Švietimo, mokslo ir sporto ministerija SMM

Overview

The Švietimo, mokslo ir sporto ministerija (Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania) is a central government agency responsible for formulating and implementing national policies in education, science, and sport. Its mission is to create opportunities for education, research, and sport, aiming to foster a Lithuania that is continuously learning. The ministry is tasked with shaping the implementation of policies, setting strategic goals, and ensuring the quality and accessibility of education and research across the country.

History and Legal Framework

The origins of the Ministry trace back to 1773 with the establishment of the Commission of National Education, considered the first Ministry of Education in Europe. The modern Ministry was officially founded on November 11, 1918, as the Ministry of Education. Its operations are authorized by the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania, decrees issued by the President and Prime Minister, and laws passed by the Seimas (Parliament). The ministry's legal entity code is 188603091, and its headquarters is located at A. Volano Str. 2, 01124 Vilnius, Lithuania.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

The Ministry's mission is to create opportunities for education, research, and sport, with a vision of a Lithuania that is continuously learning. Its objectives in higher education include:

• Implementing the national system of formal and non-formal education to secure social attitudes in favor of education and create conditions for lifelong learning in a changing democratic society.
• Implementing state policy in science and studies in accordance with the Law on Science and Studies and other legal acts.
• Coordinating the activities of Lithuanian institutions of science and studies.
• Ensuring the quality and accessibility of higher education.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

The Ministry operates under the executive branch of the Lithuanian government. It is part of the Government and is responsible for forming, implementing, and ensuring national policy on education, research, and higher education studies. The Ministry's governance structure includes the Minister, who is responsible for the overall direction and administration of the Ministry, and various departments and units that handle specific areas such as policy development, international cooperation, and quality assurance. The Ministry maintains operational independence while working closely with other governmental bodies and institutions to achieve its objectives.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

The Ministry plays a significant role in the accreditation and quality evaluation of higher education in Lithuania. The Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (SKVC), established in 1995, is an independent public authority that executes external quality assurance mechanisms in Lithuanian higher education. SKVC is responsible for the evaluation of the quality of higher education institutions and their qualifications. The Ministry collaborates with SKVC to ensure that higher education institutions meet the necessary quality standards and continuously improve their offerings.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The Ministry actively participates in various international networks and cooperates with numerous organizations to promote educational exchange and development. Key programs and initiatives include:

• Erasmus+: The EU's flagship program for education, training, youth, and sport.
• Nordplus: A program funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers to support educational cooperation in the Nordic and Baltic regions.
• Euroguidance: A network providing information and guidance on learning mobility opportunities.
• Europass: A tool to help individuals present their skills and qualifications effectively.
• eTwinning: A platform for schools in Europe to collaborate online.
• EPALE: The Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe.
• Study in Lithuania: A national initiative to promote Lithuanian higher education abroad.
• UPinLT: A project aimed at enhancing Lithuania's image as an attractive study destination.

Through these memberships, the Ministry aligns Lithuanian higher education with international standards and contributes to global academic development.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The Ministry continues to influence higher education in Lithuania by:

• Advocating for policies that enhance the quality and accessibility of higher education.
• Supporting the internationalization of Lithuanian universities and university colleges.
• Facilitating dialogue between higher education institutions and policymakers.

Looking forward, the Ministry aims to strengthen its role in shaping higher education policies and to ensure that Lithuanian institutions remain responsive to global challenges and opportunities.

Summary

The Švietimo, mokslo ir sporto ministerija plays a crucial role in representing and supporting Lithuanian higher education institutions. Through its advocacy, guidance, and international collaborations, the Ministry contributes to the development of a robust and globally competitive higher education system in Lithuania.

FAQs

• What is the Švietimo, mokslo ir sporto ministerija?

  The Švietimo, mokslo ir sporto ministerija is the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania, responsible for formulating and implementing national policies in education, science, and sport.

• When was the Ministry established?

  The Ministry was officially founded on November 11, 1918, as the Ministry of Education.

• What is the Ministry's mission?

  The Ministry's mission is to create opportunities for education, research, and sport, aiming to foster a Lithuania that is continuously learning.

• Who oversees the Ministry?

  The Ministry operates under the executive branch of the Lithuanian government and is overseen by the Minister of Education, Science and Sport.

• How can I contact the Ministry?

  You can contact the Ministry at A. Volano Str. 2, 01124 Vilnius, Lithuania, by phone at +370 5 219 1190, or by email at smmin@smsm.lt.

Organization Name

Švietimo, mokslo ir sporto ministerija
Ministry of Education, Science and Sport

Acronym

SMM

Year of Establishment

1/01/1918

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

A. Volano g. 2/7
Vilnius
01516 Vilnius Lithuania

Phone

+370 (5) 274 3080

Fax

+370 (5) 261 2077

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Švietimo, mokslo ir sporto ministerija's Wikipedia article

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.

Explore other Lithuanian higher education-related organizations and authorities.

Find top-ranked Universities in Lithuania.

Search for courses and scholarships with the uniRank World Universities Search Engine.