Interview zum Medizinstudium in Litauen

COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: Please tell us a little bit about KMU – what kind of university is it and what is its reputation in Lithuania?

PROF. PAUZIENE: Kaunas University of Medicine (KMU) is the largest institution of medical education and training in Lithuania. It was established in 1919. KMU has 5 faculties: Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Odontology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Nursing, and Faculty of Public Health. Kaunas University Hospital and 4 research institutes (Biomedical Research, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Psychophysiology) complete the structure of the University. In addition to its teaching function, KMU is also the largest medical research centre in Lithuania. It participates in a number of projects co-ordinated by the WHO and bilateral international projects.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: What subject areas / degree programs does KMU offer? Which of these programs are being taught in English?

PROF. PAUZIENE: KMU offers 9 degree programs: Medicine, Odontology, Pharmacy, Public Health, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Physical Therapy, and Oral Hygiene. Four of them are taught in English: Medicine (6 years), Odontology (Dentistry) (5 years), Pharmacy (5 years), Master of Public Health (MPH) (2 years).

Study programs of Medicine, Odontology and Pharmacy are integrated studies, i.e. Bachelor and Master degree programs are being taught continuously and after successful completion of studies graduates are awarded "Master in medicine diploma, qualification - physician", which allows students to work as doctors.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: What accreditation does KMU hold? Are your programs in accordance with the Bologna framework?

PROF. PAUZIENE: KMU is funded, accredited and recognized by the State. All the programs are in accordance with the Bologna framework.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: We have read that KMU uses the “problem-based learning” approach – can you please tell us a little more about this?

PROF. PAUZIENE: Problem-based learning (PBL) is a new teaching method in the Faculty of Medicine. PBL classes activate the students to analyze and solve problems, research, discuss and produce tentative explanations, solutions or recommendations in groups.

PBL is an educational format that is centred around the discussion and learning that emanates from a clinically-based problem. It is a method that encourages independent learning and gives students practice in tackling puzzling situations and defining their own gaps in understanding in the context of relevant clinical problems, making it more likely that they will be able to recall the material later in the clinical setting. It is a way of learning which encourages a deeper understanding of the material rather than superficial coverage.

Starting from 2007, PBL method has been successfully implemented in the programmes for the second-year students. In the course of time, PBL teaching method will be applied to the whole period of studies.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: What are the admission criteria for medical studies and odontology – do you only look at the student’s grades or do they also need to pass an entrance exam? If there is an entrance exam, what does it look like and – based on experience – what percentage of students passes each year? How many spaces are available in the medical studies and odontology programs each year?

PROF. PAUZIENE: The main criteria for admission are as follows: a good knowledge of English, Matriculation / School Leaving Certificate confirmed by the governmental authorities, transcripts of high school/ senior secondary school courses verifying successful completion of General Biology, General Chemistry and Physics (unofficial transcripts may be submitted, but acceptance into the program will be on condition of receipt of all official transcripts or attested copies); All the applicants must pass entrance exam. The exam consists of Biology, Chemistry and Physics questions, based on the high school education program and is given in English. It consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQ), similar to those given in SAT II. The questions are distributed as follows:

Biology (cell structure and function, genetics, human anatomy and physiology) - 20 questions
Chemistry (organic chemistry, solutions, chemical equilibrium) - 20 questions
Physics (mechanics, electricity, optics) - 20 questions
Total number of questions - 60

About 70-100 foreign full-time students are enrolled at our University undergraduate studies annually.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: Do students need to speak Lithuanian if they would like to study at KMU? Do you offer courses for international students wishing to learn Lithuanian?

PROF. PAUZIENE: Lectures, practice works and labs for international students are delivered in English. Students are taught Lithuanian language to be able to communicate with patients during their clinical practice in principal language from the 4th year of education.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: At the moment, how many international students are enrolled at KMU and where do they come from? How many German students do you have? How easy or difficult is it to get in contact with Lithuanian students?

PROF. PAUZIENE: The total number of international students is about 300. Citizens of 36 countries study at our University. Israeli (108), Lebanese (71), Indian (20) and Pakistani (10) students are forming the biggest international communities, as well as, British (11), Swedish (9), Polish (9), French (8) and German (7). Last year South Korean, Nigerian, Irish, Kazakh and Sri Lankan students joined the KMU multinational community. Lithuanian students are very friendly with all nations studying at KMU. A lot of our international students find friends among them.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: Where in Kaunas is KMU located and what does the campus look like?

PROF. PAUZIENE: Administrative building of KMU is in the downtown of Kaunas. The biggest campus of University is located on University Hospital district and it takes about 20 min to reach the district from the downtown. A lot of specialized departments, Main Laboratory Corpus, student’s hostel, Library, and other related units are located on the University Hospital district. Two other hospitals of KMU are located in different area of the city, but it is very convenient to reach them by public transport.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: What kind of activities and services does KMU offer to (international) students?

PROF. PAUZIENE: All the students have a possibility to participate in sports, cultural and scientific activities at KMU. A Center of Sports at KMU offers basketball, tennis, table tennis, badminton, aerobics, athletics, orienteering, swimming, football, and chess.

International students participate in local and international competitions and achieve high results. Folk dance group “Ave Vita”, folk music ensemble “Katpedele” and academic choir “Neris” glorify the name of the University in Lithuania and abroad.

There are several student organizations in the University: Students’ Union, Kaunas International Medical Student Union (KIMSU), Lithuanian Medical Students’ Association, Student Scientific Society, Pharmacy Students’ Society, Students’ Community of the Faculty of Nursing and Odontology Students’ Society. All international students are welcome to these organizations.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: Where can international students live while they are enrolled at KMU? What are the typical costs for accommodation and living expenses in Kaunas per month?

PROF. PAUZIENE: Students are welcome to live in the hostel as well as to rent flats in the city. Hostel fee per person is 87 EUR per month. If a student decides to rent a flat, fees vary according to location and quality of accommodation (150 - 450 EUR + taxes (per month)). Living expenses (food, transportation, etc.) are individual (about 350 EUR per month).


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: Thank you for the interview, Prof. Pauziene!