Registration Now Open for Arts and Sports Centres Activities
We invite students of Vytautas Magnus University (VMU), who are studying in Kaunas, Akademija (Kaunas District) or Vilnius, to register for sports and (or) art activities in the autumn semester of 2024/2025, organized by VMU Sports Centre and VMU Arts Centre.
All VMU students can attend sports or art group activities regardless of where and what they are studying (e.g., if you are studying Lithuanian philology, you can attend the folk-dance group “Sėja” of the VMU Academy of Agriculture, etc.).
All activities for VMU students are free-of-charge. Students can register for several activities, so you are welcome to join the activities on offer.
Registration procedure for Arts Centre collectives
Students who wish to act, dance, sing, or play must join one (or several) of the VMU Arts Centre groups based in Kaunas, Akademija (Kaunas district) or Vilnius. You can do this by registering for the ongoing activities by following three steps:
- log in to the student self-service portal and select the Registration tab from the menu bar;
- in the bar that appears, click on the button Registration for the Sports/Arts Centre;
- then select Arts and in this section, select the desired arts activity, tick it, click on the Continue button, click on the I agree to the rules and the REGISTER button.
*The same principle applies to registration via menucentras.vdu.lt/registration/
The student will see the classes of the sports he/she has registered for in the student portal, under My activities. You can also withdraw from the selected activities in the student portal.
Once you have registered for a group at the Arts Centre, you can start attending activities as soon as possible, at the times indicated in the group’s timetable.
More information:
Registration procedure for sports activities
All VMU students who want to participate in sports at the VMU Sports Centre facilities (Studentų g. 11 and Studentų g. 9A, Akademija, Kaunas district) can register for the sports activity classes.
Students wishing to register for VMU Sports Centre activity classes should log in to the student self-service portal and select the Registration tab from the menu. In the bar that appears, click on the button Registration for the Sports. In the next step of the Activity Registration select Sport. In this section, you need to select the desired sport, tick it, click on the Continue button, and click on the I agree to the rules and the REGISTER button.
*The same principle applies to the registration via sportas.vdu.lt/registration/
The student will see the classes of the sports he/she has registered for in the student portal, under My activities. You can also withdraw from the selected activities in the student portal.
More information:
New Academic Year With VMU
On 2 September, we invite the community of Vytautas Magnus University to celebrate the beginning of the school year in Kaunas and Vilnius. Let’s celebrate science, new beginnings, and a promising time of the year and life!
In Kaunas we will start at 2:00 PM by gathering at the Monument of Vytautas the Great. Here, you’ll enjoy a memorable university welcome, followed by a procession to the Student Square. There, you’ll be invited to sway and enjoy a concert by VDU Music Academy lecturer Mantas Jankavičius.
Those who wish to attend the Holy Mass at 12:00 PM should meet at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul (Vilniaus St. 1).
In Vilnius the academic year opening celebration will begin at 10:00 AM at VDU Education Academy (T. Ševčenkos St. 31, foyer).
Please note that the event will be photographed and/or filmed, so you may appear in event photos or videos that could be published in various media outlets.
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
VMU Expands Scholarship Opportunities to Support Talent Development
Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) is increasing the size, types, and number of scholarships available to new first-year students and, as a socially responsible institution, is striving in various ways to help young people obtain higher education.
Scholarships for individuals from socially vulnerable groups and regions
The university, in achieving its primary strategic objective of creating a learning ecosystem conducive to the development of personalities and talents, not only pursues this through studies based on the principles of Artes Liberales but also by providing favourable financial conditions for talent development.
Dr. Simona Pilkienė, VMU Vice-Rector for Studies, stated that the idea to establish a fund for individuals from socially vulnerable groups and regions lacking access to equivalent education emerged following the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, many families faced financial difficulties, yet the state provided no assistance to help their children attain higher education. Therefore, since 2021, the university has maintained a scholarship fund to cover tuition fees for first-year students enrolled in non-state-funded bachelor’s and integrated study programmes.
“Based on the competitive scores and preparation for studies, students enrolled in non-state-funded programmes may have their tuition fully or partially covered for the entire duration of their studies. Scholarships are available to those who have enrolled in non-state-funded studies and who have chosen VMU as their top priority,” explains Dr. Pilkienė.
Dr. Simona Pilkienė, VMU Vice-Rector for Studies.
Dr. Pilkienė also noted that VMU did not discontinue this fund even after the pandemic. “We see many poignant stories where talented children from the regions face exclusion and cannot pursue higher education, so it’s heartening that we have finally persuaded politicians that such support is necessary. This year, a social dimension policy aimed at creating more favourable conditions for obtaining state funding is also being implemented, initiating what is known as the ‘second competitive queue’. This allows individuals from socially vulnerable groups and those with professional experience to compete for state funding in a smaller competitive queue,” the Vice-Rector elaborates.
Applicants eligible for the second competitive queue include those from very low-income families (entitled to social benefits), orphans and wards under the age of 25, individuals with a work capacity of 45% or less or with severe to moderate disabilities, as well as graduates of short-cycle studies and those with at least 24 months of practical experience (including military service).
“VMU was among the first in Lithuania to implement an Inclusive University policy, ensuring a culture of equality and non-discrimination, appropriately adapting study and work conditions, and enhancing the accessibility of studies. Furthermore, thanks to our Artes Liberales study concept, which views each student as a unique individual and allows for an individualized study plan, studies are designed according to individual needs, so I am confident that future students of the second competitive queue will find the best opportunities at Vytautas Magnus University,” says the Vice-Rector.
Scholarships for the most outstanding students
Dr. Pilkienė states that VMU contributes to talent development by awarding scholarships of up to €1000 to high school graduates who have achieved the highest academic results in the country. These scholarships are granted to first-year students upon admission to a state-funded place, provided they have scored at least 100 in one state exam and have a competitive score of no less than 9 (or 9.5 for programmes with an entrance examination), and have listed a VMU study programme as their top priority. Additionally, scholarships of €500 or €250 are awarded to first-year students who have a competitive score of no less than 8.5 or 8, respectively, and who have also listed a VMU study programme as their top priority on their list of preferences.
Artes Liberales 35th anniversary scholarship to reach up to €3500
This year, as VMU marks the 35th anniversary of the re-establishment of the University and the introduction of the Artes Liberales concept in Lithuania, the Vice-Rector for Studies has initiated the establishment of an Artes Liberales 35th Anniversary Scholarship. The scholarship, amounting to €3500, will be awarded to first-year students who have achieved scores of 100% in at least two state exams, have a competitive score of no less than 9 (or 9.5 for programmes with an entrance examination), have listed a VMU study programme as their top choice, and who submit an essay, creative project, or video on the topic “Artes Liberales studies – more than just a major.”
“During a recent international expert assessment, experts noted that the Artes Liberales studies at Vytautas Magnus University are distinguished by the highest level of student study individualisation and are unique within the context of higher education across Europe. Therefore, I have no doubt that the topic of Artes Liberales studies, from the perspective of a young person – a first-year student – will be presented in an interesting manner, taking into account global trends and, I believe, even visionarily, as our current understanding of ‘major’ will clearly evolve. And it’s interesting to see how a future student of this unique study system perceives it,” says Dr. Simona Pilkienė.
As the Vice-Rector explains, VMU conducts numerous activities for schoolchildren, aiming to introduce them to the Artes Liberales study system as early as possible and help reveal their talents through various study activities. The VMU school and class network includes more than 10 schools, where students have unique opportunities to experience the uniqueness of this study system. Additionally, there are the Pupils’ University, the Pupils’ Summer School, and many other activities that allow students to become familiar with the specifics of Artes Liberales studies, making it easier for them to present their creative works and apply for such a scholarship.
VMU students receive scholarships from business organisations and ministries
Business partners also contribute to the welfare of Vytautas Magnus University students. Dr. Simona Pilkienė explains that VMU students who have achieved good academic results and who are active are awarded nominal scholarships from patrons and business companies. “For example, those enrolling in agricultural or engineering programmes can, from their first year, apply for one-off or monthly scholarships from companies including UAB Nando, AB East West Agro, and UAB Scandagra, among others, or nominal scholarships from Ieva and Arnas Radzevičiai, Kazimiera Varnaitė-Masiokienė, and Jurgis Sirus,” says Dr. Pilkienė. She notes that these scholarships range from €150 per month to a one-off scholarship of €2500.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Sport awards scholarships of €375.5 to those enrolled in priority fields of study in pedagogy, while the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture offer scholarships of up to €250 for students in the fields of agriculture, engineering, and forestry.
T4EU Online Course on Matlab and Data Analysis for PhD Students
The European university alliance Transform4Europe and Saarland University invite PhD students to register for the online course Matlab and Data Analysis, which will be held on Microsoft Teams on the 1st, 2nd, 8th and 10th of October at 3–7 p.m. (Lithuania time). Online registration of participants is open until 14th of September.
In this course the participants will learn the basics of programming and in particular how to use Matlab for universal data analysis. It is a course for beginners. The aim is that participants without prior knowledge learn how to use Matlab for data analysis, statistical evaluation and presentation of results.
The students will get accounts from our IT-center “HIZ” for full functionality of Saarland University’s video conferencing software Microsoft Teams. If students do not have access to a Matlab license, they will get an Email address from Saarland University to access its license. Further registration at Saarland University is not required and no fees are charged.
The course is free of charge. Up to 10 students can participate.
Registration of participants
More information
T4EU Quarterly Newsletter: News for Students, Researchers, and Staff
Stay informed about the latest developments in the Transform4Europe (T4EU) Alliance! Our quarterly newsletter highlights a range of activities and opportunities for students, researchers, and staff.
Students
- Language Courses at Saarland University (July-August): Saarland University offered intensive French (A2-B2) and English refresher courses.
- Open Science Lecture: Public Trust in Science (July 3): Prof. Rainer Bromme (University of Münster) led an online lecture on trust in science, controversies, and science communication. Find out more about the event.
- (Co)Happiness Laboratory Summer Course at Vytautas Magnus University (August 27-29): This course focused on shaping conditions for happiness in times of challenge. Find more about the summer course.
- Heritage at Work Workshop at the University of Silesia (October 21-25): This regional workshop explored cultural heritage and its geographical dimensions. Detailed information about the event.
- Open Call for Student Initiatives (Deadline: July 1): Students were invited to create initiatives for collaboration, cooperation, and sustainability within T4EU.
Researchers
- Seed Funding Programme: The T4EU Joint PhD Support Office is fostering research through a Seed Funding Programme for initiatives involving at least two T4EU universities.
- T4EU PhD Tracks at the University of Silesia: The University of Silesia is initiating a new path for doctoral education within the T4EU consortium. Find out more.
- T4ERI Inter-regional Policy Roundtable & Stakeholder Assembly (September 10-12): Focusing on sustainable development and environmental transformation. Find out more.
Staff
- Staff Week: Modernising Universities at Jean Monnet University (September 24-26): This event focused on modernizing universities within the T4EU framework. Find out more about the event.
Past Events and Initiatives
- Conference ‘European Rivers – Problems and Challenges’ (March 22): An international conference on water-related issues organized by the USil Silesian Water Centre.
- Open Lecture ‘Data Protection and Research’ (April 26): A lecture on personal data protection regulations hosted by the Estonian Academy of Arts.
- Development of Joint Programmes between T4EU Universities (March 27): A workshop on building joint programs with European degrees organized by Jean Monnet University. the video recording of the workshop (in English) can be viewed on the JMU YouTube channel.
- Vytautas Magnus University Visit to Mariupol University (Mid-May): A delegation from VMU visited Ukraine and participated in a strategic session organized by Mariupol State University.
- T4EU Students at the European Student Assembly 2024: Students from alliance universities participated in panels and formulated policy recommendations.
T4ERI (Transform4Europe Research and Innovation)
Student Council for T4EU Students
- Your Voice Matters: The Student Council is the central body for student representation within the T4EU Alliance.
- We Represent You: It consists of 20 members from partner universities who actively participate in decision-making processes.
- Stay Connected: The council is enhancing cooperation with the Joint Communication Office to improve communication and engagement across all member universities.
For more information, please visit the Transform4Europe website or contact t4eu-vco[at]us.edu.pl.
Opportunity to Apply for an Internship in Lithuania
VMU Department of International Relations invites foreign students and graduates of full-time studies to apply for internships in Lithuanian market. The main aim of the internship is to provide an opportunity for foreign VMU students and graduates to acquire practical skills in Lithuanian companies and organisations. The internship will contribute to the development of professional knowledge and skills, help to improve Lithuanian language, provide an opportunity to gain valuable work experience and help to establish professional contacts, thus increasing the chances of employment and successful integration into the Lithuanian labour market.
VMU full-time international students requirements:
- The duration of the students’ traineeships – min 2 months, max 4 months.
- Estimated total number of hours of internship – minimum 20 hours per week.
- Traineeship scholarship – EUR 650/month.
VMU full-time international graduates requirements:
- The duration of the graduates’ traineeships – 6 months.
- Estimated total number of hours of internship – minimum 30 hours per week.
- Traineeship scholarship – EUR 650/month.
The competition is open to full-time students in the first to third study cycle (except first-year students). The internship is not part of the study programme, it is complimentary. Also, please note that the internship can’t be performed at the company at which the applicant is currently employed.
The list of available traineeships can be found here.
Required application documents:
Candidates are evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Good academic performance without academic debts.
- Motivation: motivation letter and interview, indicating relevance of the traineeship to personal career design;
- Additional points: experience in academic, professional or social activities abroad and in Lithuania; pre-arranged and agreed internship place; knowledge of Lithuanian language.
The decision on the candidacy is made by the special UPinLT selection committee approved by the Rector of VMU. The selection process will respect the basic principles of transparency, equality and non-discrimination. The final selection results will be communicated to the participants personally by e-mail and via the VMU student portal, not later than 2 weeks after the application deadline.
The application deadline is till 15th of every Month, and results are announced at the end of the month
More information about contest
VMU Sports Centre Invites You to Stay Active this Summer
We would like to inform all members of the Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) community who actively spend their free time and work out in the VMU Sports Centre Fitness Hall (located at Studentų g. 11, Akademija, Kaunas district), or who would like to start doing so, that the Fitness Hall’s opening hours will change from June 25 to September 2.
During the summer, you will be able to work out in the VMU Sports Centre Fitness Hall during the following times:
- from Monday to Thursday: 16:00-19:00
- from Tuesday to Friday: 10:00-13:00
The Fitness Hall is equipped with various types of sports equipment, allowing everyone to work out according to their individual preferences or personalized training programs. With the help of professional trainers, you can set your goals, exercise correctly, and stay motivated.
The Fitness Hall is open to VMU students and staff.
Sport at the VMU Sports Centre Fitness Hall is a great opportunity to spend your summer in a quality and productive way, promoting an active lifestyle and personal well-being!
More information:
