School system in Lithuania 

Lithuanian school education comprises of pre-school, primary, basic and secondary schools. Education is compulsory for children from the age of 6 until they turn 16. Education in municipal schools is free of charge. Most schools in Lithuania use Lithuanian as the language of instruction. However, there are schools which offer instruction in English, Polish, Russian, Belarusian, German or French. Some schools also implement bilingual education. 

Primary schools 

The primary education (known as pradinis ugdymas) program lasts four years and is designed for children aged 7 to 10.  Instead of traditional grades, students are assessed based on their individual progress and personal development using criteria-referenced evaluation. In national minority schools, children start learning Lithuanian language, from the second grade. 

Seondary schools 

Lower secondary education (known as pagrindinis ugdymas) starts in the fifth grade and continues until the tenth grade, designed for children aged 11 to 16.  Starting in the ninth grade, vocational schools can offer programs that combine lower secondary education with vocational training. At the end of the tenth grade, pupils take the Lower Secondary Achievement Test in Lithuanian and mathematics. Students in national minority schools also take a test in their native language. 

Upper secondary education (known as vidurinis ugdymas), which lasts for two years (eleventh and twelfth grades) and is designed for children aged 17 to 18. This stage is not mandatory. At the end, pupils take matriculation exams, with the Lithuanian language exam being mandatory for all. To obtain a secondary education diploma, you must pass at least two matriculation exams. For those seeking access to higher education, at least three matriculation exams are required. 

Education of pupils who come from foreign countries 

Children from foreign countries are welcomed into municipality schools across Lithuania. These children are entitled to receive an additional 30 percent funding on top of the regular student allocation provided by the state. Children who do not speak Lithuanian can attend a special leveling class to learn the language before starting general education school. After the adaptation period, pupils are integrated into general schools and continue education together with their peers. To support the integration of children from abroad, a network of schools has been established. This includes guidance for schools, methodological materials, workshops, and funding for teacher and pupil assistants. 

Enrollment to schools in Lithuania 

Each year, more municipalities are adopting electronic enrollment systems, allowing applications to be submitted online. To use this system, parents need to have e-banking credentials in Lithuania. If parents do not yet have e-banking credentials, they can contact either the municipality's Education Department or the school's administration for assistance with the enrollment process, depending on the municipality.  

 To enroll in a school, you will need the following documents: 

• Application form 
• Translated document certifying learning achievements 
• Annual medical check-up certificate 
• Any additional documents specified by the school's admission requirements (each school may have its own specific requirements). 

The school you choose will assess the curriculum your child completed abroad. After you submit documents proving your child's attendance at foreign schools, the school commission will determine which part of the Lithuanian curriculum it matches.  

International schools in Lithuania 

In Lithuania, schools, both private and public, offer advanced English language education at places like Vilnius International School or the British School of Vilnius. The French International Lyceum of Vilnius is a choice for students interested in French education. Ethnic minority schools provide instruction in Russian, Polish, or Belarusian, often with bilingual programs. 

Admission may be carried out throughout the school year, but each school sets its own procedures. For specific questions, such as required documents, admission dates and deadlines, and proof of residence, you should contact the school directly.