FAQ
Do Vilnius University departments cooperate with Russian and Belarusian universities?
No. After Russia started the war against Ukraine, Vilnius University terminated cooperation with Russian and Belarusian universities.
Will I be expelled from the university if I am a Russian citizen?
Vilnius University condemns Russia's military aggression in Ukraine but will never impose sanctions regarding the nationality of students or teachers, and they will not be expelled from the university. The VU administration and the academic community also emphasize that the military aggression perpetrated by the Russian authorities against the independent state of Ukraine should not become a reason to discriminate, insult, or otherwise despise Russian citizens. More about VU's position read here.
Where can I ask for help in Lithuania?
After Russia started the war against Ukraine, help was needed for the Ukrainians left in the country and those fleeing the aggressor's attacks. Therefore, all Ukrainians can apply for the necessary assistance in Lithuania.
Humanitarian aid line: +370 684 98 688 (24 hours a day, LT, EN, RU)
Accommodation hotline: +370 677 22 222, 1827 (24 hours a day)
Migration hotline: +370 5 271 7112 (every day from 7.30 to 21.00)
See the Jesuit page for more information.
How can I get counseling and psychological help?
Vilnius University psychologists are ready to provide various psychological assistance to members of the community: to counsel students affected by the war in Ukraine, to organize regular meetings of student self-help groups, to inform teachers how to talk to students about their emotions about the war in Ukraine, and so on. You can find more information in the Psychological Support section.
Psychologists at Vilnius University also urge people not to give in to the emotions overwhelmed by reading scandalous headlines but to delve deeper into the content of the message, check the sources, and not engage in unnecessary disputes.
How can I support Ukraine?
The administration of Vilnius University and various departments invite the community to contribute to the support of Ukraine. How to do it can be found here. Donations on the VU Foundation website can support the Ukrainian academic community. The money donated will reach those members of the academic community in Ukraine who need it most.
I am a Ukrainian citizen studying at VU. What should I know about continuing my studies?
Ukrainian citizens who are already studying at the University of Vilnius and facing financial difficulties can apply for a one-time social scholarship. You can find out more about it here.
For more information, PhD students should contact by email . The doctoral studies department of the university will deal with each case individually.
Citizens of Ukraine who are already studying at the University of Vilnius may also request a postponement of the date of payment of the tuition fee, but not longer than 31 August. An application “for deferment of tuition fees” must be submitted in the VU study information system (is.vu.lt).
I am a Ukrainian citizen who wants to study at VU. What are my options?
You can find out more about the opportunities to study at Vilnius University here.
What to do for students and their families who leave Ukraine due to war if they need health care?
Vilnius City Municipality provides detailed information on the conditions of provision of health care services to Ukrainian citizens, their family members, and stateless persons who have left the country due to the military actions of the Russian Federation. All information can be found here.
Under what conditions can I work while studying?
Yes, you have the right to work no more than 20 hours per week during your studies, save for the Summer holiday or internship period determined by the education institution or science and studies institution. The restriction on working hours does not apply to foreigners studying for a master's or doctoral degree and foreigners who have completed their studies or training in Lithuania during the period of validity of the temporary residence permit. More information about it is here.
In addition, given the deteriorating situation in Ukraine, the Lithuanian Employment Service, in coordination with municipalities, other institutions, social partners, and potential employers, is intensively preparing to accept the citizens of Ukraine who had to leave the country due to the war. You can register and consult about employment possibilities at the Employment Service tel. 1883 or email: . Information in Ukrainian can be found on the website of the Employment Service.
Under what conditions are victims of the war in Ukraine provided free public transport?
The following cities provide free access to public transport for Ukraine refugees:
- Vilnius. Ukrainians will only have to present their identity documents to the controllers, but they will not need any tickets or other documents. Public transport in the capital will also be free of charge for foreigners who have resided legally in Ukraine but left the country due to the war and arrived in Vilnius. It will also be possible to visit the municipality-owned museums free of charge with a Ukrainian passport. More information here.
- Šiauliai. For a free city bus ticket, call +370 698 01155. More information here.
- Kaunas. Kaunas city-issued free Kaunas city public transport electronic ticket cards supplemented with 365-day tickets for Kaunas city public transport buses and trolleybuses. For ticket booking, please call: +370 674 96 831, email: . More information here.
How can Ukrainian war refugees arriving in Lithuania be vaccinated from COVID-19?
Ukrainian war refugees arriving in Lithuania are provided with the most favorable conditions for vaccination against COVID-19. Anyone wishing to be vaccinated must call the short number 1808 (calling from the non-Lithuanian number +370 66 01 1808) and register. More information can be found here.
How to order a Lithuanian Student Identity Card (LSIC)?
Ukrainian students coming to study at Vilnius University can obtain a Lithuanian Student Identity Card (LSIC). LSIC – document proving the status of the student, certifying a person’s identity, indicating the form of studies and providing discounts on the public transport, other benefits and services.
You can get acquainted with the guide that explains the whole process of how to get the LSIC here: LSIC_information_for_Ukrainian_students.docx.pdf
How can I apply for food stamps in Lithuania?
The charity Maisto Bankas will provide food bank cards worth 115 euros to Ukrainian war refugees who lack food, with which you will be able to buy food in one of the Lithuanian retail chains. The cards will be issued to people who came to Lithuania and registered no earlier than 2022 on February 24.
More information in Ukrainian and registration here.