Lithuania operates a binary higher education system consisting of:

• Universities, as institutions of academic and research-based higher education, pursue their fundamental mission to cultivate an informed and responsible society, advance scientific knowledge and technological development, and promote the enduring values of culture, democracy, and social justice
• Colleges (Universities of Applied Sciences), providing professionally oriented higher education.

LURK represents the university sector.

Universities in Lithuania combine study and research missions. They conduct fundamental and applied research, award doctoral degrees, and participate in national and international research initiatives. Academic autonomy and institutional self-governance are guaranteed by national legislation.