As an international student in Lithuania, you will have the opportunity to study in a diverse and welcoming environment. To give some basic information on studying in Lithuania; while Lithuanian is the official language, many universities offer English-language programs, making it simpler for international students to study in Lithuania. To be able to communicate with locals and fully immerse oneself in the culture, however, it is recommended to learn some basic Lithuanian. In terms of accommodation, numerous universities in Lithuania provide on-campus housing, such as dormitories and residences, for international students.
Reasons to Study in Lithuania
About Lithuania & Advantages of Studying in Lithuania
Lithuania is a European country located in the Baltic region. It is the most popular of the three Baltic countries, with approximately 2.8 million citizens.
The advantages of studying in Lithuania can be listed as follows:
- Education of the Highest Quality: Lithuania has a long tradition of providing education of the highest quality. Its universities and colleges offer courses in a variety of disciplines, including business, engineering, medicine, the humanities, and the social sciences. Various of these institutions rank highly in international university rankings.
- Scholarship Opportunities: Numerous institutions and the government of Lithuania offer scholarships to international students, making it simpler for them to fund their education.
- Job Opportunities: After completing their studies, international students have access to employment opportunities in Lithuania and other European countries. Lithuania's economy is expanding, and numerous opportunities exist in a variety of disciplines.
- Rich history and culture: Lithuania have a rich history and cultural diversity, with numerous museums, art galleries, and cultural events held throughout the year. Studying in Lithuania provides the chance to learn about this attractive country and its people.
- Comparatively Low Tuition and Living Expenses: In relation to many other countries in Europe, Lithuania offers relatively low tuition and living expenses. Therefore, the average cost of living in Lithuania is more affordable than in the majority of Western European countries.
- Multicultural Atmosphere: International students are welcome in Lithuania's multicultural environment. Studying in Lithuania offers the chance to learn about diverse cultures and methods of life, as well as to make international friends. Besides, many universities and colleges in Lithuania offer English-language courses, making it simpler for international students to study and communicate with their peers and professors.
About the Education System in Lithuania
The education system in Lithuania is comprehensive and provides students with an excellent basis for further study or employment. Vilnius University, Kaunas University of Technology, Vytautas Magnus University, and Mykolas Romeris University are among the leading universities in Lithuania. These universities offer courses in a variety of disciplines, including business, engineering, medicine, social sciences, and the humanities.
In Lithuania, universities, colleges, and vocational institutions offer higher education. The Lithuanian higher education system is founded on the Bologna Process, which divides degrees into three levels: bachelor's, master's, and doctoral. The Lithuanian higher education system is renowned for its emphasis on research and innovation, and many universities offer English-language programs.
The system is intended to guarantee the uniformity of higher education across Europe and facilitate student mobility.
Universities in Lithuania are both public and private. Government-funded public universities provide courses in a wide variety of disciplines. Private universities are financed by tuition fees and offer specialized programs. The Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education monitors the quality of education in Lithuania and ensures that all universities fulfill the required standards.
Undergraduate Education in Lithuania
Bachelor's degree: A bachelor's degree usually takes three to four years to complete in Lithuania. The curriculum consists of academic work, exams, and a final thesis or project. Bachelor's degrees are available in a variety of disciplines, including business, engineering, medicine, social sciences, and the humanities.
Application Requirements for Undergraduate
Applicants to undergraduate programs are required to have at least a secondary or equivalent education, as evidenced by official documents. The order of applicants is determined by their competitive results. All accepted applicants will sign a Study Contract with the university of their choice.
The following documents must be submitted before the deadline:
- Notarized and translated copy of the secondary education diploma and supplementary document.
- Demonstrated English language proficiency that must satisfy or exceed the requirements for Upper Intermediate or higher.
- A copy of passport documents comprising a photo and identity information.
- Interview for the purpose of instilling motivation.
- Receipt confirming that the application fee has been paid.
Postgraduate Education in Lithuania
A master's degree in Lithuania generally requires between one and two years to complete. Numerous universities in Lithuania offer English-language master's degree programs, ensuring the country is a popular choice for students from abroad.
The completion of a doctoral degree in Lithuania usually requires between three and four years. In Lithuania, doctoral programs are intended to prepare students for professions in research and academia.
In terms of curriculum, postgraduate programs in Lithuania generally combine lectures, seminars, field research, and independent research. The curriculum is designed to provide students with an excellent basis in their chosen field of study and to foster their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Considering bachelor's thesis, students are required to submit a master’s thesis or project at the end of their studies. Students conduct independent research in their chosen field and have the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they have acquired throughout their studies. Moreover, the postgraduate system in Lithuania is full of opportunities for international students. In other words, numerous universities in Lithuania offer different programs in English, making the country a great choice for international students. International exchange programs are also available, enabling students to study abroad for a semester or a year.
Application Requirements for Postgraduate
To be accepted to an undergraduate program in Lithuania, students must have completed secondary school and received a certificate of completion. International students may also be required to submit scores from standardized English proficiency examinations, such as the TOEFL or IELTS.
Universities in Lithuania
Vilnius University
Founded in 1579, Vilnius University is the oldest and largest university in Lithuania. It provides a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, and technology. It has an excellent reputation for its research programs.
Kaunas University of Technology
Kaunas University of Technology is one of the main technical universities in the Baltic States, having been founded in 1922. According to the World University Rankings, it is among the top 800 universities in the globe. It offers programs in disciplines such as engineering, technology, business, and social sciences.
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University is a modern institution with an emphasis on engineering, technology, and design. It offers programs in fields such as architecture, civil engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, and business, and is ranked among the top 1,000 universities in the globe.
Vytautas Magnus University
With a strong emphasis on social sciences and humanities, Vytautas Magnus University is one of the most globally recognized universities in Lithuania. It offers programs in disciplines such as political science, psychology, economics, and business and is ranked among the top 1000 universities in the world by the QS World University Rankings.
ISM University of Management and Economics
Private institution specializing in business and management education, ISM University of Management and Economics. It is ranked among the top 400 business schools across the world and offers programs in fields such as business administration, economics, and management. However, it is essential to keep in mind that rankings and reputation are not the only considerations when selecting a university. In addition to considering the program offerings, location, and campus life, you must also consider other factors that may be important to you.
Bachelors & Masters Degree Programs
Lithuania offers bachelor's degree programs in a variety of disciplines, including business, engineering, humanities, social sciences, health sciences, and natural sciences.
Many programs are taught in Lithuanian, but some are also available in English.
Vilnius University, Kaunas University of Technology, and Vytautas Magnus University are popular universities in Lithuania that offer bachelor's degree programs in marketing, international business law, tourism and hospitality management, social work, political science, education, mechanical engineering, architecture, information technology, seaports engineering, and philology, among others.
In terms of master’s degree programs, many master's degree programs in Lithuania are taught in English, which makes them attractive to international students. Master's degree programs are available at Lithuanian universities in a variety of disciplines, including business, engineering, social sciences, humanities, arts, and natural sciences. Some significant programs include; management of business, information technology, economics education, finance, law marketing international relations, and public administration.
Tuition Fees
University tuition fees in Lithuanian universities differ based on the level of study, the program, and the institution.
Bachelor's Degree Programs: bachelor’s degree tuition fees in Lithuanian universities range between 1,000 and 5,000 EUR per year. However, international students are usually charged a higher tuition rate than domestic students.
Master's Degree Programs: The annual tuition for master's degree programs in Lithuanian universities ranges between 2,500 and 8,000 euros. For master’s degrees, too, international students typically pay a higher tuition rate than domestic students.
Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that tuition fees may not cover additional expenses such as housing, textbooks, health insurance, and living costs. In addition, some universities may assess additional fees for particular services or activities. It is advisable to contact the university directly for a comprehensive breakdown of all fees associated with attending.
Last but not the least, some universities in Lithuania offer scholarships and financial assistance to support tuition and living expenses. Scholarships are granted according to academic achievement, financial need, and other factors. If you are interested in studying in Lithuania and require financial aid, you should learn about the scholarships and financial aid options offered by the universities of your choice.
Accommodation and Cost of Living
In general, universities in Lithuania offer on-campus housing to students, including international students. However, accommodations may be limited, so it is best to apply as soon as possible. Depending on the university and the category of room, the monthly cost of on-campus housing ranges between 100 and 300 EUR.
In Lithuania, off-campus housing is also offered, and many students choose to rent apartments or rooms in shared apartments. The cost of off-campus housing varies based on the apartment or room's location, size, and condition. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs between 400 and 600 EUR per month, while a room in a shared apartment costs between 150 and 250 EUR per month.
The cost of living in Lithuania is generally lower than that of several different European countries. With a variety of factors including your lifestyle and spending habits, you are likely to spend between 400 and 700 EUR per month on living expenses as an international student. Here is a list of common expenditures:
- Food: 100 to 200 EUR monthly
- Transportation costs range from €20 to €40 per month.
- Utilities: 70 to 120 EUR monthly (including electricity, gas, water, and internet)
- Monthly health insurance: 30 to 50 euros
- Socializing and entertainment: 50-100 EUR per month
International students can find affordable housing and cost of living options in Lithuania. While studying in Lithuania, it is possible to live comfortably on a moderate budget with appropriate budgeting.