Pupils must have completed the eight grades in a general education school. Graduates of secondary education, after passing the Maturity examinations, are awarded the Maturity Certificate which gives access to higher education. Thos who complete secondary education but do not take the Maturity examinations are awarded a Secondary School Graduation Certificate. General secondary education is also offered in appropriate vocational schools. Pupils undergoing treatment in sanatoriums can acquire a general education at the sanatorium's own general education school.
Special schools are devoted to children with special needs.
Child welfare establishments for educating learning-impaired children are also attached to these schools. Youth schools provide initial work skills and a general education for those having trouble adapting to society or not wishing to study at other schools. Candidates must prepare and publicly defend a doctoral dissertation to be awarded a Doctoral degree. The Lithuanian Government, on the recommendation of the Science Council of Lithuania, grants the right for research and HEI accept candidates and award Doctoral Degrees in a speciality. Studies last for 3 to 4 years.