Education Ministry: Foreigners at vocational schools will be taught in Lithuanian

Foreign students at Lithuania’s vocational schools will no longer be able to study solely in a foreign language from the new academic year. Their training will have to take place in Lithuanian or through a bilingual arrangement.

The change follows a bilingual teaching procedure approved by Education, Science and Sports Minister Raminta Popovienė, the ministry said. The rules set out how bilingual vocational education should be organized.

Deputy Education, Science and Sports Minister Rolandas Zuoza said providers had sometimes switched to foreign-language instruction to accommodate international students. “By creating better opportunities for foreigners to learn in Lithuanian, we are encouraging their smoother integration into the labor market and our society,” he said.

The procedure will apply not only to foreigners seeking their first vocational qualification, but also to those enrolled in continuing vocational training programs. From January 2026, higher state-language requirements will also apply to foreigners working in the services sector and selling goods. They will have to serve residents in the state language at no lower than a basic proficiency level.

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By creating better opportunities for foreigners to learn in Lithuanian, we are encouraging their smoother integration into the labor market and our society.