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Vilnius University


EduCativ

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Welcome to Vilnius University – the oldest and largest Lithuanian higher education institution. Since its establishment in the 16th century, Vilnius University, as an integral part of European science and culture, has embodied the concept­ of a classical university and the unity of studies and research.
Vilnius University is an active participant in international scientific and academic activities and boasts many prominent scientists, professors, and graduates. Scientific development and the expanding relations with global research centers have contributed to various research and studies at Vilnius University.
With social partners' support, the University educates globally-minded specialists who successfully integrate into the modern European community.
Us University is a classical university with over 430 years of academic traditions and the broadest range of study programs in Lithuania. The University offers an academic environment focused on excellence in research and teaching.
Vilnius University is 1st in Lithuania, according to a national ranking. It is the most popular and most acknowledged higher education establishment among Lithuani­an secondary school graduates. Vilnius University is among 1,5 percent top universities in the world according to the QS World University Ranking.
The mission of Vilnius University is to create, accumulate, and disseminate knowledge by ensuring continuity of authentic university culture distinguished by the atmosphere where old traditions and new ideas enrich each other.
Freedom of thought and diversity of opinions are the central values of the University community. A unity of research and studies is the core principle of the overall activity of the University.
The University should distinguish itself by a broad spectrum of fundamental and applied research. It should seek to assume the leading position among other Lithuanian institutions in all research areas essential to the very nature of a comprehensive University and set itself the goal of international excellence in interdisciplinary research. The University should be committed to opening the doors and providing universal education for the most talented young people from all Lithuania districts and educating active and responsible specialists who demonstrate the need to expand their knowledge and improve professionally and who can learn throughout their lifetime. The University should seek that the quality of all forms of studies conforms to the modern culture and technologies and pertains to the needs of the state and society.
The University of Vilnius, one of the oldest and most famous establishments of higher education in Eastern and Central Europe, was founded in 1579. Functioning for a long time as the only school of higher learning in Lithuania, it was a preserver of cultural and scientific traditions. It played a significant part in the cultural life of Lithuania and the neighboring countries as well. During more than four centuries of its existence, the University of Vilnius has seen periods of growth and decline, revival, and closure. The University is a unique witness to the history of the Lithuanian state.
In 1579, King Stephen Bathory's charter transformed the Jesuit college, founded in 1570, into higher education, Academia et Universitas Vilnensis Societatis Jesu, the transformation being confirmed by Pope Gregory XIII. Although being away from other European cultural centers, the University equaled other famous European Universities and had outstanding professors and students, some of who were: the poet Mathias Casimir Sarbievius the famous professor of rhetoric and philosophy Žygimantas Liauksminas, the author of the first history of Lithuania Albertas Vijūkas-Kojelavičius professor Martin Smiglecki, whose book "Logics" was very popular in the United Kingdom and France, and many others. The first book in the Lithuanian language on the Great Duchy of Lithuania was published at the University. In 1753, the Astronomical Observatory was set up.
In 1773, the Jesuit order was dissolved in Europe, and the secular authority took over the University. After Russia annexed Lithuania, the University was renamed Vilnius Principal School. In 1803, the University received a new statute and the title of the Imperial University of Vilnius. Many famous names were associated with the University at that period: the famous medical men from Vienna Johann Peter Frank and his son Joseph Frank, the historian and public figure Joachim Lelewel, the poets Adam Mickiewicz and Juliusz Slowacki, historian Simonas Daukantas, etc. As several students and professors became engaged in the anti–tsarist movement, the University was closed down according to tsar Nicholas I's orders, and it was not reopened until 1919. Poland then annexed Vilnius and its region, and the University functioned under the Polish auspices until 1939 by the name of Stephen Bathory University. Among students of the University at that time was the future Nobel prizewinner Czeslaw Milosz.
In 1939, the University was brought back under Lithuania's control, but in 1940 after the Soviet occupation, it was reorganized according to the Soviet model. In 1943, the University was closed down by the Nazis and resumed its activities in 1944. Though restrained by the Soviet system, Vilnius University grew and gained force. Vilnius University started to free itself from the Soviet ideology in 1988, even before Lithuania regained independence in 1990. The University got back its autonomy and adopted its statute.
If you want to learn more about the history of Vilnius University, have a look at the publication "Universitas Vilnensis 1579–2004".


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