Admission

Tuition Fee Waiver Offered by the Institute of International Relations and Political Science

Tuition fee waiver will be awarded to the most motivated and competent international non-EU and non-European Economic Area student applying for the Bachelor’s degree programme of Politics of Global Challenges. This scholarship only covers the full cost of the tuition fee.

Eligibility:

• Candidates must be non-EU and non-European Economic Area citizens who apply for Politics of Global Challenges study programme.
• Candidates cannot have other financial support covering tuition fee from other Lithuanian or Foreign organisations.

Applicants must submit a written request, together with a motivational letter by e-mail  vilius.mickunas@tspmi.vu.lt. Application deadline for a tuition fee waiver is 1 July. The final list of students who receive tuition waiver will be announced no later than 15 July.

General admission:

All international students wishing to take the Bachelor’s degree programme in Politics of Global Challenges must apply online using the University Admission website.

More information about admission procedure can be found here.

To apply for this programme, you need a school (secondary or equivalent) graduation certificate and marks sheet/list (academic transcript).

If you are currently studying in the final year of high school/secondary school and your school cannot issue a final graduation diploma before the application deadline, you should submit the recent transcript of academic records and the certificate indicating the date of receiving a final secondary school certificate.

Please contact Admission Officer (admissions@cr.vu.lt) to find out whether it is possible to submit final diploma later (each case will be considered individually).

All applicants have to fulfil general admission requirements and programme specific requirements (if applicable). Programme specific requirements are listed under each programme description.

If you have any questions about enrolling into Challenges of Global Politics Bachelor’s programme, please contact  vilius.mickunas@tspmi.vu.lt

Tuition Fee Waiver Offered by the Institute of International Relations and Political Science

Tuition waiver will be awarded to the most motivated and competent international non-EU/EEA student applying for the Master’s degree programme of Eastern European and Russian studies. This scholarship only covers the full cost of the tuition fee.

Eligibility:

• Candidates must be non-EU and non-European Economic Area citizens who apply for Eastern European and Russian studies master programme.
• Candidates cannot have other financial support covering tuition fee from other Lithuanian or Foreign organizations.

How to apply:

• Application deadline for a tuition fee waiver is 1st of July. Applicants must submit a written request, together with a motivational letter by e-mail kristina.valente@tspmi.vu.lt
• The final list of students who receive tuition waiver will be announced no later than 15th of July.

State Scholarships For Full-time Master degree studies

• A monthly scholarship and a grant covering the standard study cost is offered for the nationals of the Republic of Ukraine,the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Georgia and foreign citizens of Lithuanian origin (50 grants altogether, 40 of them – to the nationals of the Ukraine);
• A monthly scholarship is offered for the nationals of the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Moldova, Japan, the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, the State of Israel (10 grants altogether);

General admission:

All international students wishing to take the Master’s degree programme in Eastern European and Russian studies must apply online using the University Admission website.

More information about admission procedure can be found here.

To apply for this programme, you need a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent and English level of B2*. The selection criterion is based on the weighted average of all grades recorded in the transcript of your academic report (50%) and the evaluation of your motivation (motivational essay) (50%).

*In order to apply for Master’s degree program, you are not required to submit a certificate of English language knowledge (IELTS or TOEFL scores), nevertheless, you will need an official English language certificate to apply for state/University grants.

Application Procedure

Step 1- Information:
You can find information on admission requirements and the information about documents needed for your application on the following pages.

Step 2 – Registration
Register on our online application form platform and pay the application fee of 30€ in order to start your application.

Step 3 – Entrance University:
You can choose between the following universities as your entrance university: Leipzig University, University of Granada, University of Graz, Vilnius University.
You can choose up to two universities according to their focus area and your priorities. If there is no place left at your priority 1, you may receive an offer from your priority 2.

Step 4 – Mobility:
Please indicate three priorities for your mobility period (physical mobility is highly recommended by the programme) as well as the semester. You can find detailed information about the different specializations offered by the partner universities on the websites Global and European Studies Insitute (Leipzig University), Institute of International Relations and Political Science (Vilnius University), Centre for Southeast European Studies (University of Graz) and Department of Public International Law and International Relations (University of Granada).

Step 5 – Documents:
To apply for the programme, you must upload all required documents to our online application platform (see below). Please note that all documents must be uploaded as pdf files and submitted either in English or with an English translation. A list of required application documents can be found on the following page “Application Documents”. Please note that you can modify your application at any time up to the deadline. However, you do not have to wait until the deadline. You may of course hand in your application earlier.

Step 6 – Questions:
If you have questions or concerns, or would like to learn more about the programme, you are also welcome to contact us by email at: europastudien@uni-leipzig.de

Application Deadline

The deadline for the submission of applications is: 30 May 2023

Application Documents

Mandatory

1. Curriculum vitae (CV): we do not require any special format
2. Motivation statement: please enter your motivation statement directly into the online application. We recommend that you write it in advance – max. 4000 characters (incl. space) – and copy paste the text. You may also upload the text as pdf in addition.
   Info: This letter should explain why you are interested in this particular master’s programme. In case you have a preference for your mobility track, please specify this in the motivation letter and why you would like to study at the respective universities.
3. Copy of passport (ID page with photograph)
4. Bachelor’s diploma/certificate (or equivalent diploma of a minimum of 180 ECTS credits)
   Info: If you graduate after the application deadline, admission will be considered based on your university transcripts. Please indicate the expected date of graduation in the application. If you are admitted, the copy of your certified all your university diplomas will be needed by the end of August in order to be able to enroll you.
5. Transcript of Records and/or Diploma Supplement if available
6. High school diploma (secondary school leaving certificate or equivalent) and translation into English if required.
7. Official high school transcripts (and certified translation into English if necessary).
8. GPA and information about the grading system used at your university
   Info text: Please use the respective templates to be found under the Download section.

Additional documents

9. Additional diplomas and certificates
10. Proof of English proficiency

Info: In order for applicants to prove their command of English as the programme’s language of instruction and equaling a minimum of B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages , the following non-exhaustive list functions as point of reference:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL international): minimum score of 550 paper-based (or 213 computer-based or 80 internet-based);
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): minimum score of 6.5 (with no section less than 6.0);
• Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE): Grades A, B, C;
• Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE): Grades A, B;
• Certificates demonstrating that the applicant has studied for more than one year at or received a degree from a university at which English was the language of instruction;
• Oral assessment during the selection interview;
• Any other tests if assessed equivalent by the selection committee.

Admission & Selection Criteria

General requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or a similar degree of EQF6 according to the European reference framework in the various fields of the humanities and social sciences. Admission is possible also with a bachelor’s degree in related fields in life and natural sciences – for example, dealing with societal aspects of technological transformation, climate change, and public/global health – if a convincing explanation of a strong motivation for this special study programme can be given.
• Fluency in English (a minimum of B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) both in writing and speaking.Info: Students must have sufficient skills in writing, reading, and speaking English that at least correspond to a level described as B2 in the European framework or equivalent. This is to be proven by certificates about relevant exams and during the interview as well as by demonstrating that applicants have acted successfully in an English-speaking environment.
• Physical mobility is greatly encouraged but is not compulsory in this programme. Preference is given to candidates who choose a physical mobility track within their application. Applicants can indicate a preference for the study places in the application. However, the selection committee makes the final decision on the mobility track with respect to the applicant’s preference, qualifications and specialization. Once students have enrolled in the programme, their mobility track becomes part of the study agreement and can only be changed from both sides in the case that substantial changes are necessary due to extraordinary circumstances.

Selection criteria

The decision on admission is made by the Selection Committee of the Consortium and are based on the following criteria:

• Thematic and methodological fit as well as examination results of previous studies: 40%
• Motivation as expressed in the application: 15%
• Performance and linguistic competencies corresponding to a minimum of B2, according to the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR) during the interview: 30%
• Extra-curricular activities so far exercised and additional language competencies: 15%

Selection and Admission process

The selection and admission procedure for the Arqus Joint Programme European Studies is a two-stage process!

Selection process

• Eligibility check: Verification whether the applicants meet the admission requirements and whether the application documents are complete
• Quality check: Verification whether the applicant’s academic background meets the requirements
• Interviews: Selected students will be invited to an interview conducted by their chosen entrance university priority 1.
• Ranking: Ranking of applicants taking into account the selection criteria
• Selection: Meeting of the Selection Committee. Allocation of candidates to the entrance universities and mobility spots (based on preferences, but depending on the places and qualification of the candidate).
• Results: Notification of applicants about the selection results and further information about the admission process.

Admission process

In case of a positive result, the applicant will receive further information about the admission process:

• The offer of a place in the Arqus Joint Programme European Studies is contingent on meeting the formal admission requirements of the partner universities
• Original and/or certified documents must be submitted at this time. The final enrolment takes place after the verification of the original admission documents. International Offices, local coordinators, and central administration at each partner institutions will support this procedure.

Full-time PhD studies

Application

Applicants will have to submit the following documents:

1. an application addressed to the Rector;
2. a copy of the passport or valid identification card;
3. copies of the Master’s diploma or of a higher education diploma equivalent to it and their supplements;
4. Curriculum Vitae;
5. a completed questionnaire with a photo;
6. a prospective research project;
7. motivational letter
8. a list of research works and their copies, conference presentations, works awarded at academic competitions (if there is any);
9. recommendations by two academic referees from the topic of the relevant field of science;
10. a certificate of assessment of academic qualifications issued by the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (if asked);
11. 15 Eur instalment cheque.

Research projects, motivational letters and all the required documents must be emailed to apply.phd@cr.vu.lt and arenida.glusinskiene@tspmi.vu.lt by June 20th.

The application with all required enclosures must be registered in the Admission System.

Selection

Application score is calculated according to the following formula:

The evaluation of the research project and the interview is carried out in two stages: in stage I, the research project is evaluated in the absence of the candidate. The project is evaluated by all members of the admissions committee on a 10-point system, and the provisional score is calculated as an average of the scores. If the provisional score is less than 7 (seven), the candidate will not be called for an interview and will be excluded from the competition. In Phase II, the candidate will be interviewed by the admissions committee, which will decide on the final score of the research project.

Prospective research project is evaluated together with motivational letter and recommendations (see Mandatory appendices of prospective research project). The assessment of a research project is carried out based on clarity of its aim, relatedness of the aim and the central theme of the doctoral studies, novelty, and suitability of proposed research methods.

When evaluating the interview, special attention is paid to the motivation of a candidate, ability to reasonably defend the project proposal, relevance of the project, originality, and novelty of a chosen topic. This information is drawn from the interview as well as motivational letter and letters of recommendation, submitted by the applicant.

In the assessment of applicant’s scientific activities, attention is paid to the participation in research activities as well – additional points are granted to applicants who have taken part in research projects or fieldworks, have presented their papers in conferences, etc.

In case of equal evaluation of a few prospective students, priority is determined by:

1. The grade of MA thesis;
2. Grades of courses relevant to the research project topic, provided in the appendix of the MA diploma.

The prospective research project is evaluated by the Admission commission. The Commission makes a decision concerning the admission of a candidate on the basis of evaluation of the research project and interview with a candidate. During the interview, a candidate may be asked to comment on his/her research project and answer related questions and remarks.

The admission interview will take place on June 28th at 11 am (EEST).

Requirements for the prospective research project

Prospective research project is the main component of PhD studies application. Requirements for prospective researched project:

1. A concise prospective topic of the research and its relevance;
2. Literature review of prior research in the field and assessment of prospective research novelty;
3. Clear aim and tasks of the research (preferably, formulated as questions), preliminary hypotheses, if applicable;
4. Research methods;
5. Major literature sources (approximately 10 positions).

The prospective research project should be around 20 000 symbols in length or 10-12 numbered A4 pages. The project should be written in English with 1,5 intervals between the lines, 12 pt. font size.

Mandatory appendices of the prospective research project

Mandatory appendices of prospective research project:

1. Motivational letter, in which the applicant proves his/her motivation for doctoral studies, concisely presents his/her scientific activities and experience as well as plans for the professional career;
2. Two recommendations. At least one of the recommendations should be written by consulting researcher/prospective supervisor and include a project review.

The proposed topics of doctoral dissertations in political science at the IIRPS VU:

1. Changing nature of Lithuanian external interdependencies [trade, migration, security, cyber space, information and others]: causes and impact on foreign policy (consulting scientist prof. dr. Ramūnas Vilpišauskas)

The aim of the study is to assess the structure, nature (asymmetry) of Lithuania’s external relations, links between areas, in particular economic exchange and security, foreign partners and analyze the reasons for their change (membership in international organizations, domestic policy decisions to change external relations, etc.) and discuss their impact on Lithuanian foreign policy. The study could be based on the EU-STRAT methodology of the Horizon 2020 project applied to the analysis of the external dependencies of Ukraine and other Eastern Partnership countries.

2. Effects of international structural changes and domestic politics on transatlantic relations and implications for Lithuania (consulting scientist prof. dr. Ramūnas Vilpišauskas)

The aim of the study is to analyse the state of transatlantic relations (between North American and European allies, NATO and EU) and their evolution, tracing its causes to international and domestic factors such as US pivot to Asia, rising geopolitical tensions and polarisation of domestic politics, assessing implications for Lithuania.

3. The impact of crises/external shocks on public policy and state cooperation in Europe (consulting scientist prof. dr. Vitalis Nakrošis, prof. dr. Ramūnas Vilpišauskas)

This topic aims to develop research on the impact of recent crises (especially geopolitical ones) on the public policies of Lithuania and other European countries and their cooperation in managing crises and strengthening the resilience of their societies and institutions. Although the number of studies of this kind has been growing rapidly recently, there is still a need to develop both theoretical discussions and deeper empirical analysis on this topic. Research integrating approaches from policy analysis and international relations and EU studies is encouraged. Such work would not only contribute to the development of academic research, but could also offer useful practical guidance for decision-makers.

4. Identities in the (post-)Soviet and democratic political regimes (consulting scientist assoc. prof. Nerija Putinaitė)

Broadly understood collective identities—whether Soviet, national, or other—manifest as various normative self-perception frameworks that evolve historically, are influenced by external changes, or demonstrate resilience to them. These identities provide insights into political choices and societal or group attitudes, including identity conflicts, within different political regimes. The thematic scope encompasses a range of possible topics and issues related to the interaction between society and Soviet, post-Soviet, as well as other democratic political regimes. These include the functioning of the Soviet regime, the conditions for transitions from totalitarian or authoritarian systems to democratic ones, integration into the European Union, contemporary political and social processes, and collective memory regimes. Various critical methodologies may be employed in the analysis.

5. The Political Economy of FinTech (consulting scientist assoc. prof. Vytautas Kuokštis)

The FinTech (financial technologies) revolution has brought major changes to the financial sector. By using new technologies, Fintech companies challenge the established business models and open up new opportunities for users of financial services. Lithuania is among the leading countries in Europe and globally when it comes to creating an environment attractive for FinTech companies and actually receiving foreign investments in this area. Although at present the sector does not constitute a major share in the economy, it is growing exceedingly fast and holds enormous potential.

Due to its novelty, FinTech has not yet received a lot of attention in the academic literature. This is especially true for political science, as contributions have been mainly made by economists and economic geographers. At the same time, political science can offer valuable perspectives on the topic. The main research questions are the following – how can we explain the difference in FinTech regulation across the world? Why has Lithuania succeeded in creating an attractive environment for such companies? To what extent can differences in regulation be accounted for by interests (e.g., preferences and influence of traditional financial institutions), institutions, or ideas?

Additional questions of interest: how and why is FinTech regulated at the EU level? What are the geopolitical implications of FinTech?

6. Politics of the (Post)Soviet Aesthetics (consulting scientist prof. dr. Natalija Arlauskaitė)

In the late Soviet period, on the verge of independence and during the 30 years since its restoration, aesthetic/artistic activity has in various ways established a critical relationship with the past, with one’s own present, and with the circulating visions of the future. Social and political activism (artivism), the creation of institutions, the formation of stable and situated communities, new forms and formats of aesthetic activity, individual and group aesthetics have all been and continue to be part of the public debate about the state and society. However, the political content of all these discussions has been rarely examined. The topic of this research implies an interdisciplinary approach, a tendency to work with empirics and theoretical connections.

7. Shifts in the U.S. Foreign Policy: A Challenge to the Contemporary World Order (consulting scientist prof. dr. Tomas Janeliūnas)

The return of U.S. President Donald Trump to the White House has raised concerns among allies and partners regarding the U.S. commitment to maintaining the existing liberal international order. This order, largely shaped by the U.S. after World War II, had to uphold the importance of international law, international organizations, and security alliances in preserving peace and deterring potential aggressors. The expansion of international law, international institutions, security alliances (NATO), and economic unions (EU) created conditions for even small states to secure stability, security, and sustainable economic growth.

Trump’s vision of U.S. foreign policy shifts resembles a return to an imperialist conception of power and an extremely narrow interpretation of national interests. These tendencies can be described as “antisocial behavior” in the international arena or “autism in foreign policy”, according to H. W. Maull (2017, 2019), where the interests of other countries, warnings about potential consequences, and even international agreements signed by the U.S. are disregarded. The intentions of U.S. leadership could significantly alter the existing security system and pose an existential threat to Lithuania. Moreover, even beyond Trump’s presidency, the U.S. trajectory of abandoning multilateralism, reducing focus on Europe, and scaling back security guarantees may become a long-term trend. A detailed analysis of the dynamics and changes in U.S. foreign policy is essential to ensure that Lithuanian diplomacy can respond appropriately and prepare for systemic shifts. Academic research in this field is more relevant than ever for Lithuanian institutions, as significant adjustments to Lithuania’s security and foreign strategies, along with their implementation methods, may soon be required.

8. The Politics, Economics and Culture of (Anti-)Corruption in Central Asia (consulting scientist assoc. prof. Konstantinas Andrijauskas)

In the current environment of increased geopolitical and geoeconomic competition worldwide, post-Soviet Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) has yet again attracted the attention of external actors, the EU and Lithuania included. This process largely coincides with rather unprecedented political and economic transformations across much of the region, particularly in its two largest countries, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. One of the principal deficiencies usually associated with Central Asia is supposedly endemic and entrenched corruption. Based on a consciously expanded definition of the phenomenon in question, this call aims to initiate scientific study of ‘corrupt’ practices and anti-corruption initiatives there. The interdisciplinary research will be conducted largely within the frame of the EU-funded programme Multi-Level Orders of Corruption in Central Asia (MOCCA) that is based on academic exchange (one to twelve months long) among more than a dozen European and Central Asian institutions forming the consortium. Candidates with the following traits are particularly encouraged to apply: aside of English, proficiency in Central Asia’s titular languages (Turkic and Iranic) and/or Russian; previous study or work in fields related to political science, sociology, anthropology, economics, law or area studies, particularly dealing with corruption; and experience of conducting fieldwork research, especially in non-European and Muslim majority societies.

9. Emerging powers as the source of multifaceted challenges and opportunities for Lithuania and the EU (consulting scientist assoc. prof. Konstantinas Andrijauskas)

As the shift of economic and military power from Euro-Atlantic space to the rest of the world continues, particular role has been secured by countries that can be described as relatively novel significant actors in the international arena. These rapidly rising middle and great powers are characterised not only by ambitions associated with “new-comers”, but also deep and grand-standing historical identities as well as objective capabilities increasingly commensurate with their bold aims. Throughout these last several years, Lithuania has also come in close contact with this phenomenon, both individually and as part of the EU. Starting from challenges brought by bilateral crisis in its relationship with China, exploitation of migrants from the Muslim world in neighbouring Belarus, or consistent penetration of Turkey’s influence to the Eastern Partnership countries, and ending with Lithuania’s own attempts to diversify its foreign policy towards the Indo-Pacific region, Asia and the “Global South” have become objectively significant not only for Brussels, but also Vilnius. This call prepared on behalf of the Institute’s Asian, African and Latin American Research Group is intended to those doctoral candidates who aim to study the impact of non-European rising powers for Lithuania and the entire EU within disciplinary framework of international relations and comparative politics. Particularly encouraged are those candidates who besides general competences for doctoral studies in political science have relevant linguistic capabilities (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Turkish, Persian, Kurdish, Hindi-Urdu, Hebrew, French, Spanish or Portuguese).

10. The Global Governance of Catastrophic Technological Risk (consulting scientists prof. dr. Florian Caspar Rabitz)

A range of novel and high-impact technologies could make significant contributions to sustainable development, human well-being or socio-economic development, while also implying new and catastrophic technological risks. Such risks could occur, for instance, with rogue Artificial General Intelligence, with the uncontrollable and irreversible environmental diffusion of novel Genetically Modified Organisms, or with large-scale technological interventions into the climate system for combating anthropogenic global warming. Catastrophic risks may also result from hostile uses of novel technologies, by state and non-state actors alike, for instance when leveraging Artificial Intelligence for the construction of biological weapons or for large-scale cyberwarfare. Global governance responses, both through international and transnational institutions, have so far shown considerable variation in their capacity for effectively managing new and catastrophic technological risks. The research project would explore such governance responses to develop institutional models for the effective management of catastrophic technological risks at the global level. This could involve single- or comparative case studies both within and across technological domains, focusing on adaptation processes within relevant international or transnational institutions. Conceptually, the project would seek to draw on wider discussions on institutional change in political science and international relations.

11. The Glocal Impact of Foreign Volunteer Fighters in Modern Conflicts: Transitional Justice and Security Implications (consulting scientist assoc. prof. Lina Strupinskienė)

The participation of foreign volunteer fighters in contemporary conflicts, such as Russia’s war against Ukraine, unveils novel challenges for international law, security, and transitional justice. While often seen as symbols of morality and solidarity, these fighters pose risks—from war crimes to the spread of extremist ideologies upon their return to home countries. The problematic centers around key questions: What are the consequences of foreign fighters’ involvement during and after conflicts? How can international justice effectively mitigate these risks and ensure their reintegration into society? This research would examine not only the motivations of foreign fighters but also their “glocal” impact—intersecting local and global processes in conflict and post-conflict settings.

12. Memory, Technology, and Conflict: Digital Platforms as Arenas for Memory Activism (consulting scientist assoc. prof. Lina Strupinskienė)

Digital platforms, such as TikTok, Instagram, X, and Facebook, are redefining how societies remember and process post-conflict histories. These platforms have become arenas where memory activism thrives, offering opportunities for marginalized voices to challenge dominant historical narratives. However, this digital memory work also brings forth significant challenges. Algorithmic amplification can distort historical narratives, while ethical dilemmas arise when addressing sensitive histories in online spaces. In the context of the Western Balkans, where historical narratives remain deeply contested, this research examines how digital tools are used to shape collective memory, foster societal reconciliation, or perpetuate division. What role do algorithms play in amplifying or silencing memory activism? How can digital memory work address the ethical challenges of dealing with war-related trauma in ways that are inclusive, transparent, and responsible?

13. EU Enlargement and the Legacy of War Crimes Tribunals: Navigating Justice and Politics in the Western Balkans (consulting scientist assoc. prof. Lina Strupinskienė)

The EU’s enlargement process has played a significant role in driving governance and judicial reforms in candidate countries. However, in the Western Balkans, the legacy of war crimes tribunals—such as the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY)—remains a contentious issue in the interplay between transitional justice and EU accession processes. While the EU promotes reconciliation and rule of law, tensions between political pragmatism and normative commitments to justice often arise. This research seeks to explore key questions: How have EU enlargement processes influenced transitional justice measures and public perceptions in the Western Balkans? What role does the ICTY’s legacy play in shaping EU reconciliation policies? Are there trade-offs between the EU’s political strategy for regional stability and its normative goals of justice and accountability? By examining these questions, the study will illuminate the complex dynamics between politics, justice, and reconciliation in the EU enlargement agenda.

14. Problems of contemporary politics

Aim of the research is to analyse selected political problem in one the fields of political science.

The research carried out by researchers at IIRPS VU allows to ensure the intellectual and material basis for the research in the following fields:

Political behaviour and institutions

History of ideas and political philosophy

Global and regional processes as well as the role of Lithuania in them

Contemporary Europe

Public administration and public policy analysis

For detailed information about admission to VU doctoral programs and deadlines for submission of documents, please visit VU page.