Vilnius University

Vilnius University (VU) is the oldest university in the Baltic states and one of the oldest in Central and Eastern Europe.

Vilnius University was founded in 1579 by Stephen Báthory, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania. It is the oldest university in the Baltic states and one of the oldest in Central and Eastern Europe.

The university was initially established as a Jesuit college, but it gradually became more secularized in the 18th and 19th centuries. During the Russian Empire period, Vilnius University was one of the few centers of Lithuanian culture and national identity. In the early 20th century, the university played a leading role in the Lithuanian independence movement.

After Lithuania regained its independence in 1918, Vilnius University became a state university. It continued to grow and develop during the interwar period, and became one of the leading universities in Central and Eastern Europe. During World War II, the university suffered significant damage, but it was rebuilt and reopened in 1945.

In the Soviet period, Vilnius University was renamed the Vilnius V. Kapsukas State University. It was the largest university in the Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic. After Lithuania regained its independence in 1990, the university was renamed Vilnius University.

Vilnius University has since continued to grow and develop. It is now one of the leading universities in the Baltic states and offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in a variety of fields. The university has a strong international presence and collaborates with universities and businesses around the world. It offers a number of English-language programs for international students, and also has a number of international exchange programs with universities in Europe, North America, and Asia.

The university's history is a reflection of the rich and complex history of Lithuania itself. Vilnius University has played a major role in shaping the Lithuanian nation and culture, and it continues to be a leading institution of higher education in the Baltic states today.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, Vilnius University is positioned as the #439 top university in the world, which makes it the #1 top university in Lithuania. The university's global rank is improved by 34 points from last year.