KURSUOK – navigate towards new skills!

By logging into the ILA through the e-government portal, a person is identified through links to various state registries. This allows the system to verify whether they meet the established criteria and are eligible for state-funded training according to the set priorities. At the same time, Kursuok is open to those who wish to study at their own expense or with their employer’s funding – the range of options here is not limited.

Thus, the educational platform Kursuok was born out of an ambitious goal: to provide adults with real opportunities for lifelong learning. This platform, operated by ILA and accessible via the website www.kursuok.lt, was created as part of the project “Learn Throughout Your Life!” (Project No. 10-009-P-0001). The project is funded by the Economic Recovery and Resilience Plan “New Generation Lithuania” and the state budget. A total of just over 18.4 million euros has been allocated to it.

The project’s goal is to encourage adults to engage in lifelong learning by creating a unified information system and ensuring convenient access to various learning opportunities. It encompasses a wide range of adult education measures, with its core element being the Individual Learning Accounts Information System, which operates on a one-stop-shop principle.

The project was implemented by the European Social Fund Agency (ESFA) in collaboration with partners: the Center for the Development of Qualifications and Vocational Training, the Lithuanian Association of Higher Education Institutions for the Organization of Joint Admissions, and the National Education Agency. 

Target group: Individuals aged 18–65 who are interested in lifelong learning. 

Project duration: May 11, 2023 – May 31, 2026. 

In this first phase of the project, the ILA was developed and the basic system functions were ensured, while in the second phase of system development, through the implementation of the project “Learn for Life! Kursuok Platform Development” (No. 10-026-P-0001), the goal is to modernize the platform by expanding the ILA’s functionality and introducing new features. It is planned to integrate additional modules that will allow for real-time management of learning data and assessments, and a new “employer portal” will be created to encourage companies to participate more actively in employee training and upskilling processes. 

Target group: individuals aged 16 and older who are interested in lifelong learning opportunities, as well as those enrolled in formal vocational training programs.

The second phase of the project will be implemented by the end of July 2029. It is being implemented by the European Social Fund Agency in collaboration with partners: the Center for the Development of Qualifications and Vocational Training, the National Education Agency, and the public institution “Mokausi Lietuvoje.”

This development project is co-financed by the European Union. The total value of the project is just over 53 million euros.

Funding Options 

You can learn on the Kursuok education platform at any time – whether by investing your own funds, arranging payment with your employer, or taking advantage of state-provided funding opportunities. For those seeking state funding, it is important to familiarize themselves with the available funding options and their terms and conditions.

Training through Kursuok.lt can be funded:

• using the Kursuok voucher (up to 500 euros);
• using training vouchers from the Lithuanian Public Employment Service;
• using personal funds or by arranging for the employer to cover the cost of the training.

Only one form of state funding may be used at a time. There are no restrictions when paying for training with personal funds.

The Kursuok grant is one of the main forms of state funding, providing adults with the opportunity to receive up to 500 euros in support for non-formal adult education programs advertised on the Kursuok.lt platform. Funding does not apply to programs conducted in the form of apprenticeships.

Funds are allocated according to a set schedule and through a competitive process, in accordance with state-established priorities. Priority is given to participants for whom learning opportunities are currently most important: people with disabilities, those living outside major cities, those who obtained their qualifications some time ago, those with lower levels of education, or older adults.

To be eligible for the Kursuok voucher, you must meet all the criteria: be between 18 and 65 years of age, be employed, have a higher or vocational education, and be a Lithuanian citizen or a foreigner legally residing in Lithuania.

Employment Service Vouchers: Employment Service clients who have been issued training vouchers can choose a training program on their own and register online. Training vouchers provide unemployed or employed individuals with the opportunity to participate in state-funded vocational training. To be eligible for this funding, you must register with the Employment Service.

There are two types of vouchers: vocational training vouchers, intended for a specific formal program, and non-formal education vouchers, issued based on the field of education.

The decision to award a voucher is made by Employment Service specialists, who assess the individual’s situation on a case-by-case basis (motivation, existing skills, employment prospects, and labor market needs).

Important: Once a funded training program is selected, a bilateral or trilateral agreement is drawn up, and the obligations outlined therein remain in effect even after the training ends; therefore, it is essential to carefully review the terms of the agreement before beginning the training.

Whether you’re paying for the training yourself or through an agreement with your employer, you can study at any time that’s convenient for you – no need to wait for the Kursuok grant allocation process or go through the procedures required for training funded by the Employment Service. This is also an excellent option for those who have already taken advantage of Kursuok funding but wish to further deepen their knowledge. 

Career Counseling

In the “Career Compass” section of the Kursuok.lt website, you can find information about another project implemented by the European Social Fund Agency – “Career Compass: Career Guidance for Adults.” This project, co-funded by the European Union, is designed to help adults plan their career paths in a conscious and focused manner. As part of the project, a remote career guidance model is being developed and integrated into the ILA, allowing users to conveniently access career counseling services from anywhere.

Adults who wish to plan their career path more effectively, receive professional advice, or get help making important decisions can try this free remote career counseling service, “Career Compass,” and take advantage of a state-funded series of three individual consultations.

The service is intended for people of various ages (18 and older) and with different levels of professional experience.  It is particularly useful for those who are still searching for their career path, are unsure about their choices, as well as adults who want to change careers, retrain, adapt to the changing needs of the job market, or develop a clear strategy for personal change.

Consultations are also beneficial for those who already have clear career goals but are seeking professional help to achieve them, such as those who want to create a concrete action plan, properly prepare for a job interview, or update their resume.

Consultations are also beneficial for those who already have clear career goals but are seeking professional help to achieve them – for example, those who want to create a concrete action plan, properly prepare for a job interview, or update their resume.

Key benefits of the remote service “Career Compass”:

• Remote access – consultations take place via phone, email, chat, or during scheduled remote sessions, making the service conveniently accessible from anywhere.
• Flexible scheduling – consultations are available on weekdays at a time convenient for the individual, even after work hours.
• Personalized approach and expert assistance – each consultation is tailored to individual needs, and experienced career counselors use specialized methodologies to help create a clear, motivating action plan.

Duration of the project “Compass of Direction – Adult Career Guidance”: June 25, 2024 – April 30, 2028. The total funding allocated for the implementation of this project amounts to €2,498,909.44.