Academic Recognition of Foreign Qualifications

Applicants who have obtained their education abroad must have their eligibility assessed to study in Vocational Education and Training (VET) programmes in Lithuania. During the academic recognition process, it is determined whether the qualification substantially meets the requirements set for the corresponding qualification in Lithuania.

Legal Acts Regulating the Admission of Foreign Citizens

• Procedure for the Admission of Students to formal vocational education and training programmes or their modules and to basic education programmes at the Kaunas Food Industry and Trade Training Centre, approved by the Director’s Order No. V-166 of 16 May 2025.
• Procedure for the Submission and Academic Recognition of Documents related to education and qualifications obtained under foreign and international educational programmes for applicants to the Kaunas Food Industry and Trade Training Centre, approved by the Director’s Order No. V-256 of 17 September 2024.
• Rules for the Examination of Requests and Complaints by Public Administration Bodies, approved by the Resolution No. 875 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania of 22 August 2007.
• Article 39(6) of the Law on Education of the Republic of Lithuania.
• Article 23(5) of the Law on Vocational Education and Training of the Republic of Lithuania.
• Procedure for the Academic Recognition of Education and Qualifications Obtained under Foreign and International Educational Programmes, approved by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania Resolution No. 475 of 12 June 2024.

The Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (SKVC) provides methodological support and recommendations, as well as supervises the process of academic recognition of qualifications obtained abroad.

Procedure and Requirements for Documents

The applicant submits one application for the assessment and recognition of a qualification obtained abroad, for the purpose of studying in a Vocational Education and Training programme(s) at the Kaunas Food Industry and Trade Training Centre (APPLICATION – download).

Documents to be submitted with the application:

• A scanned copy of the document(s) certifying secondary or basic education, or other equivalent documents, in English, Russian or Lithuanian.
• A supplement to the document certifying education (academic transcript) listing all subjects, grades, credits, and results of school, national or entrance examinations.
• A scanned copy of a document certifying a name and/or surname change, if the educational documents were issued under a different name.
• Any other documents (if available) required to objectively assess the qualification, such as proof of other completed education (vocational, higher), explanations of the qualification obtained, or clarifications of the submitted educational documents.

Special document requirements by country: https://skvc.lrv.lt/lt/veiklos-sritys/kvalifikaciju-pripazinimas/kreiptis-del-pripazinimo/specialieji-dokumentu-reikalavimai-pagal-salis/

IMPORTANT TO KNOW

• All scans must be made from original documents (not copies), must be in colour, clear, and readable. Scans not meeting these requirements will not be accepted or evaluated.
• All documents not issued in English, Russian, or Lithuanian must be accompanied by an official translation. Translation is not required for documents issued in English, Russian, or Lithuanian.
• If the submitted documents are suspected to be fraudulent, the application will not be considered.
• The Kaunas Food Industry and Trade Training Centre reserves the right to request the original documents by post if questions arise about the submitted scans.
• Foreign academic qualification documents meeting general and specific recognition requirements do not guarantee admission to the Kaunas Food Industry and Trade Training Centre.

Fees

The academic recognition procedure is free of charge — the application and documents are accepted without any fee. Costs related to document submission (translation, postage, etc.) are covered by the applicant.

Decisions on Academic Recognition

• Recognition granted – The applicant’s qualification is recognized. In this case, no separate confirmation is issued; the admission application continues to be processed. The recognition result is recorded in the Academic Qualification Recognition Certificate, submitted in the mokausi.lt system together with the educational documents.
• Recognition denied – The applicant is informed about the negative decision and its reasons. In this case, admission to the Kaunas Food Industry and Trade Training Centre is not processed.

Assessment Period

After submitting the application for academic recognition along with all required documents, the decision is made within one month. If the applicant fails to provide all necessary documents, or if additional documents are required, the review period may be extended.

Appeals Regarding Academic Recognition

An applicant who disagrees with the decision of the Kaunas Food Industry and Trade Training Centre regarding the academic recognition of a foreign qualification has the right to submit an appeal within 14 calendar days from the date of receiving the decision.

The appeal should be submitted to the Appeals Commission for the Academic Recognition of Education and Qualifications Obtained under Foreign and International Educational Programmes, established by the SKVC, via email or post: recognition@skvc.lt A. Goštauto St. 12, LT-01108, Vilnius, Lithuania