Coming to study, but working instead? Lithuania plans changes for international students; universities urge against it: “Let us, professors, get rich from this”

“As the number of international students in Lithuanian higher education institutions continues to grow, the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport (ŠMSM) is calling for stricter selection and better integration processes, while the Migration Department has raised concerns regarding the use of student status primarily for employment purposes. Meanwhile, university representatives warn that overly stringent restrictions could undermine Lithuania’s competitiveness in attracting international talent.

Universities urge against placing limits on the recruitment of international students.

According to data from the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, as of October 1, international students accounted for more than 15% of the total student population in Lithuania. The largest groups come from Ukraine, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The Ministry proposes making Lithuanian language instruction mandatory for international students and, within its updated internationalization priorities, placing a greater emphasis on security and responsible admissions.

‘The percentage itself is not necessarily an indicator of risk. What is most important—regardless of the country a student comes from—is that the higher education institution ensures it selects students who are truly prepared,’ stated Giedrė Pačėsienė, Head of the Studies Division at the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, during a meeting of the Seimas Committee on Education and Science on Wednesday.” According to Indrė Gasperė, Director of the Migration Department, there are currently about 13,900 foreign nationals studying in Lithuania. Meanwhile, this year, 1,216 decisions have been made to revoke temporary residence permits issued to students—most notably those held by citizens of Pakistan (292) and Bangladesh (273). In 84.6% of these cases, the permits were revoked following the termination of the individuals' studies.

Migration issues are not a political spectacle: the lack of a strategy has created challenges.

"What matters most to us is that a foreign national arriving in the Republic of Lithuania remains here for the specific purpose for which they arrived," the Director of the Migration Department stated during the meeting.

The head of the Department also noted that approximately 80% of foreign students engage in independent economic activity (self-employment). Consequently, the Department is considering—in coordination with the Ministry of the Interior—placing restrictions on such activities if they interfere with the primary reason for the students' arrival: their studies.

"We have observed that educational institutions are even structuring their study processes with flexible arrangements, making it easier for foreign students to work while pursuing their education. Indeed, 80% of them are doing exactly that," she pointed out.

Tightening student selection

Alvidas Šarlauskas, a representative of the Lithuanian University Rectors' Conference, emphasized that foreign students contribute to the internationalization of universities, the image of Lithuania, and the national economy. He stated that higher education institutions are already tightening their selection processes, applying additional requirements, and limiting admissions from higher-risk countries. At the same time, he urged against imposing blanket restrictions that apply to everyone equally.

"We are certainly somewhat concerned about the issues that have arisen, and about the possibility of ending up in a situation where the balance begins to shift in an unfavorable direction," said A. Šarlauskas.

Artūras Vasiliauskas, Vice-Rector for Partnerships at Vilnius University, also advocated for maintaining openness to international talent. According to him, the university has tightened its assessment of English language proficiency and introduced additional requirements for students from certain countries; however, complex migration procedures hinder their arrival.

"Higher education cannot exist without internationalization—in this day and age, it is as essential as air," stated A. Vasiliauskas.

Rita Liepuonienė, Deputy Director for Studies at Vilnius University of Applied Sciences (Vilniaus kolegija), noted that as the number of international students has grown in recent years, higher education institutions have strengthened their selection procedures and their cooperation with the Migration Department.

"We take feedback very seriously, and the implementation of more rigorous selection processes has proven effective," she said.

R. Liepuonienė also pointed to the difficulties international students face regarding integration, stemming from their lack of proficiency in the Lithuanian language. According to her, student surveys have shown that this hinders social and academic adaptation; consequently, starting this year, Vilnius College has introduced a mandatory 10-credit Lithuanian language course.

"Students note that a lack of language proficiency hinders their integration and adaptation. For this reason—at least at Vilnius College—we have introduced a mandatory 10-credit Lithuanian language course, effective this year," stated R. Liepuonienė.

Student Union: Restrictions would make earning a living more difficult

Ieva Vengrovskaja, President of the Lithuanian Student Union, stated that the organization has received complaints from international students regarding potential discrimination during the higher education admissions process. According to her, some higher education institutions refuse to admit students based on their origin, while others demand upfront payment for the entire duration of their studies without guaranteeing a high-quality educational experience.

"Some higher education institutions have not only tightened their admissions processes but are, in fact, discriminating against students based on their origin—without explicitly stating so," she said.

I. Vengrovskaja also highlighted instances where international students are allegedly offered remote study programs, even though such programs are not accredited in Lithuania.

She also expressed opposition to potential restrictions on students' ability to work, emphasizing that for many of them, employment is essential for their livelihood. "Students don’t work just to gain experience; they work to survive. That is our current reality," said the president of the LSS (Lithuanian Students' Union).

According to her, the solution to these problems should not be sought by punishing students, but rather by reviewing the entire admissions and migration system.

"Why is the student to blame? The solution should not be sought through penalties, but through an overhaul of the entire system," urged I. Vengrovskaja.

Discussions regarding the admission and oversight of international students have intensified in the public sphere, raising questions about potential abuse of student status, migration control, and the responsibilities of higher education institutions.

Authorities are seeking ways to ensure that foreigners arriving in Lithuania genuinely intend to study; however, universities warn that overly strict restrictions could diminish the country's appeal to international students and talent.”