Invitation to the Webinar: “Next Chapter: Opportunities for VMU Graduates”

The VMU International Cooperation Department invites all international soon-to-be graduates, current students, and alumni to our upcoming webinar, “Next Chapter: Opportunities for VMU Graduates.” This event is designed to equip future graduates with the essentials for their next steps after graduation.

The webinar will take place on Thursday, June 5, at 10:00 a.m. EEST, online via Microsoft Teams.

Attendees will gain insights into admission pathways for Bachelor’s graduates to Master’s Degree programmes, explore PhD study opportunities at Vytautas Magnus University for Master’s graduates, and discover how to engage with our alumni network, utilize the alumni platform, and participate in the Unibuddy ambassador program. The session will also cover important aspects of Temporary Residence Permits and other migration questions, provide insights into career opportunities through a presentation from the VMU Career Centre, and introduce the DON@ project.

This webinar is highly recommended for:

Soon-to-be VMU graduates
Current students planning for life after graduation
VMU alumni interested in exploring new opportunities Please register here to secure your spot for this informative session.

We look forward to welcoming you!

VMU Agriculture Academy graduation ceremony

On 19 June, Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy invites graduates to participate in festive graduation events.

The festive ceremony will take place in the festive hall of the VMU Agricultural Academy (Studentų str. 11, Akademija, Kaunas district).

10:00 a.m. Graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development of VMU Agriculture Academy
12:00 p.m. Graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Agronomy of VMU Agriculture Academy
2:00 p.m. Graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology of VMU Agriculture Academy
4:00 p.m. Graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Engineering of VMU Agriculture Academy

We would like to inform you that the event may be filmed and/or photographed, and you may appear in event photos or videos that could be published across various media platforms.

The Teaching and learning evaluation survey has begun

At the end of each semester, students of bachelor’s, master’s, integrated, and professional studies, as well as free-movers, are invited to participate in an anonymous survey and share their insights on their experiences with study courses and teachers’ work.

The Teaching and learning evaluation survey for the spring semester began on May 5. It is a great opportunity for every student to become an ambassador for the quality of their studies and contribute to the improvement of the university. We invite students to actively fill out survey questionnaires by June 15.

How to find the survey and why participation matters

The link to the Teaching and Learning Evaluation survey is available on the main page of Student Portal. The survey is anonymous, so students can be assured that their responses will not be linked to their identity.

On the portal, students can also monitor how actively they are participating in the survey — information about the number and percentage of submitted questionnaires for each of their study courses is available. While the survey is ongoing, teachers can track students’ participation rates via Teacher Portal. The summarized survey results will be presented in the second half of June.

Students’ feedback directly shapes the quality of future studies. Their insights have real power to influence the academic experience of both current and future students. Teachers carefully analyze students’ suggestions and use them to prepare for upcoming semesters, seeking ways to improve teaching methods and study course content. The data collected through this survey is also a key resource for study programme committees, who evaluate programme implementation and make decisions for further improvement.

Every voice matters in creating a better study environment!

Active student participation in this survey helps to more effectively identify both the strengths and areas for improvement of the study process. We encourage every student to take this opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of the university and become a part of meaningful change!

Registration for inter-university elective study courses (modules) at Kaunas universities has started

Vytautas Magnus University (VMU), Kaunas University of Technology (KUT), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LUHS) and Lithuanian Sports University (LSU) continue cooperation for four years now and offer students to choose and study inter-university study modules at another university free of charge in the academic year 2025-2026.

The new modules will allow you to enrich your studies with new experiences, complete a course that is not directly related to your study programme, and study with students from another university. The newly acquired knowledge will help you expand your personal and professional competencies and provide you with additional career prospects.

You will study the optional course as an unclassified student and have the opportunity to submit it for recognition of the learning outcomes under your university’s internal procedures. Concluding an unclassified student’s contract and completing the study subject is free of charge.

Registration form. The registration deadline is 30 May 2025. Use your university email for the registration. The number of positions in the modules is limited.

List of courses. Before selecting a course, please read its description and consider in which semester (autumn or spring) it is taught. You can choose one course that corresponds to the cycle of your studies and is taught at another university.

VMU Study Department

Email: sd@vdu.lt

Student Conference on Creativity in Science and Everyday Life

On 9 May, Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) hosted a conference “Freedom to Create” dedicated to the M. K. Čiurlionis Year. More than fifty student and pupil presentations were presented, proving that creativity is necessary not only for artists, but also for scientists. According to Gediminas Kvietkauskas, a VMU graduate and well-known entrepreneur, who presented a paper at the conference, we understand creativity too narrowly.

“For some reason we associate creativity only with art. Business is creativity, any profession is creativity, science is creativity. And only creative thinking makes progress. Even a surgeon can use his imagination,” said the entrepreneur.

Creativity was also emphasised by VMU professor, media artist and painter Rimantas Plungė, who, together with composer Prof. Titas Petrikis, opened the 4th VMU Students’ Conference, this year entitled “Sonata of Science and Culture”.

“I always say to students, have doubts, question what is happening and why you are doing it, don’t just go about your daily life in an automated way. Čiurlionis was a genius because he saw things that others did not see. I encourage everyone to look at everyday life from a different angle, using their creativity, because creativity is the essence of every human being,” said R. Plungė.

According to Petrikis, meaning, not progress, should be the goal of our civilisation. “We are experiencing astonishing progress, but at the same time a deep divide. Climate decline, war and a crisis of meaning. But it is also a time of creative rebirth for those who choose to create rather than just consume. As Čiurlionis reminds us: creation is resistance, art is care, and the most advanced technology is love”, he said.

On the eve of the conference, on 8 May, T. Petrikis and R. Plungė presented their joint creative project “North”, inspired by M.K. Čiurlionis’ interdisciplinarity and the synthesis of media. The project combines an audiovisual music concert by composer T. Petrikis and paintings by artist R. Plungė.

The context of the heritage of the most significant Lithuanian artist, composer, painter and photographer M. K. Čiurlionis was expanded by Greta Katkevičienė, a student of the Faculty of Humanities at VMU, a museum curator of the M. K. Čiurlionis Collections Department at the M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art, who gave a detailed presentation of the artist’s short, but incredibly creative life.

The conference “Freedom to Create”, which has become a VMU tradition, featured more than fifty presentations by VMU students and students from VMU partner gymnasiums on a wide range of topics: from micro-organisms slowing down to sourdough starter, from cancellation culture to the problem of terrorist groups, from teacher leadership to stress management techniques for teachers, from the effects of caffeine on cells to the analysis of Jo Nesbo’s novel, etc. Students and pupils shared their insights in poster presentations, exhibitions, audiovisual and other creative projects.

Schoolgirls from Kaunas J. Dobkevičius Progymnasium conducted research on the effects of caffeine on cells at the VMU Institute of Natural and Technological Sciences. They were supervised by Neringa Barauskaitė, a PhD student at the Faculty of Natural Sciences

During the conference, VMU Agriculture Academy students who have been awarded Science Scholarships were also honoured: Gabrilevičienė Gabrielė, Ginelevičius Ugnius, Krivickas Matas, Stankaitytė Aiva, Žilytė Gabija.

For VMU Graduates – Last Chance to Apply for the Erasmus+ Traineeship Competition

VMU students graduating this semester are invited to take advantage of the final opportunity to apply for the Erasmus+ Traineeship Competition, which includes EU/EEA countries. Application documents can be submitted until May 31, 2025.

Main Features of the Erasmus+ Traineeship Competition

The traineeship is available in all EU and EEA countries.
The traineeship must be carried out within 12 months after graduation.
The duration of the traineeship is from 2 to 4 months.
Traineeship grant is provided to help cover travel and part of living expenses.
This is a great opportunity to broaden your horizons, build international connections, and strengthen your professional path.

More information and selection criteria

Erasmus+ International Week Held at the VMU

From May 5th to 9th, Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) hosted the Erasmus+ International Week for the fifth time, bringing together more than 150 lecturers and staff members from partner universities across 50 countries. Delegates from Argentina, Spain, Turkey, Indonesia, Kenya, Morocco, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Poland, Mauritius, Tanzania, Belgium, Egypt, Lebanon, Moldova, and many other countries gathered for the event.

During the week, the VMU community had a unique opportunity to attend guest lectures, engage in discussions, and share international academic experiences. The program featured interactive workshops and professional development seminars, along with excursions and cultural events that allowed guests to better understand Lithuanian culture and the university environment.

Participants’ feedback:

“For me, as a Ukrainian participant, this week opened new horizons of further cooperation. It is an essential opportunity for academia representatives to get together and share ideas toward a sustainable and peaceful future. I hope to come back to Kaunas!“

“The Erasmus+ Staff Week was well-organized and provided valuable networking and learning opportunities. The sessions were informative, and the cultural activities helped foster collaboration among participants.“

“Once again, thanks for your kind and warm welcome. It was my first time in Europe, my first time giving a lecture in English, and you made me feel like home. I appreciate your patience, your sense of humor, and your hard work. You are excellent on what you do. I look forward to seeing you soon.“

Learn about the previous years’ experiences here.

Co-Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

Make Your Mark at the University: Propose an Idea and Paint the VMU Student Lounge Wall

Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Student Affairs Department invites students to submit ideas for decorating the wall of the new VMU Student Lounge and to contribute to student wellbeing through their art. This creative initiative is a chance to artistically reflect the values and ideas of the VMU student wellbeing program while helping create a cozy, inspiring, and inclusive space for students. Only VMU students are eligible to submit ideas.

The selected author will receive a €350 scholarship to bring their vision to life—an opportunity to paint their artwork on the VMU Student Lounge wall and make a lasting contribution to the student community. Idea submissions are open until June 15, 2025 (inclusive).

Evaluation Criteria:

Creativity and originality of the idea
Clarity and coherence of the sketch and description
Relevance to student wellbeing themes
Suitability for the VMU Student Lounge space
Priority will be given to students with experience in transforming or decorating communal spaces through art (so please include a portfolio when applying)

What You Need to Do:

Create a sketch for the VMU Student Lounge wall (the wall is approx. 3.4 m high and 6.4 m long) and a description of your idea. Your artwork should reflect the theme of student wellbeing—this could include motivational words or symbols, the student wellbeing logo, natural landscapes, or other visual elements that evoke calm and comfort.
Submit your sketch and description by June 15 via email to studentas@vdu.lt (please write “VMU Student Lounge idea” in the subject line).
Wait for the results by June 20—the selected student will be invited to realize their mural!

Location: VMU Student Lounge (K. Donelaičio St. 52-112, Kaunas), implementation period: July 1–31, 2025

Let your artistic vision become part of the university’s culture!

Exceptional Opportunities for Ukrainian Citizens at VMU Agriculture Academy

Academic Year 2025/2026 | Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania

Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy, located in the vibrant city of Kaunas, Lithuania, invites ambitious Ukrainian citizens to join its diverse academic community. Offering high-quality European education in a supportive and inclusive environment, VMU is proud to stand with Ukraine by providing accessible education opportunities during challenging times.

Why Choose VMU Agriculture Academy?

No Application Fee. All Ukrainian applicants are exempt from the application fee.
50% Tuition Fee Waiver. Every Ukrainian student automatically receives a 50% discount on tuition for the entire duration of their studies, regardless of academic performance.
Scholarships up to 90%. Top-performing students with outstanding academic achievements and active civic engagement may receive scholarships covering up to 90% of tuition costs.
English-Taught Programmes. VMU offers a wide range of undergraduate programmes in English, designed to equip students with internationally competitive skills and knowledge.

Featured Study Programmes:

Accounting and Finance. Start your journey with the first year taught in Russian and continue the remaining years in English. Learn more & apply.
Sustainable Engineering. A forward-thinking programme aimed at those passionate about environmental responsibility and innovation. Learn more & apply.

Apply Today

Take the first step toward a brighter academic future at VMU Agriculture Academy. Join a university that values excellence, community, and your potential.
For questions or assistance with the application process, please contact VMU admissions team at studies@vdu.lt.

ERASMUS BIP at the Faculty of Bioeconomic Development of the VMU Agriculture Academy: exploring AI in economic modelling

From May 12 to 16, 2025, the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) welcomed an inspiring cohort of doctoral and master’s students from across Europe to participate in the Erasmus Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) titled “AI in Economic Modelling.” This international event combined virtual and on-site learning, with the preparatory session held online on May 5 and the in-person programme taking place in Kaunas, Lithuania.

The participant group reflected the programme’s truly European character: doctoral students arrived from Finland, Latvia, Estonia, Romania, Croatia, and Lithuania, while a group of highly motivated master’s students represented Poland. Their diverse backgrounds and shared interest in advanced AI applications in economics created a vibrant and collaborative academic environment.

AI Tools for the Economists of Tomorrow

The core of the programme focused on the integration of artificial intelligence in the construction and simulation of economic models. Students were introduced to state-of-the-art methods such as neural networks, fuzzy systems, probabilistic reasoning, and evolutionary computing. Topics in explainable AI were emphasized, along with comparative insights on traditional mathematical and statistical modelling.

The lectures were delivered by an esteemed lineup of professors, including Prof. Dr. Vesa Niskanen (VMU & University of Helsinki), Prof. Laszlo T. Koczy (Budapest University of Technology and Economics), Academician Janusz Kacprzyk (Polish Academy of Sciences), Prof. Chister Carlsson (IAMSR, Finland), and Prof. Dr. Irina Archipova (Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies). Their sessions spanned topics from decision support systems and fuzzy analytics to the differences between machine learning and statistical models.

Cultural Enrichment and Networking

Beyond the academic programme, students had the opportunity to explore Lithuanian culture and history through a guided excursion in Kaunas Old Town. Social gatherings, including a welcome dinner at the traditional “Medžiotojų užeiga” restaurant, encouraged participants to network and build lasting academic friendships.

Panel discussions and informal conversations enhanced the sense of collaboration, creating an atmosphere of openness and intellectual curiosity. The week blended structured learning with spontaneous exchange, fostering a strong sense of international academic community.

A Platform for Future Collaboration

This course was also part of the collaborative activities within the BOVA-NOVA university network, initiated and supported by the BOVA university network. It reflected the ongoing efforts to strengthen regional cooperation in higher education and research across the Baltic and Nordic countries.

Organized by Dr. Monika Medikienė (VMU Agriculture Academy International Coordinator) and Dr. Ekaterina Makrickienė (VMU Agriculture Academy BOVA Coordinator), with academic leadership from Prof. Dr. Vesa Niskanen (VMU Faculty of Bioeconomy Development and University of Helsinki), the programme granted participants 3 ECTS credits and was financed by the Erasmus+ funds and internal funds of BOVA university network.

The BIP “AI in Economic Modelling” not only empowered students with cutting-edge AI knowledge but also encouraged intercultural dialogue and laid the foundation for future interdisciplinary research collaborations. As AI continues to contribute to the economic landscape, programmes like this play a critical role in preparing the next generation of economists to lead with insight, innovation, and international perspective.