ISM University of Management & Economics

ISM University of Management and Economics is a pioneering Lithuanian business school founded in 1999 by BI Norwegian Business School and Innovation Norway. With a community of over 2,000 students and a 50% international faculty, it offers a globally oriented environment emphasizing critical thinking and responsible leadership. ISM’s mission—Challenge present. Inspire future. Empower change—guides its commitment to high-quality, practice-based business education.

Located in Vilnius’s historic Old Town, the university holds top-tier recognitions, including AACSB membership and 4 Palmes of Excellence. Its Strategy 2025 vision positions ISM as a leading Northern European business university focused on innovation, sustainability, and future competences.

ISM’s strong career outcomes are reflected in the 98% employment rate of its graduates in their field of study. Its alumni network of over 7,000 members spans global industries, offering access to mentoring, networking events, and international career opportunities. Many graduates become entrepreneurs or leaders in finance, consulting, and technology across Europe.

Extensive corporate partnerships and more than 100 international academic agreements support internships, project collaborations, and mobility. ISM’s Business Training Centre links students with organizations for real-world consulting assignments, strengthening employability and industry relevance. Continuous career support ensures long-term professional growth.

Students choose ISM for its combination of global recognition, academic rigor, and practical relevance. As the first university in the Baltics associated with AACSB and the only Lithuanian institution with 4 Palmes of Excellence, ISM provides internationally trusted standards aligned with leading business schools. Its programs integrate real-world cases and insights from practitioner faculty.

Additional advantages include double degrees, extensive exchange opportunities, and strong employer ratings. Ethical leadership is emphasized through commitments to the UN PRME and Global Compact. The university’s innovation-driven Strategy 2025 ensures students develop future-oriented skills essential for modern business environments.

ISM contributes to regional and global business progress through research, sustainability initiatives, and entrepreneurial support. Its international faculty drives thought leadership, while co-founding the Baltic Journal of Management elevates scholarship on Baltic economic and managerial trends. Research groups explore public policy, corporate strategy, and societal impact.

As Lithuania’s first signatory of the UN PRME and Global Compact, ISM integrates human rights, sustainability, and ethical principles into its curriculum. Innovation is reinforced through Strategy 2025, focusing on digitalization and future competences. Support systems empower student entrepreneurship, reflecting ISM's strong culture of creativity and applied learning.

Q1: What makes ISM’s teaching style unique?
ISM combines interactive learning with real-world applications, using case studies and practitioner-led instruction to build practical skills and confidence in solving business challenges.

Q2: Are international opportunities available?
Students can access double degrees, study abroad programs in more than 40 countries, and a diverse international community that supports global readiness and cultural growth.

Q3: How does ISM encourage entrepreneurship?
Through mentorship, research insights, and innovation-focused training, ISM fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, enabling many students to launch or develop business ventures during their studies.

ISM admits students through an online application process requiring academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and motivation materials. Bachelor’s applicants submit secondary school records, while master’s candidates need relevant undergraduate degrees. Doctoral applicants apply with a research proposal and undergo interview evaluation.

Tuition varies by program, with scholarships available for merit, need, or partner recommendations. ISM supports housing arrangements, offering dormitory options and guidance for private rentals. International students receive assistance with visas and orientation. Central campuses in Vilnius and Kaunas provide easy access to academic resources and student services.