Representatives of the Conference of Directors of Lithuanian Higher Education Institutions (LKDK) met with members of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Science to conduct an in-depth discussion on the binary higher education system. The meeting addressed funding disparities between higher education institutions and universities, challenges related to student migration, preparation of specialists for the labour market, and measures to strengthen the internationalization of higher education.
Committee members and higher education institution leaders emphasized the importance of aligning education with labor market needs. LKDK highlighted that practice-oriented studies should cater to both national and regional economic demands.
A key topic of discussion was the uneven distribution of funding between higher education institutions and universities. Participants stressed the need to find solutions that would ensure balanced financing across the higher education sector while fostering growth and quality improvements for all institutions.
“The meeting was dynamic and productive. We introduced the Committee members to the current challenges faced by the higher education sector and discussed the pressing issue of amending the Law on Science and Studies. This amendment would allow higher education institutions to develop joint study programs with universities. We agreed to continue our active cooperation and discussions in the future,” summarized LKDK President and Director of the Lietuvos Inžinerijos Kolegija Higher Education Institution, Lina Girdauskienė.
The discussion also covered migration challenges related to attracting and integrating international students into the Lithuanian labor market. Participants emphasized the need for a well-structured national migration policy to make Lithuania more attractive to foreign students. Additionally, significant attention was given to the possibility of introducing professional master’s and doctoral programs at higher education institutions. This initiative aims to provide higher-level qualifications for practical specialists and strengthen the position of higher education institutions within the higher education system, following international best practices.
Furthermore, within the framework of higher education internationalization strategies, discussions focused on enhancing collaboration between Lithuanian higher education institutions and foreign partners, expanding academic exchange opportunities, and adopting innovative international teaching methods.