Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy is the biggest institution of higher education located in Northern Lithuania and counting more than 70 years of educational experience.
History
The beginning of higher education in Šiauliai is considered to be since 1948 when Teacher Institute was established which soon became to be titled Šiauliai Pedagogical Institute. In 1997 Šiauliai Pedagogical Institute has been merged with a faculty of Kaunas Technological University, acting in Šiauliai town, and contemporary Šiauliai University began its activity as an independent higher education school. During last years overall high school made its important contribution to the educational and scientific field of Northern Lithuania and allowed to mobilize strong intellectual potential of scientists and teachers. As of 1 January 2021, Šiauliai University becomes a sui generis core academic unit of Vilnius University — Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy!
3 academic institutes act in Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy at the moment:
- Institute of Education,
- Institute of Regional Development
- Lifelong Learning Center
Academy also has its own modern Library, Botanical Garden, STEAM center where academic community, city dwellers and guests are welcome.
Studies
Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy is suggesting study programmes for Full or Part-time studies in the fields of Humanities, Informatics, Engineering, Mathematics, Social, Educational, Life Sciences, Business and Public Management. Three levels of studies are being implemented in Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy: Bachelor‘s degree (first cycle), Master‘s degree (second cycle) and Doctoral degree (third cycle). University carries out also the studies of Continuing Education, Non-Formal Public Education Programs, Supplementary Studies for the Graduates of the Colleges who intend to study for a Master's degree.
This high school is being known as the Center of Educational studies of wide-raging teachers training.
University is being recognized also for the preparation of the competent public administration specialists who take part in the local government institutions after their graduation. Moreover, many linguists, historians, science or business administration professionals, economists, engineers, programmers and other specialists realize their knowledge in the regional and national companies and organizations after their studies.
Social partnership and international activity
Academy is being successfully involved in the local, national and international projects, implementing exchange of academic staff and students, cooperates closely with regional and national companies, organizations, business partners. Academy scientists implement applied scientific research according to individual demand of regional and national companies and organizations. Cooperation with social partners has an important positive impact for region's NGO sector and local communities.
The researchers and the staff are running and have participated in such international projects as VI and VII Framework, ERASMUS+, EUREKA, EQUAL, INTERREG, LAT-LIT, EU Structural funds and other EC projects.
Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy over 200 agreements with foreign higher education institutions (HEI) from 50 countries all over the world. University successfully participates in various activities of ERASMUS+ programmes: exchange of students and lecturers, ECTS adjustment, intensive programmes and European networks.
Students' Organizations
ESN 'Erasmus Student Network', the Students' Representation.