Spotlight on VET Lithuania : 2017

Vocational education and training (VET) in Lithuania is offered at lower secondary (ISCED 2), upper secondary (ISCED 3) and post-secondary education (ISCED 4) levels. To acquire a VET qualification, learners take a specified exam after which a VET diploma is awarded. VEToriented programmes in higher education lead to a professional bachelor degree (ISCED P-655); they are provided by colleges, a type of higher education institution. Lower secondary level VET programmes (two to three years, ISCED P 252 and 254) lead to qualifications at EQF level 2. They are open to learners over 14 and training is mandatory until the age of 16. Those without completed lower secondary education can study VET along with general education. At upper secondary level: (a) two- to three-year programmes (ISCED P-352) lead to a qualification at EQF level 3 but do not give access to higher education; (b) three-year programmes (ISCED P-354) lead to a VET qualification at EQF level 4 and a matura diploma giving access to higher education. To receive a matura diploma a learner must take at least two matura exams. Graduates who apply to higher education in the same field of studies are awarded additional entrance points.