works, case studies of logistics and retail activities always provide me with new challenges. In addition, each semester we have visiting professors from other foreign universities, and specialists from well-known logistics and retail companies to give presentations and share their knowledge and experience with students.

– Have you visited modern Lithuanian logistics companies?

– Recently I was given an opportunity to conduct my internship in supply management department at one of the leading companies. I got closely acquainted with the operational and management processes, innovative systems, professional environment, and modern warehouses of the company. The acquired theoretical and practical knowledges at the university helped me successfully complete my internship.

– Have you participated in the ERASMUS+ program?

– Unfortunately, I have not been able to participate in the exchange program because of the Covid 2019. However, I am planning to apply for ERASMUS+ traineeship in the near future.

– What do you do in your spare time?

– I really enjoy outdoor activities like cycling and going for hikes in the nature. In recent couple of years Kaunas has been substantially improving bike-road infrastructure which encouraged me to take up a new hobby of cycling. I also find time for visiting museums, tourist attractions, exhibitions and festivals.

– What are your future plans after graduation?

– I am planning to pursue my master’s degree in Logistics and Commerce at VMU Agriculture Academy. I would also like to use the opportunity to apply for ERASMUS+ traineeship.

– Starting from this September, young people form Uzbekistan have the opportunity to study Logistics and Commerce and pursue a double degree at the Tashkent State Agrarian University and the VMU Agricultural Academy. What advice would you give to them?

– First of all, I would like to congratulate all the students who received this great opportunity and wish the best of luck. I was really happy when I found out about the initiation of this partnership which will definitely help students to achieve their goals and be future professionals. I have gained a lot of knowledge and personal experience since I took this educational journey in Kaunas. I would advise new students to take advantage of every opportunity and focus on their studies above all else, but also not forget to have fun by exploring new horizons.

Ikbol is open to answer the questions about studying at VMU Agriculture Academy. If you are interested, feel free to contact Ikbol on Facebook.

Admission to PhD studies at VMU AA

Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) has a distinct advantage which is connected to its young, promising doctoral students. Ph.D. studies at VMU open up unique possibilities for academic research and studies, which contribute to the development of a future generation of highly qualified specialists. Graduates of doctoral studies of VMU are capable of conducting independent scientific research and experimental (social, cultural) development, not to mention solving hot-button issues of Lithuanian, European and global science.

Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) offers doctoral studies in 8 fields of research in natural, social, technological and agricultural sciences. Until the end of August, applicants can choose 5 fields (table below).

Research Area	Research Field	Dates of admission of documents
Natural sciences	Ecology and Environmental Science	01 07 2022 – 24 08 2022
Agricultural sciences	Agronomy	01 06 2022 – 26 08 2022
Agricultural sciences	Forestry	01 06 2022 – 26 08 2022
Social sciences	Economy	01 07 2022 – 30 08 2022
Social sciences	Management	01 07 2022 – 30 08 2022

The application for admission to doctoral studies and scanned copies of the necessary documents are provided online.

The application will be registered, when all necessary parts of Admission to doctoral studies in online system will be filled in. The application is considered not to be registered if all the necessary documents or information is not provided.

SOCIAL SCIENCES

ADMISSION TO THE ECONOMICS PH.D. PROGRAM

ADMISSION TO THE MANAGEMENT PH.D. PROGRAM

NATURAL SCIENCES

ADMISSION TO THE ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE PH.D. PROGRAM

Admission rules
List of the dissertation topics and possible supervisors
Application form
Payment for document registration
Regulations of doctoral studies in Ecology and Environmental science field

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

ADMISSION TO THE AGRONOMY PH.D. PROGRAM

ADMISSION TO THE FORESTRY PH.D. PROGRAM

More information about PhD studies at VMU Agriculture Academy

Contacts for more information

Research and Innovation department
VMU AA Universiteto str. 8A, Building IV, Room 202, 53341 Akademija, Kaunas district
Phone: +370 37 752 254
E-mail: monika.brimaite@vdu.lt

During the summer school course “My First Start-up 2022” students created business plans

At the end of June and beginning of July Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VDU AA) prof. dr. Jan Žukovskis from the Department of Business and Rural Development Management of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development organized the summer school course “My First Start-Up” for the second consecutive year.

This course was one of the initiatives of the lecturers of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development, aiming to attract foreign partners to cooperate and share the experience of organizing studies in the field of business development. The aim of the course was to familiarize students with the methodology of business plan and budget preparation and to help them prepare their own plan according to their formulated business idea.

This year the course was conducted remotely. It was attended by 16 students from various foreign universities: seven students from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW, Poland), four students from the Polissia National University (Ukraine), two students from the University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland), one each from the Czestochowa University of Technology and WSB University from Poland. Also, this year lithuanian Domas Grigaliūnas, who studied at Manchester University in England, joined the participants and presented a very practical and innovative “Digital supervision” business idea.

Such courses provide an excellent opportunity for participants to make useful acquaintances, share various ideas, communicate and improve their presentation skills in English. The first feedback from the students about the course was positive, and their projects was very practical and likely to have continuity when organizing a “real” business in the future. The most interesting and advanced projects should be noted: “Trade in organic agricultural products” (by Marta Zielińska), “Production and trade of frozen products” (by Jakub Jurczak, Maciej Sobota), “Production of candles from soy” (by Anita Bazyluk, Diana Dąbek). One among the best project in terms of design was the project “Vegetarian and vegan restaurant” (by Angelika Buchta, Jakub Czyżewski). Two projects were related to psychological counseling (Natalia Radomska, Michał Celmer), including those who suffered from the war in Ukraine (Olha Zaharchuk, Yaroslava Fischuk). Ukrainian students Oleksandr Zarichnyi and Vladyslav Khrapko prepared a paper on Trade of watches, and Oliwia Ślusarczyk and Anna Strzelczyk presented a project on the Ecological information collection and search system “Green coach”.

The organizers of the courses are grateful to the representatives of foreign university partners for their help in attracting students and participating in the final presentation of the project. Special thanks go to the professors of Warsaw University of Life Sciences – prof. Iwona Pomianek, prof. Joanna Rakowska and prof. Dariusz Gozdowski – who sent the largest group of course listeners. The organizers are very grateful for the Polissia National University, lecturer assoc. dr. Mariia Plotnikova and the Rector of the university prof. Oleg Skydan, who invited students to participate in these international summer school courses. Many thanks to the professor of Częstochowa University of Technology and WSB University dr. Paula Pyplacz and to the Head of Human Resource Management study programs from the University of Silesia in Katowice prof. Dorota Chudy-Hyski. They both are sending their best students to this course for the second year.

VMU AA prof. dr. J. Žukovskis hopes that next year the course will be able to take place not only remotely, but also directly in Lithuania.

Prof. dr. Jan Žukovskis

VMU Agriculture Academy

#StudentsTalk: My Ambition is to Get a World Class Education in Agriculture

Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) is not only a space for studies and research, but also a space for creation, discussions, explorations, where cultural diversity and each innovative idea play an important role. The Academy would not have been this active, creating and improving as it is today, if courageous, eager students waiting to see the wide world would not study here. Realizing the importance of communion, we want to get to know these amazing students. We are interested in their experience in choosing studies in Lithuania and studying here at VMU Agriculture Academy.

Rogers Kudi Otia, Agri-food business management student, shared his experience about choosing studies in Lithuania and his journey here at VMU Agriculture Academy.

– Why did you choose to study at VMU Agriculture Academy?
– Firstly, my ambition is to get a world class education in agriculture or related field. Secondly, the diversity of my chosen study programme and lastly a high position of VMU at world ranking in terms of international students.
–What activities, study or practical experience at VMU Agriculture Academy was or is the most memorable for you?
–The most memorable thing is the opportunity to meet students with different backgrounds and perspectives. Besides that, I also do not want to forget about the help which I received from my lecturers through out my study time at VMU Agriculture Academy.
–What did you know about Lithuania before coming here?
–To be honest, I knew very little about Lithuania before coming here. I knew the cost of living is not high comparing to other European countries. I also knew that Lithuania is located in the northern or eastern Europe. I was familiar with religion, population, language – just the basics about the country.

Rogers Kudi Otia is open to share his student experience and answer questions on social media for those who are interested in studying at VMU Agriculture Academy. Contact Rogers on:
Facebook
LinkedIn

International scientific conference BALTTRIB’2022

International scientific conference will take part at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) on 22-24 September, 2022. It is organized by the scientists of VMU AA Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical, Energy and Biotechnology Engineering.

Conference topics:

Friction and wear of friction pairs in agricultural, transport and industrial machinery
Lubrication
Micro- and nano-scale tribology
Tribochemistry
Bio-tribology
Environmental issues in tribology
Surface science and coating engineering
Tribology in metal processing
Simulation of tribological processes
Experimental methods in tribology

Key dates:

31 May 2022 – Abstract and registration form submission.
15 June 2022 – Notification of acceptance.
15 July 2022 – Submission of papers.
10 August 2022 – Notification of papers acceptance.
31 August 2022 – Registration fee payment.
10 September – Presentation of conference programme
22-24 September 2022 – Conference

REGISTRATION

Conference invitation and more information

Conference website: www.balttrib.info

Contacts:
+370 37 752263
balttrib@vdu.lt

Applications for the Autumn Intake 2022 are extended

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 a European Capital of Culture 2022 – Kaunas – located in the center of Europe may be the perfect combination for You.

Your lifetime adventure can start now with VMU Agriculture Academy.

Autumn Intake 2022/2023 study programmes:

Application deadlines (extended):

July 16th – For Applicants from EU Countries, Sakartvelo, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Foreigners currently residing in Lithuania.

July 25th – For Applicants from Ukraine.

APPLY HERE

Information about Application and Admission Procedures | VMU

Information about scholarships | VMU

Rules for admission 2022 | VMU

Are you curious about what it is like to study at the Vytautas Magnus University? How is student life or housing in the City of Kaunas?

Get answers to your questions by chatting with our students, staff, and alumni. Ask your questions, read their blogs, and explore more about VMU and Kaunas!

Chat with our students | VMU

Contact person at VMU Agriculture Academy: International Coordinator Ekaterina Makrickiene ekaterina.makrickiene@vdu.lt +370 37 752 200

More information about VMU Agriculture Academy study programmes

Application for Accommodation for New International Students of 2022/2023

Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) has opened an application for new incoming international students for accommodation in the dormitories of VMU during the academic year 2022/2023 or just the Autumn semester. Please note, that this application is open only for new (first year) incoming full-time, Erasmus+, Bilateral or other international exchange students of Vytautas Magnus University. Other, higher year students, who are currently not living in the dormitories of VMU, would be allowed to reserve one of the rooms for the new academic year only starting from August 16th, 2022.

IMPORTANT:  the application is open only for students, who have already signed their Learning Agreements (Erasmus+, Bilateral Exchange or Visiting Students) and  Agreement of Studies (full-time Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students) (for more information about signing it, please contact International Cooperation department)

In order to reserve a place of residence in one of the dormitories of VMU, all new incoming first-year international students must follow this procedure:

NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS OF VMU

learn about our dormitories, its’ location, price for accommodation services, living conditions, etc.;
create a personal account on the online accommodation system (Accommodation for others). Exchange students may use their Username / Password that they created when applying for their exchange studies at VMU; Full time Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students may use their Username / Password that they created when signing their Agreement of studies.
log in to the online accommodation system (Accommodation for others) with your personal credentials (username and password) and reserve one of the places from the provided list on Accommodation in Student Rooms (Number of places in the dormitories is limited, however, the list is constantly updated, therefore it is recommended to check it regularly).
receive an e-mail with confirmation of your reservation. This e-mail means, that room of your choice will be reserved for your arrival until 31st of August, 2022;
receive a second e-mail in the middle of the August with instructions on how to sign your electronic Agreement for Accommodation, sign it, and move into the dormitory no later than by   31st of August, 2022 (if you are planning to move-in after the 31st of August, 2022, you shall contact Student Centre by sending an e-mail to studentas@vdu.lt and inform about your intended date of arrival. In all cases you will have to pay accommodation fees starting from 1st of September 2022, otherwise your room reservation will be cancelled).

IMPORTANT: please note, that Residents will be allowed to move into their reserved rooms only starting from August 18, 2022.

FOR NON-VMU STUDENTS

Other, non-VMU, students could apply for accommodation in the dormitories of VMU:

In dormitories, which are located in Kaunas (Nr. 2) and Akademija (Nr.5), Kaunas dstr. – only starting from October 1st, 2022.
In dormitory, which is located in Vilnius (Nr. 6),only starting from August 1st, 2022.

For more information please contact:

Student Centre (Student Affairs Department)
Phone +370 37 751 175
E-mail studentas@vdu.lt

QS Rankings: VMU – the Most International University in Lithuania

In the latest QS World University Rankings, Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) is confidently positioned among the most international universities in the world, while among Lithuanian universities it is the absolute leader.

This year, the increase in the international student ratio has surpassed the results of the ranking in 2021 – the number of foreign students studying at VMU has increased by as much as 53%. VMU is ranked 389th among all universities in the world, and this is by far the best result the university has ever achieved. VMU’s international faculty ratio is also improving every year.

When comparing Lithuanian universities, QS World University Rankings provides data that the amount of attention per student is growing fastest at Vytautas Magnus University – the faculty/student ratio has increased by as much as 17%.

Employers’ feedback on the university and its graduates has also been improving the university’s reputation for three years in a row. According to the survey results, the reputation of VMU among current and potential employers of university graduates has risen by as much as 38%.

In 2022, when the total number of ranked universities in the QS World University Rankings increased to 1,422 (adding 124 new universities), VMU’s position has risen. Overall, from 2018 to the present day, VMU’s position in the ranking table has been growing steadily – over the last 5 years it has increased by as much as 25.4%.

***

The QS World University Rankings is considered one of the most authoritative rankings of higher education institutions. It stands out from other ranking systems in that it tries to show the university as a whole – it focuses not only on academic performance and output, but also on the scale of the culture, innovations, openness, and accessibility of the university, as well as the assessment of the student’s relationship with the teaching staff. When assessing higher education institutions in the world, the ratio of international staff and international students is also an important criterion in this ranking: this allows universities to be open to international experts and assessments.

It is not enough for a higher education institution to provide data about itself to be included in the QS World University Rankings database. A university is included in the ranking only when it is positively rated by a certain percentage of the academic and employer community. The survey of employers and academics is conducted by QS World University Rankings themselves.