VMU first-year students can order LSIC for free

LSIC is a Lithuanian student card and the only official document that proves a student’s status. Currently, the LSIC is issued by the sole organization representing students’ interests at the national level: the Lithuanian National Union of Students (LSS).

IMPORTANT! All first-year students of Vytautas Magnus University in 2024 who have signed a study agreement with the university will receive their LSIC free of charge (you will only need to pay the delivery fee or opt for free collection at the LSS office in Vilnius) if they order it by 31 October this year by filling out the registration form at lsp.lt. If you order the LSIC after this date or need to have it reissued, you will be required to pay a set fee.

You’ll need the LSIC to:

check your entrance to midterms and exams;
control access to your dormitory;
use the University’s library services;
access the University’s printing, scanning, and photocopying services (charged separately);
get a 50% discount on intercity public transport and up to 80% off on city public transport;
participate in a discount program offering deals on shopping, entertainment, and various services throughout Lithuania (see lsp.lt for a list of discounts).

How to order your LSIC:

Register at www.lsp.lt: upload a photo of your passport or identity card and a personal photo. Once VMU has confirmed your details, you will be able to order your Lithuanian Student Identity Card (LSIC).
In the “Account” section, select “Order LSIC.” Review the sample LSIC provided and ensure that all data is correct. If any information is incorrect, contact your higher education institution before proceeding with the order. Next, choose your preferred method of receiving the card.
Once your LSIC has been produced (within 14 working days), you will receive a confirmation that the card is ready. If production takes longer than 14 days, please contact us at help[eta]lsp.lt.
Pick up your LSIC and enjoy all the discounts and opportunities it offers.

The LSIC can also integrate the European Student Card, which is valid throughout Europe. Whether you’re traveling and looking for discounts or participating in an exchange program and want to take advantage of opportunities at a foreign university, the card has you covered!

For more information:

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.

Information on Enrolment into Study Subjects

The first stage of the autumn semester 2024/2025 registration for lectures, seminars and laboratory works takes place on 22–27 August. At this stage, the registration is open:

For full-time and part-time students of bachelor and integrated studies (excluding 1st year students)
For full-time and part-time students of master studies
For full-time students of professional studies
For part-time free-movers
For part-time exchange students

Registration of first-year undergraduate and full-time students will take place on 29 August.

Enrolment will be performed online only, having connected to VMU Students’ Self-service Portal at https://studentas.vdu.lt.

A username is: name.surname (lowercase, Latin alphabet letters only) and a password.

If a student has forgotten the password, he/she can set up a new one at https://support.vdu.lt/. Instructions are available here: https://support.vdu.lt/pagalba/Migration_eng.pdf.

Enrolment into study subjects

Study schedules

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.

Graduation diplomas awarded to graduates of the VMU Agriculture Academy

On June 19, graduates of Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy were ceremoniously awarded diplomas for completing their bachelor’s and master’s studies. During the ceremony, representatives from VMU and VMU Agriculture Academy administration, teachers, social partners, and relatives wished the young professionals a successful career path as they start a new phase of life. The graduates expressed their gratitude to all those who supported them, provided knowledge, and guided them in the right direction.

“Today you have a ticket in your hands towards dreams, setting goals, and starting a new phase of life. We are extremely proud of you – you have every right to leave with your head held high as you have proven that you can balance academic challenges with personal goals. You leave with strong values, stronger, more persistent, and more patient. We are extremely happy that you chose us for this path, which was marked not only by victories, but also by tears, not only by joy, but also by moments of anxiety,” said the Rector of VMU, Prof. Habil. Dr. Juozas Augutis.

The Chancellor of the VMU Agriculture Academy, Prof. Dr. Astrida Miceikienė, encouraged the graduates to be courageous, pursue their dreams, and never stop believing in themselves. “This diploma is a symbol of your achievement. But it’s not the end, it’s just a new beginning. From now on, new challenges, new opportunities, and new achievements await you. It is important to remember that learning never ends. Life will teach you many lessons, and every day will be an opportunity to grow and improve. Don’t forget your values and the lessons you learned during these years,” said the Chancellor.

During the festive event, the deans and social partners of the Academy congratulated the graduates, who had successfully passed another stage of their lives.

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.

#100 5th International Scientific Conference AgroEco2024: Agroecosystem Sustainability: Links between Carbon Sequestration in Soils, Food Security and Climate Change

We kindly invite You to participate in the 5th International Scientific Conference AgroEco2024: Agroecosystem Sustainability: Links between Carbon Sequestration in Soils, Food Security and Climate Change which will be held at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy, Lithuania, October 16–18th, 2024.

Registration deadline is extended until October 10.

The main scientific themes of AgroEco2024 include:

Soil health and carbon sequestration for sustainability;
Soil and crop management towards a chemical pesticide-free agriculture;
Biodiversity, crop and production diversification;
Precision farming and digital technologies;
Food quality and safety;
Climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The conference is organised to celebrate 100 years of Agriculture Academy in Lithuania (1924–2024).

More information at conference website.

AgroEco2024 PROGRAMME

AgroEco2024 ABSTRACTS

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