The bilateral agreement provides for long-term cooperation between the institutions in the fields of studies, scientific research, and strengthening of the academic community. The main areas of cooperation outlined in the agreement include exchanges of academic and administrative staff, student exchange programs, exchange of academic materials and information, and the development of joint research activities. The agreement has been concluded for a five-year period with the possibility of extension.
The Rector of Klaipeda University, Prof. Dr. Artūras Razbadauskas, expressed his satisfaction with the signed bilateral cooperation agreement: “Odesa National University is already participating in EU-CONEXUS activities as an associated partner. This bilateral partnership will strengthen the internationalization of both universities, open new opportunities for the academic community of Odesa National University, and promote joint international research and study projects. I am particularly pleased that Klaipėda University continues to consistently develop cooperation with Ukrainian higher education institutions, thereby providing necessary resources and support to a country exhausted by war.”
Klaipėda University’s Consistent Partnership with the Ukrainian Academic Community
As early as January of this year, Klaipeda University joined the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, which brings together universities, research institutes, and research centers from various countries around the world. KU currently actively cooperates with Ukrainian educational institutions and supports Ukrainians living and studying in Lithuania.
This year, 125 students from Ukraine are studying at Klaipeda University. Since 2022, tuition fees and living expenses for Ukrainian students have been partially or fully funded by Klaipeda University and through programs administered by the Education Exchanges Support Foundation. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the University has consistently provided academic, social, and financial support to Ukrainian students in order to ensure stable and high-quality study conditions.
Klaipeda University also actively cooperates with Ukrainian higher education institutions in the academic field. Erasmus+ student exchanges are being implemented, and three bilateral cooperation agreements for exchange programs have been signed with universities in Odesa, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv. In addition, the University has concluded as many as 27 cooperation agreements with various Ukrainian higher education institutions, aimed at strengthening the quality of studies, expanding academic mobility, and increasing research potential.
An important direction of Klaipeda University’s support for Ukraine is assistance to Ukrainian scientific activity. The University employs Ukrainian researchers, providing them with opportunities to continue their research, integrate into international academic communities, and contribute to scientific advancement. In this way, not only are individual researchers supported, but long-term academic ties between Lithuania and Ukraine are also strengthened. Currently, 9 Ukrainian researchers are employed at the University.
Furthermore, in order to support the education of Ukrainian children in Klaipėda, Klaipeda University provides premises at the Faculty of Marine Technologies and Natural Sciences for use by the Klaipėda International Ukrainian School. This aims to ensure an uninterrupted educational process for Ukrainian children living in Klaipėda.
