Short studies mean a cycle of higher education studies for professional qualifications according to Level 5 of the Lithuanian Qualifications Framework. Short-cycle studies are delivered by colleges in accordance with the list of qualifications and fields of study eligible for short-cycle studies, approved by the Minister of Education, Science and Sport. The short-cycle programme may consist of 90 or 120 (in cases specified in the description of the field(s) of study) study credits. The short-course curriculum allocates 30 or 40 credits, respectively, to students’ placement in a real workplace, as defined in the Law on Vocational Training of the Republic of Lithuania.

Competitive admission to short-cycle studies at a higher education institution is open to persons with at least secondary education and a professional qualification obtained in a vocational training programme corresponding to level 4 of the Lithuanian Qualifications Framework, taking into account their learning outcomes and other criteria established by the higher education institution following an assessment of the requirements of professional standards and study field descriptions (Article 59(2) of the Law on Science and Studies of the Republic of Lithuania).

The competition list of applicants to state-funded short-cycle, first-cycle and integral study programmes and of those seeking scholarships shall be drawn up in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Minister of Education, Science and Sport following an assessment of the proposals of state higher education institutions, and shall be published by 1 December of each year, at least 6 months before the start of admissions to higher education institutions (Article 77(1) of the Law on Science and Studies of the Republic of Lithuania).

The competitive score is based on the results of school-leaving examinations and assessments of learning and other special abilities. It must be at least equal to the minimum competitive admissions score set by the Minister of Education, Science and Sport.

Short-cycle students may receive incentive and social scholarships in accordance with the procedure established by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.