Starting kindergarten or primary school is a significant event for both parents and their children. However, the process of applying to a kindergarten or school can be challenging, especially in a new city or country. Here is an explanation of how to make a difficult process easier.
LRT English brings you Guide to Lithuania, a series of articles by the International House Vilnius, an initiative helping new arrivals settle in Lithuania. You can find all the explainers here.
Guaranteeing your child’s spot
In Vilnius, there are 125 kindergartens, 12 kindergarten-schools, and 28 schools with preschool grades. These facilities provide a range of programmes and activities to support children’s learning and development. In Lithuania, children aged 1 to 6 can receive preschool education.
The centralised admission system for kindergartens is a recent development that has streamlined the registration process. Instead of visiting each kindergarten separately, parents can now apply to multiple kindergartens through a single online portal (use the automatic translation tool to translate into English).
Enrolment applications are accepted throughout the year, except for March 11-31. During this period, kindergartens form lists of children who will attend the institution in September. However, if there is availability, the municipality can accept children all year round.
It is important to note that the registration process for kindergartens follows a strict timeline. The lists of groups are formed annually on March 18-31. Therefore, it is essential for parents to submit their applications before the deadline to ensure their child’s admission.
When making your decision, we recommend focusing on the kindergarten’s location to ensure it is convenient to access. It’s also important to gather as much information about the kindergarten as possible – consult with the Municipal Department of Preschool Education (via darzeliai@vilnius.lt or by calling 852112000), visit kindergarten’s website, go to the kindergarten in person, and if possible, try to speak with its director, teachers, or parents of other kids.
Education for international community
Education in Vilnius is truly international. A number of schools and kindergartens offer classes in several different languages, such as English, Spanish, and French in private institutions, as well as Russian, Belarusian, and Polish in public ones.
Lithuania’s capital has a robust educational system with 117 schools under the municipal government. Of these schools, 22 teach in Russian, 16 provide education in Polish, one teaches in Belarusian, and one in Ukrainian. The city also owns 10 institutions that complement non-formal education, such as music and art schools.
In addition to these municipality-run schools, Vilnius is also home to 13 schools under the Education Ministry and 37 private schools. This range of educational options makes selecting an institution that best suits parents and students’ needs much easier.
Support for all
The main challenge for anyone coming to Vilnius from abroad is learning Lithuanian. Luckily, children are fast learners and usually pick up the language in no time. An algorithm has been created to help with those first steps towards fluency, and students can learn Lithuanian in an extracurricular class before starting their general education studies.
In Vilnius, children with special educational needs are also supported through specialised schools and classes. To be admitted to these schools, parents must submit an application accompanied by a certificate from the Pedagogical and Psychological Service or Education Support Service.
Online application
The enrolment process in Vilnius is centralised and conducted through an electronic system. Parents and legal guardians can submit their child’s applications or transfer requests via the Vilnius Municipality’s online system.
The centralised application process takes place in the calendar year in which the child is expected to start school or transfer to another school. In 2023, the centralised application process started on March 1 and will run until May 31.
The first results of the applications are expected to be released at the beginning of June. If your child is not accepted to the preferred school, don’t panic yet – additional admissions will be organised later on. Every child who is a resident of Vilnius will find a place in a school.
Only people with a Lithuanian personal code and whose child also has a Lithuanian personal code can submit a centralised application through the system.
Anyone without a Lithuanian personal code must fill out the appropriate forms (links to the forms can be found here) and send copies of the required personal documents via email to savivaldybe@vilnius.lt.
The applicant should also attach any documents that confirm their legal presence in Lithuania, such as a visa or residence permit. Once received, the request will be logged and the applicant will receive additional information via email. For any additional questions, the Vilnius Municipality can be contacted via mokyklos@vilnius.lt.
For detailed information on the registration process, deadlines, and fees, you can also download International House Vilnius’ brochure on this topic.
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