Study in Lithuania: the ultimate guide for a Bachelor in 2024
Lithuania

The Ultimate Guide to Studying in Lithuania in 2024

Browse all bachelor programmes in Lithuania

  • Sep-May Academic Year
  • 15 Listed Institutes
  • 6 Ranked Universities
  • 7,000 Int. Students
  • 106,000 Students
  • 2,795,000 Population

Study in Lithuania

Lithuania is a crossroad between Western and Eastern Europe. Despite its complicated history, it has developed a unique culture, which encompasses both deep respect for traditions and a robust desire to learn and innovate.

We are members of the EU and NATO, and are among the most bilingual and educated nations in Europe. However, costs of living here are lower than in Western countries, which makes Lithuania ideal for aspiring international students.

Which universities to attend in Lithuania?

We recommend the following Lithuanian universities that offer English-taught degrees:

What is it like to study in Lithuania?

All of the 350+ English-taught study programmes in Lithuania are evaluated according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), with each year of study being awarded with 60 ECTS credits. University degrees are offered in three cycles:

  • the first cycle is undergraduate (Bachelor's)
  • the second cycle is graduate (Master's, and/or specialised professional studies)
  • the third one is postgraduate (PhD/Doctoral, residency, postgraduate in the Arts)

Bachelor's degrees and professional qualifications are offered at universities; professional qualifications, but not degrees, can be taken at colleges. The academic year starts in September and ends in mid-June and is divided into two semesters – spring and autumn. Students can opt to study full-time or part-time.

If you are at the second cycle stage (or aim to be there) and you want to study for a Master’s degree and/or a specialised professional qualification, one of the options open to you is the Integrated study programmes. These programmes combine university studies at the first and second cycles. The successful graduates are awarded a Master’s Diploma which testifies to their Master’s degree status.

Practice

Higher education institutions in Lithuania focus on giving students the skills they need in order to apply their knowledge in a practical way. Therefore, students are able to undertake educational, professional or scientific practices both locally and internationally. Opportunities for practical involvement include the following:

  • EU programmes, such as Erasmus (Higher Education) and Comenius (intended for future teachers).
  • IAESTE, an international, non-profit association which implements an exchange programme for students at technical universities, involving students from 86 countries and more than six thousand companies worldwide. In Lithuania, Kaunas University of Technology act as a representative.
  • Student organisations, such as AIESEC.

  • It's quite common to directly approach companies and ask for opportunities for un-paid work experience. This will greatly improve your CV and also give you practical knowledge, which will come in handy when you are considered for a permanent position.

What to study in Lithuania?

Here are some of the most popular academic courses:

Why Study in Lithuania?

  • Welcoming nation. Lithuanians are one of the most educated and bilingual nations in Europe. After your studies, you are sure to leave with many new acquaintances and life-long friends. So much, that you just might decide to stay :-)
  • Good value for money. With higher education being notoriously expensive in most parts of the world, more than ¾ of international students in Lithuania agree they are getting a bang for their buck – with tuition fees starting from 1000EUR and generous scholarship schemes for top quality education. Not considering Lithuania would be a big mistake!

How to apply

The admission process is a piece of cake after you decide which programme you wish to study. Most universities have deadlines in June for the September intake, but international students are advised to apply as early as possible in order to leave more time to work out the details.

The following three steps are required to enrol at a Lithuanian university:

  • First, you must have your education documents recognised in the Republic of Lithuania. The evaluation and recognition of foreign school-leaving certificates and higher education qualifications is carried out accordingly by the Lithuanian Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (CQAHE)
  • After the recognition of your qualifications, you can apply to a university (most of the time it can be done online)

Admission requirements

Here are some documents you might need to submit during your university application:

  • A scan of your diploma (high school or Bachelor’s degree)
  • A transcript/record of your previous courses
  • A scan of your passport and/or birth certificate
  • Your CV
  • Testing scores
  • Evidence of scholarship or funding
  • Letters of recommendation (2 or 3)
  • Portfolio and/or writing samples

Helpful ways to make sure you qualify for a Lithuanian university

Take preparation courses

This kind of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes.

Try a pre-MBA, pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.

Improve your English through an English-language prep course

If you’re attending a degree programme in Lithuania, you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.

English-language tests

To study in Lithuania, you’ll need to provide proof of your English language proficiency. The certificates generally accepted by Lithuanian universities are:

Still, you should always check your university’s website to be sure what the exact requirements are.

Insurance

If you’ve come from one of the 27 Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland and have a European card of health insurance, you are guaranteed state health care services in case of an accident. You need to be aware that the card does not cover the expenses of health care services provided by the private sector.

Students from EU above the age of 18 could be considered for insurance and get free medical care. To do so, they must present a document, proving their status as a student, to the territorial health insurance fund. Then, if you want to get registered at a health centre, you will have to fill in an application on a special form at the reception desk and present a document proving personal identity (with the photo and a National Identification Number).

Weather

If you have made the decision to study in Lithuania and are preparing to pack for your trip here, don’t forget that you are coming to a country where the weather is very different per season.

In summer you will see beautiful blossoms of various forms and colours; in autumn yellow, red and brown leaves fall from the trees; in winter you’ll be able to wade through big banks of snow and catch snowflakes, and in spring you will see the sun reflecting in the puddles.

Lithuania’s climate has gotten warmer in recent years; the average annual temperature is 6.5–7.9°C. July is the hottest month of the year (average temperature is about 19.7°C; the highest temperature is over 30°C). The coldest month is January (average temperature –2.9°C, lowest temperature may fall below –30°C).

The rain season is from April to October (60 - 65% of the annual rainfall). There may be rainy periods during summer when 30mm a day or even more has been measured.

Thus, in summer your luggage will probably be at least half the weight it would be in winter. Temperatures can rise up to 30°C in the warm season, although a light jacket and an umbrella could come in handy. In winter you will need a warm coat, gloves and a woolly hat. In spring and autumn you may need a pair of wellington boots (if that’s your style).

Geography

In size, Lithuania is bigger than the other two Baltic neighbours and has roughly the size of Ireland: 62,302km². Lithuania’s territory extends 373 km from East to West and 276 km from North to South, which means you can cross it easily in few hours by car. Lithuania shares borders with Latvia, Belarus, Poland and Russian Federation.

Students from outside of EU, have to get insurance before coming to Lithuania — either from a company based at home or within Lithuania.

Lithuania is also very flat — our highest hill rises 293.8 m above sea level, and we don‘t have any mountains (so we built the biggest indoor skiing centre in the region!). About one third of our land area is occupied by forests, and 4% — by rivers and lakes (which we have 830 of). We also have a 100km long coastline.

Living in Lithuania

Let's take a closer look at the tuition fees, living costs, and student life in Lithuania:

Tuition fees

At Lithuanian universities, tuition fees differ from one institution to another, depending on the type study programme and the level of education (undergraduate vs postgraduate). On average, the costs of studies at public higher education institutions are:

  • between 1,000–5,300 EUR per year for Bachelor's degrees
  • between 2,200–6,500 EUR per year for Master's degrees
  • between 7,100–8,500 EUR per year for PhD degrees

Although these tuition fees are affordable compared to those in countries like the US or the UK, there are more good news:

  • EU students can apply for state funded places
  • All international students (including non-EU citizens) can apply for state funded PhD places

  • You can apply for scholarships that cover both tuition and living costs

If you want to study at private Lithuanian universities, be prepared to pay higher tuition fees.

Scholarships

Students of all fields, lecturers and researchers of higher education or research institutions of foreign countries are eligible to apply for Lithuanian state scholarships.

Usually (but not in all cases), scholarships cover both tuition-fee for studies/summer courses and living expenses. Financial provisions depend on the country you are applying from. There are 3 types of scholarships offered:

  • For Lithuanian language and culture summer courses
  • For short-term Lithuanian (Baltic) studies
  • For full-time Master's degree studies in all fields

In addition to state scholarships, universities sometimes grant individual scholarships, which you can enquire about during the university application process.

Learn more about scholarships in Lithuania.

Accommodation

All universities offer the opportunity to live in a hall of residence. Some of the halls of residence are situated near the universities, others in the city centre. Some are further away so you will have to use public transport to get to university.

These student halls have been renovated and equipped with modern appliances; they all have internet access. However, not all residences have the same conditions

As an alternative, you can always rent a single flat or share one with other students. It will cost you between 300 and 700 EUR per month, plus the additional utilities (120–140 EUR).

Monthly expenses

Most foreign students say that 250–550 EUR is enough to live for a month (including food and groceries). It really depends on how much you want to travel and go out, but Lithuanian night clubs, pubs, museums and other attractions are less expensive than the ones found elsewhere in Europe:

  • pint of beer: 2.50–3.50 EUR
  • two-course meal at most restaurants: 3–5 EUR
  • cinema ticket: 5–6 EUR
  • 10 minutes at a carting track: 10–12 EUR

Leisure

Let's be real: choosing where to study is a lot about getting the best education, but you won't be spending 24/7 in the library, right? Lithuania has a lot to offer for your leisure activities: from going out and joining all the people who crowd various pubs and bars after lectures/work, to learning how to snowboard in the biggest in-doors skiing facility in Druskininkai, or visiting one of exhilarating tree-top adventure parks.

Most of the pubs and clubs in Lithuania are small to medium sized, each one with unique vibe and soul. And this soul is what you will notice on your first evening out - put on your friendly hat and be ready to mingle, because it is very common to go out with a few friends, and come back with a dozen.

There are lots of international students focused events, especially in the beginning of the term, which are the best way to get to know other students and make local friends. Apart from going out, being compact in size, Lithuania is convenient for domestic tourism — we have vast areas secured for national parks, where you can hike special trails, kayak, or bike.

If you are into more extreme ventures,maybe something like air ballooning other the tree tops, paint-ball in deserted army polygons or wakeboarding will be among things you will experience first in Lithuania.

About Lithuania

Lithuanians are one of the ethnic groups in the Baltic region. While Lithuania has a population of about 3 million people, at least another million are living in other countries, with Lithuanians generally located in the USA, Brazil, Canada, Columbia, Russia, the United Kingdom and Ireland. Lithuania is a member of EU and NATO.

The native language is Lithuanian, one of two living Baltic languages. An interesting fact about the language is that as far back as the beginning of the 19th century people noticed that Lithuanian was very similar to Sanskrit. Linguists around the world are still fascinated that the Lithuanian language has retained features of this ancient language and it hasn’t really simplified much.

Many Lithuanians are multilingual; two-thirds of the population declares that they are able to speak at least two foreign languages. This exceeds the average of the European Union several times. According to the data from Eurostat, 66.1 per cent of the population of Lithuania, aged 25 – 64, can speak two or more foreign languages, 31.5 per cent can speak one foreign language, and a mere 2.5 per cent of the population cannot speak any foreign languages. The most common foreign languages spoken are English, Russian and German.

83.45 per cent of the population of Lithuania consider themselves to be Lithuanians, 6.74 per cent are Polish, 6.31 per cent are Russians, 1.23 per cent are Belarusians and 2.27 per cent represent other nations. In terms of religion, most Lithuanians are Roman Catholic.

Another reason why Lithuania is amongst the top destinations for quality studies in Europe is that our population is amongst the top educated in Europe. We were among the best educated nations in Europe once more by the European Commision's Eurostat website, which compared all European countries against the same criteria. 93.3% of 25-64 year olds in Lithuania have upper secondary education (followed by 92.5% in Czech Republic, 91.7% in Slovakia and 89.8% in Estonia). Every third Lithuanian has a BA or higher degree.

Relevant links:

http://www.studyinlithuania.lt

http://www.lithuania.travel/

http://www.likeablelithuania.com/

http://www.lithuania.lt

Universities, colleges and schools in Lithuania

Kaunas

Klaipeda

Vilnius

Šiauliai

Interested in scholarships for Lithuania? Check out our scholarship search page.

How to Apply to a Master's in Lithuania

If you've decided to study a Master's degree at a university in Lithuania, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.

What documents do I need to provide to apply in Lithuania?

To apply to a university in Lithuania you will likely be asked to provide some of the following documents:

  • birth certificate;
  • recent photos;
  • your passport or national identity card;
  • one or more reference letters from past employers or teachers;
  • copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your graduated Bachelor's degree;
  • academic transcripts;
  • letter of intent;
  • Curriculum Vitae;
  • Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.

Depending on the subject or specialization of your chosen Master's, you might also be asked to provide scores for additional tests like the GRE, GMAT or LSAT. Check if your programme requires any of these, or others.

The list of documents depends on the specific requirements of universities in Lithuania so you might be asked to include additional documents. It’s also likely you’ll have to provide official English translations of your documents, or translations in the local language.

Prove your English skills

Because you’ll study an international degree in English, you'll have to present a language certificate. Some popular options for international students are IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificates. You’ll have to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and your test scores shouldn’t be older than 1-2 years. If you don’t meet the minimum language requirements, you will have to improve your skills and scores by taking an English preparation course.

Application deadlines for Lithuania

The deadlines for applying to a Master's in Lithuania are usually during summer (June-July), or in winter (January-February). Keep in mind that some universities don’t have application deadlines, which means you can apply whenever you are ready.

To avoid delays or missed deadlines send your required documents with plenty of time in advance.

Interesting programmes for you

Find Bachelor's Degrees in Lithuania

What subject to study in Lithuania?

Education initiatives created in the past years greatly encourage university international cooperation and academic exchange attracting Bachelors degree students and staff from all over the world. These policies also facilitate mobility of students, graduates and higher education staff. Specialized institutions help prepare students for their future careers and, most importantly, they offer broad global access to high-quality higher education.

The possibility to study worldwide, for instance in Australia, Asia, Europe or North America, opens up opportunities to see more of the world. Not just because you would have the opportunity to travel, but also because it is becoming increasingly easier to go abroad to follow a semester at a different university. There is a wide range of different study options, and one of them can prove to be your dream Bachelors degree programme.

The number of English-taught Bachelors degrees in the world has increased explosively in the last couple of years. Some of the countries with the most English-taught study programmes include Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States. However, higher education is often delivered in English in many other countries as well. From highly ranked research universities to smaller, specialised universities, the choices are endless.

Bachelors Degree

A bachelors degree is an academic degree earned for an undergraduate course of study that could range in length of time. This depends on the country, discipline and sometimes the education institution. There is usually a difference between professional and academic bachelor programmes. A professional bachelor?s degree usually takes 4 to 5 years to complete, while an academic bachelor is 3 years long, in most countries. Although this is not always a general rule.

Bachelors degrees exist in almost every country in the world. The study programmes mainly lead to degrees such as: Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Law (LL.B.), Bachelor of Business (B.BA), amongst others.

A one-year honours degree can be achieved after the completion of a regular Bachelors degree in the same field. Sometimes, this means one year of research culminating with a written thesis. It is usually available only to students who achieve high scores in their previous years of undergraduate studies.

At some universities, you have the option of a joint honours degree. This requires at least half of the credits required for each of the respective majors (two subject areas). The subject areas do not have to be highly related, but they usually overlap both faculties and subjects.

Discover other countries

Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a very popular study destination. Internationals choose this beautiful country because Dutch universities are some of the best in Europe, the living standards are high, foreigners are always welcome, and you get to live in one of the happiest and safest countries in the world. The Netherlands is also renowned for innovative technologies and engineering solutions, which is reflected in the wide range of Engineering degrees offered by universities. English is spoken by around 90% of Dutch citizens, so forget about language barriers. Also, bike lanes and the “cycling culture” will help you to stay fit and healthy, and there are diverse job opportunities and internships for international students.
Finland
Finland
Finland is an excellent choice for all internationals and especially for EU/EEA students who can study at local public universities for free. The beautiful Nordic country has one of the best education systems in the world and ranks among the safest and happiest nations in the world. You can also choose from over 400 English-taught programmes. In your spare time, you can explore the breathtaking Finnish nature and landscapes, as well as the numerous lakes that give the country the nickname ‘The Land of a Thousand Lakes.’ From here, you can easily travel to neighbouring countries like Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, or Estonia.
France
France
France is a study destination whose romance, academic environment, and style of life charm thousands of international students every year. Students can enjoy the best of both worlds: the chance to enrol at top-ranked European universities while paying some of the lowest tuition fees worldwide. The Hexagon, a local nickname for France, is a multicultural hub, allowing you to meet, get to know, and develop friendships with people from all over the globe. There’s also a significant number of English-taught degrees (over 1,500). You can also learn French, the language of love, which will allow you to enjoy even more the local cuisine and touristic attractions and will make you a stand-out applicant on the job market.
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is among the top countries in the world in terms of quality of life, peace, safety, and development. It represents an appealing blend of beautiful landscapes, English-speaking environments, and a strong, welcoming, and rich culture — of which the Irish people are very proud. International students also enjoy the full support of Irish universities, which hire and train staff that are able to help with accommodation, studies, visa details, or any other challenge.
Norway
Norway
Norway is a paradise for anyone who wants to study abroad for free. Public universities don’t charge any tuition fees. This policy applies to all international students, regardless of their nationality. The academic standard is very high, and professors are easy to approach, always willing to go the extra mile for their students. Additionally, classes are organised in small groups, which further improves learning and cooperation. You can choose from a wide range of English-taught programmes, and you don’t need to worry about language barriers outside of classes either, because most Norwegians speak English as a second language. Internationals should find it easy to adapt to Norway’s society, which is based on equality and fair opportunities — reflected both in the legal system and in people’s behaviour.
Greece
Greece
Greece is the cradle of European civilization and the birthplace of philosophy. Greek universities and colleges have a long history in academics, attracting international students from all over the world. Classes are not typically formal, so you can expect open discussions between students and professors, in line with the classical philosophical debate tradition. EU/EEA students don’t pay any tuition at public universities, while non-EU/EEA citizens pay low fees. In Greece, you’ll also enjoy the well-known local hospitality and the wonderful Mediterranean climate. There are many landmarks and monuments waiting to be explored, including the Acropolis, Delphi, the Parthenon, and many others.
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden is a very ambitious, eco-friendly, and visionary country. For example, by 2040, it aims to produce all its energy from renewable sources. Universities play an important role in achieving development goals, thanks to their world-class research facilities. If you’re from the EU/EEA, you can study at public universities for free. As a student, you will discover and easily adopt the three main values of Swedish society: freedom, equality, and sustainability. These values are reflected in every aspect of the local society, and you’ll quickly learn to appreciate them. Language barriers are also almost non-existent since around 80% of Swedes speak English.
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland has one of the most advanced free-market economies, which is reflected in the high living standards and the satisfaction of people living here. In terms of higher education, Swiss universities are constantly ranked among the best in Europe, and they shine in areas like Business, Tourism, Culinary Arts, and Engineering. When compared to Western universities, tuition fees in Switzerland are affordable, and all studies — especially PhD programmes — are world-class. You’ll have the opportunity to develop in a multilingual environment and try learning international languages like German, French, or Italian. If you settle down here, the unemployment rates are low, and salaries are well above the European average.
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Universities in the UK are some of the most highly regarded in the world, and for good reasons. Some of the world's most highly regarded research takes place in British universities, which are regularly featured in international rankings. While studying in the UK, you will be able to develop in a highly multicultural environment with high chances of pursuing lucrative careers after graduation. The teaching in the UK is designed to encourage new idea generation, encouraging individual research and group cooperation, through class discussions and creative assignments.
Canada
Canada
Canada is one of the most popular study destinations in the world due to its high focus on the quality of its universities and its emphasis on attracting international students who can later immigrate. Canadians are very welcoming to international students and they invest a lot into making sure students are safe, treated fairly, and enjoy their stay in the country. Study in one of the strongest economies in the world while enjoying a high living standard and a flexible study environment. Classes have smaller student groups ensuring everyone gets the attention they need, and encouraging group assignments and debates.
United States
United States
The United States is home to some of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the world. With over 150 universities featured in international rankings, the U.S. has some of the best business schools, medical schools, and engineering schools. Universities and colleges in the U.S. are well known for academic flexibility and ways to customize your study experience with optional studies and extracurricular activities. Depending on where you will be studying, you will be able to visit iconic places like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Goldengate Bridge, The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Disney's Magic Kingdom Park, and much more.
Israel
Israel
Israel attracts international students through high standards of education and a wide range of English-taught degrees. Local universities shine in areas like Technology, Sciences, Business, and Entrepreneurship. In fact, Israel is a renowned land of innovation, having earned itself the nickname ‘Start-Up Nation’. While living and studying here, you will discover a wonderful culture developed throughout 4,000 years of history; different cultural influences are noticeable everywhere, especially in Israeli food, art, and history. In major cities, English is widely spoken, so communication shouldn’t be a problem. In your spare time, you can visit one of the over 400 nature reserves and 80 national parks.
Australia
Australia
By studying in Australia you will take advantage of the great student environment both inside and outside classrooms. In addition to some of the best business and engineering schools in the world, you will be able to explore a greatly developed country that still retains its wild side with its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and the Great Outback, with over 500 national parks. Many Australian universities provide internships and work placements, preparing students early on for the job market.
View all countries

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