Learning opportunities

Sukurta: 16 June 2023

You have graduated from Vilnius University, but this does not mean that the learning opportunities offered by the University are no longer and will no longer be relevant to you. The widespread concept of lifelong learning encompasses an extremely wide range of learning activities.

After a Bachelor's degree, many students go on to a second cycle (MA) and then to a third cycle (PhD). Besides, it is possible to complete more than one Bachelor's and/or Master's degree programme. If such a long-term commitment is daunting and there is a need for very specific knowledge and competencies, a narrower choice can be made – to study only one or more subjects on a free-attendance (free listener) basis. The University also organises many open lectures and workshops each year, in cooperation with its social partners, to enhance professional, general, and career competencies.

Who said, "The more I know, the more I realize I know nothing"? Don't know? Find out about all learning opportunities below.

Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD studies

Every EU citizen has a right to apply for a state-funded place at each level of study once in their lifetime. This means that if, for example, you paid tuition fees during your undergraduate studies (i.e. you studied at a place not funded by the state), you still have the right to apply for one free bachelor's degree – provided, of course, that you meet the requirements for a state-funded place. However, if the state has covered half or more of your tuition fees at one level, you can no longer apply for a second state-funded place at the same level.

Discover >300 VU study programmes at different study levels. Even more knowledge and skills – after all, we are lifelong learners!

Free listener status

Even after the completion of your studies at University, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to study additional subjects for work purposes, for further studies, or simply for yourself. You can sign a free listener agreement with the University and take only certain subjects.

Free listeners have the same obligations as all students: the same conditions apply for independent work, colloquia, assignments, and reporting on the course. The administration of the relevant academic unit (faculty) may issue an academic certificate for the subject or subjects studied at the University after completing the course.

The price of a subject studied under a free listener agreement depends on the cost of the study programme in which the chosen subject is taught and the number of credits allocated to the subject. To apply for a free listener agreement, contact the academic unit (faculty) where you want to take the course.

Targeted learning programmes

You can choose from various courses, seminars, or targeted training to upgrade or change your existing qualifications or to deepen and broaden your vocational and/or general education. Targeted lifelong learning programmes – further training and other courses:

Training courses for the development of teachers' competencies in Vilnius and Šiauliai
Training for healthcare professionals (doctors, general nurses, pharmacists)
Training at the Law Faculty Training Centre
Psychology training
Training for psychotherapists
Entrepreneurship training at the Business School

Language learning

You may have heard as a student that Vilnius University offers the opportunity to learn various languages.

Foreign languages are taught by the Faculty of Philology's School of Languages, which is now over 25 years old. At the same time, the Department of Lithuanian Studies organises Lithuanian language courses for foreigners, and the School of Oriental Languages offers Eastern language courses. Courses are offered to both the university community (including alumni) and residents of Vilnius city. The language is taught in beginner, advanced, and learner groups. Upon completion of the course, participants receive a certificate of completion.

Language courses are held at VU premises in the Old Town or at clients' workplaces.

Participate in training and events

Throughout the academic year, open training courses and lectures aimed to develop soft skills and career competences are organised in parallel with the curriculum. These training courses and lectures are delivered by the representatives of business entreprises and public institutions, the University community members, and career specialists. Most of the training and events are held online and can become a convenient alternative to background music.

Registration for the courses and lectures is announced 1–2 weeks prior to the date of the event.

More information and the schedule of upcoming training events.

We also invite you to deepen your career knowledge from anywhere in the world, at any time, using our video and text-based training resources.