Vocational training for foreign nationals to be provided in Lithuanian or bilingually
From the new academic year, vocational education and training institutions will no longer provide instruction exclusively in foreign languages. To support faster and more successful integration into Lithuania’s labour market, foreign nationals seeking to acquire a vocational qualification will study in Lithuanian. During the training period, bilingual instruction - in Lithuanian and another language - may also be provided until the learner reaches the level of Lithuanian proficiency required for professional activities.
Minister of Education, Science and Sport Raminta Popovienė has approved the procedure governing the organisation of bilingual instruction. Bilingual vocational training was also introduced into the Law on Vocational Education and Training this year.
“Immigration trends and changes in the labour market are driving growing demand among foreign nationals to acquire vocational qualifications in Lithuania. We have seen cases where vocational training providers, adapting to the needs of foreign learners, organise training in a foreign language. By creating better opportunities for foreign nationals to study in Lithuanian, we are helping them integrate more smoothly into both the labour market and Lithuanian society,” says Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sport Rolandas Zuoza.
Vocational training delivered either entirely in Lithuanian or bilingually will be available not only to foreign nationals seeking to acquire their first vocational qualification, but also to those enrolled in continuing vocational training programmes, i.e. those seeking to further develop their existing qualification or acquire an additional one.
Since January 2026, stricter state-language requirements are being applied to foreign nationals working in the service sector and selling goods. They are required to provide services to the public in the state language at no lower than the basic level of language proficiency.