On the 15th of October, more than 40 international students from all over the world gathered at the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport to attend the welcome event for the holders of the 2026 State Scholarships for Full-time Master’s Studies in Lithuania. The event was filled with heartfelt moments, which marked the beginning of their journey in Lithuania. Students got to meet their peers, forge new friendships and took in some inspiration from the stories told to them by alumni.

The students received a warm welcome from Regina Valutytė, Vice-Minister of Education, Science and Sport and Daiva Šutinytė, Director of the Education Exchanges Support Foundation, who congratulated the scholarship holders as they embarked on this new chapter of their lives band highlighted the important part they play in the growth of Lithuania – both in the social and economic development of the country.

During the event, students took in some inspiring insights from speakers who shared their experiences of studying, living and building a career in Lithuania. Astrobiologist Aivaras Vilutis offered a perspective on choosing to stay in Lithuania and the exciting possibilities that academic curiosity and scientific exploration can open up. “We live in a country that’s a little bit like a teenager – Lithuania is bold, we love to stand out and that’s why we constantly evolve”, remarked Aivaras, reflecting about the rapid progress and the new opportunities he has witnessed after returning to Lithuania after spending years studying abroad.

The attendees were also welcomed by Alumni from Lithuanian universities, who are now building their lives and creating communities here. Narmin Ali, an alumna of Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) and the founder of “SPEAK” – a non-profit community building organization, connecting migrants, refugees and locals living in the same city through a language exchange, presented her unique academic journey and how the same scholarship kept her and made her fall love with Lithuania. Another perspective of studies, life and career was shared by Oleksii Denysov, an alumnus of ISM University of Management and Economics, who is currently living in Lithuania and building a strong, global career as a business analyst.  The speakers’ stories offered the scholarship holders a glimpse into their future – the opportunities that might await them and the numerous ways in which an international study experience can shape their lives.

To all the 2026 State Scholarship holders: welcome to your new chapter in Lithuania! The Study in Lithuania team wishes you an unforgettable academic journey, meaningful connections and plenty of exciting discoveries along the way. May this new chapter bring you closer to your goals and leave you with memories to cherish for years to come