Lithuanian State Institute of Physical Education was founded after the Second World War in 1945 as an independent institution. The Institute was settled in the premises of the former Physical Education Palace that was built in 1934. In 1999 the Institute was renamed into Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education and in 2012 into Lithuanian Sports University (LSU).
LSU has always been and remains to be an important center of sports science and a fosterer of physical education and sports values and traditions in Lithuania. Since its foundation the institution has trained over 14 000 physical education teachers, sports coaches, physiotherapists, tourism and sport managers and other qualified specialists.

Main competencies

Aiming to be an open university, providing higher and continuous education based on the latest research advances and technologies and, thus, contributing to the sustainable development of the country, LSU acknowledges internationalisation and integration into the European higher education area as the key factor that facilitates modernisation of the University and assures the quality and relevance of education and research. From the very beginning of its participation in the European mobility and cooperation programmes, LSU seeks to establish sustainable long-term cooperation with EU and non EU universities, aiming to mutually benefit from the diversity of educational practices and cultural values, and develops its identity recognisable by other universities and communities at large.

The main strengths of the University:

• International quality of sports physiology and sports genetics research;
• High attractiveness of sports studies and physiotherapy programmes to Lithuanian youth;
• High prestige of sports specialists (especially in basketball);
• The aspiration of the University community to become a Sports University predicated on science, studies and innovations;
• All study programmes accredited by international experts;
• Participation of the vast majority of the academic community in ensuring the quality of studies (updated compositions and functions of study programme committees);
• Well-developed international partners network to carry out academic teacher and student exchange and work placement.

Specialization directions: sports, physical education, rehabilitation, health promotion and recreation.
Lithuanian Sports University is devoted to initiating and developing strong links of cooperation with other higher education institutions with the aim to exchange experience seeking to improve quality of education, training and research.
The University has been participating in a number of EU initiatives such as TEMPUS and SOCRATES. The University is a member of number of high-profile international networks and associations.
Researchers at the University are famous for high achievements in sports science and research not only in Lithuania but also abroad. Their articles are published in prestigious scientific journals, and they are read and appreciated by the elite in the world sports science.