Proposal to provide vocational education and training in Lithuanian for foreigners from next year

To promote faster and more successful integration of foreigners into the Lithuanian labour market, the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport proposes to ensure that the first professional qualification is obtained by studying only in Lithuanian. Foreign students who do not speak Lithuanian would be provided with the opportunity to receive bilingual education (in Lithuanian and another language) during the transition period, and to receive further assistance to ensure that vocational training is conducted in Lithuanian until the qualification is awarded.

These changes are envisaged for the Law on Vocational Education and Training and were approved by the Government today. The draft has been submitted to the Parliament for consideration.

“Immigration processes and changes in the labour market lead to an increase in the number of newcomers to Lithuania. There are cases where vocational training providers organise vocational education and training in a foreign language to adapt to the needs of foreign students. By providing better opportunities for foreigners to study in Lithuanian, we would encourage their smoother integration into the labour market and our society,” says Raminta Popovienė, Minister of Education, Science and Sport.

From 2026, the national language requirements for foreigners working in the service sector and in the sales sector will be stricter, therefore, according to the Minister, vocational education and training in the Lithuanian language would also reflect these changes.

For foreigners studying in continuing vocational education and training programmes (i.e. to upgrade their first qualification or to acquire additional qualifications), vocational training could be provided in Lithuanian or through bilingual teaching.

Nearly 800 foreigners are working towards their first qualification in Lithuania in the academic year 2025-2026.

Last updated: 13-11-2025

Related news:

Lithuania to chair the European Schools system for the first time

Further direction for the European Universities Initiative discussed in Brussels

Minister Popovienė attended the meeting of the Lithuanian and Ukrainian Governments

Lithuania in the Competitiveness Council: from science diplomacy to the future of Horizon Europe

Call for nominations for the Lithuanian Education Teacher/Lecturer Award