Medicine

Programme structure

Please note that certain changes in programme are possible.

In the first 2 years, basic medical science is taught as a series of courses organised into four concurrent themes: molecular/cellular aspects of medicine; human structure and functions; healthcare in the community; and early clinical and professional development. The integration of science and clinical practice starts at the beginning of the courses. Through a series of lectures, seminars and visits to general practices and hospitals, you will become familiar with patient contact and learn the principles of taking the clinical history and examinations. Student-selected components allow for the study of specific topics in depth. Following this, you will move into the clinical phase, where you will rotate through a series of placements at major teaching trusts throughout the region and community.

*There are three State Graduation Exams for the Medicine study programme: Surgery; Internal Medicine; and Women and Children’s Diseases.

Please note: An internship is integrated into the curriculum of the Medicine study programme and is an obligatory step. However, students are free to choose where to complete the internship – in Lithuania or in other countries. Those who are willing to complete their internships in Lithuania must have at least a B1 level in the Lithuanian language. A B1 level in the Lithuanian language is also required when applying for a licence as a health care professional. The Lithuanian Language course is an optional course in the Medicine/Dentistry study programme, and is available for all who choose it.

Important information regarding the Lithuanian Language course during the study programme:

• VU Faculty of Medicine offers students a Lithuanian Language course FREE OF CHARGE
• A B1 level of Lithuanian language is achieved after four semesters of attendance
• One semester course is 2.5 ECTS credits
• A student shall attend the classes two times per week

Why taking the Lithuanian Language course is important:

• During the clinical courses, it is necessary to communicate with patients. Knowing the language eases communication and considerably helps in the learning process.
• It is easier to obtain licensing in one’s country of choice. After graduating from the integrated Medicine study course, and having a B1 level of the Lithuanian language, graduates may apply for a doctor’s medical practice licence according to the Law on Medical Practice of the Republic of Lithuania. That means graduates can obtain the licences issued in Lithuania. Later on, they could start a practice in Lithuania or in another country where the LT licence is valid, or it might help them to obtain a licence in that country faster and easier. Applying for licences in Lithuania is not mandatory, but it might shorten the procedure and the time required to obtain a licence in another country.

Key Learning Outcomes

A Medical Doctor possesses skills in using the main clinical methods, including taking and writing a detailed medical case history, performing a physical examination and an assessment of the patient’s mental status, interpreting a patient’s case history results, performing physical, laboratory and instrumental examinations, identifying a patient’s problems, and determining a preliminary diagnosis, assessment and treatment plan. He/she also possesses the main clinical skills including those relating to basic and advanced life support, venous punctures, as well as scientific research, communication, professional ethics and informational technology skills.

Specific Programme Requirements

The applicants must satisfy the following requirements to be considered for admission:

• The applicant must take an entrance examination. The examination is conducted online on the following dates: January 18, 2024, 14:00 (EET, UTC+2) / February 22, 2024, (EET, UTC+2), March 21, 2024, (EET, UTC+2), April 18, 2024, 14:00 (EEST, UTC+3) / May 23, 2024, 14:00 (EEST, UTC+3) / June 20, 2024, 14:00 (EEST, UTC+3) IMPORTANT! Last examination for non-EU/EFTA citizens is May 23, 2024!
• An applicant must register for the examination and choose a suitable date. The registration form is available here. You will find further information regarding the examination here. An applicant can take an examination only once per one application period.
• Entrance examination fee: 200 EUR. IMPORTANT! Entrance examination fee must be paid at least 48h prior to the examination time and is not refundable!
• If the applicant has passed the following examinations no earlier than during the 2nd year before admission, the applicant may apply without taking the entrance examination, but must submit the results of one of the following tests (the results of tests remain valid for 2 years).

• If the applicant has one of the following school qualifications he/she may apply without taking the entrance examination:

• Applicants must have completed the Biology subject at school. The Natural Sciences subject is considered to be equivalent to the Biology subject. The entrance examination is mandatory.
• If the applicant has graduated in Biomedicine/Life Sciences/Health Sciences and has a diploma, he/she may have completed either the Biology or Chemistry/Physics subject at school. However, it is mandatory to provide documents about the education acquired in the field of Biomedicine/Life Sciences/Health Sciences. In such a case, MF will assess whether the applicant must additionally pass the entrance examination.
• If the applicant has completed Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics subjects, it shall be considered to be an advantage.
• Applicants who take the entrance examination shall not be required to submit additional documents proving their English proficiency level, as the examination is conducted in English.
• Due to the differences in the education systems of different countries, the University reserves the right to individually assess the suitability of an applicant for the study programme if he/she does not meet all of the listed criteria.
• IMPORTANT! All students studying either Medicine or Dentistry study pogramme will be required to take the Lithuanian Language course for 6 consecutive semesters. The Lithuanian Language course will be included in the schedule but will not be additionally charged. Students will be required to reach at least B1 level by the end of the course and obtain a certificate. Without the certificate students will not be allowed to continue their studies.
• Alternatively, a student can submit a nationally acknowledged certificate proving B1 level in Lithuanian language, such tests are offered by by National Agency for Education. 
• An applicant who is a Lithuanian citizen can apply for programmes taught in English, however, if admitted he/she will be required to continue the studies in English track until graduation with no possibility to transfer to a similar programme taught in Lithuanian. If an applicant is interested in programmes taught in Lithuanian language, he/she must apply via LAMA BPO platform.

In addition, all applicants have to fulfil the general admission requirements.

For Transferring Students

For further information regarding the possibility to transfer to Medicine/Dentistry study programmes please visit VU MF website.