REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA LAW ON HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 30 April 2009 No XI-242 Vilnius (As last amended on 19 January 2012 – No XI-1920) The mission of higher education and research is to help ensure the country’s public, cultural and economic prosperity, provide support and impetus for a full life of every citizen of the Republic of Lithuania, and satisfy the natural thirst for knowledge. The Lithuanian policy on higher education and research guarantees the quality of higher education and research, equal access to higher education for all citizens and favourable conditions for the best of them to conduct their research, and to seek academic and creative development; the said policy ensures that the system of higher education and research satisfies the needs of society and the economy, supports its openness and integration into the international area of higher education and research. A cohesive system of higher education and research is the foundation for the development of the knowledge society, the strengthening of the knowledge-based economy and the sustainable development of the country, a dynamic and competitive life of the national economy, and social and economic well-being; such a system cultivates a creative, educated, dignified, morally responsible, public-spirited, independent and entrepreneurial personality, fosters the civilizational identity of Lithuania, supports, develops and creates national and global cultural traditions. CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS Article

1. Purpose of the Law This Law shall establish: 1) state regulation of higher education and research; 2) principles of quality assurance in higher education and research; 3) legal basis of establishment, termination and restructuring of higher education and research institutions; 4) awarding and recognition of higher education qualifications and scientific degrees; 5) management of higher education and research institutions, organization and supervision of their activities; 6) rights and duties of the academic staff, research staff and students of higher education and research institutions; 7) funding of higher education and research; 8) principles of management, use and disposal of the assets of state higher education institutions. Article
2. Exceptions to the application of the Law
3. The provisions of this Law shall apply to the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania in so far as they are not in contradiction of the laws on the organization of the national defence system and military service.
4. The provisions of this Law shall apply to seminaries in so far as they are not in contradiction of the provisions of the Agreement between the Holy See and the Republic of Lithuania on Cooperation in Education and Culture. Article
5. Principles of higher education and research
6. Research shall be based on the following principles: 1) freedom of creation and research; 2) academic ethics; 3) priority for Lithuanian studies; 4) publicity of research results; 5) integration into the life of the State and society; 6) orientation towards international quality standards; 7) fair competition; 8) ensuring of intellectual property rights; 9) participation in the international and European research area;
7. Higher education shall be based on the following principles: 1) academic freedom and autonomy; 2) openness and responsibility to the public; 3) cooperation of members of the academic community; 4) personal interest of students; 5) undertaking to develop public responsibility of members of the academic community; 6) fair competition of higher education institutions and students; 7) priority for Lithuanian studies; 8) European humanistic and democratic tradition; 9) compatibility with the provisions of the European higher education area; 10) striving for continuous learning; 11) integration in the life of the State and society.
8. The State shall give a strategic priority to Lithuanian studies which fulfil the essential tasks of preserving, enhancing and developing national identity. Higher education and research institutions, to the extent they participate in implementation of this priority, shall be regarded as carrying out activities of strategic importance. Article
9. Definitions
10. Graduate means a person who has completed a study programme and has been granted a diploma attesting to a qualification of higher education.
11. College higher education means education attained in higher education institutions of Lithuania after completion of programmes of college studies pursuant to which a higher education qualification is awarded, or education attained in foreign higher education and research institutions, and recognised as being of an equivalent level in accordance with the procedure laid down by legal acts.
12. University higher education means education attained in higher education institutions of Lithuania after completion of programmes of university studies or doctoral studies pursuant to which a higher education qualification is awarded, or education attained in foreign higher education and research institutions, and recognised as being of an equivalent level in accordance with the procedure laid down by legal acts.
13. Accreditation of a higher education institution or a study programme means evaluation of conformity of a higher education institution or a study programme with requirements of legal acts.
14. Diploma of higher education means a document certifying a qualification of higher education acquired by a person.
15. Qualification of higher education means a qualification degree (professional bachelor’s, bachelor’s, master’s), the doctor of science degree, the doctor of arts degree as well as a qualification which is awarded by a higher education institution in accordance with the procedure laid down by legal acts.
16. Teacher means a person who educates and teaches students and unclassified students in a higher education institution.
17. Experimental (social, cultural) development means a systematic activity based on the knowledge acquired through research and practical experience, the aim of which is to create new materials, products and equipment, develop new processes, systems and services or to essentially improve those already created or developed; also to create, develop or to essentially improve solutions of problems faced by man, culture and society, based on the knowledge acquired through research and practical experience.
18. Fundamental research means experimental and/or theoretical operations which are carried out primarily to acquire new knowledge about the essence of phenomena and/or observed reality without aiming, at the time of research, to use the obtained results for a specific purpose.
19. Unclassified student means a person who studies according to non-formal education programmes or separate study subjects (their sets).
20. Research and experimental (social, cultural) development means a systematic creative activity of the study of nature, man, culture and society, and the use of the results of such activity.
21. Scientist means a researcher who has a scientific degree.
22. Research institute means an establishment the main activity of which is research and experimental (social, cultural) development.
23. Higher education and research institutions means legal persons the main activity of which is carrying-out of studies and activities related to studies, and/or research and experimental (social, cultural) development.
24. Staff of higher education and research institutions means teaching staff, research staff, other researchers, the administration and other employees.
25. Communication of research (art) to the public means making research, artistic creation known to the public.
26. Established artist means a creator or a performer of artistic works whose creative activities are defined by works which are especially significant for art and culture and have been implemented in Lithuania or/and abroad, have gained a wide recognition of the public and art specialists, have been acknowledged with prestigious international or national prizes and other high awards, or/and who has educated distinguished artists and meets the requirements set by a higher education institution in which he seeks to hold or already holds a position.
27. Residency means studies according to study programmes upon completion of which a degree is not awarded; such studies are intended for persons who have acquired university higher education to prepare for independent practical activity in the manner prescribed by legal acts.
28. Student means a person who studies in a higher education institution according to a study programme or in doctoral studies.
29. Studies means studying of a person, who has completed at least his secondary education, in a higher education institution according to a certain study programme or when preparing a dissertation.
30. Study credit means a unit of the scope of studies, by which study results and student’s working time are measured. 1600 hours of one academic year shall equal to 60 credits.
31. Study field means a set of study programmes the title of which is entered in a higher education diploma along with the title of a qualification degree.
32. Study programme means a totality of the content, methods and material facilities of studies of a certain study field, the academic and professional staff as well as the description of the said totality.
33. Study area means humanities, social, physical, biomedical, technological sciences and arts.
34. Activities related to studies means announcement of admission to study, consultation about studies, conclusion of contracts concerning studies and other activities necessary to carry out and/or organize studies, as well as issuing of diplomas, the diploma supplement (addendum), certificates attesting to a higher education qualification.
35. Applied research means the experimental and/or theoretical operations carried out for acquiring new knowledge and primarily aimed at attaining specific practical objectives or at solving tasks.
36. Researcher means a person having higher education, who develops knowledge, conceptualizes or creates new products, processes, methods and systems or directs projects of research and experimental (social, cultural) development. CHAPTER II HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS Article
37. Groups of higher education and research institutions There are two groups of higher education and research institutions: higher education institutions and research institutes. Article
38. Types of higher education institutions and foundations of their activities
39. There are two types of higher education institutions: universities and colleges.
40. Higher education institutions may be state and non-state.
41. A higher education institution shall organize and carry out studies, award higher education qualifications set in this Law, conduct research, pursue experimental (social, cultural) development and/or artistic activity, apply results of the research and experimental (social, cultural) development, accumulate scientific knowledge, develop creative activity and culture, foster values and traditions of the academic community.
42. A state higher education institution shall be a public legal person functioning as a public establishment, possessing the autonomy guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania, and the special status defined by this and other laws. A non-state higher education institution shall be a public legal person functioning as a public establishment or a private legal person. Article
43. Autonomy and accountability of higher education institutions
44. A higher education institution shall enjoy autonomy which covers academic, administrative, economic and financial management activities, and is based on the principle of self-governance and academic freedom. Pursuant to the procedure laid down by the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania, this Law and other laws the autonomy of a higher education institution shall be harmonized with accountability to the public, founders and members of the legal person.
45. A higher education institution shall have the right to: 1) choose fields and forms of study and the development of a personality, research and experimental (social, cultural) development, professional artistic activity, communication of cultural and scientific knowledge to the public; 2) define a procedure of studies; 3) fix a tuition fee in accordance with the procedure laid down by this Law; 4) prepare and approve study programmes which meet the requirements laid down by legal acts; 5) provide other educational, qualification improvement, expert services; 6) publish study, scientific and other literature; 7) establish its own structure, internal working arrangements, the number of staff, their rights, duties and conditions of payment for work, position requirements, the procedure of organization of competitions to fill positions and of performance evaluation of employees, adhering to laws and other legal acts; 8) admit and exclude students in accordance with the procedure laid down by its statute; 9) award students scholarships from its own or sponsors’ funds; 10) set forms of cooperation with natural and legal persons of the Republic of Lithuania and foreign countries; 11) manage, use and dispose of assets in the manner prescribed by this Law and other legal acts; 12) pursue economic and commercial activities which are not prohibited by laws and which are inseparably connected with the objectives of activities thereof; 13) exercise other rights laid down by legal acts.
46. A higher education institution must: 1) ensure academic freedom of members of the academic community; 2) inform the founders, members of the legal person and the public about quality assurance measures in studies and research activities, the use of funds appropriated by the State, and in case of state higher education institutions – also about their financial, economic and research activities; the results of external quality evaluation and accreditation of their study programmes; 3) furnish in due time official information to institutions authorised by the Government (statistical data and relevant information) which is necessary for the management and monitoring of the higher education and research system; 4) provide career consultations to students; 5) perform other obligations established by legal acts. Article
47. University
48. The university shall carry out university studies, conduct research, experimental (social, cultural) development and/or develop high-level professional art. The name of a higher education institution must contain a word ‘’university’’ or ‘’academy’’, or ‘’seminary’’.
49. Objectives of the university: 1) to carry out studies which provide a person with university higher education based on research and corresponding to the modern level of knowledge and technologies, a higher education qualification, develop a thoroughly educated, ethically responsible, creative and entrepreneurial person; 2) to harmoniously develop scientific cognition of various fields, to conduct high-level research and experimental (social, cultural) development, to train scientists, to cooperate with national and foreign partners in the field of research; 3) when cooperating with public and economic partners, to promote the development of regions and the whole country through research, educational, artistic and other cultural activities; 4) to develop a society receptive to education, sciences, arts and culture, which is able to effectively make use of science and compete in the market of high technologies, products and services.
50. More than half of the teaching staff of a university must be scientists and/or established artists. Article
51. College
52. The college shall carry out college studies, develop applied research and/or professional art. The name of a higher education institution which carries out such activities must contain a word ‘’college’’ or ‘’higher education institution’’.
53. Objectives of the college: 1) to carry out studies which provide a person with college higher education and a higher education qualification and which satisfy the needs of the State, society and the economy of Lithuania, and conform to the level of science and latest technologies; 2) to develop applied research necessary for the region, to provide consultation to local government and economic entities; 3) to create conditions for persons to improve their acquired knowledge and skills; 4) to develop a society receptive to education and culture, which is able to work under the conditions of rapid technology change.
54. More than half of the teaching staff of a college must have at least three-year practical work experience in the sphere of the subject they teach. The qualification in the taught subject must be improved in accordance with the procedure laid down by the college. Subjects which must be taught at colleges by the teachers with a scientific degree shall be determined by the profile of a study field, of a set of study fields or of a study area. Article
55. Research institute
56. A research institute may be state or non-state.
57. A state research institute shall conduct long-term research and experimental (social, cultural) development, important for the State, the public or the economic entities, in the area defined by the founder (members of the legal person).
58. Objectives of a state research institute: 1) to conduct long-term research and experimental (social, cultural) development in a certain area (areas), important for the continuity and development of the national economy, culture, healthcare and society; 2) to cooperate with representatives of business, the government and the public, to carry out commissioned works of research and experimental (social, cultural) development, to render methodological and other assistance; 3) to communicate scientific knowledge to the public, to apply it in culture, education, healthcare as well as social and economic activities, to contribute to the establishment of the economy based on innovations and knowledge, and the development of a society receptive to knowledge.
59. State research institutes whose purpose is to gather, systematize, preserve, communicate intangible and document heritage of Lithuanian studies to the public, to conduct fundamental research of the heritage of the Lithuanian language, ethnology, writings, culture and history shall have a status of especial national importance. This status shall be implemented by the Government through approving their statutes and adopting other legal acts.
60. A state research institute shall be a public legal entity that functions as a budgetary or public establishment. A non-state research institute may be a public legal person functioning as a public establishment, or a private legal person. Article
61. Rights and duties of a research institute
62. A research institute shall have the right: 1) in compliance with laws and other legal acts, to determine its own structure, internal working arrangements, the number of staff, their rights and duties, and conditions of payment for work, position requirements, the procedure for organising competitions to fill positions and for the performance evaluation of employees; 2) when fulfilling its mission, to cooperate with natural and legal persons of the Republic of Lithuania and foreign countries; 3) to publish scientific and other literature, to choose ways to announce the results of its research and experimental (social, cultural) development; 4) in conjunction with universities and in accordance with the procedure laid down by this Law, to train scientists, to help in training specialists; 5) to promote the use of the results of research and experimental (social, cultural) development in the fields of economy, social and cultural life; 6) under contracts with natural and legal persons of the Republic of Lithuania and foreign countries, to carry out expert examinations, to provide scientific consultations and other services in the spheres of its research; 7) to manage, use and dispose of assets in accordance with the procedure laid down by legal acts; 8) to acquire other rights in accordance with the procedure laid down by legal acts.
63. A research institute must: 1) ensure academic freedom of members of the academic community; 2) inform the founder (members of the legal person) and the public about quality assurance measures in research activity, the use of funds appropriated by the State, and in case of a state research institute – also inform about its financial, economic activities; 3) furnish in due time official information to institutions authorised by the Government (statistical data and relevant information) which is necessary for the management and monitoring of the higher education and research system; 4) perform other obligations established by legal acts.
64. The provisions of Article 82 of this Law shall apply mutatis mutandis to the rights of a research institute and its staff to the results of their intellectual activities. CHAPTER III MANAGEMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH SECTION ONE FORMATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH POLICY Article
65. Institutions forming and implementing higher education and research policy
66. National higher education and research shall be formed by the Seimas.
67. The national higher education and research policy shall, within the competence defined by this Law, other laws and legal acts, be implemented by the Government, the Ministry of Education and Science, other ministries, the Research Council of Lithuania, the State Studies Foundation, the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education, the supervisor of academic ethics and procedures, institutions authorised by the Government and the Ministry of Education and Science, as well as other institutions.
68. The Council of Higher Education shall be an advisory body for the Ministry of Education and Science on strategic issues of higher education development. The Council of Higher Education shall be set up and function according to the regulations approved by the Government.
69. The Agency for International Science and Technology Development Programmes shall coordinate the participation of Lithuanian establishments, enterprises and organizations in international research programmes and projects. The Agency for International Science and Technology Development Programmes shall be set up by the Government or an institution authorised by it. Article
70. Research Council of Lithuania
71. The Research Council of Lithuania shall be a state budgetary establishment. The Seimas shall, on the recommendation of the Government, set up the said Council, approve its regulations and members proposed by the Government. The Research Council of Lithuania shall be accountable to the Seimas and the Government. The Chairman of the Research Council of Lithuania shall be a single-person management body of the Research Council of Lithuania.
72. The Research Council of Lithuania shall be an advisor to the Seimas and the Government on the issues pertaining to research and preparation of researchers. The Research Council of Lithuania shall participate in the implementation of research, experimental (social, cultural) development and other programmes, competition-based programme funding of research, experimental (social, cultural) development works and shall organise evaluation of research activities carried out in Lithuania.
73. The Research Council of Lithuania shall consist of the Board of the Research Council of Lithuania, the Research Foundation and two expert Committees: the Committee of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Committee of Natural and Technical Sciences. These Committees shall be set up in accordance with the procedure laid down in the regulations of the Research Council of Lithuania. Article
74. State Studies Foundation
75. The State Studies Foundation shall be a state budgetary establishment. This Foundation shall be set up and its regulations and the Board shall be approved by the Government. The Director of the State Studies Foundation shall be a single-person management body of the State Studies Foundation.
76. The State Studies Foundation shall, in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Government, administrate state loans and support student loans supported by the State, scholarships to students of the third cycle of studies, as well as any other financial assistance to students. Article
77. Science and technology parks
78. A science and technology park shall be a legal person whose main function shall be to stimulate processes of scientific knowledge communication and technology dissemination, to create conditions for commercializing research results, to foster relations between science and business, and to promote a culture of innovations. Science and technology parks shall create favourable conditions for establishment of enterprises which will carry out applied research and experimental (social, cultural) development works, and implement innovations.
79. Science and technology parks shall be established, operate, be restructured, and cease to exist in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Civil Code and other legal acts. One of the members of science and technology parks must be a higher education and research institution
80. In the cases where a science and technology park is a public legal person whose purpose is to satisfy public needs and whose members are state higher education institutions and/or state or municipal institutions, the science and technology park may receive state funds or respectively municipal funds (including budget appropriations).
81. Science and technology parks may carry out programmes approved by state institutions. Relations and commitments between a science and technology park and enterprises supported by it shall be defined in contracts. Article
82. Integrated science, studies and business centres (valleys)
83. Integrated science, studies and business centres (valleys) shall be established to concentrate the business potential open to research, studies and knowledge. Integrated science, studies and business centres (valleys) must have a common or related infrastructure and purposefully contribute to the creation of the knowledge society and the knowledge economy, strengthening of competitive ability of Lithuania.
84. The conception and programmes of the establishment and development of integrated science, studies and business centres (valleys) shall be approved by the Government.
85. The development of integrated science, studies and business centres (valleys), the creation and implementation of their programmes shall be coordinated, a supervisory council shall be set up and its functions shall be approved by an institution authorised by the Government. Article
86. Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education
87. The Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education shall be a state budgetary establishment. This Centre shall be established and its regulations shall be approved by the Ministry of Education and Science. The main objectives of the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education shall be as follows: 1) to promote the quality of activities of higher education institutions through an external assessment and accreditation of institutions and study programmes; 2) to create favourable conditions for the free movement of persons when organising and carrying out the assessment and/or recognition in Lithuania of higher education-related qualifications awarded in foreign institutions and fulfilling other functions set by the Government.
88. A collegial body of management of the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education shall be the Council of the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education, which consists of 11 members. They shall be appointed for the term of six years by: the Seimas, on the recommendation of the Committee on Education, Science and Culture, the Government, the Minister of Education and Science, the Research Council of Lithuania together with the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, the senates of universities, the academic councils of colleges, unions of student representations of higher education institutions of Lithuania, the Lithuanian Council of Culture and Art, the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists, the Lithuanian Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts, the Knowledge Economy Forum. The composition of the Council of the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education shall be announced by the Minister of Education and Science. The Council of the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education shall draw up and approve its own rules of procedure.
89. External assessment of the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education shall be carried out at least every five years. Assessment results shall be made public.
90. The Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education shall each year announce publicly generalizations of quality assessment in higher education.
91. The Director of the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education shall be a single-person management body of the Centre. The Director shall be elected though open competition for a five-year term of office, appointed and dismissed by the Council of the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education. The same person may be elected Director for only two consecutive terms of office. Article
92. Supervisor of academic ethics and procedures
93. The Supervisor of academic ethics and procedures (hereinafter referred to as the ‘’supervisor’’) shall be a state officer who examines complains and initiates investigation regarding the violation of academic ethics and procedures.
94. The Seimas shall appoint Supervisor for the term of five years on the recommendation of the Research Council of Lithuania. The same person may be appointed to the office of the Supervisor only for two consecutive terms of office. The appointed Supervisor shall hold his office only until a new Supervisor is appointed.
95. The mandate of the Supervisor shall expire: 1) upon the expiry of his powers; 2) on his resignation; 3) on his death. 4) if he is off work by reason of a temporary incapacity for more than 120 calendar days in succession or for more than 140 days in the last twelve months, unless laws allow for a longer period of incapacity for work by reason of a certain illness, or if a medical or disability commission declares him as being incapable of performing his duties; 5) a judgement of conviction comes into effect for him; 6) more than half of the Seimas members express non-confidence in him.
96. In the case stipulated in subparagraph 4 of paragraph 3 of this Article, the Seimas shall take a decision concerning the termination of the powers of the Supervisor only after receiving a conclusion of the commission of doctors set up by the Minister of Health.
97. In the cases stipulated in subparagraphs 1 and 2 of paragraph 3 of this Article, the Supervisor shall continue holding office until the appointment of a new Supervisor.
98. A person of good repute, having an academic research degree and experience in management shall be appointed to the office of Supervisor.
99. The Supervisor may not hold any other elected or appointed office in state and municipal institutions, establishments, enterprises and organizations. The Supervisor may receive no other remuneration, except the remuneration for creative activities.
100. The Supervisor shall act in compliance with the Constitution, this Law and other laws of the Republic of Lithuania, international treaties and other legal acts of the Republic of Lithuania.
101. Activities of the Supervisor shall be based on the principles of legitimacy, impartiality, justice and publicity.
102. A complaint submitted to the Supervisor must indicate: 1) the complainant's forename and surname (or the name of the legal person) and the address; 2) data about the violation of academic ethics and/or procedures.
103. The Supervisor shall examine a submitted complaint and take a decision not later than within 30 days. Due to the complexity of circumstances indicated in the complaint or because additional information must be obtained during the complaint examination, the time limit for examining the complaint and taking a decision may be extended for up to three months from the date of receipt of the complaint.
104. Upon having examined the complaint or completed the investigation, the Supervisor shall take a decision: 1) to inform higher education and research institutions and the Ministry of Education and Science about the persons who have violated the academic ethics and procedures; 2) to obligate the institution, which has awarded a scientific degree and/or held the competition to fill a position, to revoke the decision on the awarding of the scientific degree and/or on the winner of the competition; 3) to recommend higher education and research institutions to revoke a decision taken on the basis of the documents regulating the academic ethics and procedures; 4) to recommend to an employee to refuse participating in an ongoing project of research and experimental (social, cultural) development; 5) to inform an institution responsible for a specific sphere about the persons (authors) who have suffered from violations of the academic ethics; 6) to notify law-enforcement institutions if the evidence of a criminal offence has been established; 7) to appeal to the court if the obligation of the Supervisor is not fulfilled; 8) to make public the cases about the violation of academic ethics and procedures; 9) to recognise the complaint as unjustified;
105. The Supervisor must reply to the applicant in writing.
106. Activities of the Supervisor shall be ensured by the Office of the Supervisor of Academic Ethics and Procedures (hereinafter referred to as the ‘’Office’’). The Office shall be a state budgetary body. The Office shall be headed by the Supervisor. The Regulations of the Office shall be approved by the Seimas.
107. The Supervisor shall have the right to obtain free of charge from establishments, enterprises, organisations and members of the academic community the information required for the performance of the functions of the Office.
108. The Supervisor shall, once a year before 1 March, account to the Seimas for his own and the Office’s activities.
109. The amount of remuneration and conditions of payment thereof shall be set by the Law on the Remuneration of State Politicians and State Officials. SECTION TWO MANAGEMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS Article
110. Bodies of higher education institutions
111. A state university must have the collegial management bodies – the council and the senate, as well as a single-person management body – the rector.
112. A state college must have the collegial management bodies – the council and the academic council, as well as a single-person management body – the director.
113. Management of non-state higher education institutions shall be regulated by the founding documents of the higher education institution concerned. Article
114. Council of a state higher education institution
115. A management body of a higher education institution shall be the council.
116. The council shall perform the following functions: 1) approve the higher education institution's vision and mission, a strategic action plan presented by the rector (director); 2) upon hearing the opinion of the senate (academic council), submit amendments of the university statute to the Seimas (amendments of the college statute – or to the Government) for approval; 3) consider and approve plans for reorganization of the structure of the higher education institution presented by the rector (director); 4) set the procedure of management, use and disposal of funds of the higher education institution (as well as funds designated for remuneration of the leadership and other employees of the institution) and the assets, consider and approve key decisions related thereto; 5) set the procedure for organizing the election of the rector (director) of the higher education institution through open competition, appoint to the office and dismiss from it the rector (director) of the higher education institution; 6) set principles for selection and assessment of employees of the higher education institution; 7) on the recommendation of the rector (director) set a tuition fee and the rates of fees which are not directly related to the implementation of a study programme; 8) set the general number of student places, taking into account the possibilities of quality assurance in studies and research activities; 9) approve an annual statement of revenue and expenditure of the higher education institution and a report on the execution of this statement presented by the rector (director); may initiate an audit of economic and financial activities of the higher education institution; 10) approve an annual report on the activities of the higher education institution presented by the rector (director), evaluate the compliance of the activities with the strategic plan, the achieved results and their impact; 11) ensure the accountability and relation of the higher education institution with the public and founders, each year inform the public about the results of the implementation of the strategic action plan of the higher education institution; 12) attend to the support of the higher education institution; 13) upon hearing the opinion of the senate (academic council), approve plans for reorganization or liquidation of the higher education institution and submit them to the Seimas (the Government) for approval; 14) prepare an annual report on its activities and submit it to – in the case of state universities - to the Seimas and in the case of state colleges - to the Government; 15) perform the functions prescribed in the statute of the higher education institution and other legal acts.
117. The Council shall consist of 9 or 11 members. The statute of the higher education institution shall fix an exact number of the council members. In accordance with the procedure laid down by the statute of the higher education institution, one member of the council shall be appointed by the representation of students, and in the absence of such – by a general meeting (conference) of students; two members or, if the council consists of 11 members, three members shall be appointed by the teaching staff and the research staff; one member – by the administration and other employees; one council member shall be appointed by the Minister of Education and Science together with the senate (academic council) of the higher education institution; four members or, if the council consists of 11 members, five members shall be proposed by legal and natural persons from the persons who do not belong to the staff and students of the higher education institution – these members of the council shall be appointed and recalled by the Minister of Education and Science on the recommendation of the Council of Higher Education, upon hearing the opinion of the council of the higher education institution. The Minister of Education and Science shall publicly announce the composition of the council.
118. A person may be a member of the council if he is of good repute, held or holds a position of responsibility in the sphere of education, sciences and humanities, culture, public activity or business (this requirement shall not apply to a representative of students) and has knowledge and competence enabling him to pursue the objectives of the higher education institution and to fulfil the mission of the higher education institution. The same person may serve on the council only for two consecutive terms of the council.
119. The President of the Republic, members of the Seimas and the Government as well as civil servants of political (personal) confidence may not be members of the council.
120. The term of office of a member of the council shall be five years. Not later than a month before the expiry of the term of office of a council member the Minister of Education and Science shall announce the composition of a newly-formed council.
121. When commencing the duties of his office, a member of the council shall, at a meeting of the council in the manner prescribed by the statute of the higher education institution, sign a commitment to abide by the interests of the higher education institution and the public and to in good faith fulfil the functions set out by this Law.
122. The council shall elect the chairman of the council from among its members and recall him from office by the majority of votes cast by all members of the council. A person belonging to the staff of the higher education institution or a student may not be chairman of the council.
123. The council shall approve its rules of procedure. The council shall take decisions by a majority of votes cast by the council members attending the meeting. A meeting of the council shall be valid if it is attended by at least two thirds of the members of the council.
124. The rector (director) of the higher education institution may attend meetings of council in an advisory capacity.
125. If a member of the council fails to properly perform the duties set out by the statute of the higher education institution, the rules of procedure of the council or the commitment referred to in paragraph 7 of this Article or fails to sign the commitment referred to in paragraph 7 of this Article, the chairman of the council shall have the right to address the person who has appointed the said member with a request to recall the appointed member of the council.
126. If the powers of the member of the council have terminated before the expiry of his term of office, a new member of the council shall be appointed in accordance with the procedure laid down in paragraph 3 of this Article by the person who appointed the member of the council whose powers have terminated. A new member of the council shall commence his duties after the Minister of Education and Science announces his appointment and the member of the council signs a commitment specified in paragraph 7 of this Article.
127. Members of the council may be remunerated for the activities during the tenure with the funds of the higher education institution. The procedure for paying payments shall be laid down in the statute of the higher education institution.
128. The rector (director) shall ensure organisational conditions necessary for the activities of the council. Article
129. Senate (academic council) of a state higher education institution
130. The senate (academic council) of a state higher education institution shall be the management body of that higher education institution.
131. The university senate shall execute the following functions: 1) approve programmes of studies, research and experimental (social, cultural) development, art programmes, and present proposals to the rector regarding the funding of these programmes and reorganization of the university structure which is necessary for implementation of those programmes, evaluate the results of conducted research as well as the quality and level of all research and artistic activities of the university; 2) define the procedure of studies; approve internal rules of the university; 3) approve the internal system of quality assurance in studies and control its implementation; 4) in compliance with the established principles of selection and evaluation of university employees, approve qualification requirements for positions of teaching and research staff members, lay down the procedure of performance evaluation of research and teaching staff members as well as the procedure of organization of a competition to fill a position; 5) in accordance with the procedure laid down by the university statute, convene meetings (conferences) of the academic community of the university to discuss important issues concerning activities of the university; 6) in accordance with the procedure laid down by the university statute, bestow the university’s honorary degrees and other titles; 7) lay down the procedure of management, use and disposal of funds of the university (as well as funds designated for remuneration of the leadership and other employees of the university) and the assets, consider and approve key decisions related thereto; 8) approve an annual statement of revenue and expenditure of the higher education institution and a report on the execution of this statement presented by the rector; 9) perform other functions prescribed by legal acts and the university statute.
132. The academic council of a college shall perform the following functions: 1) approve study programmes and present proposals to the director regarding the funding of these programmes and reorganization of the college structure which is necessary for implementation of those programmes, evaluate the results of conducted research as well as the quality and level of applied and artistic activities of the college; 2) define the procedure of studies; approve internal rules of the college; 3) approve the internal system of quality assurance in studies and control its implementation; 4) in compliance with the established principles of selection and evaluation of college employees, approve qualification requirements for positions of teaching and research staff members, lay down the procedure of performance evaluation of research and teaching staff members as well as the procedure of organization of competitions to fill a position; 5) in accordance with the procedure laid down by the college statute, convene meetings (conferences) of the academic community of the college to discuss important issues concerning activities of the college; 6) in accordance with the procedure laid down by the college statute, bestow the college’s honorary degrees; 7) lay down the procedure of management, use and disposal of funds of the college (as well as funds designated for remuneration of the leadership and other employees of the college) and the assets, consider and approve key decisions related thereto; 8) approve an annual statement of revenue and expenditure of the higher education institution and a report on the execution of this statement presented by the director; 9) perform other functions prescribed by legal acts and the college statute.
133. A senate (academic council) shall be set up in accordance with the procedure laid down in the statute of a higher education institution for a period not exceeding five years.
134. Members of the academic community of a university (college), members of the administration of a university who are ex officio members of the senate (academic council) as well as scientists, teachers and established artists of other higher education and research institutions may be members of the senate (academic council). Representatives appointed by students must comprise not less than 20 per cent of the members of the senate (academic council). Representatives of students shall be appointed to the senate (academic council) by a student representation; if there is no such representation – by a general meeting (conference) of the students. Persons holding the position of a professor or chief research staff member must comprise not less than 20 per cent of the members of the senate. Persons holding the position of an associate professor or senior research staff member must comprise not less than 20 per cent of the members of the senate (academic council). Persons who are ex officio members of the senate (academic council) must comprise not more than 10 per cent of the members of the senate (academic council). Employees of other higher education and research institutions may also be ex officio members of the senate (academic council). The rector (director) of a higher education institution shall also be an ex officio member of the senate (academic council).
135. Activities of the senate (academic council) shall be regulated by the rules of procedure of the senate (academic council) approved by the senate (academic council) of a higher education institution.
136. The rector (director) of a higher education institution may not be chairman of the senate (academic council).
137. The senate (academic council) shall, in accordance with the procedure laid down by the statute of a higher education institution, inform the community of the higher education institution about its decisions and shall account for its activities to the said community once a year. Article
138. Rector (director) of a higher education institution
139. The rector (director) of a higher education institution shall be a single-person management body of the higher education institution, shall act in the name of the said institution and represent it.
140. The rector (director) shall execute the following functions: 1) head a higher education institution, organize its activities, ensuring the implementation of a strategic action plan; 2) issue orders; 3) recruit and dismiss employees of the higher education institution; 4) admit and exclude students in accordance with the procedure laid down by the statute of the higher education institution; 5) upon evaluation of proposals of the student representation, submit to the council for approval the tuition fee and the rates of fees which are not directly related to the implementation of a study programme; 6) be responsible for financial activities of the higher education institution, proper management, use and disposal of funds and assets; 7) submit to the senate (academic council) for approval and publicly announce an annual report on the activities of the higher education institution, an annual statement of revenue and expenditure and a report on the implementation of this statement; 8) present an annual report on the activities of the higher education institution to the senate (academic council) and submit it to the Ministry of Education and Science; 9) submit to the council for approval strategic plans for activities of the higher education institution and for reorganization of the structure of the higher education institution; 10) perform other functions prescribed in legal acts and the statute of the higher education institution.
141. The rector (director) shall be elected by an open competition, appointed and dismissed by the council.
142. The council shall announce an open competition to fill a position of the rector (director). The rector (director) shall be considered to be elected if at least three-fifths of all the council members vote for him.
143. The rector may be a person who has a scientific degree or is an established artist, who has the experience in pedagogy and management.
144. The director may be a person who has the experience in pedagogy and management.
145. The chairman of the council or any other person authorised by the council shall sign in the name of the higher education institution an employment contract with the elected rector (director) for the duration of his term of office.
146. The term of office of the rector (director) shall be five years. The same person may be elected rector (director) of the same higher education institution for not more than two terms of office in succession and not earlier than after an interval of five years since the end of the last term of office, if the last term of office was the second consecutive term.
147. If an annual report on activities of the higher education institution or an annual report on the implementation of the statement of revenue and expenditure presented by the rector (director) of the higher education institution is not approved by a majority of the council members at a meeting of the council, the rector (director) may be dismissed from office in accordance with the procedure laid down by legal acts. Article
148. Participation of students in the management of a higher education institution Interests of students in the management bodies of a higher education institution shall be represented by representatives of the students who are appointed by the student representation; if there is no such representation – by a general meeting (conference) of the students. SECTION THREE Management of a research institute Article
149. Bodies of a research institute
150. The management bodies of a state research institute shall be the scientific council of the research institute and the director of the research institute.
151. Management of non-state research institutes shall be regulated by their founding documents. Article
152. Scientific council of a state research institute
153. The scientific council of a state research institute shall carry out the following functions: 1) in accordance with the regulations, approve the structure of the state research institute and changes therein; 2) approve the procedure of performance evaluation of research staff members and of organization of competitions to fill positions of research staff members; 3) consider and approve documents regulating research activities; 4) consider annual activity reports on activities submitted by the director of the research institute and assess the process of implementation by the state research institute of its tasks and objectives; 5) perform other functions set forth in the statutes.
154. The scientific council of a state research institute shall be set up in accordance with the procedure laid down by the research institute for a period of five years from research staff members and administration employees as well as from representatives of other establishments, enterprises and organizations which are interested in the implementation of the tasks and mission of the institute. The scientific council of a state research institute shall approve its rules of procedure. Article
155. Director of a state research institute
156. The director of a state research institute shall be a single-person management body of the state research institute, shall act in the name of the said institute and represent it. The director shall perform the functions of the head of the establishment as provided for in the regulations and legal acts.
157. The director of a research institute shall be appointed to the office by an open competition and shall be dismissed from office by the founder (members of the legal person) or a person authorised by him (them).
158. The Government or an institution authorised by it shall approve the procedure for organising election of the director of a state research institute by an open competition.
159. The director of a state research institute may be a person having a scientific degree and the experience in management.
160. The term of office of the director of a state research institute shall be five years. The same person may be appointed to the office of the director of a state research institute for not more than two terms of office in succession and not earlier than after an interval of five years since the end of the last term of office, if the last term of office was the second consecutive term. CHAPTER IV ESTABLISHMENT, TERMINATION AND RESTRUCTURING of higher education and research institutions. AUTHORIZATION TO CARRY OUT STUDIES AND/OR ACTIVITIES RELATED TO STUDIES Article
161. Conditions of establishment of a higher education institution
162. A higher education institution shall be established pursuant to the Civil Code, this Law and the law regulating an appropriate legal form of a legal person.
163. A higher education institution may be established if there are material facilities and other conditions specified in this Law which are necessary to ensure the quality of planned study programmes, research and/or artistic activities, and to meet the requirements of the higher education qualifications to be awarded.
164. The Seimas shall establish a state university upon the recommendation of the Government. Without prejudice to the requirements laid down in this Law, the rights and duties of the State as the owner of a state university shall be implemented only by the Government or an institution authorised by it. Private and public persons may not be stakeholders of a state university.
165. A state college shall be established by the Government upon the recommendation of the Ministry of Education and Science. Without prejudice to the requirements laid down in this Law, the rights and duties of the state as the owner of a state college shall be implemented only by the Government or an institution authorised by it. Having adopted a decision to establish a state college, the Government shall also take a decision on the transfer of the founder’s functions to a state institution or establishment. Private and public persons may not be stakeholders of a state college.
166. A non-state higher education institution may be established by natural or legal persons, with the exception of state and municipal institutions and establishments, as well as by Lithuania-based branches of enterprises established in the Member States of the European Union or other states which signed the Agreement on the European Economic Area. Article
167. Statute of a higher education institution
168. A statute of a higher education institution (hereinafter referred to as the ‘’statute’’) shall be a founding document which the higher education institution acts in conformity with.
169. The following must be laid down in the statute of a higher education institution: 1) name, address of the registered office of a higher education institution; 2) the legal form; 3) objectives and tasks of the activities; 4) scope and types of activities; 5) main provisions of organisation of higher education and research; 6) bodies of a higher education institution and their competence, the procedure of their elections (appointment, convening) and their annulment; 7) rights, duties and responsibility of students and employees; 8) procedure of enrolment and elimination of students; 9) the procedure for setting up commissions for consideration of disputes between students and the administration and other employees, for considering disputes and implementing decisions; 10) funding sources, the procedure for using assets and funds; 11) the procedure of quality assurance in higher education and research; 12) the procedure for setting up branches and representative offices and for terminating activities thereof; 13) the procedure for amending the statute;
170. The statute may also regulate other issues of activities of a higher education institution.
171. The statute of a state university shall be approved by the resolution of the Seimas and the statute of a state college – by the resolution of the Government.
172. A founding document of a non-state higher education institution shall be adopted and amended in accordance with the procedure laid down by legal acts. Article
173. Conditions of establishment of a research institute
174. A research institute shall be established pursuant to the Civil Code, this Law and the law regulating an appropriate legal form of a legal person.
175. The founder of a state research institute shall be the Government. Upon having adopted a decision to establish a state research institute, the Government shall also take a decision on the transfer of the founder’s functions to a state institution or establishment. A non-state research institute may be established by legal or natural persons, with the exception of state and municipal institutions.
176. A state research institute may be established when it is necessary to conduct long-term research and experimental (social, cultural) development, important for state, economic or social development, in a certain area, and when an assessing institution authorised by the Government determines that a project of establishment of a state research institute is substantiated by sufficient material and human resources, and other requirements set for state research institutes have been satisfied.
177. The procedure of establishment of a state research institute, requirements for founding documents, qualification requirements of activities of the institute and the procedure for supervising activities of the institute shall be laid down by the Government. Article
178. Regulations of research institutes
179. Regulations of a research institute must specify the following: 1) the name, address of the registered office of the research institute; 2) the legal form; 3) the registered office; 4) objectives of activities; 5) the scope and types of activities; 6) bodies of the research institute and their competence, the procedure for appointing their members and removing them from the office; 7) rights, duties and responsibility of employees; 8) the form of public supervision of the research institute; 9) funding sources, the procedure for using assets and funds; 10) the procedure for amending the regulations; 11) other issues of activities.
180. The regulations of a state research institute shall be approved by the Government. Article
181. Basis for termination and restructuring of a higher education institution The procedure of termination and restructuring of a higher education institution shall be regulated by the Civil Code, this Law and the law regulating an appropriate legal form of a legal person. Article
182. Key features of reorganization of a higher education institution
183. A decision concerning reorganization of a state university shall be taken by the Seimas on the recommendation of the university council or the recommendation of the Government, after having evaluated the opinion of the university council. A decision concerning reorganization of a state college shall be taken by the Government on the recommendation of the college council or the recommendation of the Ministry of Education and Science, after having evaluated the opinion of the college council.
184. When reorganising a state higher education institution by way of division, at least one of the legal persons to whom the rights and duties of the higher education institution under reorganization are transferred must be a state higher education institution; the owner of other legal persons or one of the stakeholders must be the State. When reorganizing a state higher education institution by way of merger, a legal person to whom the rights and duties of the state higher education institution under reorganization are transferred must be a state higher education institution.
185. Within three months from the end of the reorganization, new management bodies of the higher education institution shall be set up in accordance with the procedure laid down by this Law in the higher education institution to which the rights and duties of the reorganized higher education institution have been transferred.
186. If during the reorganization of a higher education institution a new higher education institution is established, it must, in accordance with the procedure laid down by this Law, obtain an authorization to conduct studies and/or other activities related to studies. Article
187. Key features of liquidation of a higher education institution
188. A decision concerning liquidation of a state university shall be taken by the Seimas on the recommendation of the university council or the recommendation of the Government, after having evaluated the opinion of the university council. A decision concerning liquidation of a state college shall be taken by the Government on the recommendation of the college council or the recommendation of the Ministry of Education and Science, after having evaluated the opinion of the college council.
189. When a decision to liquidate a state higher education institution has been taken, the Minister of Education and Science shall, after coordination with the council of the higher education institution, appoint a liquidator who liquidates the state higher education institution pursuant to a liquidation project and schedule approved by the Ministry of Education and Science. A liquidation project must contain proposals concerning possibilities to ensure that students continue studies in other higher education institutions, as well as proposals regarding the use of the assets of the state higher education institution.
190. The senate (academic council) and the council as well as the rector (director) of a state higher education institution which is being liquidated shall lose their powers from the date of appointment of a liquidator. Their functions shall be performed by the liquidator. Article
191. Termination and restructuring of a research institute
192. The procedure of termination and restructuring of a research institute shall be regulated by the Civil Code, this Law and the law regulating an appropriate legal form of a legal person.
193. A decision concerning the termination and restructuring of a state research institute shall be adopted by the Government. Article
194. Right to deliver studies and/or implement other activities related to studies
195. The following higher education institutions possessing an authorization, determined by this Law, to deliver studies and implement activities related to studies shall have the right to deliver studies and implement activities related to studies: 1) state higher education institutions; 2) non-state higher education institutions; 3) a branch of a foreign higher education institution, established in the Republic of Lithuania.
196. The representation of a foreign higher education institution possessing an authorization determined by this Law shall have the right to implement activities related to studies. Article
197. Authorization to deliver studies and implement activities related to studies
198. An authorization to deliver studies and implement activities related to studies shall be issued in accordance with the procedure laid down by this Law and the Government. An authorization to deliver studies may be issued if there are material facilities, qualified staff and other conditions indicated in this Law and the Profile of the Procedure of Issuance of an Authorization to Deliver Studies and Implement Activities Related to Studies, which are necessary to ensure the quality of planned study programmes, research and/or artistic activities, and to meet the requirements of higher education qualifications to be awarded.
199. A higher education institution or a branch of a foreign higher education institution in the Republic of Lithuania wishing to get an authorization to deliver studies and implement activities related to studies, shall submit to the Centre for Quality Assessment on Higher Education an application and other documents and data specified in the Profile of the Procedure of Issuance of an Authorization to Deliver Studies and Implement Activities Related to Studies, approved by the Government. Having received the documents submitted by a higher education institution or a branch of a foreign higher education institution in the Republic of Lithuania, the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education shall, within 20 calendar days, apply to the State Security Department so that the latter present conclusions whether or not planned activities of the higher education institution or the branch of a foreign higher education institution pose a threat to national security. The Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education must, not later than within 4 months from the receipt of a certificate of the State Security Department proving that planned activities of the higher education institution or the branch of a foreign higher education institution do not pose a threat to national security, evaluate the submitted documents and present conclusions to the applicant and the Ministry of Education and Science.
200. The Ministry of Education and Science shall, within a month from the receipt of the conclusions of the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education, take a decision concerning the issuance (non-issuance) of an authorization to deliver studies and implement activities related to studies or inform the applicants about the reasons for taking a decision not to issue an authorization. The Ministry of Education and Science shall notify the Register of Legal Entities about the adopted decision to issue or to refuse to issue of an authorization to deliver studies or implement activities related to studies.
201. Having been issued an authorization to deliver studies or implement activities related thereto, a higher education institution or a branch of a foreign higher education institution must, in accordance with the procedure laid down by legal acts, furnish to the Ministry of Education and Science or permit the Ministry to verify information concerning the issued authorization to deliver studies or implement activities related thereto.
202. A higher education institution or a branch of a foreign higher education institution possessing an authorization to deliver studies or implement activities related thereto must satisfy the requirements defined for a higher education institution by legal acts. In the event of change in the data necessary to obtain an authorization to deliver studies or implement activities related thereto, a higher education institution or a branch of a foreign higher education institution must, not later than within a month from the change in the data, inform the Ministry of Education and Science about this. Article
203. Revocation or suspension of an authorization to deliver studies and implement activities related thereto
204. The Ministry of Education and Science shall take a decision on revocation of the issued authorization to deliver studies and implement activities related thereto, if: 1) the authorisation to deliver conduct studies and implement activities related thereto has been obtained by fraud or otherwise violating laws; 2) activities of the higher education institution have been repeatedly evaluated negatively within the period of two years; 3) the higher education institution or the branch of a foreign higher education institution engages in the activities prohibited by the law; 4) the higher education institution has become insolvent and/or its activities pose a threat to the interests of students; 5) the higher education institution or the branch of a foreign higher education institution is removed from the Register of Legal Entities.
205. The Ministry of Education and Science shall have the right to take a decision on revocation of the authorization to deliver studies and implement activities related thereto, if: 1) the higher education institution or the branch of a foreign higher education institution whose authorization to deliver studies or implement activities related thereto has been suspended fails within the set time limit to eliminate the violations of the requirements laid down in the legal acts of the Republic of Lithuania regulating the delivery of studies and implementation of activities related thereto; 2) the higher education institution or the branch of a foreign higher education institution has not begun to deliver studies and/or implement activities related thereto within twelve months from the issuance of the authorization to deliver studies and/or implement activities related thereto; 3) the higher education institution or the branch of a foreign higher education institution does not deliver studies longer than six months; 4) the higher education institution is being liquidated; 5) in other cases specified by laws of the Republic of Lithuania.
206. If a higher education institution or a branch of a foreign higher education institution has violated the requirements laid down by the legal acts of the Republic of Lithuania regulating the delivery of studies and implementation of activities related thereto, the Minister of Education and Science may suspend the authorization to deliver studies or implement activities related thereto for a certain period of time, taking account of the type of the identified violations;
207. The Ministry of Education and Science shall notify the Register of Legal Entities about an adopted decision to revoke or to suspend the authorization to deliver studies or implement activities related to studies.
208. Upon revocation of the authorization to deliver studies and implement activities related thereto, the institution which was issued the authorization loses its right to deliver studies and implement activities related thereto in the Republic of Lithuania. Article
209. Authorization to carry out activities related to studies
210. An authorization to carry out activities related to studies shall be issued in the Republic of Lithuania by the Ministry of Education and Science in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Government.
211. After a foreign higher education institution submits the documents specified in the Profile of the Procedure of Issuance of an Authorization to Deliver Studies and Implement Activities Related to Studies, the Ministry of Education and Science shall, within 20 calendar days, apply to the State Security Department so that the latter present conclusions whether or not the planned activities pose a threat to national security. The Ministry of Education and Science must examine the submitted documents and take a decision on the granting of an authorisation to carry out activities related to studies not later than within 2 months of the receipt of the conclusions of the State Security Department.
212. The Ministry of Education and Science shall not issue an authorization to carry out activities related to studies, if: 1) the submitted documents and data do not meet the Government-set requirements or they are incorrect; 2) the foreign higher education institution which establishes a representation does not meet the requirements set by the Government; 3) the competent body of a foreign state under whose jurisdiction the foreign higher education institution operates, objects to the establishment of a representation in the Republic of Lithuania; 4) the conclusions of the State Security Department states that the planned activities may pose a threat to national security.
213. The Ministry of Education and Science shall notify the Register of Legal Entities and the applicant about the adopted decision to issue or to refuse to issue an authorization to carry out activities related to studies.
214. A higher education institution which has not been issued an authorization to carry out activities related to studies may, in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Government, apply repeatedly for the issuance of an authorization to carry out activities related to studies.
215. The Ministry of Education and Science may revoke an issued authorization to carry out activities related to studies, if: 1) the authorisation to carry out activities related to studies has been obtained by fraud or otherwise violating laws; 2) the institution which was issued the authorization pursues the activities prohibited by laws; 3) the institution whose authorization to carry out activities related to studies has been suspended fails within the set time limit to eliminate the violations of the requirements laid down in the legal acts of the Republic of Lithuania regulating activities related to studies; 4) the higher education institution ceases to exist or the branch or representation of a foreign higher education institution is removed from the Register of Legal Entities; 5) in other cases specified by laws of the Republic of Lithuania.
216. If an institution which was issued an authorization has violated the requirements laid down by the legal acts of the Republic of Lithuania regulating activities related to studies, the Minister of Education and Science may suspend the authorization to carry out activities related to studies. A time limit during which the authorization shall be suspended shall be set by the Minister of Education and Science, taking into consideration the nature of the established violations.
217. The institution whose authorization to carry out activities related to studies has been suspended, shall have no right to carry out activities related to studies.
218. The Ministry of Education and Science shall notify the foreign higher education institution and the Register of Legal Entities about the revocation or suspension of an authorization to carry out activities related to studies.
219. Upon revocation of the authorization to carry out activities related to studies, an institution which was issued the authorization loses its right to carry out activities related to studies in the Republic of Lithuania.
220. A representation of a foreign higher education institution shall not have the right to deliver studies.
221. An institution which was issued an authorization to carry out activities related to studies shall have no right to deliver studies. CHAPTER V RESEARCH (ARTISTIC) ACTIVITIES AND STUDY ACTIVITIES Article
222. Unity of science (arts) and studies
223. Higher education institutions must ensure the unity of research (artistic) activities and studies.
224. The unity of research (artistic) activities and studies at universities shall be ensured by the participation of teaching staff and students in research and experimental (social, cultural) development (artistic activities), participation of research staff members (artworkers) in the study process, communication of scientific knowledge and research (artistic) work skills in study programmes of the second cycle and doctoral studies, commissioned research and experimental (social, cultural) development (artistic) works carried out at universities for business, non-state and public sector. Provision of study programmes of the second cycle shall be related to the results of research (artistic) activities carried out at the university. Research (artistic) activities shall be mandatory for students of the third cycle.
225. The unity of higher education and research at colleges shall be ensured through a close contact with the practice – participation of teaching staff and students in applied research and experimental (social, cultural) development works commissioned by business, industrial and other organizations, regional development projects, consulting activities. Article
226. Quality assurance in higher education and research
227. Higher education and research institutions shall be responsible for the quality of research (artistic) activities, studies and other activities. They must publicly announce the quality indicators of their activities and foster the culture of the quality of activities regarding higher education and research together with assessment institutions.
228. The quality of research (artistic) activities and studies shall be ensured through the internal systems of quality assurance of higher education and research institutions, external evaluation and accreditation of study programmes, external evaluation of research activities and external evaluation and/or accreditation of higher education and research institutions.
229. The objective of external evaluation shall be to determine the quality of activities of higher education and research institutions, to offer recommendations for improving their quality, develop the culture of quality assurance in higher education and research.
230. The purpose of accreditation shall be to determine on the basis of external evaluation findings whether or not a study programme and/or a newly established higher education institution meet(s) the requirements of legal acts.
231. Activities of higher education and research institutions must be constantly improved, taking into consideration the findings of self-assessment and external evaluation. Article
232. Internal quality assurance of activities of higher education and research institutions
233. Every higher education institution must have an internal system of quality assurance in studies based on the provisions of quality assurance in studies in the European Higher Education Area and on the strategy of improvement of activity quality approved by the higher education institution itself; must work out action methods and adopt measures which help to ensure the quality of higher education provided by the institution.
234. A higher education institution must constantly announce in its website and in other ways the accurate quantitative and qualitative information about study programmes, awarded higher education qualifications, research (artistic) activities, self-assessment results, opinions of students, graduates and other interested parties about study quality, assessments of activities of the higher education institution performed by the accredited institutions, career indicators of graduates; it may also announce other data necessary to inform the public about studies.
235. higher education and research institutions shall constantly carry out self-assessment of research (artistic) activities. Article
236. External evaluation and accreditation of study programmes
237. Only accredited study programmes shall be carried out. Branches of foreign higher education institutions may carry out only those study programmes which have been evaluated and accredited according to the procedure of evaluation and accreditation of that country and which have been positively evaluated according to the procedure of external evaluation and accreditation of study programmes. External evaluation of study programmes of higher education institutions shall be performed by the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education or another agency for quality assessment in higher education, which is included in the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education. Study programmes shall be accredited by an institution authorised by the Minister of Education and Science in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Ministry of Education and Science. An accredited study programme shall be entered in the Register of Study and Training Programmes for a fixed period of time.
238. Study programmes must be accredited at least once in six years. A study programme which has not been accredited or a programme the accreditation period of which has expired shall be deregistered from the Register of Study and Training Programmes. In the cases where there are students who have studied under the programme which is being deregistered, but have not completed the said programme, the Minister of Education and Science shall set further possibilities for their studies.
239. The Profile of the procedure of external evaluation and accreditation of study programmes shall be approved by the Minister of Education and Science. Article
240. External evaluation of activities of higher education and research institutions
241. In order to improve the quality of activities of higher education institutions and state research institutes and to implement their accountability, the Ministry of Education and Science shall, every six years, initiate external evaluation of their activities, involving experts from foreign states. External evaluation of activities of higher education institutions and state research institutes shall comprise all fields of activities indicated in their statutes (regulations) and shall be based on the criteria of conformity of the activities with the mission specified in the statutes (regulations), with the international level of higher education and research, on the criteria of conformity of the evaluation of study results with the set requirements, on the criteria of the implementation of the requirements of academic ethics and procedures, and on the criteria of the efficiency of the use of state funds.
242. External evaluation of activities of higher education institutions shall be organized by an institution authorised by the Ministry of Education and Science. The results of the external evaluation of higher education institutions shall be used for accreditation or evaluation of the said institutions also in other cases provided for by a founder (a meeting of members of the legal person).
243. If activities of a higher education institution are evaluated negatively, a repeated evaluation of the activities shall be performed not later than within 2 years. If during a repeated evaluation the activities of the higher education institution are evaluated negatively, the Ministry of Education and Science shall, not later than within one month, take a decision specified in paragraph 1 of Article 37 of this Law.
244. The Profile of the procedure of external evaluation of higher education institutions shall be approved by the Government.
245. External evaluation of state research institutes shall be organized by the Research Council of Lithuania. The Profile of the procedure of external evaluation of state research institutes shall be approved by the Government. If the activities of a state research institute are evaluated negatively, the Government shall take a decision specified in paragraph 2 of Article 34 of this Law.
246. External evaluation of activities of non-state research institutes shall be carried out on the initiative and with the funds of these institutes.
247. In order to improve the quality of higher education and research, targeted evaluation of higher education and research institutions that are carried out by public administration institutions, associations of scientists or higher education and research institutions may be funded by the state.
248. External evaluation and other measures aimed at quality assurance in studies, set by this Law, shall also apply to branches of foreign higher education institutions. Article
249. Accreditation of a higher education institution
250. A higher education institution shall be regularly accredited on the basis of the external evaluation findings.
251. A newly established higher education institution must be accredited not later than within two years following its establishment. When accrediting a newly established higher education institution, an additional evaluation of compliance with the requirements laid down during its establishment shall be carried out.
252. If a higher education institution is not accredited, the Ministry of Education and Science shall, not later than within one month, take a decision specified in paragraph 1 of Article 37 of this Law.
253. The Profile of the procedure of accreditation of higher education institutions shall be approved by the Government. Article
254. Communication of research activities to the public
255. In order to ensure the quality of research conducted with funds of the state budget, the transparency of the use of funds of the state budget, to enhance the scientific progress, the results of all research works carried out in state higher education and research institutions must be communicated to the public (in the Internet or in any other way), to the extent this kind of communication is in compliance with the legal acts regulating the protection of intellectual property, commercial or state and official secrets.
256. The results of research conducted in non-state higher education and research institutions with funds of the state budget shall be communicated to the public (in the Internet or in any other way), to the extent this kind of communication is in compliance with the legal acts regulating the protection of intellectual property, commercial or state secrets. Article
257. Structure of the study system
258. Studies at higher education institutions shall be carried out according to study programmes which award a degree and study programmes which do not award a degree. There shall be two types of study programmes: university and college.
259. Studies may be of three cycles: 1) the first cycle – professional bachelor’s, bachelor’s degree studies; 2) the second cycle – master’s degree studies; 3) the third cycle – doctoral studies.
260. Professional bachelor’s study programmes of the first cycle may be carried out by colleges and bachelor’s study programmes of the first cycle – by universities. Study programmes awarding a degree of the second cycle may be carried out by universities. Doctoral studies may be carried out by universities or universities together with research institutes.
261. University study programmes which award a degree may be integrated, comprising the first and second cycles of studies, if this is provided for in other legal acts.
262. Study programmes aimed at retraining, which do not award a degree may be carried out by universities and colleges in accordance with the procedure laid down by legal acts. Article
263. Academic years and study forms, the volume of study programmes
264. Academic years shall be divided into semesters and vacation periods. The senate (academic council) of a higher education institution shall fix the beginning and end of academic years, semesters, and vacation periods. In summer, students must be provided with continuous vacations of at least one month’s duration.
265. Studies shall be of full-time and part-time forms. The profile of full-time and part-time forms of studies shall be approved by the Minister of Education and Science. Irrespective of the study form on the basis of which the same study programme has been completed, the acquired education in both cases shall be equivalent.
266. The regular volume of studies of a full-time form for one year shall be 60 credits, but not less than 45 credits. The volume of studies of a part-time form for one year must not exceed 45 credits and the total duration of studies of this form must not last one and a half times longer than studies of a full-time form to which a norm of 60 credits is applied.
267. The volume of college and university study programmes of the first cycle shall be not less than 180 and not more than 240 credits.
268. The volume of an integrated study programme shall be not less than 300 credits, but not more than 360 credits. The first part of an integrated study programme (240 credits) shall be attributed to studies of the first cycle and the remaining part shall be attributed to studies of the second cycle.
269. The volume of a master’ degree study programme shall be not less than 90 credits, but not more than 120 credits.
270. The Government shall fix the volume (duration) of doctoral studies.
271. The Ministry of Education and Science shall fix the volume (duration) of study programmes when the double qualification degree is awarded.
272. Study programmes which do not award a degree shall be designed for acquisition of a qualification or preparation for an independent practical activity in the cases and manner prescribed by the Government or an institution authorised by it. The volume of study programmes (except residency studies) which do not award a degree shall constitute not less than 30 credits, but not more than 120 credits. The Government shall fix the volume (duration) of residency studies. Article
273. Requirements for degree-awarding study programmes and doctoral studies
274. Study programmes of the first cycle shall be designed to foster general erudition, to provide the theoretical basis of a study field and to form professional skills necessary for independent work. University study programmes shall be more oriented towards universal general education, theoretical preparation and professional capacity of the highest level, while college study programmes shall be more oriented towards preparation for professional activities. On completion of university study programmes of the first cycle persons shall be awarded a Bachelor’s degree of an appropriate study field (study fields) or a Bachelor’s degree and professional qualification (in the cases referred to in paragraph 3 of Article 51 of this Law), while persons who completed college study programmes shall be awarded a Professional Bachelor’s degree of an appropriate study field or a Professional Bachelor’s degree and professional qualification (in the cases referred to in paragraph 3 of Article 51 of this Law).
275. Master’s degree study programmes shall be designed for preparation for independent research (artistic) work or any other work the performance of which requires scientific knowledge and analytical competence. Master’s degree studies shall be delivered in universities in which research (artistic) activities corresponding to the study field are carried out. On completion of Master’s degree study programmes persons shall be awarded a Master’s degree of an appropriate study field. On completion of theological study programmes of the second cycle persons may, after consultation with the Catholic church hierarchy, be awarded a degree of Licentiate in Theology.
276. The Ministry of Education and Science shall approve general and special requirements (profiles of study fields, of sets of study fields or those of study areas) for a study programme of the first cycle, an integrated study programme and a Master’s degree study programme.
277. Studies of the third cycle shall be doctoral studies in the field of sciences and arts.
278. The purpose of doctoral studies in the field of science shall be to prepare scientists who would be able to independently conduct research and experimental (social, cultural) development work, and to solve scientific problems. The Ministry of Education and Science shall grant the right of doctoral studies to universities and universities together with research institutes conducting high-level research in conformity with the field of science, or to universities together with foreign higher education and research institutions. The right shall be granted on the basis of the evaluation, performed in accordance with the Regulations of Doctoral Studies, of the level of research in an appropriate field of science conducted by the institutions which intend to deliver doctoral studies in the science field concerned. The Regulations of Doctoral Studies shall be approved by the Government on the recommendation of the Research Council of Lithuania. Persons who have defended their dissertation shall be awarded the Doctor of Science degree.
279. The purpose of doctoral studies in the field of art shall be to prepare artists researchers who would be able to create, interpret and develop research based on art practice. The right of doctoral studies in the field of art shall be granted to universities by the Ministry of Education and Science. The right shall be granted on the basis of the evaluation of the level of artistic and research activities of the institution which intends to deliver doctoral studies in the field of art. The evaluation shall be carried out in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Regulations of Doctoral Studies in the Field of Art. The Regulations of Doctoral Studies in the Field of Art shall be approved by the Government on the recommendation of the Research Council of Lithuania. Persons who have defended an art project shall be awarded the Doctor of Arts degree.
280. Higher education institutions may implement joint study programmes on completion of which a joint qualification degree is awarded, as well as programmes on completion of which a double qualification degree is awarded. A joint qualification degree shall be awarded in the event when a study programme is implemented by at least two higher education institutions, usually from different countries. A double qualification degree shall be awarded when a study programme satisfies not only the requirements of the principal study field, but also the minimum requirements of the other study field. General requirements of these programmes shall be laid down by the Ministry of Education and Science.
281. In the cases when study programmes include student’s placements, an enterprise, an establishment or an organization in which the placement takes place, the student and the higher education institution in which he studies, shall conclude a contract of practical training. A model form of the contract shall be approved by the Ministry of Education and Science. A higher education institution shall be responsible for organization of student’s placements.
282. The Ministry of Education and Science shall set the equivalence between the qualifications acquired in the Republic of Lithuania before 1 January 2000 and the qualifications acquired on completion of studies of the respective cycles, as well as the equivalence between studies completed according to the system of single-cycle higher education and studies of the respective cycles. Article
283. Medium of instruction The medium of instruction in state higher education institutions shall be the Lithuanian language. Other languages may be used in teaching if: 1) the content of a study programme is linked to another language; 2) lectures are delivered or other academic events are headed by teachers from foreign states; 3) studies are carried out pursuant to joint study programmes or study programmes on completion of which a double qualification degree is awarded and a part of these programmes is carried out in other countries, non-state higher education institutions in which the medium of instruction is a language other than the Lithuanian language, or conform to the cases set out in paragraph 1 or 2 of this Article; 4) studies are carried out according to study programmes designed for studies of foreign nationals or in the case of study exchange. Article
284. Partial studies and accreditation of their results
285. Partial studies shall be a student's studying pursuant to a part of a study programme, which provides knowledge and skills which are evaluated and attested by a certificate.
286. The following shall be accredited by higher education institutions: 1) results of student’s partial studies in a foreign state higher education institution, if this institution is recognized in accordance with the procedure laid down by laws of that state; 2) results of partial studies by students of a Lithuanian higher education institution in another Lithuanian higher education institution of the same or a different type; 3) the results of partial studies by students of a Lithuanian higher education institution pursuant to another study programme of the same higher education institution;
287. The results of partial studies in higher education institutions shall be accredited recognized in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Ministry of Education and Science. Article
288. Higher education qualifications, diplomas, diploma supplements (addenda), certificates
289. Upon completion of study programmes of the first and the second cycles as well as of integrated studies, a diploma attesting the awarded qualification degree shall be issued together with a diploma supplement (addendum); upon completion of doctoral studies and defence of a dissertation, a diploma attesting a scientific (art) degree shall be issued. A supplement (addendum) of a diploma shall be a constituent part of the diploma, a document which provides information on the content of the acquired higher education.
290. On completion of study programmes which do not award a degree, a certificate attesting the completed studies shall be issued.
291. A higher education institution may award a qualification, provided that it has been authorised to do so by legal acts.
292. The procedure of preparation, production, record-keeping, registration and issuance of a mandatory form of diplomas, diploma supplements (addenda) and certificates shall be laid down by the Government.
293. The list of qualification degrees and the list of study areas and study fields pursuant to which studies are carried out in higher education institutions shall be approved by the Government. When a Lithuanian higher education institution together with a foreign higher education institution carry out a joint study programme, a qualification degree other than those included in the list may be awarded. The right to award such a qualification degree shall be granted to a higher education institution by the Government upon the recommendation of the Ministry of Education and Science.
294. Education, higher education qualifications acquired in foreign higher education institutions shall be assessed and recognized in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Government. Article
295. Admission to a higher education institution
296. Persons having at least the secondary education shall be admitted by way of competition to a study programme of the first cycle and integrated study programmes of a higher education institution, taking account of persons’ learning results, entrance examinations or other criteria laid down by the higher education institution. A list of competition subjects according to study fields and principles of composition of the competition score, the lowest passing entrance score and other criteria shall, upon evaluation by a students’ representation, be set by higher education institutions and announced by them not later than two years prior to the beginning of the respective academic year.
297. The general number of student places shall be fixed by a higher education institution, taking into consideration the possibilities of quality assurance in studies.
298. Persons having a higher education qualification shall be admitted to a study programme of the second cycle in accordance with the procedure laid down by the higher education institution. Persons having a Professional Bachelor’s qualification shall have the right to enter study programmes of the second cycle, if they meet the minimum requirements approved by the Ministry of Education and Science.
299. Persons who enrol to study pursuant to non-formal education programmes or individual subjects (their sets), shall be admitted in accordance with the procedure laid down by higher education institutions. CHAPTER VI ACADEMIC COMMUNITY Article
300. Academic community
301. The academic community shall consist of students, the teaching staff, the research staff, other researchers, and professors emeritus of higher education and research institutions.
302. Members of the academic community shall be guaranteed academic freedom which encompasses: 1) the freedom of thought, the freedom of expression; 2) the freedom to choose methods of and access to research (artistic) and pedagogical activities, which is in conformity with the recognised principles of ethics; 3) protection against restrictions and sanctions for making public the results of his or her research, and for the manifestation of his or her beliefs, with the exception of the cases when the information made available to the general public is a State or official secret and/or is in violation of laws of the Republic of Lithuania.
303. The academic community shall be also guaranteed the following: 1) the copyright of creative and intellectual work as established in laws and international agreements of the Republic of Lithuania; 2) equal rights to take part in competitions; 3) objective and open reviewing of scientific works.
304. The academic community shall make use of academic freedom and act in compliance with the Code of Academic Ethics, which is prepared and approved by higher education and research institutions in accordance with the recommendations of the supervisor of academic ethics and procedures. Article
305. A status of a student and of an unclassified student
306. A student shall be issued a student certificate. The form of a student certificate and the procedure of its issuance shall be laid down by the Ministry of Education and Science, and the production and issuance of a student certificate shall be organized by the union(s) of students’ representations of higher education institutions of Lithuania.
307. Relations between a student and a higher education institution shall be formalised by way of a study agreement. Standard terms and conditions of a study agreement shall be set by the Ministry of Education and Science, upon having evaluated proposals of the union(s) of students’ representations.
308. Relations between an unclassified student and a higher education institution shall be formalised in accordance with the procedure laid down by the higher education institution. Article
309. Students’ rights and duties
310. Students shall have the right to: 1) study pursuant to a chosen study programme; 2) study pursuant to an individual plan of studies in compliance with the procedure laid down by a higher education institution; 3) study according to more than one study programme or other study subjects in the same or another higher education institution; 4) assess the quality of lecturing and material resources of studies; 5) choose a teacher, if the same subject is taught by several teachers; 6) propose a topic for their graduate paper or choose from among several proposed topics; 7) account for works by applying alternative ways, if they have a disability because of which they are unable to account for the works according to the set procedure and the alternative way of accounting ensures the achievement of the set objectives; 8) address the administration of a higher education institution so that the results of the studies in the same or any other Lithuanian or foreign higher education institution be recognized; 9) address the administration of a higher education institution, the dispute settlement commission regarding the violation of interests; 10) terminate and renew studies in accordance with the procedure laid down by the statute of a higher education institution; 11) take an academic leave of absence without losing the status of a student; 12) express their thoughts and views freely; 13) participate in the management bodies of a higher education institution; 14) elect a students’ representation and be elected to it, freely join other associations; 15) to exercise other rights laid down by laws, statutes of higher education institutions and other legal acts.
311. A student who fails an examination or a credit test shall have the right to retake this examination or credit test once free of charge in accordance with the procedure laid down by a higher education institution. Such a procedure must be adopted after the analysis of proposals made by a students’ representation.
312. Students must: 1) study diligently; 2) adhere to the Code of Academic Ethics adopted by a higher education institution; 3) observe this Law, the statute of a higher education institution, other legal acts and internal rules of procedure.
313. The procedure for awarding incentives and imposing disciplinary measures to students shall be laid down by a higher education institution upon the evaluation of proposals by a students’ representation.
314. The State shall create for a student who studies in the place other than the place of his permanent residence conditions to choose a personal healthcare institution and doctors in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Law on the Health System.
315. Citizens of the Republic of Lithuania who study in higher education institutions shall be provided with an opportunity to fulfil the initial mandatory military service in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Law on Military Conscription.
316. The head of a higher education institution or a person authorised by him must, upon receipt of students’ written applications, complaints or notifications concerning violations of their rights or lawful interests set out in this Law or other legal acts, examine them and reply in writing within a period of 15 calendar days.
317. A dispute settlement commission shall function in a higher education institution. This commission shall settle disputes of students and the administration or other employees related to research and study activities. The administration of a higher education institution and a students’ representation (if there is no students’ representation - a general meeting (conference) of students) shall each appoint an equal number of authorised persons to the dispute settlement commission. The statute of a higher education institution shall lay down the procedure for setting up a dispute settlement commission, settling disputes and implementing decisions. Article
318. Self-governance of students
319. Interests of students of a higher education institution shall be represented by a students’ representation. A students’ representation shall consist of students elected by a general meeting (conference) of students. A students’ representation shall act in compliance with the Law on Associations and other legal acts, unless otherwise provide for by this Law, as well as with the statue of a higher education institution and the statutes of the students’ representation, approved by a general meeting (conference) of students.
320. If there is no students’ representation in a higher education institution, students of the faculties of the higher education institution shall delegate to a general students’ meeting (conference) the representatives elected by the majority of votes cast in the general meetings (conferences) of the students of the faculties.
321. A general meeting (conference) of students shall be valid if attended by more than half of all the students (all the delegates). Decisions of a general meeting (conference) of students shall be deemed adopted if more than half of all the attending students (all the delegates)vote in favour of them.
322. The statutes of a students’ representation must define the procedure for delegating students to the management bodies of a higher education institution. Representatives of students shall have a decisive vote in activities of the management bodies
323. A students’ representation shall be entitled to receive information and explanations from a higher education institution and its units on all issues pertaining to studies.
324. A higher education institution shall, in accordance with the procedure laid down by the higher education institution council, support a students’ representation and other organizations of students, provide premises and funds to finance their activities, as well as provide funds for cultural, sports and public activities of students.
325. A students’ representation shall have the right to express its opinion on all issues which are of interest to students and to request, in accordance with the procedure laid down by the statute of a higher education institution, to reconsider the decision adopted by the management bodies of the higher education institution.
326. A students’ representation shall account for the funds appropriated by a higher education institution according to the procedure laid down by the statute of the higher education institution and the statutes of the students’ representative body. Article
327. Union(s) of representations of students of higher education institutions of Lithuania
328. Students’ representations of higher education institutions may unite into associations or other unions in the manner prescribed by the law.
329. Lithuanian students’ representations and their union(s) may participate in activities of international organizations of students.
330. A union(s) of representations of students of higher education institutions of Lithuania shall make proposals to the Seimas and the Government, organize joint events of the students from the entire country, coordinate activities of representations of students of higher education institutions.
331. Funds for activities of a union(s) of representations of students of higher education institutions of Lithuania shall be appropriated from the state budget. Article
332. Teaching staff
333. The positions of teaching staff of higher education institutions shall be as follows: professor, associate professor, lecturer, assistant.
334. A scientist or an established artist may hold the position of a professor. A scientist who holds the position of a professor must train scientists, teach students, conduct research and experimental (social, cultural) development and direct them, announce research results. An established artist who holds the position of a professor must train professional artists, teach students, participate in artistic activities and/or develop art research areas and direct them, announce research results.
335. A scientist or an established artist may hold the position of an associate professor. With the consent of the academic council, a person who has a considerable practical experience in the sphere of a specific subject (subjects) and a Master’s qualification degree or a higher education qualification equivalent to it may be accepted to the position of an associate professor in a college for a period of one year. A scientist who holds the position of an associate professor must teach students, conduct research and experimental (social, cultural) development, announce the results of this activity. An established artist who holds the position of an associate professor must train professional artists, teach students, participate in artistic activities.
336. A scientist or a person who has at least a Master’s qualification degree or a higher education degree equivalent to it may be a candidate for the position of a lecturer. A lecturer must teach students, perform methodological work.
337. A person who has at least a Master’s qualification degree or a higher education qualification equivalent to it may be a candidate for the position of an assistant. An assistant must direct practical training of students (practical work, practical trainings, placements, etc.), help in carrying out research and experimental (social, cultural) development work. The latter requirement shall not be mandatory to assistants of university art studies, as well as college assistants.
338. A higher education institution shall lay down qualification requirements of positions of teaching staff, which must be not lower than those established in paragraphs 2-5 of this Article, as well as the procedure for organizing competitions to fill the said positions and of the performance evaluation of teaching staff. Article
339. Research staff
340. The research staff of higher education and research institutions shall be researchers holding the position of chief research staff member, senior research staff member, research staff member, junior research staff member, as well as postdoctoral fellowship holders.
341. The position of a chief research staff member may be held by a scientist. A chief research staff member must train scientists, direct research and experimental (social, cultural) development, announce research results.
342. The position of a senior research staff member may be held by a scientist. A senior research staff member must direct research and experimental (social, cultural) development, announce research results.
343. The position of a research staff member may be held by a scientist. A research staff member must conduct research and experimental (social, cultural) development, announce the results of this activity.
344. The position of junior research staff member may be held by a person who has at least a Master’s qualification degree or a higher education degree equivalent to it. A junior research staff member must conduct or help conducting research and experimental (social, cultural) development works, prepare to enter doctoral studies.
345. The Research Council of Lithuania shall lay down the minimum qualification requirements for positions of research staff members, with the exception of the position of a postdoctoral grant holder.
346. The position of a postdoctoral fellowship holder in the institution other than the one in which a person has prepared a doctoral dissertation, may be held by that person, provided that he defended the doctoral dissertation not earlier than five years before the appointment to this position.
347. Higher education and research institutions shall lay down the qualification requirements for positions of researchers which must be not lower than the ones established in paragraphs 2-6 of this Article, with the exception of the position of a postdoctoral fellowship holder, and the procedure for organizing competitions to fill the said positions, with the exception of competitions to fill the position of a postdoctoral fellowship holder.
348. The Government shall lay down the qualification requirements for the position of a postdoctoral fellowship holder, the procedure of appointment to this position and funding of postdoctoral fellowships. Article
349. The administration and other employees
350. A higher education and research institution must have its own administration necessary for the performance of administrative functions of the institution and the units of the institution, as well as employees of the administration and other employees necessary for the implementation of the objectives of studies, research and experimental (social, cultural) development, as well as economic activities of the institution.
351. The administration shall consist of employees of higher education and research institutions, with the exception of the heads of the academic units of higher education institutions, which are included into the composition of other academic units, and the heads of the academic units of research institutes, who shall have the right to give orders within the limits of their competence to subordinate employees. Besides the administrative duties, they may carry out pedagogical and/or research work. An academic unit of a higher education and research institution shall be such a unit whose main activities are the carrying-out of studies and/or research and experimental (social, cultural) development.
352. The number of other employees of higher education and research institutions, their duties and functions shall be laid down by higher education and research institutions. Article
353. Visiting teachers and research workers
354. Higher education and research institutions may invite teachers and research workers to work under the fixed-duration employment contract for a period not exceeding two years.
355. The procedure of appointment to a position as prescribed in this Law shall not apply to visiting teachers and research workers. Article
356. Associate scientists
357. On the decision of the senate (academic council) of a higher education and research institution of Lithuania or the scientific council of a research institute of Lithuania the status of an associate scientist may be conferred upon a scientist who has worked in that institution and who has been maintaining scientific relations with the institution or institute, but who temporarily works elsewhere (not longer than until the expiry of the term of office).
358. With the consent of the senate (academic council) of a higher education institution or the scientific council of a research institute, an associate scientist may return to the previously held position without a competition and hold the said position until the expiry of the term of tenure. The term of tenure shall also include the periods during which the associate scientist worked elsewhere. Article
359. Professor emeritus
360. The senate (academic council) of a higher education institution may confer the title of a professor emeritus upon professors who have actively performed research and pedagogical work in the higher education institu