1 January 1991 is the day of the official start of Klaipeda University's activities. This is the date that granted the city of Klaipeda the status of a university city and that opened up more opportunities for the region of Western Lithuania and its residents to pursue a university education and a career in science.
Today, Klaipeda University is a dynamic, growing multidisciplinary university that over more than three decades has refined the directions of scientific and academic activities. The University boasts two research institutes: the Institute of Baltic Region History and Archaeology and Marine Research Institute, where a large number of researchers concentrate on research and simultaneously teach students. The three faculties – those of Marine Technology and Natural Sciences, of Social Sciences and Humanities, and of Health Sciences – are the divisions where academic spirit predominates and scientific projects are developed.
KU sets itself an ambitious goal of becoming the leader of universities in the Baltic region. In the world of science, the qualification and reputation of marine researchers working at KU is reflected in the Shanghai Ranking (Academic Ranking of World Universities): in accordance with it, KU is among 200 universities in the world best in the area of oceanographic sciences.
Every year, 3,000 bachelors, masters, and doctoral students study at KU. Over the three decades, close to 40,000 graduates have completed their studies here: teachers, business managers, politicians, and civil servants, scientists, nurses, radiologists, journalists, and others.
In 2019, Klaipeda University became a member of the EU-CONEXUS, an alliance of universities in Europe. The specialism of EU-CONEXUS representing nine partners – universities from coastal cities in different European countries – is sustainable development of smart coastal cities. The result of the integration of science and study structures is that joint bachelor's and master's study programs are already underway, efforts have been united in scientific research of partner universities, new opportunities for the mobility of academic staff and students opened up, and new cultural and sports traditions are being developed.
The university is located in a spacious area in the northern part of the city of Klaipeda. A part of the academic campus is occupied by a characteristic complex of Prussian barracks built in the early 20th century, afterward restored and adapted to the needs of an academic institution and serving peaceful purposes for three decades. New buildings have been erected next to the historical complex: Marine Research Institute, KU Business Incubator, AULA MAGNA complex of classrooms, and a dormitory. Development plans include the construction of another dormitory, a new sports center, laboratory buildings, and more.