A record 170 cadets are set to begin studies at Lithuania’s General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy this year, as growing numbers of young people seek careers as military officers, the academy said Thursday.
Last year, 143 students enrolled at the academy, up from 98 in 2024. Nearly 500 applicants registered for motivational interviews this year, with about 280 candidates shortlisted following the selection process.
“Given the record-high number of young people wishing to serve their homeland, we have increased the first-year admission quota from 150 to 170 places,” Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said.
For the first time, the academy’s defence studies program also ranked among the 10 most popular programs receiving state-funded university placements.
Col. Ričardas Dumbliauskas, commandant of the Military Academy of Lithuania, said the figures reflected the growing prestige of the military officer profession and young people’s increasing willingness to serve their country.
