Lithuania: A New Law on Science and Studies in Lithuania

After three years of discussions, the Lithuanian Parliament has approved a new Law on Science and Studies. The new law will come into force on 1 January 2017.
There are several major changes in the new legislation that will greatly affect the quality of studies in Lithuania. Firstly, the new law ensures that minimal enrolment criteria shall apply to both those who apply for state-funded study places and those who choose to self-finance their studies. Secondly, the new law makes it possible for public higher education institutions to sign contracts with the Ministry of Education. The contracts can be signed for a period of 3 years and will define the key activity areas of higher education institutions and their respective enrolment criteria. In cases where the performance of a higher education institution meets the provisions of the signed contract, the institution may be entitled to an increase in state funding of up to 5% more than initially assigned by the state budget. More...