Vilnius University is the best in Lithuania: it is significantly ahead of others in the field of science

Vilnius University (VU) was again declared the best university in Lithuania in the national ranking of educational and higher education institutions compiled by “Reitingai” magazine. This year VU scored more points than last year (72.85 points out of 100 possible) and is unsurpassed in the field of scientific and academic staff achievements.

According to a sociological survey of employers commissioned by the rating organizers, VU alumni are the best valued among employers – alumni’s knowledge and abilities best meet the needs of employers, and their average annual salary after graduation is one of the highest.

In this year’s ranking, VU ​​is ahead of other higher education institutions in the country in terms of the assessment of scientific activity. The largest number of scientific publications is prepared at VU in the fields of social (7662.6), natural (4757.7) and humanitarian (4023.9) sciences. When calculating these indicators, data from the Lithuanian Science Council, the National Education Council and universities were used.

VU has been selecting the most talented Lithuanian graduates for many years. This academic year, 59.3 percent chose to study at VU. of the most talented graduates (compared to all freshmen admitted that year) who passed the state matriculation exams with a score of 86 to 100. VU also has the largest number of doctoral study places (817) and fields (29).

VU is also a leader in the field of academic staff. Compared to other universities, VU has mostly young teachers – the ratio of teachers under the age of 35 to all university teachers (in 2023-2024) is 26.8 percent. Meanwhile, in other higher education institutions, this ratio ranges from 11 to 23 percent.

This year, in the ranking of Lithuanian higher education institutions, universities were evaluated according to 39 parameters, divided into 5 broad criteria: added value created by alumni and evaluation by employers, scientific, artistic and/or sports activities, number of students and quality of studies, competition in the international study area and current and future academic staff.

Since 2014 The national ranking of higher education institutions compiled by the magazine “Reitingai” is published twice a year (in May and December). Lithuanian higher education institutions have been evaluated in the national ranking before. All this time, VU was and remained at the top of the country’s rankings.