Ministry of Education, Science, and Sport
Organizational Chart of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania and Related Structures
We examined the implementation of higher education policy in the structure of the Government and related institutions.
Education issues are related to the Ministry of Education, Science, and Sport (MESS) or its subordinate institutions, therefore, when initiating an amendment to a law or resolution, it is important to understand how the ministry's work is organised, which departments and divisions may be involved in specific issues, and which departments and/or divisions may assist in the consideration of the issue.
For the consideration of specific issues, the Minister of MESS or institutions subordinate to the ministry have the right to set up commissions or working groups. The need for certain working groups may also be expressed by student representatives. In many cases, institutions subordinate to the MESS may also be involved in the consideration of these issues, so it is necessary to know their competences and the issues they oversee.
The diagram shows all departments in summary, but for us, as student representatives, several departments are particularly important because they contribute most to the implementation of higher education policy:
Study Division of the Department of Studies, Science, and Technology
This division analyzes laws and government resolutions regulating higher education, provides conclusions on the development of the higher education system, the establishment or reorganization of higher education institutions, the activities of higher education institutions and study quality requirements, student admission, the number of study places, the organization of the study process, and other issues. In addition, the Studies Department participates in the preparation of study program descriptions, the preparation and implementation of the qualifications system, and cooperates with state, expert, and higher education institution coordinating bodies, as well as student representatives.
You can find more detailed information here.
Science and Studies Economics Division of the Economics Department
This division participates in the formation and implementation of the science and studies system financing policy and strives to ensure that state budget funds allocated for science and studies are distributed and used rationally. The Science and Studies Economics Division participates in the preparation of laws and resolutions concerning the financing of science and studies.
You can find more detailed information here.
Non-Formal Education Division of the Lifelong Learning Department
One of the tasks of the Division is to participate in the formulation and implementation of national lifelong learning and adult education policy. In carrying out its tasks, the Division prepares proposals and draft legislation on the lifelong learning system, the qualifications framework and the system for the recognition of informally acquired competences, coordinates the recognition of the qualifications framework and informally acquired competences, and coordinates the implementation of the Law on Non-Formal Adult Education and Continuing Education.
You can find more detailed information here
The activities of this institution are planned -- strategic and annual activity plans and other planning documents are approved and made publicly available on the ministry's website.
Minister of Education, Science, and Sport
Minister of Education, Science, and Sport -- according to the Law on the Government of the Republic of Lithuania and the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania "On the Areas of Management Assigned to Ministers," the Minister of Education, Science and Sport is responsible for the areas of education, science and sport and heads the ministry, ensures the implementation of legislation, submits draft laws and other legislation to the Government, signs orders and monitors their implementation, prepares and approves the strategic action plan for the areas of governance assigned to him, coordinates and controls the activities of the administrative departments of the MESS, determines the areas of administration of the Deputy Ministers and the Chancellor of the MESS, and performs other functions.
You can find more detailed information about the functions of ministers here (Article 26).
The Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania "On the Areas of Management Assigned to Ministers" can be found here.
Deputy Ministers of Education, Science, and Sport
Deputy Ministers of Education, Science, and Sport perform the functions established by the Government Act in the areas of activity determined by the Minister of Education, Science, and Sport. Since the number and functions of deputy ministers may vary between terms of office, using the example of 2020-2024, the areas of activity of the four deputy ministers were as follows: study, science, and technology issues; preschool, pre-school, and general education issues; physical activity and high-performance science; vocational training and guidance.
You can find more detailed information about the functions of the Deputy Ministers of the MESS here (Ministry Management section).
Advisors to the Minister of Education, Science and Sports
Advisors to the Minister of Education, Science, and Sport assist the minister in formulating policy positions and priorities, making decisions, and implementing them. During their term of office, ministers may have public advisors who, at their request, provide them with advice, proposals, conclusions, and other information.
You can find more detailed information about the functions of the advisors and assistants of the MESS here (section on ministerial advisors and assistants).
Chancellor of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Sport
The chancellor is a civil servant appointed on the basis of political (personal) trust and reports to the minister. The Chancellor of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport performs the functions assigned by the Government Act, other laws, Government resolutions, and the Minister. The Chancellor of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport heads the administration of the Ministry, issues orders within his or her competence, keeps the seal of the Ministry, and is responsible for its use.
You can find more detailed information about the functions of the Chancellor in the provisions of the MESS.
Other Divisions and Groups
Other Divisions and Groups ensure the implementation of key MESS processes.
You can find out more here
Departments of the Ministry of Education and Science
The following is a brief overview of the departments within the structure of MESS:
Education Department
Forms and implements state policy on pre-school, pre-primary, and general education, as well as educational support policy, and participates in the development of state education policy and its implementation strategy.
Education Network Policy Department
Participates in the development of national education policy, ensures the accessibility of education in cooperation with municipal administrations, provides methodological assistance to education providers, formulates and implements national policy in the areas of student assistance for schools (except higher education institutions) implementing formal education programs, teachers, and schools in the areas of network creation or restructuring and secondary education program accreditation.
Department of Studies, Science, and Technology
Forms and implements state policy on studies, research, and experimental development (hereinafter referred to as R&D), coordinates activities in these areas, promotes cooperation in the fields of studies and R&D, and ensures the functioning of the continuing education and adult education system.
You can find out more about the department here
Department of Lifelong Learning
Forms and implements national policies on lifelong learning, vocational training, qualification system development, and non-formal adult education.
You can find more detailed information about the department here
Department of Economics
Improves the financing system for education, science, and studies, ensures the rational distribution and use of resources, implements an effective investment policy, and strengthens and develops the material base of educational institutions and science and study institutions.
You can find more detailed information about the department here
International Cooperation Group
Coordinates the implementation of international cooperation policy in the field of education, studies, and science, makes proposals on opportunities for the development of international cooperation in the field of education, science, and studies, cooperates with international organizations or institutions with which Lithuania closely cooperates on the implementation of international programs in the fields of education, science, and studies.
You can find more detailed information about the department here
European Union Support Coordination Department
forms and implements EU structural support policy for education and science and participates in the implementation of EU structural support programs in Lithuania.
You can find more detailed information about the department here
Administration Department | Legal Division
ensures that draft legislation submitted for review complies with the laws and other legal acts of the Republic of Lithuania, participates in the preparation of draft laws, government resolutions, and orders of the Minister of Education and Science on matters falling within the competence of the ministry.
You can find more detailed information about the activities of the department and the division here
Institutions subordinate to the MESS
Study Quality Assessment Centre
The Study Quality Assessment Centre (SQAC) is a state-funded institution that implements higher education quality assurance policy and contributes to improving the conditions for the free movement of persons. SQAC promotes the quality of higher education institutions through external evaluation and accreditation of institutions and study programs, and creates favorable conditions for the free movement of persons by organizing and implementing the evaluation and/or recognition of qualifications related to higher education obtained at foreign institutions and/or recognition of higher education qualifications obtained at foreign institutions in the Republic of Lithuania.
You can find the SQAC regulations here
You can find more detailed information about SQAC here
In the representation process, it is also worth knowing about the SQAC advisory institutions:
The Appeal Commission of the Study Quality Assessment Center
The Appeal Commission examines appeals submitted by higher education institutions regarding decisions made by SQAC on study programs, fields of study, application documents for permission to conduct studies and study-related activities, external evaluation of the activities of Lithuanian higher education institutions and branches of foreign higher education institutions in the Republic of Lithuania. It also submits proposals to SQAC on the improvement of legislation regulating studies and their organization, evaluation, registration, accreditation, and appeal procedures. This commission includes one student representative.
You can find more detailed information about this commission here.
Study Assessment Commission
The Study Assessment Commission reviews the conclusions of study programs prepared by experts and advises SKVC on program assessment issues. The Commission reviews the conclusions prepared by experts to ensure that they are objective, comprehensive, and well-founded. The Commission includes one student representative.
You can find more detailed information about this commission here
Higher Education Institutions Assessment Commission
The Higher Education Institutions Assessment Commission (HEIAC) considers the conclusions submitted by SQAC experts on applications for permission to conduct studies and study-related activities, as well as the external assessment of higher education institutions. The HEIAC also makes proposals on legislation regulating the external evaluation of higher education institutions and branches of foreign higher education institutions in the Republic of Lithuania, as well as the issuance of permits to conduct studies and study-related activities. One student representative serves on the commission.
You can find out more about this commission here.
Education Exchange and Support Fund (EESF)
The Education Exchange and Support Fund (EESF) is the Lithuanian national agency responsible for administering the Erasmus+ program and other initiatives in the field of education and training funded by the European Commission (EC) and the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.
You can find the EESF statutes here
You can find more detailed information about the EESF here
State Studies Fund (SSF)
The State Studies Fund (SSF) is a budgetary institution that administers state loans, state-supported loans to students and pupils enrolled in formal vocational training programs, other financial support for students and vocational training, and funds for student civic, scientific, entrepreneurial, creative, and sports projects. The fund's objectives are to implement education policy and strive for high-quality and accessible higher education and vocational training by administering state resources allocated for this purpose.
You can find the SSF regulations here
You can find more detailed information about the SSF here
National Education Agency (NEA)
The National Education Agency participates in the implementation of state policy on pre-school, pre-primary and general education, encourages educational institutions (except higher education institutions) and other education providers to ensure the quality of educational activities by providing information, consultation, professional development, and assistance in creating an educational environment.
You can find more detailed information about the National Education Agency here
European Social Fund Agency (ESFA)
European Social Fund Agency (ESFA) -- The Agency seeks to improve employment opportunities by helping young people who have left school to integrate into the labor market or by training less qualified job seekers. It publishes calls for proposals approved by ministries, advises applicants, evaluates applications, prepares support contracts, and supervises project implementation. The main objective of most ESFA projects is vocational training and lifelong learning opportunities to provide people with new skills. Some ESFA projects are aimed at education systems, teachers, and students, others at young or older job seekers, and still others at potential entrepreneurs working in various conditions.
You can find out more about the ESFA here.
Qualifications and Vocational Training Development Center
The Qualifications and Vocational Training Development Center is an educational support institution that provides information, expert advice, consulting, and qualification improvement assistance, implementing the state policy for the development of vocational training and lifelong learning systems. This institution manages the Lithuanian qualifications system, improves the quality of vocational training, develops the adult education system, and provides professional development for vocational and adult training participants.
You can find out more about this center here.
Lithuanian Non-Formal Education Agency
The Lithuanian Non-Formal Education Agency initiates and participates in the preparation of legislation, makes proposals, develops, implements, and disseminates innovations in non-formal children's education policy issues, prepares teacher training programs and organizes their implementation, and provides methodological assistance.
You can find out more about this center here
Science and Encyclopedia Publishing Center
The main activity of the SEPC is to prepare digital encyclopedias. It is carried out in the fields of heritage, documents, and archives. Currently, SEPC develops and publishes general and specialized encyclopedias, monolingual, bilingual, and multilingual terminology, linguistic, and school dictionaries, guides and reference books, works on Lithuanian and world cultural, scientific, and technical heritage, etc. The main and most important activity of SEPC is the preparation of the digital Universal Lithuanian Encyclopedia (ULE). On January 1, 2023, the Science and Encyclopedia Publishing Center (SEPC) became a structural part of the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania.
You can find out more about this center here.
National Cancer Institute
The mission of the National Cancer Institute is to carry out long-term scientific research and experimental development that is important to the state, society, international cooperation, and economic entities, with the aim of improving the effectiveness of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer. economic entities, with a view to improving the effectiveness of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer and reducing cancer mortality, as well as training scientists and highly qualified specialists in oncology and related fields.
You can find out more about the National Cancer Institute here
Vilnius Lithuanian House
Vilnius Lithuanian House is a day school in Vilnius offering independent general education programs at primary, basic, secondary, and supplementary levels, aimed at Lithuanians living abroad.
You can find out more about the Vilnius Lithuanian House here
OICGS and EMIS
OICGS (open information, consultation, and guidance system) and EMIS (education management information system). The function of OICGS is to provide information about learning opportunities in Lithuania. Meanwhile, EMIS collects data on pre-school, primary, basic, secondary education, vocational training, and studies. The data is used to calculate indicators, the monitoring of which allows for an assessment of the state of education in Lithuania. This system provides tools that allow users to analyze the collected data from various perspectives.
OICGS can be found here
EMIS can be found here
Committees and working groups
In certain cases, student representatives from national student representative organizations (i.e., Vilnius University Student Representation and/or the Lithuanian Student Union) are delegated to committees and working groups formed within the MESS. The number of student representatives varies, but there are either 1 in smaller groups or 2 in larger groups. For example, in the working group formed in 2018 to monitor and coordinate the implementation of the Bologna Process in Lithuania, we can see two student representatives (one from VU SR and the other from LSU) out of 17 members. Student representatives can be delegated to working groups proactively (when the student government asks the MESS to include a representative) or reactively (when the Minister of MESS asks the student government to delegate a representative). In addition to specific committees or working groups, student self-governments representing students at the national level can maintain dialogue with the Minister of MESS and submit their proposals for education policy to the ministry.
You can find more detailed information about the committees and working groups of the MESS here.