The article considers formal, non-formal and informal types of education in integrity due to the development and interaction of all forms of lifelong learning. The official documents that formalize the terms of formal, non-formal and informal education are reviewed. Moreover the article reveals the impact of the informal education as the least studied on the motivation to lifelong learning and on the developing a holistic view of the world when cultural and educational components are top-priority. The article analyzes the immanent functions of the lifelong learning forms which are understood widely as a part of the nation cultural code and accompany a person throughout his/her life. The relevant situation with lifelong learning forms having been introduced at the Petrozavodsk State University (PetrSU) is presented. The pedagogical research conducted by the authors with PetrSU students is described.The study methods were opinion polls and a questionnaire survey. The research results reveal the synergy of informal and formal (professional) education and their interconnection and mutually stimulation. Thus, the interaction of the three lifelong learning forms is the necessary integrated basis for updating a modern student research and educational potential. A modern student creative potential in many respects depends on the involvement degree into the educational process presented with all forms of lifelong learning.To obtain a qualitatively new level of educational process and move to a result-oriented educational model teachers and students should be highly motivated. The higher level of motivation could be achieved through the informal component of lifelong learning.