Higher education

Higher education activities are performed by higher education institutions. Higher education institutions are universities and faculties and art academies they comprise, universities of applied science and colleges of higher education.
Universities, faculties and art academies are established in order to implement activities related to higher education, scientific, professional and artistic activities, as well as other activities pursuant to the law and their statute.  In the framework of the higher education activity these higher education institutions shall organise and implement university studies, and pursuant to the Scientific Activity and Higher Education Act they may also organise and implement professional studies.

University study programmes prepare students for performing activities in science and higher education, in the business world, in the public sector and in society in general. University study programmes have three levels: undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate studies.

Universities of applied science and colleges of higher education are established for the purpose of performing activities of higher education through organisation and performance of professional studies and may carry out professional, scientific and artistic activities in accordance with the Scientific Activity and Higher Education Act and their by-laws.

Professional study programmes provide students with an appropriate level of knowledge and skills that enable them to work in professional occupations and for direct employment. Professional education includes: short professional studies, undergraduate professional studies, and specialist graduate professional studies.