This year nearly 70 Lithuanian state scholarships will be granted for talented students to study Master’s in Lithuania. Citizens of Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine who have been admitted to Kaunas University of Technology may apply for a state funded (free of charge) study place and a monthly scholarship of 380 EUR. Whereas citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, China, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan – can apply for a monthly scholarship of 380 EUR.
Kaunas University of Technology offers 31 Master’s degree programmes in English. The duration of studies are 1.5–2 years. During the studies the students may participate in research projects, benefit from lectures of world-known visiting professors, and spend up to 12 months at KTU partner university or a company (through Erasmus+ programme) to gain additional knowledge and competence during the studies.
More information about application procedure is on http://ktu.edu/en/admissions.
KTU Student from Ukraine: “I knew that I will be able to carry out high quality research here”
Ukrainian Oleksandra Korychenska, masters student of chemistry at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) is delighted by her choice of the university: “It has everything what is necessary for carrying out high level of scientific research and offers various possibilities for travelling. Also, Kaunas is a beautiful city and people here are very friendly”.
KTU student from Ukraine is convinced that studies in Lithuania will open vast career possibilities in the future. According the most recent surveys, KTU graduates’ knowledge and competences are the most highly praised by employees when comparing with other technical universities of the country.
Oleksandra used the opportunities offered by the university: she has travelled to Rovira i Virgili University in Spain through Erasmus+. At the moment the student is finishing her Master’s and considering applying for PhD studies. In an interview below Oleksandra shares her experience at KTU.
Did you always want to study chemistry?
Well, not exactly: at school I was good at chemistry, but I was also good at other subjects, therefore I had more choices to consider. However, in the end I decided to become a chemist, and, I never regretted the choice.
The first two years at the university were challenging, but after I got used to getting all the information in the form of chemistry formulas, things got better. To be honest, now I find it difficult to read normal text, to memorise or to retell it.
This is the first time you are studying at a university in a different country. What made you choose Kaunas University of Technology?
My undergraduate thesis’ supervisor came to Lithuania to carry out post-doctoral studies. He told me about the perfect conditions for research and the possibility of acquiring funding for studies.
I knew that I will be able to carry out high quality research here. Also, it is important to every chemist to have a trusting scientific supervisor, and this was my second reason for choosing KTU in particular. I am very much content with my study and life conditions, and if everything goes as planed I will be delighted to be able to study at PhD level here.
What were your first impressions upon arriving to Kaunas? Did it meet your expectations?
The laboratories of Kaunas University of Technology, equipped with state-of-the-art devices and technology is definitely much better than that of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. The university in Kyiv is facing huge financial problems, which does not seem to be an issue here, in Kaunas. In addition, our research group is participating in an international project, therefore we have enough of financial resources.
As a student I have everything I need for finalising my masters thesis. I am working together with the best academics, I can use the resources allocated for students’ visits to international conferences, to participate in scientific seminars, to become informed of the most recent research.
The quality of life in Lithuania is also much higher than in Ukraine. Although Kaunas is not a large city, but there are enough places to visit, and the cultural life is quite diverse. In my free time I usually meet other international students as KTU has many of them studying on Erasmus+ exchange.
The University takes good care of its students and no issues are left unattended. In general, in Lithuania I have met many good, pleasant people, willing to help at any time. I feel welcome here.
What about language: is it of any inconvenience while communicating with other students, teachers and researchers?
I also speak Russian, therefore I don’t have any problems in communicating: everyone here speaks English or Russian, or both.
How will studies at KTU affect your future career in your opinion?
I have no doubt they will be very useful. One of the reasons to study abroad is to have a possibility to see how work is being done in a different country: Ukraine’s employment system and work environment may be different from other countries and vice versa. Only when you are aware of these differences, you may grow as a researcher, and as a professional. Studies at KTU is an enormous advantage to my experience.
Does studying chemistry provide many career opportunities?
Yes, studying chemistry opens various career opportunities. There are many economy, marketing professionals, but chemists, biologists and physics are always on demand.
Half of my classmates in Ukraine have been working according to their qualification since the second year of undergraduate studies. There is a huge demand of chemists in various fields, therefore it is not difficult to find a job. Actually, it is very hard to imagine a good chemist unemployed.
You have used Erasmus+ study exchange opportunities to enhance your international experience. Tell us a little about that.
KTU offers great possibilities to study at universities abroad through Erasmus+. Students can choose from various universities, and they can also get funding for their studies. This is an incredible opportunity and it would be short-sighted not to use it.
