Amendments adopted in 2022 aim to increase access, studies completion rates and competences for groups currently under-represented in higher education. A concrete plan is being developed to help these groups access higher education: 

• people of low socio-economic status. This group faces financial, academic, attitudinal and information barriers, all of which make them less likely to choose to study and less likely to successfully complete their studies. 
• those with individual needs arising from disabilities. This group faces challenges in adapting the study environment and process to their needs. 
• older applicants. This group faces challenges related to the flexibility of study formats and the lack of a more diverse range of study options. 

In addition, it is foreseen that from 2024 onwards, there will be an additional competitive queue for applicants from socially vulnerable backgrounds, with prior experience of practical work or volunteering. This queue will be allocated 10% of the state-funded study places, but with the same academic preparation requirements as the main competition queue. 

Expanding the social dimension of higher education aims to ensure that the social composition of students enrolled, studying, and obtaining higher education qualifications at all levels of study, reflects the diverse social composition of our society. 

Source: Eurydice Unit Lithuania