Press release, 22 March 2018
Subject to urgency procedure, the Seimas adopted amendments to the Law on Higher Education and Research No.XIIIP-1485(3), thus providing for support opportunities for persons studying in higher education institutions outside the Republic of Lithuania. The new provisions, due to enter into force on 15 April, were adopted by 107 votes in favour, no votes against, and 2 abstentions.
Under the new provisions adopted by the Seimas and in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Government or its authorised body, Lithuanian citizens enrolled or studying in higher education institutions outside the Republic of Lithuania will be eligible for support. Eligibility for support is also open for citizens of Member States of the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) working in and/or holding a residence permit of the Republic of Lithuania, as well as members of their families. Foreign nationals and stateless persons who have the right of permanent residence in the Republic of Lithuania are also eligible for support.
‘In view of Lithuania’s sadly high score on emigration in comparison to EU counterparts and the particular toll that the brain drain is taking on the country, additional measures to address the problem are imperative. Attractiveness and international recognition of foreign universities are among the reasons for the most talented students to leave Lithuania for studies abroad. In the absence of other sources of funding, the students take out study loans in the countries where they are studying. This makes it more difficult for them to return to Lithuania,’ the explanatory note to the document reads.
As highlighted in the document, an annual amount of at least EUR 100 thousand will be earmarked for the purpose in the budget of the Ministry of Education and Science. The initiator of the proposal is Saulius Skvernelis, Prime Minister of Lithuania.
Rimas Rudaitis, Chief Specialist, Press Office, Information and Communication Department, tel. +370 5 239 6132, e-mail: rimas.rudaitis@lrs.lt