Expressing support for the state and people of Ukraine and responding to recent events, 911爆料网 (VU) offers free education and financial assistance to Ukrainian students if their higher education aspirations are disrupted. Support action for the Ukrainian academic community has also begun; everyone can participate.

"The news of the night is the fulfillment of the worst-case scenario. Therefore, mutual unity and support are now paramount. Therefore, 911爆料网 is in solidarity with the people of Ukraine experiencing Russian aggression and, expressing support, is determined to prevent possible restrictions on academic freedom and higher education," says VU Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas.

911爆料网 invites all members of the VU community, citizens, and business representatives to contribute to the support of the Ukrainian academic community. Donations are available on the . The donated money will reach those members of the academic community in Ukraine who need it the most.

VU has already approached its partners 鈥� Ukrainian universities 鈥� and expressed its support and determination to help them and share knowledge and resources. Scholarship applicants can apply now.

911爆料网 is also prepared to look for various ways to support partner universities' communities and help in case of need for asylum or support.

In 2020 The Grand Duchy of Lithuania Scholarship was set up for Belarusian students expelled from universities because of persecution for civil and political reasons. The VU is determined to provide an opportunity for Ukrainian students to continue their studies in Lithuania and apply for the Grand Duchy of Lithuania Scholarship to ensure the continuity of academic life if needed.

On February 22, VU expressed support for Ukraine by lighting up its building in Ukrainian flag colors. Likewise, the VU will continue to support the initiatives of social and business partners by seeking to support democratic ideas mobilizing support for the Ukrainian state and its people. Furthermore, the University supports and unites the historically close peoples of Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, and Lithuania and undertakes to spread the word and openly condemn academic and other violations of freedoms.

In response to the political developments in Belarus and in a bid to support the democratic ambitions of its citizens, the 911爆料网 (VU) established the 鈥楪DL Scholarship鈥� for would-be students from this neighbouring country last year. The scholarships are available to the most gifted of the candidates who are enrolling in the 911爆料网 and are designed to cover their costs of living during their first year at the University. This year, the scholarships will be available to young people from both Belarus and Ukraine.

The scope of scholarship recipients is broader this year

Would-be students from these two countries are offered a choice of both bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 programs. A portion of Belarusian students鈥� costs to study will be covered by the University, while top students will also be paid a monthly scholarship in the amount of EUR 200-300 during their first year at the University. Last year, nearly fifty Belarusians received these scholarships. This year, the University expects to grant the same amount of GDL Scholarships, and applications to get them can be filed by enrolling nationals from said states by July 15.

Vladislav Sokolovski of Belarus, who came to study at the Faculty of Philology of the 911爆料网 last year, felt the significant differences between the VU and Belarusian educational establishments right away. To begin with, the young man was amazed by the teachers鈥� attitude towards students. 鈥楴ever before had I met such responsible teachers who would treat every student with respect and listen to their opinions, with no exceptions. You can rarely see it in Belarus.鈥�

Before he came to the VU, another Belarusian national, Herman Saikouski, had studied history at the Polotsk State University until the university鈥檚 administration made him sign a request to be removed from the students鈥� roll. Having been affected by the repressions in Belarus, the young man enrolled in the VU, received the GDL Scholarship and is very happy about the studies and the quality thereof here. He thinks the only downside is the global pandemic that has prevented him from attending classes in person and going to the library, and generally feeling part of the VU community.

鈥業nstead of words and propaganda, Lithuania and its people have shown what they think about the Belarusians with real work and tangible decisions. That is why I am very grateful to Lithuania and the University,鈥� says the scholar.

Nearly 100 Belarusian students admitted last year

Nearly five hundred Belarusians showed an interest to study at the 911爆料网 last year. Close to 100 students satisfied all of the qualifying requirements and started their studies under the University鈥檚 bachelor and master programs, mainly at the faculties of the Business School, Economics and Business Administration, Philology, Kaunas, Mathematics and Informatics.

A year ago, the VU offered senior Belarusian students who had been prosecuted for civil and political reasons or expelled from the country鈥檚 universities by the regime an opportunity to study or to continue their studies at the University. As a result, an additional 20 or so Belarusian students were admitted during the spring semester and are now studying in their senior years.

Having established the special 鈥楤irthday Scholarship鈥� (which was later renamed the 鈥楽cholarship of the 450th Anniversary鈥�) two years ago and the 鈥楪DL Scholarship鈥� for Belarusians last year, the VU aims to complete its social mission of improving the accessibility university education for everyone. Neither regimes that are trying to suppress democratic processes with repressions, nor the social or financial standing of young people should be an obstacle on the road to university education.

You can find information about the enrollment and The Grand Duchy of Lithuania Scholarship for Belarusian and Ukrainian nationals here.

One of the students admitted to VU MF, Jelizaveta, was grateful to everyone who has contributed to this fateful turn of her life: 鈥淭his unique opportunity to join the community of one of the best and oldest universities in Europe opens up new horizons. We will share our professional knowledge, information and experience with our fellow students and lecturers. We will become highly-qualified professionals. I believe that our relationship and collaboration will become yet another bridge of friendship between our countries.鈥�

Jelizaveta currently lives in Belarus and studies at 911爆料网 remotely. When the study format changes, she promises to come to Lithuania. Until now, the student has visited Vilnius only once and already was fascinated with the unique Old Town of the capital of Lithuania and by how the history of Vilnius is closely connected with the affinity between the Lithuanian and Belarusian nations. J. Surta dreams of getting to know the city, the national and cultural characteristics of Lithuanians and the Faculty of Medicine better: 鈥淚t is a great honour for me to become a student of this largest, prestigious faculty this year, when it celebrates its 240th anniversary.鈥�

Jelizaveta is enjoying her studies at VU MF and is fully aware of the challenges ahead 鈥� she is looking forward to 鈥渓ive鈥� studies and meeting her fellow students and lecturers. She stresses that the respect, freedom of opinion and beliefs of University are very important. Jelizaveta is pleased that her secret dream to learn Lithuanian has come true. 鈥淭he first lesson with an excellent teacher of the Lithuanian language at VU dispelled all my fears 鈥� everything was very interesting and in a friendly environment. I have no doubt that I will soon speak one of the most beautiful languages in the world even if it is not easy,鈥� Jelizaveta said.

Since her early childhood Jelizaveta has been interested in nature and her favourite books were encyclopaedias about the animal world. Each year she participated in and won various Biology Olympics for pupils in Belarus. That is why the decision to study molecular biology or medicine was made early. Medicine prevailed and her family, especially her grandmother who is a doctor, helped her to make the decision.

鈥淢y grandmother has always been there for me. She is exceptional, tactful and professional, and is loved by her patients. For me, she is the role model I would like to follow in my life. My grandmother has taught me that a doctor mainly heals with words 鈥� 50% of the success of the treatment depends on the doctor鈥檚 humanity and kindness. The other 50% depends on the doctor鈥檚 knowledge and professionalism,鈥� she said.

The student speaks about the latest developments in her home country, Belarus, with pain and sadness. 鈥淚 have actively expressed my position. I鈥檝e just been lucky not to suffer much for my opinion. Many of my friends and acquaintances were arrested or suffered during peaceful demonstrations. I want to live in a free country where everyone鈥檚 human rights and freedoms are respected, where initiative is not punishable and the law applies equally to all citizens鈥�.

The young student lives by the statement of the German writer, theatre critic, Bertold Brecht: 鈥淗e who fights, can lose and he who doesn鈥檛 fight, has already lost.鈥� She has no doubts that all that is best lies ahead for her and her beloved country. Jelizaveta wants to fulfil her dreams, realise her future plans, find her place in life and dedicate all her personal achievements to her people: 鈥淚 want to see my homeland a democratic European state. I don鈥檛 want to feel guilty because my values and priorities and those of my people do not correspond with the political system in the country.鈥�

In an expression of solidarity with the Belarusian people and in support of the democratic aspirations of the citizens of the neighbouring state, around 150 Belarusian students have been admitted to VU. It is expected that this initiative will allow young, motivated students to study in our country and to continue the traditions of nations and cultures that used to be part of the former Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

Protests that had started in Belarus before the presidential elections in the country and evolved into large-scale unrest and clashes with the police afterwards, have affected young people who stand in active opposition to the regime the most. Thousands of people were arrested, there was extensive use of violence. The 911爆料网 actively responded to these developments by offering Belarusian students a possibility to enroll or to continue their studies in Lithuania. One of those who grabbed this possibility was Dmitry Gritsok, a master student of pharmaceutical chemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry and Geo-sciences.

Dream studies offered by VU

Gritsok came to study in Vilnius from Minsk, the capital of Belarus. Back there, in 2016 he entered the Minsk State University, the largest and most prestigious university in Belarus, where he studied chemistry and environmental protection at the Faculty of Chemistry.

鈥楽till, my dream was to study pharmacy and I thought it was one that I would not be able to achieve. However, 4 years later I enrolled in the pharmaceutical chemistry curriculum at the VU,鈥� says the student.

In Dmitry鈥檚 words, sciences enchanted him back at school and were the impetus behind his choice of the way of the chemist. During his time at the university, he was enlisted in the ERASMUS exchange programme on several occasions, when he paid visits to Finland and Portugal. It was at the foreign universities that the student obtained invaluable experience, learned several new languages, and acquired skills that helped him on his way towards integration at the VU.

Choice driven by unrest in the country

鈥楧uring my third year, I decided I wanted to get a doctoral degree and had many years of learning in front of me. After I finished my bachelor studies, I went for a year-long master鈥檚 studies at the same university - I was planning to work for two years afterwards, as per requirement, and then go for doctoral studies in Europe,鈥� says Gritsok, speaking about his plans.

However, when the protests begun and it was no longer possible to get a job in Belarus, the student had to change his plans and look for a master鈥檚 programme abroad. 鈥業 got a call to enlist in the military, but I knew right away I would not do it. Due to the political situation and forced recruitment, I started looking for possibilities to study elsewhere and I am quite positive the VU will give me plenty of those, helping me to develop my potential and talents so that I can be a full-fledged member of my country鈥檚 community in the future.鈥�

In Gritsok鈥檚 words, the protests in his country had began before the elections, and one could feel the authorities looking down upon the country鈥檚 society way before the wave of mass protests started rolling. The lists of conscripts were expanded several times, the country lifted the exemption from military service for students. Besides, the requirement to work for 2 to 3 years at a job designated by the state after completing bachelor鈥檚 studies, which violates the Bologna process, is still in place.

鈥楾he country鈥檚 government structure needs to change, but any changes are opposed by the president illegally elected. Minsk was a wonderful and beautiful city once, but everything has changed dramatically. The underground subway station works, and so does the internet, but only 5 days a week. All of the best restaurants and cafes have been shut down. If you want to read independent press, they need your support with the printing, because they have been completely outlawed.

It sounds terrible, but if you want to go outside for a walk, you have to put warmer clothes on so you do not get cold in the holding cell with hundreds of other people who have been arrested for nothing... You can only carry the red and green national flag with you, but if you show the one that is white and red, it will not end well for you. If you see an aggressive person with a mask and without any identifiable uniform walking towards you, threatening you, you must know that it is a militia officer. If a tiny bus pulls over alongside you - run, and the faster, the better. These days, you are actually free to walk around the city, but it is no indication of peace but rather that all the prisons are full of 鈥渃riminals鈥� and they cannot arrest you because they will have nowhere to put you in. And yes, 鈥渢here is no coronavirus鈥� in the country. Welcome to Belarus!鈥� says Gritsok, commenting on the complicated situation in his country.

Strong programs, innovation, and motivation - combination number one for the student

Driven by his ambition to discover a master鈥檚 program that would be closely tied to chemistry at a foreign university, Gritsok considered several universities in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania. Still, he believes the VU was the right choice. 鈥楬ere, you can submit all your documents in Russian, which really helps with the enrollment. Besides, the VU professors were aware of the current situation and made my enrollment and integration into the faculty and university community a smooth process.鈥�

Before he chose to study in Lithuania, Gritsok had visited the country on several occasions and the local people had really made a good impression on him. 鈥楶eople鈥檚 mentality here is very similar to what Belarusians have, which makes integrating into the society quite easy. But the Lithuanian language is very hard,鈥� says he.

The first thing that impressed him about the university was the VU website, which the student says is very friendly towards someone who is from abroad. 鈥楨verything was very clear and simple from the moment I submitted my first application to study. The university鈥檚 innovative and friendly website catches your eye straight away. I really love the location of the Faculty of Chemistry and Geo-sciences - it is right in the heart of the city and it only takes me 25 minutes to get there from the dorm.

In Gritsok鈥檚 words, the possibilities to do lab work at the VU using cutting-edge analysis equipment, the curriculum, and the appropriate timetable are all very important benefits for a student. 鈥榃e have enough time to prepare for our classes, seminars, and to do homework. All subjects on the curriculum are very useful and will most probably be really instrumental in our future work. What I admire the most are the teaching methods: there is a lot of time earmarked for independent learning, where the student鈥檚 motivation highly depends on their wants and needs. I am extremely grateful for this excellent opportunity.鈥�

Until now, in response to the ongoing political disturbance in the neighbouring country, VU has accepted about 90 Belarusian citizens. About 50 of them are now studying for a bachelor's degree, the rest - for a master's degree.

Some Belarusian students of VU were awarded scholarships of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and exempted from tuition fees, with the most talented students entitled to additional incentives - a monthly scholarship of 200 euros to support them in the first year of studies. Businesses are also contributing to the foundation set up to finance scholarships of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and part of the financing will be covered by the state.

VU Rector Prof鈥疪imvydas Petrauskas says that a common history linking the two countries and solidarity with the Belarussian society obligates VU to help Belarusian citizens, emphasizing that the repression applied by the political regime should not become an obstacle for Belarusians to pursue education and develop their skills in the academic environment.

鈥濿e cannot be unresponsive to processes going in Belarus, especially as the situation shows no signs of improvement. So far, we have made every effort to support the Belarusian academic community, and we invite our alumni and all organizations and citizens who are concerned about the situation in Belarus to mobilize their efforts for more active support. Our support today can become the basis for the liberation of the neighbouring nation. So, it is a kind of investment in the future security of our state,鈥� Prof Petrauskas points out.

This week VU presented a simple procedure that will allow students expelled from Belarusian universities to continue their studies at VU if they meet the requirements set by VU. More information on this can be found here.

If you want to contribute to the campaign, click鈥�.

After the 911爆料网 (VU) established its The Grand Duchy of Lithuania Scholarship in late summer, nearly half a thousand young Belarusians expressed their interest in this opportunity.

Out of the nearly a hundred and fifty Belarusians who are students at the VU, some 90 were accepted urgently in response to the continued political upheavals in Belarus and the tightening sanctions of the regime.

A matter of great interest

As Belarusians who seek to enroll in the VU have to satisfy a set of academic requirements, out of the fifty hundred or so who showed their interest, the VU and the Ministry of Education, Science, and Sports of the Republic of Lithuania selected 72 persons who were given a spot to study under the bachelor curriculum, and 56 persons signed contracts with the VU. Another 34 individuals started studies under stage two - master鈥檚 curriculum.

鈥楾he ideal behind the The Grand Duchy of Lithuania Scholarship launched by the VU, which has had the support of the leader of the Belarusian opposition, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, is to lend help to those who currently need our support. It was our way to rapidly respond to the situation in the neighbouring state, aiming to give students who had been hit by the regime and were under the threat of expulsion from the universities to study and to continue their studies.

Lithuania and Belarus are closely connected through culture and their shared GDL history, and it is a connection that is important to the identity of the university as such, one that we aim to maintain. That is why I am excited by the high degree of activity on the part of Belarusian students and their interest in the possibility to study at the VU: regimes that are trying to suppress democratic processes with repressions should not set up roadblocks on the legitimate way to learning,鈥� the VU鈥檚 rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas has said.

The Grand Duchy of Lithuania Scholarship allows Belarusians who have enrolled in the VU to study for free: they are except from tuition fee for the entire duration of their time at the university. Plus, the most gifted bachelor and master students are given additional financial incentives: monthly scholarships in the amount of EUR 200. They have been granted to students who have suffered from repressions and been expelled from universities as well.

The VU Faculty of Philology offers Belarusian students who have no English language skills or doubt their skill level a special English course in the Russian language, which the students can attend for free: the course will be funded by the VU.

Business structures have also made a contribution to the fund established by the VU for the purposes of funding studies; some of the funding will be provided by the state.

VU ready to accept more students

In the words of Art奴ras 艩altis, the current numbers of enrolling Belarusians and their interest in the possibility to study at the VU is a clear signal that this opportunity is relevant for an increasing portion of Belarusian students already out of their freshman year, who have been expelled by the regime.

鈥楻esponding to this demand, the VU continues to organise acceptance of senior students who have been affected by the regime. We are working with the Belarusian opposition and are getting applications for enrollment into different faculties from year two and upwards.

The VU continues its mission, we seek to provide as many possibilities as we can for university-grade education to be available to everyone,鈥� Mr 艩altis says.

VU has become a safe haven for Belarusians

A number of students have already taken advantage of this possibility. One of them is Herman Saikouski, who had been a paid history student at the Polotsk State University prior to his enrollment in the VU. In February 2019, the university鈥檚 administration made him take academic leave against his will.

鈥業n May 2019, I was away in Poland, but was thinking about getting back to the university and graduate after my academic leave was over. However, I was told, you could say I was made sign an application for my removal from the students鈥� roll. At the same time, I was filed a lawsuit over the payment of my tuition debt.

Moreover, someone hacked by social medial account and that is how they found out I was in Poland. Right now, my debt has been fully repaid but I still do not know if the case has been closed in court, because no documents were released to me,鈥� says Saikouski, now a student at the VU Faculty of Philology, about the persecution by the Belarusian regime.

VU Rector Prof Rimvydas Petrauskas says that this initiative will provide an opportunity for young and motivated people to become VU students and to continue the tradition of the nations and cultures that formed the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

鈥淭he history of VU is closely related to the formation of the Belarusian identity as well as the community of Lithuanian and Belarusian nations. Both the university and the city of Vilnius itself have many signs of Belarusian identity. The rectors of 911爆料网 are former representatives of famous Grodno relatives 鈥� Andriejus Valavi膷ius, Martynas Po膷obutas-Odlianickis or Jok奴bas Hladovickis. The formation of Belarusian identity was significantly influenced by the intelligentsia that lived and worked in Vilnius at the beginning of the 20th century. The Belarusian language and culture, the Belarusian people are part of the history of both Vilnius and the university, and, hopefully, part of the future. Lithuania and Belarus are connected not only by 679 kilometres of common border, but also by approximately the same number of years of history. The common past of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania could be the basis for linking contemporary Lithuanian and Belarusian societies,鈥� Prof R. Petrauskas says.

Belarusian applicants will be able to choose between both bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 study programmes. All the costs of their studies will be covered by the university, while the most talented students will be paid a monthly grant of EUR 200 in the first year of their studies. Entrants will be able to apply for scholarship until September 14.

The Grand Duchy of Lithuania scholarship will complement 911爆料网鈥檚 450-year scholarship project aimed at encouraging talented young people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue higher education.