Top 6 Universities to Study in Lithuania – Cost & Eligibility

Several international students have chosen to study in Lithuania in recent years, inspired by the presence of its six top QS ranking universities. Here is a brief guide on these institutions along with the reasons to study in the country and eligibility criteria, among other aspects. It will enable you to navigate your higher education journey in Lithuania more confidently.

Study in Lithuania: Highlights 

Why to Study in Lithuania 

Choosing to study in Lithuania comes with its fair share of benefits. Here are some of them: 

• Reputed Universities: Per QS World University Rankings (WUR): Northern Europe 2024 report, six Lithuanian universities rank under top 145. This gives you more choices in terms of studying at a reputed institution in the country.
• Educational Benefits: There are more than 600 programs and globally recognized diplomas that are taught in English in the country.
• Education System: Programs undergo evaluation per the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) of 10 points. They are offered under the Bologna system, which consists of three levels of study: bachelors, masters, and PhD. Integrated study courses are also provided by universities which fuse the bachelor’s and master’s level.
• Flourishing Capital: Vilnius is the capital of the country and has been ranked as one of the leading 100 student cities. It is a vibrant city with a population of 600,000 individuals. Vilnius is home to several dining destinations, museums, churches, and many more attractions. 

Top Universities in Lithuania

Here are some of the leading universities in Lithuania per the QS WUR: Northern Europe 2024 data. 

Popular Courses to Study in Lithuania

Based on US News & World Report, few of the popular programs offered in Lithuanian universities are listed below. 

• Chemistry
• Biology and Biochemistry
• Materials Science
• Clinical Medicine
• Optics
• Civil Engineering
• Physics
• Engineering

Cost of Studying in Lithuania

The cost of studying in Lithuania may vary across universities. For instance, the tuition fee range at Vytautas Magnus University is:

• Bachelor’s: EUR 2,954 to EUR 8,457 per year 
• Master’s: EUR 4,384 to EUR 9,887 per year

Documents Required to Study in Lithuania

Some of the documents required to study in Lithuania may include the following: 

• Copy of passport copy 
• Copy of the secondary school certificate or university degree/diploma 
• Academic transcripts or mark sheets 
• Health certificate 
• Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
• Application fee payment receipt

Some additional documents may be required by master’s applicants including published article copies, research society information papers if applicable, and documents that prove work experience. 

Admission Process to Study in Lithuania

The application process might vary across institutions in Lithuania. The basic steps include the following: 

1. Research and identify the college that you want to apply for.
2. Fill up the online application form of the university.
3. Upload all the above mentioned documents and submit the form. 
4. If asked from the institute, you might have to go through interviews. Prepare and attend the university interview.
5. Accept the offer letter and make the payment of the tuition fee.
6. The acceptance letter is issued to students by their universities thereafter. 
7. You can apply for a temporary residence permit. 

Study in Lithuania After 12th 

You can choose to study in Lithuania after 12th and apply for a bachelor’s degree in your desired area of study. You must be able to meet certain requirements for admission. 

• A minimum score of 5 in IELTS or 72 in TOEFL as a proof of English language proficiency
• A certified and approved high school or secondary diploma/certificate 
• Academic transcripts and mark sheets

Student Visa to Study in Lithuania

If you are enrolling in higher education to study in Lithuania, you must apply for a national long-term visa or a temporary residence permit. A national long-term visa allows you to stay in Lithuania for up to one year and cannot be renewed. Whereas, a temporary residence permit is valid for up to two years and can be renewed. . However, you can always apply for a national long-term visa and extend the duration of your stay by obtaining a temporary residence permit later on. 

Depending on your course duration, you can choose one out of two visas to obtain. If your study and stay extends beyond the mentioned duration, you can apply for a renewal of the temporary residence permit.

Conclusion

Covering 65,300 square kilometers with a population of 2.8 million people, Lithuania is a charming country that is steadily becoming a preferred destination for international students. Interestingly, it uses Eastern European Time (2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time) with daylight saving time introduced between March and September each year. Should you choose to study in Lithuania, you can be assured of a unique experience during your time here.