Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) is a public research university located in Kaunas, Lithuania. Initially established on January 27, 1920, the school was known as "Higher Courses". With an increased rate of staffing and attendance, the school was instituted as the first independent higher education institution within Lithuania by the government on February 16, 1922. Independence from the Soviet Union brought rapid westernization with a flexible module/credit system and membership to many Western European organizations. Since the establishment in 1922, the University has produced more than 125 000 graduates. Following Lithuanian independence, KTU has issued over 1000 doctoral, and 62,000 bachelor's and master's degrees. With a current academic staff of almost 3000 employees and nearly 17,000 students, KTU stands as the largest technical university in the Baltic States.