Molecular Biology
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Molecular Biology

The programme offers the opportunity to become a highly qualified professional who develops and implements innovations in the life sciences and technology fields. The aim of the studies is to train competent specialists who are able to work independently in life sciences and technologies across the academic, business, and public sectors. Graduates of the programme gain in-depth knowledge of molecular biology and are able to analyze and evaluate both scientific and applied information. They develop and implement advanced solutions and effectively address challenges in biotechnology and biomedicine.

Molecular Biology

The programme offers the opportunity to become a highly qualified professional who develops and implements innovations in the life sciences and technology fields. The aim of the studies is to train competent specialists who are able to work independently in life sciences and technologies across the academic, business, and public sectors. Graduates of the programme gain in-depth knowledge of molecular biology and are able to analyze and evaluate both scientific and applied information. They develop and implement advanced solutions and effectively address challenges in biotechnology and biomedicine.

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In Molecular Biology studies, most courses are elective, allowing you to build an individual study plan. You can deepen your knowledge in a wide range of molecular biology fields—from structural biology, microbial genetics, immunotechnologies and cell technologies to molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis and systems biology. You can also gain knowledge in management, data analysis, and scientific writing. The programme introduces advanced methods for studying molecular processes and cells, with a strong emphasis on the practical application of knowledge. It develops data analysis skills and critical thinking.

  • Molecular biologists have a strong understanding of the structure and functions of cells in various organisms at the molecular level, as well as modern molecular cell biology research methods and their applications. They understand the structural features of cellular macromolecules, the methods used to study them, and the possibilities for applying this knowledge. They view the cell as an integrated system, know how it is investigated, and understand the key molecular processes that determine the emergence and progression of pathological conditions. Molecular biologists work independently and in teams in academic, business, and public institutions. They identify their scientific and professional interests within the context of modern life sciences development, continuously improve and update their knowledge and skills, and pursue ongoing professional growth.
Entry qualification

Undergraduate diploma (or higher)

N. B. for non-EU/EFTA applicants: the gap since your completed Bachelor degree should not exceed five years.

Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in one of the following life sciences groups: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, and Biotechnology.

Applicants must have carried-out an experimental research work for a bachelor’s thesis in Molecular Biology or related sciences.

At least 30 ECTS credits (equivalent of not less than 5-7 subjects) during Bachelor studies should be dedicated to the studies of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Genetics.
The applicant should have studied each of the subjects (Molecular biology, Cell biology, Biochemistry and Genetics).

Applicants with an overall grade average of at least 70% are eligible for admission.

Applicant that fulfils all the requirements will be invited for a Motivational interview.

The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English / Lithuanian.

Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original.

Translation is considered to be official when it is bound together with the certified true copy of the original document and is confirmed by the translator’s signature. Documents issued in English, Lithuanian must be certified true copies and do not require translation.

It is required that you send verified copies of the entry qualification documents directly to the university by postal mail. Important! Never send original documents by post!

Language requirements

English

The following language certificates are accepted for study programmes taught in English: IELTS Academic 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 81+, Cambridge English Exam 176+, Pearson PTE Academic 59+, LanguageCert IESOL B2, Duolingo English Test 120+, Password Skills Plus 6.5+ or another language proficiency certificate equivalent to B2 CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

If your first language is English and/or if you have a university degree in English, you will be exempt from providing an English language test score.

Other requirements

A motivation letter must be added to your application.

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Find your programme

When choosing a study programme, consider whether the subjects match your interests and strengths, as this will keep you motivated. You should also think about career opportunities, costs, and whether the programme fits your long-term goals.

Keep in mind that each applicant can choose up to three study programmes in one application, but you can only get admitted to one programme.

Check the application dates

For international applicants: 
1 May | for applicants from non-EU/EFTA countries 
1 July | for applicants who are citizens of EU/EFTA countries and for non-EU/EFTA applicants with a 90-day visa-free period that has not yet been exceeded.
The academic year always begins on 1 September.

Our International admissions have one intake per academic year. You can only submit your application during the application period.  

The application dates may differ if you are applying for a programme taught in Lithuanian or if you are eligible to apply for state-funded places.

Check your eligibility and prepare the necessary documents

In order to apply to Vilnius University, you must meet the general and programme-specific admission requirements, as well as the language proficiency requirements. In certain cases, specific territorial requirements may also apply. You can find all the specific requirements for this programme in the 'Admissions requirements' section.

For applicants from non-EU and non-EFTA countries, the period between obtaining your most recent secondary or higher education qualification and submitting your application may not exceed 5 years.

 

Pay the application fee and submit your application

The application to the international bachelor's or integrated studies degree programmes must be submitted on apply.vu.lt

The application fee is 100 EUR per application. The invoice is paid after adding the programmes to the application. Application fee payments are accepted only through the Flywire payment platform.

An online application will be processed only after the application fee is collected and the application is submitted with all the required documents. All documents must be submitted before the application submission deadline; otherwise, the application is terminated.

Please note: The application fee is non-refundable. Be sure to read the admission requirements and deadlines carefully before applying, as fees cannot be refunded if you are found ineligible or miss a deadline.

Take the interview

Applicant that fulfils all the requirements will be invited for a Motivational interview.

Confirm the acceptance and pay the tuition fee

Your application will be assessed within 30 calendar days from the date all required documents are submitted (this period may be extended in specific cases).

Acceptance letters or rejection notifications will be sent via the online application system https://apply.vu.lt.

Students are obliged to confirm if they accept the study offer within 7 working days.

Students who are citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area countries and of other foreign countries, admitted to non-state-funded places in the first year of first-cycle and second-cycle studies through the University’s foreign student application system, must pay the annual tuition fee within 15 calendar days from the date of the offer to study.

Description of the Procedure of Payment, Reimbursement, and Recovery of Tuition Fees at Vilnius University 

The information about the tuition fee refund policy  

After the student pays the tuition fee, he receives the final acceptance letter. Then our International Relations Office provides the necessary information related to obtaining a temporary residence permit in Lithuania and sends a mediation letter to the student by e-mail (for non-EU citizens).

Arrange your arrival

Things to consider:

  • All international students have to apply for a visa, temporary residence permit or certificate of temporary residence in the Republic of Lithuania depending on their citizenship and the length of their studies at Vilnius University. 
  • If you require accommodation, you may apply for a dormitory via the application platform at apply.vu.lt. The task for accommodation appears after the tuition fee is paid and the final acceptance letter is received. 
  • More information about the start of your studies here.
Tuition fee

Students who are citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area countries and of other foreign countries, admitted to non-state-funded places in the first year of first-cycle and second-cycle studies through the University’s foreign student application system, must pay the annual tuition fee within 15 calendar days from the date of the offer to study.

After the student pays the tuition fee, he receives the final acceptance letter. Then our International Relations Office provides the necessary information related to obtaining a temporary residence permit in Lithuania and sends a mediation letter to the student by e-mail (for non-EU citizens).

Application fee

The application fee is €100 per application. Each applicant can choose up to three programmes within one application. 
Online applications will only be processed once the application fee has been paid. 

Please note that the application fee is non-refundable. Make sure you read the admission requirements and deadlines carefully before submitting your application, as the fee cannot be refunded if you are found to be ineligible or miss a deadline. 

In Molecular Biology studies, most courses are elective, allowing you to build an individual study plan. You can deepen your knowledge in a wide range of molecular biology fields—from structural biology, microbial genetics, immunotechnologies and cell technologies to molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis and systems biology. You can also gain knowledge in management, data analysis, and scientific writing. The programme introduces advanced methods for studying molecular processes and cells, with a strong emphasis on the practical application of knowledge. It develops data analysis skills and critical thinking.

  • Molecular biologists have a strong understanding of the structure and functions of cells in various organisms at the molecular level, as well as modern molecular cell biology research methods and their applications. They understand the structural features of cellular macromolecules, the methods used to study them, and the possibilities for applying this knowledge. They view the cell as an integrated system, know how it is investigated, and understand the key molecular processes that determine the emergence and progression of pathological conditions. Molecular biologists work independently and in teams in academic, business, and public institutions. They identify their scientific and professional interests within the context of modern life sciences development, continuously improve and update their knowledge and skills, and pursue ongoing professional growth.
Entry qualification

Undergraduate diploma (or higher)

N. B. for non-EU/EFTA applicants: the gap since your completed Bachelor degree should not exceed five years.

Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in one of the following life sciences groups: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, and Biotechnology.

Applicants must have carried-out an experimental research work for a bachelor’s thesis in Molecular Biology or related sciences.

At least 30 ECTS credits (equivalent of not less than 5-7 subjects) during Bachelor studies should be dedicated to the studies of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Genetics.
The applicant should have studied each of the subjects (Molecular biology, Cell biology, Biochemistry and Genetics).

Applicants with an overall grade average of at least 70% are eligible for admission.

Applicant that fulfils all the requirements will be invited for a Motivational interview.

The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English / Lithuanian.

Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original.

Translation is considered to be official when it is bound together with the certified true copy of the original document and is confirmed by the translator’s signature. Documents issued in English, Lithuanian must be certified true copies and do not require translation.

It is required that you send verified copies of the entry qualification documents directly to the university by postal mail. Important! Never send original documents by post!

Language requirements

English

The following language certificates are accepted for study programmes taught in English: IELTS Academic 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 81+, Cambridge English Exam 176+, Pearson PTE Academic 59+, LanguageCert IESOL B2, Duolingo English Test 120+, Password Skills Plus 6.5+ or another language proficiency certificate equivalent to B2 CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

If your first language is English and/or if you have a university degree in English, you will be exempt from providing an English language test score.

Other requirements

A motivation letter must be added to your application.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Find your programme

When choosing a study programme, consider whether the subjects match your interests and strengths, as this will keep you motivated. You should also think about career opportunities, costs, and whether the programme fits your long-term goals.

Keep in mind that each applicant can choose up to three study programmes in one application, but you can only get admitted to one programme.

Check the application dates

For international applicants: 
1 May | for applicants from non-EU/EFTA countries 
1 July | for applicants who are citizens of EU/EFTA countries and for non-EU/EFTA applicants with a 90-day visa-free period that has not yet been exceeded.
The academic year always begins on 1 September.

Our International admissions have one intake per academic year. You can only submit your application during the application period.  

The application dates may differ if you are applying for a programme taught in Lithuanian or if you are eligible to apply for state-funded places.

Check your eligibility and prepare the necessary documents

In order to apply to Vilnius University, you must meet the general and programme-specific admission requirements, as well as the language proficiency requirements. In certain cases, specific territorial requirements may also apply. You can find all the specific requirements for this programme in the 'Admissions requirements' section.

For applicants from non-EU and non-EFTA countries, the period between obtaining your most recent secondary or higher education qualification and submitting your application may not exceed 5 years.

 

Pay the application fee and submit your application

The application to the international bachelor's or integrated studies degree programmes must be submitted on apply.vu.lt

The application fee is 100 EUR per application. The invoice is paid after adding the programmes to the application. Application fee payments are accepted only through the Flywire payment platform.

An online application will be processed only after the application fee is collected and the application is submitted with all the required documents. All documents must be submitted before the application submission deadline; otherwise, the application is terminated.

Please note: The application fee is non-refundable. Be sure to read the admission requirements and deadlines carefully before applying, as fees cannot be refunded if you are found ineligible or miss a deadline.

Take the interview

Applicant that fulfils all the requirements will be invited for a Motivational interview.

Confirm the acceptance and pay the tuition fee

Your application will be assessed within 30 calendar days from the date all required documents are submitted (this period may be extended in specific cases).

Acceptance letters or rejection notifications will be sent via the online application system https://apply.vu.lt.

Students are obliged to confirm if they accept the study offer within 7 working days.

Students who are citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area countries and of other foreign countries, admitted to non-state-funded places in the first year of first-cycle and second-cycle studies through the University’s foreign student application system, must pay the annual tuition fee within 15 calendar days from the date of the offer to study.

Description of the Procedure of Payment, Reimbursement, and Recovery of Tuition Fees at Vilnius University 

The information about the tuition fee refund policy  

After the student pays the tuition fee, he receives the final acceptance letter. Then our International Relations Office provides the necessary information related to obtaining a temporary residence permit in Lithuania and sends a mediation letter to the student by e-mail (for non-EU citizens).

Arrange your arrival

Things to consider:

  • All international students have to apply for a visa, temporary residence permit or certificate of temporary residence in the Republic of Lithuania depending on their citizenship and the length of their studies at Vilnius University. 
  • If you require accommodation, you may apply for a dormitory via the application platform at apply.vu.lt. The task for accommodation appears after the tuition fee is paid and the final acceptance letter is received. 
  • More information about the start of your studies here.
Tuition fee

Students who are citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area countries and of other foreign countries, admitted to non-state-funded places in the first year of first-cycle and second-cycle studies through the University’s foreign student application system, must pay the annual tuition fee within 15 calendar days from the date of the offer to study.

After the student pays the tuition fee, he receives the final acceptance letter. Then our International Relations Office provides the necessary information related to obtaining a temporary residence permit in Lithuania and sends a mediation letter to the student by e-mail (for non-EU citizens).

Application fee

The application fee is €100 per application. Each applicant can choose up to three programmes within one application. 
Online applications will only be processed once the application fee has been paid. 

Please note that the application fee is non-refundable. Make sure you read the admission requirements and deadlines carefully before submitting your application, as the fee cannot be refunded if you are found to be ineligible or miss a deadline. 

M_GMC_Molekulinė_biologija_III.jpg

Career prospects

Molecular biology specialists can work in various life sciences companies and institutions, conducting scientific and applied research. They may also pursue an academic career in research and educational institutions, or work in various government agencies in the public sector.

Research and development (R&D) manager / researcher / technologist / molecular diagnostics analyst or specialist / academic staff: lecturer, instructor or scientist / civil servant

Chat with VU students

If you need more information or personalised advice, choose a VU Ambassador from your home country or the desired study programme and submit your question using the form below. You can expect to hear back from us within 2–3 working days.

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