Papers

Proposals for implementing higher education policy in Lithuania (2024-06-05)

The Student Representation of Vilnius University, when submitting proposals to political parties on the implementation of higher education policy, suggested: expanding the social dimension in higher education, individualising support for students with disabilities, improving the integration processes of international students, strengthening the quality of doctoral studies, reducing excessive requirements for doctoral students. It was also proposed to establish a system of payment for internships, to promote the involvement of students at all levels in research activities and to ensure a sustainable infrastructure that meets the needs of students. The proposals aimed at contributing to a higher education system that is open, inclusive and responsive to the needs of all students. After the letter was sent, we met with representatives of several different political parties to discuss the issues, and the most important work needed done. We also subsequently analysed the education parts of the electoral programmes of all the political parties and assessed which political parties had taken on board the proposals sent to them.

Regarding the Draft Amendments to Articles 62 and 77 of the Law on Science and Studies No. XI-242 (Draft No. XIVP-3802, 12 June 2024)

Vilnius University Students' Representation (VU SR), in response to the proposed amendments to the Law on Science and Studies, submitted its comments and suggestions regarding the planned changes to Articles 62 and 77.

In its statement, VU SR expressed support for the proposal to allow students to take academic leave due to compulsory initial military service. However, it voiced opposition to the proposal that would equate compulsory military service with practical experience when applying to higher education institutions via the second admission queue. VU SR stressed that such a measure would reduce access to higher education for more vulnerable groups and would be inconsistent with the goals of strengthening the social dimension.

Following the submission of the statement, the VU SR President reiterated this position at a meeting of the Committee on Education and Science of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania and, in cooperation with a Member of Parliament, initiated an amendment to the law. This amendment aimed to exclude compulsory initial military service and professional military service from being considered in the second admission queue. However, the Committee vote fell short of the necessary majority, and the proposal was only partially taken into account.

Regarding the Draft Law Amending Article 59 of the Law on Science and Studies No. IX-242 (Draft No. XIVP-3793, 2 October 2024)

In response to the draft resolution prepared by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania, Vilnius University Students' Representation (VU SR) submitted proposals concerning the financing of the higher education admission process.

In its statement, VU SR highlighted that prospective students often incur additional expenses due to administrative and other admission-related procedures. It was proposed that the state ensure additional funding to cover these services, so that applicants would not face extra charges, regardless of the study cycle or type of funding (state-funded or self-funded). In the absence of such funding, VU SR proposed that higher education institutions be obliged to waive fees for applicants from socially vulnerable groups.

Following the submission of these proposals, various discussions were held with relevant stakeholders. However, due to the changing composition of the Seimas and the Ministry's leadership, the matter was postponed to the next parliamentary term.

Regarding the XIX Government's Priorities in the Field of Higher Education (28 November 2024)

In response to the formation of the Government's programme priorities, the Vilnius University Students' Representation (VU SR) submitted proposals concerning the development of key areas in higher education. The submitted letter highlighted the importance of strengthening the social dimension, fostering internationalisation, improving conditions for doctoral students, and expanding student engagement in scientific activities.

VU SR proposed increasing social scholarships, improving admission opportunities for students from socially vulnerable groups, developing interdisciplinary study programmes, creating mechanisms for remuneration of internships, and ensuring rent compensation for students. The necessity of including international students in the national healthcare system and creating more favourable conditions for doctoral candidates' financial stability was also stressed.

Following the submission, the Government of the Republic of Lithuania approved its programme, which reflects part of the proposals raised by VU SR.

Proposals Regarding the Conditions for the Funding of Student Summer Internships (9 December 2024)

In response to the Lithuanian Research Council's (LRC) approved document "Description of the Conditions for the Funding of Student Summer Internships", the Vilnius University Students' Representation (VU SR) submitted proposals aimed at ensuring greater transparency in the selection process and equal opportunities for students.

In the letter, VU SR proposed clearly defining expert evaluation criteria, establishing expert committees for student selection, publishing decision outcomes for student access, and granting students the right to appeal the selection results. These proposals aimed to enhance student involvement in research activities and improve the overall quality of the selection process.

The proposals were also discussed with LRC Chair Dr Gintaras Valinčius. Initially, the document was amended to include clearly defined evaluation criteria, and later, several additional suggestions were partially adopted.

On Housing Rent Support for Students in Vilnius City Municipality (13 December 2024)

The Vilnius University Students' Representation (VU SR), in its address to the Vilnius City Municipality Youth Affairs Council, drew attention to legal and regulatory shortcomings that hinder students' access to housing rent compensation. In the submitted letter, VU SR proposed jointly initiating a review of excessive requirements tied to the current support measure - such as the age limit and the mandatory certificate proving the unavailability of a university dormitory.

Additionally, the letter suggested initiating supplementary support schemes targeted at students residing in Vilnius. Following the submission, VU SR participated in a meeting of the Vilnius City Youth Affairs Council, during which the need for such a measure was discussed. It was proposed to conduct a broader analysis of students' financial literacy. VU SR continues its dialogue with the Youth Affairs Coordinator at Vilnius City Municipality to pursue the implementation of further proposals.

Regarding Proposals to Extend the Duration of Mandatory Initial Military Service (9 January 2025)

The Vilnius University Students' Representation (VU SR), together with other youth organisations, responded to emerging public proposals to extend the duration of mandatory initial military service. In its statement, VU SR emphasised the need to first ensure the effective implementation of universal male conscription under the current version of the Law on Military Conscription. The letter also highlighted potential challenges related to infrastructure and public awareness that could hinder the successful implementation of such a proposal.

VU SR advocated for strategic and comprehensive decision-making and called for stronger involvement of youth organisations in shaping policy. Following the letter's submission, VU SR held a meeting with the Vice-Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Lithuania and engaged in discussions with representatives of the Lithuanian Armed Forces on increasing the appeal of military service among young people and students.

Regarding the Provisions of the 19th Government Programme in the Field of Higher Education and Their Implementation (20 January 2025)

Vilnius University Students' Representation (VU SR), after reviewing the approved 19th Government Programme, submitted proposals concerning the implementation of higher education policy measures. The letter highlighted the importance of strengthening the social dimension, promoting the integration of international students, improving conditions for doctoral candidates, and fostering students' involvement in research activities.

Key proposals included: establishing clear instruments for attracting international talent, reforming the system of paid internships, revising the conditions for student housing rental compensation, and enhancing career opportunities for early-stage researchers. The letter also urged the Government to ensure a consistent increase in social support measures and scholarships, and emphasised the importance of access to sexual and reproductive health services as well as the regulation of residency study placements.

Following the letter and the publication of parts of the Government's implementation plan, VU SR participated in public consultations organised by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport and the Ministry of Health. During these consultations, the VU SR President stressed the need to advance the timelines of several measures and proposed adjustments to their wording and scope.

Regarding the Student Summer Internship Funding Competition Administered by the Research Council of Lithuania (4 February 2025)

The Vilnius University Students' Representation (VU SR), responding to a request from the Seimas Anti-Corruption Commission, submitted its insights regarding the student summer internship funding competition administered by the Research Council of Lithuania. The letter emphasised the need to ensure transparency in the selection process by establishing expert evaluation panels, including external experts and student representatives, and guaranteeing the right for students to appeal selection outcomes.

It was stressed that the current practice where decisions are made by a single individual poses a risk of subjectivity and does not align with the principles of transparency and equal opportunity. Following the submission, the VU SR President participated in a session of the Seimas Anti-Corruption Commission, where these concerns were articulated. Prior to the session, the Research Council of Lithuania initiated amendments to the procedure, allowing students to appeal the competition results.

Submission Regarding the Coordination of Draft Legal Acts (27 February 2025)

The Vilnius University Students' Representation (VU SR), having reviewed the draft legal acts submitted by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania and the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport concerning the allocation of state-funded study places for 2025, submitted proposals and comments.

In the letter, VU SR proposed a 10% increase in the number of state-funded study places allocated to the fields of Mathematics and Physical Sciences. This recommendation aimed to address the shortage of chemistry, physics, and mathematics teachers and to strengthen STEAM education. Additionally, VU SR expressed disapproval of the existing principles governing the formation of the second admission queue, arguing that they are incompatible with the objectives of enhancing the social dimension in higher education.

Submission Regarding the Coordination of the Draft Law Amending Article 59 of the Republic of Lithuania Law on Science and Studies No. IX-242 (Draft No. XIVP-3793) (8 April 2025)

The Vilnius University Students' Representation (VU SR), in response to the draft law proposed by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania and the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, submitted proposals aimed at ensuring access to higher education.

In the letter, VU SR expressed concern about the potential risk of increasing study-related costs and proposed to legally establish the obligation of higher education institutions not to require additional fees for the administration of admission documents from applicants to all levels of study. The importance of eliminating additional financial burdens especially for groups that are underrepresented in higher education was also emphasised.

Internal discussions on this issue are still ongoing, and the draft law is expected to be reviewed by the Seimas Committee on Education and Science.