Study in Lithuania

Have you ever thought about studies in the Baltic region of Europe? If yes, then you why not study in Lithuania? Lithuania or Lietuva is one of the three Baltic countries along with Latvia and Estonia and lies on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. Lithuania is a small country but will definitely leave you satisfied, as you will find yourself walking in a country full of colourful houses, castles, fortresses and cobblestone streets.

But what makes Lithuania unique? First of all, if you are looking for a budget-friendly European study destination then Lithuania is a great place for you as a European or international student! The tuition fees and housing and living costs are among the most affordable in Europe.

Plus, studying in Lithuania will enable you to explore northern Europe thanks to its central location. You can easily visit nearby countries like Sweden or Finland and also Lithuania’s sister countries Latvia and Estonia, as their capital cities Riga and Tallinn are only a few hours away by bus!

How many things do you know about the country? One of the most notable facts about the country is that Lithuania has one of the fastest internet speeds globally. Plus, Lithuanian language is one of the oldest languages in the world with a history of more than 5,000 years!

It is also the home country of Stelmužė Oak, one of the most revered tree species in Europe. The age of the oak is around 1,500-2,000 years old and is a national monument in the country. Lithuania is a country that loves sports and basketball can be considered as the country’s second religion.

Basketball became famous in Lithuania during the soviet period, during the nation’s fight for independence. Whether you are a basketball fan or not, you may have heard stories about Lithuanian basketball legends like Domantas Sabonis, Jonas Valanciunas, or Šarūnas Marčiulionis.

Lithuania is a developed country and is an active member of the European Union, the Council of Europe, the Nordic Investment Bank, the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8), NATO and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

If you choose to study in Lithuania, you will have the opportunity to explore more about this beautiful country’s history by visiting unique historical sites and museums and also learn about the country’s independence from the Soviet Union in the early 1990s.

If you study in Lithuania, this experience will enrich your cultural knowledge, assist you in expanding your network and offer you high academic qualifications. Read through our Study in Lithuania guide to find out why this small Baltic country is a unique place to study as an international student.

More about studying abroad in Lithuania

So why study in Lithuania? Lithuania offers excellent academic institutions, innovative facilities and more than 350 English-taught study programs for international students. The country is valuing education as the literacy among young Lithuanians above 15 years old is 100%.

In Lithuania you can study in English full-time or part-time. You can prove your English language proficiency through a TOEFL language test. The degrees are offered in three cycles: The undergraduate Bachelor’s cycle, the graduate Master’s cycle and the postgraduate Doctorate cycle. A number of Lithuanian universities like Vilnius University and Vytautas Magnus University are included among the top universities in the world.

In Lithuania you can find 15 public universities and 6 private as well as 16 public colleges and 11 private ones. The largest university in the country and one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe is Vilnius University.

Kaunas University of Technology is the largest technical university in the Baltics. All educational institutions are administered by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports of the Republic of Lithuania.

With its colourful history and its important geographic location, Lithuania is the bustling connecting hub between Western and Eastern Europe. The small nation with a population of just about 2.8 million has been an EU member since 2004 and, in 2015, adopted the Euro as its official currency. Over the past two decades, Lithuania’s education system has seen exciting reforms. Today, there are hundreds of interesting English-taught study options available to international students.

Facts and figures on Lithuanian higher education

There are more than 30 institutions of higher education in Lithuania. Similar to countries like Germany, the Netherlands, or Finland, the system distinguishes between universities and university colleges (kolegija), often also called “universities of applied sciences”.

Through the Bologna process, Lithuanian universities have adopted a Bachelor / Master structure for its academic programmes. The awarded degrees are recognised throughout Europe and globally.

Visa requirements

Citizens of EU member countries do not need any special visa to study in Lithuania. All others may have to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit ("TRP") through the Lithuanian Migration Department.

Tuition fees

For EU citizens, tuition fees in Lithuania typically range from 1,000 to 5,000 EUR per year for a Bachelor's degree and 2,000 to 6,000 EUR per year for a Master's degree, while doctorate programmes come in at a higher range of 7,000 to 8,000 EUR annually. Students from outside the EU may be subject to different tuition fees, depending on the university and programme. If you study at a university in Lithuania, you may be eligible for a state scholarship to cover the tuition fees. Tuition fees do not apply to students on exchange programmes.

Cost of living

One striking advantage for those who choose to study in Lithuania is the remarkably low cost of living. Student accommodation can be had for as little as 100 EUR per month. All in all, including food, books and leisure activities, students can easily get by on a budget of 500 EUR per month or less.

Job market for graduates

Lithuania is a modern economy with a an global mindset, and a lot of international companies have offices in the country. But even though English proficiency is reasonably high, especially among younger people, speaking Lithuanian may still be the biggest hurdle for foreigners seeking employment. If you consider staying after graduation, your best bet is to take a Lithuanian language course early on so that you can improve your odds competing with local job applicants.

Transportation

Lithuania is located in Northern Europe, in the southeast of the Baltic sea. Lithuania shares borders with Estonia, Latvia, Poland and Russia's Kaliningrad exclave. There are four commercial airports in Lithuania, of which Vilnius Airport - in the country's capital - is the largest with over 30 international flight destinations.