Study in Lithuania

Lithuania offers internationally recognised European qualifications, affordable tuition fees and living costs, modern campuses and an expanding selection of English-taught programmes. It is especially attractive for technology, engineering, business, medicine and life sciences.

Qualifications awarded by accredited Lithuanian institutions are generally recognised across Europe under the Bologna Process.

Recognition in other countries depends on the qualification, profession and local regulations. Students planning to enter regulated professions such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, architecture or law should check the licensing requirements in their intended country of employment.

Lithuania has two principal types:

• Universities: Provide academic bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programmes
• Colleges of applied sciences: Offer professionally oriented bachelor’s programmes with substantial practical training

Applicants should verify the accreditation of both the institution and programme.

The principal qualifications are:

• Professional bachelor’s degree: Usually three years
• University bachelor’s degree: Usually 3.5–4 years
• Master’s degree: Normally 1–2 years
• Integrated degree: Approximately 5–6 years for subjects such as medicine and dentistry
• Doctoral degree: Usually four years

Lithuania uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System.

Popular choices include:

• Computer science
• Artificial intelligence
• Engineering
• Business and management
• Finance and economics
• Medicine and dentistry
• Biotechnology
• Life sciences
• Logistics
• International relations

Popular institutions include:

• Vilnius University
• Kaunas University of Technology
• Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
• Vytautas Magnus University
• Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
• Mykolas Romeris University
• ISM University of Management and Economics
• Klaipėda University

Students should compare programme accreditation, course content, tuition fees, location and graduate outcomes rather than relying solely on rankings.

Language and Admission Requirements

Yes. Lithuanian institutions offer many English-taught bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programmes.

English-medium programmes are especially common in business, engineering, computer science, social sciences, medicine and health-related subjects.

Lithuanian is not usually required for admission to a fully English-taught programme.

Basic Lithuanian can nevertheless help with daily life and employment. Medical and healthcare students may need Lithuanian-language training to communicate with patients during clinical placements.

Depending on the university, accepted evidence may include:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL
• Cambridge English qualifications
• PTE Academic
• Duolingo English Test
• Previous education completed in English
• A university interview or internal test

Many programmes expect approximately B2 proficiency, but requirements and exemptions vary.

Applicants normally need a secondary-school qualification providing access to higher education in the country where it was awarded.

Universities may also request:

• Academic transcripts
• Valid passport
• English-language evidence
• Motivation letter
• CV
• Academic reference
• Application fee
• Entrance examination or interview
• Certified translations
• Apostille or legalisation
• Academic recognition of the qualification

Applicants generally need a recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant or sufficiently related subject.

Additional documents can include academic transcripts, module descriptions, a CV, motivation letter, references, language certificate, portfolio, research proposal or interview.

Most international students apply directly through the selected university’s online application portal.

Applicants should follow official university instructions, upload complete documentation and pay application fees only through verified payment channels.

The principal academic year begins in September. Deadlines commonly fall between April and July, although medicine, competitive programmes and non-EU applications may close earlier.

Scholarship deadlines are often earlier than admission deadlines. Starting the process 9–12 months in advance is advisable.

Some institutions offer a February or spring intake for selected programmes. September remains the principal intake and normally offers the widest course selection.

Entrance examinations or interviews may be required for medicine, dentistry, engineering, architecture, art and other competitive programmes.

Medical applicants may be assessed in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics or English.

A foreign qualification generally requires academic recognition before it can be used for admission.

Recognition may be conducted by the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education— SKVC—or by an authorised Lithuanian higher education institution. SKVC explains the recognition process.

Tuition Fees and Living Costs

Official guidance provides the following starting figures:

• Bachelor’s programmes: From approximately €1,300 per year
• Master’s programmes: From approximately €2,300 per year
• Doctoral programmes: From approximately €8,400 per year

Medicine and dentistry commonly cost approximately €11,000–€14,000 or more annually. Students should obtain the exact fee directly from the institution. See the official tuition guidance.

Possible funding sources include:

• Lithuanian state scholarships
• University merit scholarships
• Tuition-fee waivers
• Erasmus+
• Research and doctoral funding
• Scholarships offered by students’ home countries

Eligibility depends on nationality, academic level and the current funding call. Opportunities are listed on the Study in Lithuania scholarship portal.

International students should generally plan for approximately €500–€800 per month, including accommodation, food, transportation and ordinary personal expenses.

Vilnius may be more expensive than Kaunas, Klaipėda and smaller cities. Renting a private studio will increase the required budget.

Students can choose from:

• University dormitories
• Private student residences
• Shared apartments
• Private studios
• Homestays
• Temporary accommodation

Dormitories are normally the most affordable option, but spaces are limited. Students should apply early and verify private rental agreements before paying deposits.

Visas and Residence Permits

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens do not require a student visa, although they normally need to register their residence when staying longer than three months.

Most non-EU students undertaking a full degree require a Lithuanian temporary residence permit. An entry visa may also be necessary depending on nationality and circumstances.

Applications are generally initiated through the Lithuanian Migration Information System, known as MIGRIS.

Eligible applicants may submit their documents and biometric information through a Lithuanian Migration Department office or an authorised external-service centre abroad.

The residence application may require:

• Valid passport
• University admission or mediation documentation
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Proof of accommodation
• Health insurance
• Criminal-record certificate
• Evidence of tuition arrangements
• Academic documents
• Parental consent for a minor
• Biometric information
• Additional documents requested by the authority

Documents may require legalisation, an apostille or certified translation.

Applicants must prove that they have sufficient resources for living expenses and return travel, in addition to meeting tuition and accommodation costs.

The required amount is linked to official Lithuanian financial indicators and can change. Students should obtain the current calculation from MIGRIS or the Lithuanian Migration Department before submitting an application.

Yes. Non-EU students generally need medical insurance that satisfies the conditions of their residence permit.

EU students may use a valid European Health Insurance Card where applicable, although additional coverage may still be advisable.

Processing depends on the type of application, submission location and whether additional checks are necessary. Applicants should allow several months and submit their applications as early as permitted.

University admission does not guarantee approval of a residence permit.

Yes, provided the student remains enrolled, demonstrates satisfactory academic progress and continues to meet the financial, accommodation and insurance requirements. The renewal application should be submitted through MIGRIS before the existing permit expires.

Family reunification may be possible in certain circumstances, but it is not automatic.

Eligibility depends on the student’s permit, duration of residence and family circumstances. Each family member normally needs a separate visa or residence permit and must satisfy applicable accommodation, insurance and financial requirements.

Working During and After Study

Eligible non-EU students holding a Lithuanian temporary residence permit for study may work without a separate work permit, subject to the conditions applicable to their study level and immigration status.

Employment rules have changed over time. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral students may have different working entitlements, so students should verify the current conditions with the Migration Department before accepting employment.

Bachelor’s students have historically been subject to a limit of 20 hours per week during the academic period. Master’s and doctoral students have been granted broader employment rights.

Current official guidance should be checked because the applicable limit can depend on the qualification, residence status and academic calendar.

Students should not rely on employment to finance their entire education. English-speaking jobs are available, particularly in Vilnius and Kaunas, but Lithuanian-language ability can improve employment prospects.

Students should arrive with sufficient resources for tuition and living costs.

Eligible non-EU graduates can apply for temporary residence to seek employment or begin self-employment after completing a Lithuanian qualification.

The graduate route can generally provide up to 12 months to search for employment or start an eligible activity, subject to current immigration requirements.

No. A qualification or graduate residence permit does not automatically lead to permanent residence.

Graduates must move to an eligible employment, highly skilled work, business or other residence category. Time spent in Lithuania as a student may also be counted differently for long-term residence purposes.

Practical Questions

A valid Lithuanian residence permit generally allows short visits to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, subject to entry conditions.

It does not provide permission to work or study long term in another country.

Yes. English-taught medicine, dentistry and health-science programmes are available, particularly through Vilnius University and the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences.

Applicants should check:

• Programme accreditation
• Entrance-examination requirements
• Clinical-training language
• Total programme tuition
• Internship arrangements
• Licensing requirements in their intended country of practice

Transfer and credit recognition may be possible, but they are not guaranteed.

The receiving institution assesses transcripts, module descriptions, credits, learning outcomes and practical or clinical training. Medical transfers are particularly selective.

The decision should identify the refusal reason and available appeal procedure.

Depending on the circumstances, the applicant may appeal within the specified deadline, correct the problem and reapply, or defer university admission. A new application should directly address the original refusal reason.

Common mistakes include:

• Selecting an unaccredited programme
• Missing admission or scholarship deadlines
• Starting qualification recognition too late
• Providing improperly authenticated documents
• Submitting inconsistent financial evidence
• Underestimating living costs
• Assuming university admission guarantees residence approval
• Relying entirely on employment income
• Paying unverified accommodation providers
• Ignoring professional licensing requirements

Students should obtain written confirmation of:

• Institutional and programme accreditation
• Qualification awarded
• Teaching language
• Annual and total tuition
• Additional administrative or clinical fees
• Deposit requirements
• Visa-refusal refund policy
• Programme location
• Placement arrangements
• Official university payment details

IEC Edu Consultancy can assist with:

• Initial eligibility assessment
• University and programme selection
• Application preparation
• Qualification-recognition guidance
• Scholarship applications
• Residence-permit documentation
• Accommodation support
• Pre-departure preparation
• Post-arrival guidance

Admission, scholarship, academic-recognition and immigration decisions remain exclusively with the relevant institutions and Lithuanian authorities.

Information reviewed in August 2026. Tuition fees, scholarships, employment conditions, financial thresholds and immigration requirements can change. Applicants should verify their circumstances with their university, Study in Lithuania, SKVC and the Lithuanian Migration Department before applying.