VMU Invites You to a Student Conference “Freedom to Create 2023”

VMU invites you to participate in a student conference “Freedom to Create 2023” which will be held on April 28th, 2023. The conference will address the international Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations (UN). The conference will take place at the VMU Multifunctional Science and Studies Centre (V. Putvinskio g. 23, Kaunas).

Undergraduate, graduate and exchange students of all fields of study are invited to deliver their presentations, present their creative work and/or moderate one of the conference parallel sessions. Presentations can be made individually or in a group with other students.

Registration is open until 15 March. Registration form.

“Security and empowerment of communities, sustainable consumption and sustainability, reduction of social exclusion, well-being, and the fight against climate change are global challenges that will encourage our students to recognise the advantage of studies based on the principles of artes liberales in tackling complex problems. After all, such challenges can only be overcome through creativity, multifaceted approaches, as well as a broader view and assessment of the situation. This is exactly what we aim at by providing our students with individualised study options,” says Vilma Bijeikienė, VMU Vice-Rector for Communication.

The topics of the conference are in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals:

No Poverty
Zero Hunger
Good Health and Well-being
Quality Education
Gender Equality
Clean Water and Sanitation
Affordable and Clean Energy
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Reduced Inequality
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Responsible Consumption and Production
Climate Action
Life Below Water
Life on Land
Peace and Justice Strong Institutions
Partnerships to achieve the Goal

Types of Presentations and Time:

Oral presentation (should not exceed 15 min.)
Poster presentation
Presentation of creative work (a performance with a presentation not exceeding 15 min., or an exhibition)

Conference Languages: Lithuanian, English and other languages taught at the university.

A presentation summary (200 to 250 words) in Lithuanian or English is required on the registration form.

Requirements for the Summary

Authors of selected presentations will be notified by 7 April. Conference programme will be announced by 17 April.

The papers will be evaluated by the Conference Scientific Committee.

Conference Scientific Committee

More information: sandra.juskeviciene@vdu.lt

Moments from the 2022 Freedom to Create Conference.

Competition for Scholarships for Scientific or Artistic Achievements

Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) announces a competition for scholarships for the scientific or artistic achievements of VMU students, which aims to encourage students to pursue scientific or artistic activities at the University.

One-off scholarships for scientific or artistic achievements in the amount of EUR 500 (five hundred euros) are awarded to the most productive and/or the students with the highest and most significant achievements (as measured by scientific (artistic) production points) in the relevant group of study fields.

The scholarship is open to candidates who have at least one scientific publication, a conference presentation, or a public presentation of their work. The scholarships are awarded based on an assessment of the scientific or artistic achievements of the previous calendar year (in the period from 1 January to 31 December) in the following relevant groups of study fields:

Humanities;
Arts;
Engineering Sciences and Technological Sciences;
Social Sciences, Law, Business and Public Management;
Educational Sciences;
Mathematical Sciences, Computer Sciences, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences;
Agricultural Sciences.

Scholarships for scientific or artistic achievements shall be awarded separately according to the relevant groups of study fields:

jointly for full-time and part-time first cycle students and for first- to fourth-year students of integrated studies;
jointly for full-time and part-time second cycle students, students of vocational studies, and fifth-year students of integrated studies.

Students who are willing to apply for a scholarship for scientific or artistic achievements up to this year, students must submit data on their scientific, artistic, and other activities on the VMU Student Portal until March 1^st under “Science” in accordance with the following procedure:

log in to the VMU Student self-service portal using your personal login provided by the University, select Research in the menu box, and click on the Fill button when the column opens;
select the category of the scientific/artistic activity you want to pursue (publications and patents; other research and organizational activity; other research and artistic activity; significant prizes and awards) and provide all the necessary information and press the Save button.

IMPORTANT: publications and patents must be registered in the University’s Science Management System VMU CRIS, and points for publications shall be awarded according to the classification of scientific and artistic output approved by VMU.

More information:

Description of the procedure for awarding scholarships for scientific or artistic achievements at Vytautas Magnus university

Erasmus Days‘23 are about to start!

We hope you will be able to attend Erasmus Days, which will be held February 21-23. Our most knowledgeable employees will be available at prearranged times to answer questions and offer guidance as you decide where to study abroad for your Erasmus programme.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to learn about your peers’ experience and participate in a wide range of interesting and helpful activities.

More information about Erasmus Days’23

Three main advantages of going on Erasmus

Taking part in Erasmus can be a great way to learn about a new culture and improve your language skills, in addition to being useful for your academic and professional development. Your fellow students, who went to Spain and Portugal for their Erasmus exchange programmes are here to tell you all about it.

Erasmus+ experience as a language booster

“I started learning Spanish on the first year of studying at VMU and we all know the best way to improve it is being in a Spanish-speaking country. I chose Alicante city, because I knew that I would feel a Spanish atmosphere and culture more in a small city, rather than the capital”, said Alina Mutassova, a student of Economics and Finance.

Erasmus+ experience as a cultural immersion while you are learning

“Selecting the Instituto Politécnico do Porto for my Erasmus experience was a no-brainer due to its esteemed reputation as one of Portugal’s leading technological universities. Being situated in Porto also granted me an opportunity for cultural immersion while I was learning. The school has a broad international community which created a warm atmosphere during my Erasmus exchange programme, making it easy to adapt quickly into the new environment”, said Vladyslav Ridko, a Bachelor student of Business Administration at VMU.

Erasmus+ experience as a taking on all challenges

“Of course, like most exchange students, I encountered some difficulties during my Erasmus, such as finding accommodation, adapting to cultural differences, etc. However, these difficulties can also be a chance for you to grow and develop. Vanquishing these difficulties is an accomplishment that will bring great pride and reward when achieved. In addition, the support provided by the Erasmus programme as well as other international students, helped me to cope with all these challenges”, said Vladyslav Ridko, a Bachelor student of Business Administration at VMU.

“Another problem was that there are no dormitories in the city and it took some time to find a good room in the apartment with some other students (well there is actually one dormitory near the university, but it is a double price of the room in the apartment). I was searching for rooms through erasmusu.com website and found one”, explained Alina Mutassova, a student of Economics and Finance.

“First half of the semester was me trying to get used the system, on first trial my grades were not so good and there are no retakes. I related more with local students in my class to ask for tips on how to cope, I was able to do better at the rest of the semester”, said Heritage Alabi, an Informatics student.

Submit your Erasmus application on time!

Check five different options for international mobility:

Erasmus+ studies (in EU/EEA countries). Submit your applications by 13 March 2023. For Music Academy students – by February 22.
VMU bilateral exchange and Erasmus+ studies (in non-EU/EEA countries). Submit your applications by 13 March 2023.
Erasmus+ traineeship (in all countries). Submit your applications by 28 February 2023.
Traineeship with VMU mobility scholarship (in non-EU/EEA countries). Submit your applications by 30 April 2023.
Short-term courses abroad. Submit your applications by the end of each month.

More information about Erasmus Opportunities for Students

Erasmus Days ’23: International Mobility Possibilities. Erasmus+ with a Cup of Coffee at VMU Agriculture Academy

The International Cooperation Department of Vytautas Magnus University team invites you to participate in the traditional “Erasmus Days’23” events on February 21-23! 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’23” event for VMU AA students

On February 21 from 11.00 to 12.30, there will be an event “Erasmus+ with a Cup of Coffee” specially for VMU AA students (at VMU Agriculture Academy Central Building 423 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’23 events

Erasmus+ Studies in EU/EEA countries. Apply now! Turn the Adventure into an Experience!

VMU International Cooperation Department invites students to participate in the competition for ERASMUS+ STUDIES in EU/EEA countries for the Autumn or Spring semesters of the 2023/2024 academic year!

If you want to gain even more international study experience, improve your foreign language skills, become a VMU Ambassador and a part of even bigger international community, participate in the competition and fill in the online application form on https://epasirasymas.vdu.lt → Outgoing-Application for Erasmus Study Exchange (EU countries) until March 13th (23:59), 2023. For Music Academy students – until February 22nd (23:59), 2023.

Lists of the partner institutions: EVF / GMF / HMF / IF / KTF / MA / MF / PMDF / SMF / TF / ŠA / ŽŪA

Eligible applicants are all VMU students. Students with disabilities or special needs have an opportunity to receive additional funding.

The results of competition will be announced on March 23th (for Music Academy students – on February 27^th) on VMU website. Each selected student will also be informed personally by e-mail.

Additional information about Erasmus+ studies, partnerships with Higher Education Institutions in foreign countries, criteria of the selection, scholarships, contacts:

vdu.lt/en → Studies → Exchange studies → Erasmus+ exchange studies → Outgoing Erasmus+ exchange students → Studies in EU/EEA countries
Individual consultations with International Programme’s Coordinators of the Faculties / Academies

Students who are going to study at Transfrom4Europe alliance institutions (Saarland University; The Estonian Academy of Arts, University of Silesia in Katowice; Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski) will receive additional 240 EUR one-time scholarship.

Call for applications

VMU Agriculture Academy diploma ceremony (photo gallery)

On January 27 at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) graduates of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development were ceremoniously awarded with bachelor’s and master’s diplomas.

During the ceremony, the university managers, teachers, social partners and relatives wished the young professionals starting a new phase of their lives a successful career path. “A degree or diploma is not just a document. It is an acknowledgment that hard work has paid off and you can fly into the future on the wings of science. This is an amazing academic achievement! A diploma is your ticket to better opportunities, so cherish it”, – wished the chancellor, inviting the graduates to return to the university for master’s and doctoral studies and to become active members of the graduate club “ŽŪA alumni”.

Moments of the VMU AA graduation ceremony: Photo gallery of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development

Study Exchange and Internship Opportunities for Students. Turn the Adventure into an Experience!

International Cooperation Department invites all VMU students to take an opportunity and apply for studies, traineeship or short-term courses abroad.

These are enriching possibilities that strengthen self-improvement while expanding study knowledge and skills of foreign languages, facing the differences in the study systems, improving professional skills, exploring new cultures, finding new interests, making new friends and bringing unforgettable memories which build the foundation for the future career.

We offer even five different options for international mobility:

Erasmus+ studies (in EU/EEA countries). Submit your applications by 13 March 2023. For Music Academy students – by February 22.
VMU bilateral exchange and Erasmus+ studies (in non-EU/EEA countries). Submit your applications by 13 March 2023.
Erasmus+ traineeship (in all countries). Submit your applications by 28 February 2023.
Traineeship with VMU mobility scholarship (in non-EU/EEA countries). Submit your applications by 30 April 2023.
Short-term courses abroad. Submit your applications by the end of each month.

On February 21–23, VMU International Cooperation Department will organise Erasmus Days’23 where all students will be invited to learn more about mobility opportunities, hear the experiences and useful advice of students, and join various interesting and meaningful initiatives.

More information

Erasmus+ Traineeship Competition for All World Countries. Turn the Adventure into an Experience!

A competition is open for Erasmus+ student or recent graduate traineeship grants for traineeships in any country in the world. Application deadline is the 28th of February, 2023.

The placement period is from 2 to 6 months. Recent graduate traineeship must end – in a year after graduation.

Selection

All VMU full-time degree students who have not used more than 10 months of their Erasmus mobility (study/traineeship) period are eligible for the Erasmus grant.

Selection documents

For student traineeship (traineeship during student’s year of studies):

Filled-in application form „Outgoing-Application for Erasmus Student Traineeship“
Confirmation by the company or organization (obligatory).

Documents must be submitted online.

For recent graduate traineeship (application must be submitted during the last year of studies):

Application form „Outgoing-Application for Erasmus Recent Graduate Traineeship“
Confirmation by the company or organization (obligatory);
Recommendation by a faculty member (obligatory).

The priority in the selection is given to:

students whom traineeship is an obligatory part of their study programme;
students who have never been Erasmus traineeship students before.

Selection criteria:

student’s motivation;
good knowledge of the language which will be used during the traineeship;
student’s work, study, traineeship, participation in the international/academic projects, social activities experience in Lithuania and abroad;
conformability between the chosen traineeship and student’s study programme;
study results (first year MA students should attach transcript of records of their BA/MA degree to the application form).

Traineeship grants:

For EU and EEA countries:

Country group	Country	Monthly scholarship size
Group I	Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Sweden, United Kingdom, Liechtenstein, Norway	700,00 Eur
Group II	Austria, Belgium, ,Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Cyprus, Netherlands, Malta, Portugal	670,00 Eur
Group III	Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Turkey	600,00 Eur
Group IV	Switzerland	700,00 Eur

For Non-EU/EEA countries:

Scholarship is 700,00 Eur/month.

Travel grant (depends on the distance between sending and receiving institutions):

100-499 km – 180,00 Eur
500-1999 km – 275,00 Eur
2000-2999 km – 360,00 Eur
3000-3999 km – 530,00 Eur
4000-7999 km – 820,00 Eur
More than 8000 km – 1500,00 Eur

Additional travel grants for green travelling options.

The competition results will be sent to every participant via e-mail.

More information:

Join VMU Arts and Sports Centre Activities

Students of Vytautas Magnus University are invited to register and join the art and/or sports activities organised by VMU Sports and Arts Centres in the spring semester of 2022/2023.

All students of VMU, regardless of where and what they are studying (e.g., if you are studying Public Communication, you can join the folk music band “Ūkininkas” of VMU Agriculture Academy).

The activities are free of charge for VMU students, and university alumni are also welcome to join in. You can register for several activities, so you are welcome to join the activities offered by VMU and get actively involved in the activities of the Sports and Arts Centres.

Registration for art activities

REGISTRATION: 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:

should 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, you need to select the desired arts activity, tick it and click on the Continue button and click on the I agree to the rules and the REGISTER button.

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.

Registration for Sports activities

You can start attending sports activities as soon as possible, at the times indicated in the group’s timetable.

REGISTRATION: All VMU students who want to participate in sports at the VMU Sports Centre facilities (Studentų str. 11 and Studentų str. 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/Arts Centre. In the next step of the Activity Registration select Sport. In this section, you need to select the desired sport, tick it and click on the Continue button and click on the I agree to the rules and the REGISTER button.

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:

Graduation diplomas were awarded to graduates of the VMU AA Faculty of Bioeconomy Development

On January 27 at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA), a group of graduates of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development were ceremoniously awarded with diplomas of graduation from bachelor’s and master’s studies. During the ceremony, the representatives of VMU and VMU AA administration, teachers, social partners and relatives wished the young professionals starting a new phase of life a successful career path. Those leaving the Alma Mater spared the words of thanks to all those who raised them, gave them knowledge and showed them the right direction in life.

The Rector of VMU, prof. habil. dr. Juozas Augutis said that he has no doubt that a successful university graduation opens the way for young professionals to seek new knowledge. “In today’s world, we cannot talk about the end of studies, because Europe, the world, the social environment, technologies are changing very rapidly. Therefore, learning new things and a new approach is and will be necessary all the time. It is really impossible to learn everything that future work and life will require just in the year of study”, – said the rector, noting that in the current demographic situation, the state needs youth more than ever.

According to the rector, young people today do not have the luxury of postponing jobs for the future. “Let’s roll up our sleeves and go to work in Lithuania”, – prof. dr. J. Augutis quoted the founders of the state of Lithuania in 1918, wishing success to the graduates who acquired the professions most necessary for creating the future of a sustainable state at the Faculty of Bioeconomy at VMU AA.

Congratulating the graduates on the occasion of graduation, the chancellor of the VMU Agriculture Academy, prof. dr. Astrida Miceikienė said that graduating from university is one of the most wonderful events in a person’s life. “A degree or diploma is not just a document. It is an acknowledgment that hard work has paid off and you can fly into the future on the wings of science. This is an amazing academic achievement! A diploma is your ticket to better opportunities, so cherish it”, – wished the chancellor, inviting the graduates to return to the university for master’s and doctoral studies and to become active members of the graduate club “ŽŪA alumni”.

The dean of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development, assoc. prof. dr. Bernardas Vaznonis, social partner of VMU AA UAB “Kesko Senukai Lithuania” infrastructure director, commander of 208 Kaišiadorių rifle company Algirdas Grybauskas, president of VMU Students’ Representative Council Ieva Vengrovskaja wished the graduates the courage to take responsibility and a successful career.

On behalf of the graduates, Ikbol Makhsumov, a graduate of the Logistics and Commerce study program, thanked the teachers, VMU AA administration staff and fellow students for the encouragement, support and meaningful time spent together. He said that the year of study was a wonderful, challenging journey that provided great opportunities for self-realization. The graduate of VMU AA said that no one else can follow his path than a person himself. However, a person makes his own decisions about which way to go. “So everyone have a good trip!”, – wished I. Makhsumov to his fellow students.