- Population: 2,800,000
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- University Students: 175,100
- International Students: 4,600
- English-taught Programs: 350
The small Baltic nation of Lithuania is renowned for its pristine lakes and forests, picturesque coastline, and thriving cities. The country’s capital of Vilnius is famous for its rich historical and cultural attractions and is home to Lithuania’s most prestigious colleges. Students interested in studying abroad in Lithuania will discover that the country features both public and private institutions of higher learning. Lithuania’s fast-growing economy and distinctive culture makes it a popular option for students who are interested in continuing their education in a vibrant nation.
Situated on the southeastern banks of the Baltic Sea, Lithuania is a northern nation in Eastern Europe that is bordered by the nations of Poland, Russia, Latvia, and Belarus. The country’s largest cities include Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda, and Siauliai. Stunning architecture, naturally beautiful scenery, and friendly people are a major draw to students who are interested in studying in Eastern Europe. These students may attend the country’s colleges and universities to obtain their undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Lithuania features more than 30 colleges and universities of applied science. Its degrees are recognized all over the world. Students from around the globe are attracted to Lithuania because of its unique east-meets-west aura as well as its fair and often affordable university fees and tuitions. Most international students in Lithuania hail from other European countries, but students from the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan have also chosen to study in the country’s top universities.
Some students may worry about mastering the language of Lithuanian, but many undergraduate and graduate courses are offered in both Lithuanian and English. In addition, the nation’s many colleges feature a wide range of EU-accredited degree programs and courses. Some of the country’s most popular degree programs are in the areas of international business, marketing, law, education, and engineering.
Universities in Lithuania
Most of Lithuania’s top-performing colleges and universities can be found in its major cities like Vilnius. Many of these school have special programs designed for international students. Vilnius University is the largest university in Lithuania and also its oldest. In fact, Vilnius University is the oldest university in Eastern and Central Europe. Founded in 1579, this university has long attracted foreign students to its programs of study like medicine, law, history, and physics. Other top universities and colleges in Lithuania include:
- Vytautus Magnus University
- Kaunas University of Technology
- Vilnius Gediminus Technical University
- Klaipeda University
- Siauliai State College
Business Schools in Lithuania
Lithuania attracts many students who are interested in earning business degrees from its various programs. Some of the country’s most revered business schools are:
- Business School at Vilnius University
- School of Economics and Business at Kaunas University
- Baltic Management Institute at Vytautus Magnus University
- Mykolas Rameris University
Technical Schools in Lithuania
As a rapidly modernizing country, Lithuania is promoting advancement in areas like engineering, IT, architecture, and other aspects of technology at its various institutions of higher learning and schools specifically designed for technical education. Some of Lithuania’s best schools of technology are:
- Kaunas University of Technology
- Vilnius Gediminus Technical University
- Vilnius College of Technologies and Design
Tuition Fees in Lithuania
Lithuania has garnered a reputation for fair and affordable tuition rates. For Bachelor’s degree coursework, EU students can expect to pay between 1,000 and 5,000 Euros annually. Rates for students outside of the EU are typically a fraction higher. However, students enrolled in foreign exchange programs may not be subject to tuition fees in Lithuania. Graduate degree programs for EU students range between 2,000 and 8,000 Euros; doctoral degrees are priced at the higher end of the tuition scale.
Study in Lithuania in English
Both undergraduate and graduate courses in Lithuania are often offered in both Lithuanian and English. Currently, Lithuanian colleges and universities offers hundreds of classes in English, encompassing most fields of study. International students should consult with their college of choice to determine what coursework is offered in English.
Scholarships in Lithuania
The government of Lithuania features a state scholarships program offered to international students, researchers, and lecturers. Current scholarships are for 1-2 semesters of study in any field, Master’s degrees in all areas of study, and coursework in Lithuanian language and culture studies for international students of Lithuanian origin. Some of colleges and universities in Lithuania offer their own scholarships to international students. Currently, Vilnius University is waiving tuition for foreign students earning Master’s degrees. Some study-abroad-students may qualify for private funds for their research or coursework. Foreign students interested in scholarships beyond the state offerings should check the website of the university they plan to attend to learn more about scholarships that may be open to them.
Cost of Living in Lithuania
One of the many reasons that Lithuania attracts many international students is because of its low cost of living. Student accommodations may run as inexpensively as 100 Euros per month for some dorm room accommodations—and some dorm rooms cost 50 Euros. According to Vytautas Magnus University, international students can typically find apartments of one bedroom for 250 – 400 Euros per month. On the low end of the range, students studying in Lithuania can get by on roughly 500 Euros per month, which includes rent, food, and transportation costs. Few students pay in excess of 2,000 Euros to live in Lithuania.
Internships & Company Placements in Lithuania
With its modern economy and international mindset, Lithuania and is colleges have designed programs that help students transition into the working world. Major universities in Lithuania’s top cities work network with area businesses and organizations to create internships programs where students can obtain real-world experience in their chosen fields.
Working in Lithuania
EU students can work in Lithuania while enrolled in college coursework. Students outside of the EU can also work up to 20 hours per week with a work permit. Students can apply for a work permit at the Lithuania Labor Exchange.
Applying for a Student Visa to Study in Lithuania
Students from EU nations do not need a visa to study at Lithuania’s colleges and universities. Students from countries outside the EU must apply to the Lithuanian Migration Department for a Temporary Residence Permit. Students outside of the EU who are planning to study in Lithuania for more than 90 days must apply for a long-stay visa or residency permit. The cost of applying for the long-term visa is 60 Euros. The processing fee for a temporary resident permit is 115 Euros. International students from Russia, Armenia, Ukraine, Moldova, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, and Montenegro are required to pay an additional 40 Euros for processing their applications.