What is SKVC Academic Recognition?
Under Lithuanian education law, every international applicant holding foreign academic credentials must have their qualifications officially recognized as equivalent to Lithuanian qualifications before final university matriculation.
This evaluation is conducted by SKVC (Studijų kokybės vertinimo centras — Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education), located in Vilnius, or through university admissions offices authorized by SKVC to perform institutional evaluation.
Step 1: Determining Whether You Need Direct or University-Assisted Recognition
Many leading Lithuanian universities (such as Vilnius University, Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), Vytautas Magnus University (VMU), and VILNIUS TECH) have been granted state authorization to conduct qualification evaluations internally for their applicants.
- University-Assisted Recognition: When you apply through an AfroEduGo partner institution, the international admissions office reviews your documents directly as part of your application package.
- Direct SKVC Recognition via the Electronic System: If your chosen institution does not conduct internal evaluations, you submit an application directly via the official SKVC portal (www.skvc.lt / E-Recognition system).
Step 2: Document Legalization & Apostille Requirements
To ensure authenticity, your certificates and transcripts must be legalized according to international conventions:
| Origin Country Status | Required Authentication | Notes & Workflow |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Hague Convention Signatory Countries (e.g., South Africa, UK, India, USA) | Hague Apostille Stamp | An official Apostille certificate issued by the designated national ministry (e.g., Ministry of Foreign Affairs). |
| Non-Hague Convention Countries (e.g., Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya) | Double Consular Legalization | 1. Verification by the issuing educational board/ministry.
2. Legalization by the national Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
3. Legalization by the Lithuanian Embassy or accredited consular post. |
Step 3: Specific Guidelines for WAEC, NECO & Secondary School Qualifications
For students applying from West Africa and other Commonwealth exam systems:
- Original Certificate: A clear scan of the original certificate (e.g., West African Senior School Certificate).
- Verification Token / Scratch Card Details: You must supply unused online verification credentials (Serial Number and PIN) so SKVC evaluators can verify grades directly with the examining body.
- High School Testimonials & Transcripts: Signed and stamped academic report cards covering your final 3 years of secondary education (SS1–SS3 or Grades 10–12).
Step 4: Certified Translations
If your original academic certificates or transcripts are not issued in English or Lithuanian, you must provide:
- A clear copy of the original document in the original language.
- A sworn certified translation into English or Lithuanian signed and stamped by an authorized legal translator.
Step 5: What the SKVC Recognition Decision Entails
Upon completion of the evaluation, SKVC issues a formal electronic statement of academic recognition. This statement confirms:
- The level of your foreign qualification within the Lithuanian and European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
- Whether your secondary education grants the legal right to access higher education in Lithuania.
- Any credit conversions or grade scale equivalencies.
Proactive Tips for a Smooth Application
- Start Early: Academic verification and apostille processing can take 3 to 6 weeks in your home country. Begin document preparation before application deadlines close.
- Ensure Name Consistency: Ensure the name across your international passport, secondary certificates, and bank statements matches letter-for-letter.
- Utilize University Partner Channels: Applying through verified AfroEduGo partner programs ensures your documents are reviewed prior to submission, reducing the risk of administrative delays.