Vilnius University is a public university, not a private institution. Established in 1579, it is Lithuania’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institution. As a public university, it receives government funding and operates under the national education system, offering state-subsidized tuition for eligible students. It provides a wide range of academic programs across humanities, sciences, and social sciences, adhering to European higher education standards. Public status ensures its degrees are recognized globally, and it actively participates in international research collaborations.