Record Number of Students Enrolled
KU begins the 2024-2025 academic year with a significantly larger student body, with enrollment approximately 40% higher than in the previous academic year. This trend of increasing enrollment has continued for the third consecutive year.
"We have much to be proud of: exceptional study programs, a holistic approach to education, international partnerships, flexibility, membership in the EU-CONEXUS Alliance, and continuous efforts to improve the study environment and quality. All of this has not gone unnoticed. We are very pleased to have welcomed a record number of students. Among Lithuanian universities, we have made the biggest leap forward in this respect," said KU Rector Prof. Dr. Artūras Razbadauskas.
The most popular bachelor's degree programs were Childhood Education, Psychology, Radiology, Nursing, Biology and Marine Biotechnology, and Leisure Sports. The most popular master's degree programs were Nursing, Healthcare Management, Educational Psychology, Business Management, and Physical Activity and Sports Pedagogy.
"The geographic diversity of students entering Klaipėda University is extensive, covering almost all of Lithuania. The largest number of students came from Klaipėda City, Klaipėda District, Kretinga District, Vilnius City, Šilutė District, and Kaunas City municipalities. Compared to last year, the number of international students admitted has increased by around 60%, with most coming from Ukraine, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan," shared KU Vice-Rector for Studies, Assoc. Prof. Aida Norvilienė.
Faculty of Health Sciences Celebrates 25th Anniversary
The 25th anniversary of the Faculty of Health Sciences is being celebrated in conjunction with the start of the new academic year. The faculty began its activities on September 1, 1999.
"Twenty-five years ago, it was the first faculty of health sciences in Lithuania, distinct from medicine. Over a quarter of a century, the faculty has trained more than 5,500 health professionals who have successfully integrated into the healthcare sector, becoming both practitioners and managers of medical and health institutions. Today, we are proud to have an innovative center of excellence in health sciences, bringing together scientists, teachers, and students," said KU Rector Prof. Dr. Artūras Razbadauskas.
Two years ago, the successful activities of the faculty laid the groundwork for the vision of establishing Klaipėda University Hospital. The cooperation between the faculty and the hospital contributes to the improvement of study program quality, the development of new fields of study, the preparation of qualified specialists, and the commitment to conducting joint research.
The founders of the Faculty were Prof. Dr. Algimantas Kirkutis, Prof. Habil. Dr. Vinsas Janušonis, Prof. Dr. Arnoldas Jurgutis, Prof. Habil. Dr. A. Baubinienė, Prof. Dr. Elvyra Giedraitienė, the current Rector of KU Prof. Dr. Artūras Razbadauskas, and others.
KU Campus Development Study Presented
On September 2, the Klaipėda University Campus Development Study was presented to the university community. The study was commissioned by the Limarko Group, on the initiative of the KU Future Support Foundation, to mark its 30th anniversary. The study was prepared by Newsec, an international real estate and business valuation company.
"We wanted to mark our anniversary with meaningful work, not just celebrations. As a resident of Klaipėda and a businessman, I believe it is very important to have a strong university in the city, and the implementation of this study would certainly contribute to that. The study is highly relevant given the growing number of students and curricula. At the same time, it is only a first step, with a challenging implementation process ahead. I wish KU perseverance and determination in carrying it out," said Vytautas Lygnugaris, Head of Limarko Group.
According to Vice-Rector for Infrastructure and Development, Dr. Benediktas Petrauskas, new functional zones should be established on the KU campus as part of the development study. Some of the campus area should be used not only for research and scientific activities but also for a wellness complex, a sports zone, green spaces, and commercial areas related to the university's activities. New connections should also be created to allow free movement around the campus by car, bicycle, or scooter. Additionally, the study suggests the construction of a new kindergarten and school.
"With the implementation of the KU Campus Development Study, we hope to address issues important not only to the university but also to the city and the region. The study encompasses what we have built, what we will build in the near future, and our plans for the future," said KU Vice-Rector for Infrastructure and Development, Dr. Benediktas Petrauskas.
The KU campus currently consists of historic buildings (former barracks) and modern complexes built in the last decade, including a business incubator, the Marine Research Institute, and dormitories. This spring, another building was renovated and now houses a modern STEAM center.
To date, the campus has been developed according to a detailed plan approved in 2010. A new student dormitory, a laboratory block, and a medical simulation center have already been designed.
"The authors of the KU Campus Development Study have examined and assessed the university site, reviewed the current detailed plan, and proposed possible visions that would be attractive to both us and the public. According to the experts, our current detailed plan is good but could be updated. If we integrate the updated detailed plan with the territorial development regulations from the last 10-15 years, our plan will become much more mobile, flexible, and efficient," explained Dr. Petrauskas.
Awards for Outstanding Students
At the opening ceremony of the academic year, Klaipėda City Municipality awarded students whose final theses were recognized as relevant to the city and of an applied nature. The Mayor of Klaipėda, Arvydas Vaitkus, presented awards to Elina Belovaitė, Birutė Ruškytė, Diliara Faizrachmanova, Ingrid Karapetrova, and Paulis Razučius.
KU Rector Prof. Dr. Artūras Razbadauskas also presented awards to two recipients of nominal prizes. Dominykas Marozas received the Vydūnas Youth Fund's one-time Professor Steponas Kolupaila Scholarship. Gustė Vidutytė was awarded the Lithuanian Foundation's Mykolas and Amalija Jagučiai Scholarship.
The celebration also welcomed new PhD student Titas Tamkvaitis and his supervisor, Dr. Hektoras Vitkus. Just a few days ago, Tamkvaitis successfully defended his doctoral dissertation, titled "Coastal Defense Systems on the Lithuanian and Latvian Coasts in 1939-1945 and Problems of Their Preservation," in the field of history and archaeology, earning him a diploma.
