On April 10, 2026, Astana International University (AIU) hosted a significant international meeting. Our university welcomed a delegation from Lithuania representing Vytautas Magnus University (VMU). The visit from our colleagues in Kaunas was a logical continuation of the cooperation officially established by the agreement signed on October 29, 2025. The purpose of today’s negotiations was not only to strengthen ties but also to develop specific educational trajectories for students and researchers from both institutions.
Vytautas Magnus University is a landmark name in the European educational landscape. Founded in 1922, it is Lithuania's second most important academic center and ranks among the top 5% of universities worldwide according to the prestigious QS World University Rankings. VMU is renowned for its unique "Artes Liberales" model—a liberal arts system that allows students to independently shape their study programs, combining interdisciplinarity with profound language training. As part of the Transform4Europe alliance, the Lithuanian university implements the most modern teaching standards, making it a strategically vital partner for AIU.
The meeting at AIU was exceptionally productive. One of the primary topics of discussion was the implementation of double degree programs. Specifically, the AIU Higher School of Economics is actively working on launching a joint undergraduate program in "International Logistics Management" (AIU) and "Logistics and Commerce" (VMU). This will provide our students with a unique opportunity to obtain degrees from two countries, recognized globally in the labor market.
In addition to double degrees, the parties outlined clear plans for academic mobility: the first student exchanges are scheduled to start in the 2026–2027 academic year. Short-term courses and joint PhD doctoral programs were also a major focus. Our colleagues from Kaunas expressed their readiness to share expertise and engage in joint scientific activities, granting our doctoral students access to cutting-edge research facilities in Lithuania. Today’s visit confirmed that the partnership between AIU and VMU is an alliance of two modern classical universities dedicated to creating high-quality education without borders.