Lithuania has been quietly building one of the most international-friendly higher education systems in Europe, with modern universities, affordable tuition fees, and a wide range of English-taught programmes.
Located in Europe’s North-East, the country offers high-quality degrees that are recognised everywhere in the EU and globally. Moreover, cities like Vilnius and Kaunas combine student-friendly living with a strong focus on technology, all while offering a lower cost of living than many Western European countries.
The official Study.eu database lists more than 250 Bachelors in Lithuania that are completely taught in English. Find yours today!
Searching for your Bachelor’s on Study.eu is the easiest way to start planning your studies abroad.
Tuition fees for Bachelor’s degrees in Lithuania are generally moderate, with most programmes costing between €3,000 and €5,000 per year, although specialised fields like Medicine or Aviation can be significantly more expensive.
EU/EEA citizens may apply for state-funded study places in Lithuania, where you can study for free as tuition fees are covered by the government. These places are awarded competitively through Lithuania’s national admissions system, and the number of funded spots is limited. Applicants can usually include both state-funded and self-funded study options in their application, so students who do not receive a funded place may still be offered a tuition-paying place if seats remain available.
Non-EU/EEA students also need to pay tuition fees, although they may still qualify for scholarships, discounts, or fee waivers depending on the university and programme. Because funding options can vary a lot, it’s always worth checking directly with the university for the most accurate information.
In Lithuania, applications are usually submitted directly to each university. Most institutions use the DreamApply platform, which is simple to use and guides you through the process step by step. Because of this, the application systems tend to look very similar and follow the same structure across universities.
If you apply to more than one university that uses DreamApply, you can log in with the same account. However, in some cases you may still need to upload your documents again for each application.
Most universities also charge a non-refundable application fee, usually ranging from €100 to €150. This fee covers the cost of reviewing and processing your application, and it is typically paid online when you submit your documents.
Exception: If you’re an EU/EEA citizen trying for the state-funded places, you’d apply through LAMA BPO, the national joint admission system. The main application period opens on 1 June and runs until 23 July at 12:00 (Lithuanian time). Some universities still recommend applying via their own portal first to help you check eligibility, provide guidance, and assist with the LAMA BPO application process.
To apply for a Bachelor in Lithuania, you’ll typically need:
All documents not in English or Lithuanian must be officially translated. Diplomas issued outside the EU usually need to be legalised or apostilled in your home country before submitting.
Moreover, your foreign qualification will need to be recognised by Lithuania’s Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (SKVC).
Applications for the September intake at Lithuanian universities typically open in January and remain open until June or July. Non-EU/EEA students may need to apply earlier because of visa processing times.
University examples:
The autumn semester is the only intake at most universities for Bachelor’s degrees; so unlike some Master’s programmes, there’s usually no spring start option.
In any case, always verify exact dates on the university’s portal, as they vary by programme and nationality.
Lithuania offers a variety of scholarships for international Bachelor’s students, including government-funded grants and university awards that can cover tuition fees fully or partially, and in some cases include monthly stipends.
Applications are typically submitted directly through university portals or official scholarship systems. Deadlines vary quite a lot depending on the scholarship and university, so it’s important to check each programme individually and apply early so you don’t miss out!
If you are an EU/EEA citizen, you do not need a visa to study in Lithuania. However, after arrival you must apply for a Temporary Residence Certificate at the Migration Department. Then, you will typically need to provide proof of sufficient financial means (such as a bank statement; at least around €221 per month per person is generally expected, depending on your situation) and valid health insurance covering your stay.
If you’re from outside the EU/EEA, you need to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit through the Migration Department via the MIGRIS system. It’s important to note that since July 2023, it is no longer necessary to apply for a National Visa (D visa) separately; only the TRP is required. There is still a lot of outdated information online, so make sure you rely on the most recent official guidance and ask your university.
After that, you need to book an appointment at a VFS Global visa centre to submit your biometric data.
In general, you’ll need to show the following documents:
You do not need already to have accommodation booked when you apply for the visa in most cases, but you need to confirm that you will live in proper housing once you are in Lithuania.
The application fee is €160, and the decision is usually made within 2 to 3 months, although processing times may be longer depending on the individual case.
Study.eu Tip: Apply as early as possible. Lithuania does not have embassies or visa centres in every country, so some international students may need to apply through an embassy in another country or wait longer for visa processing.
Most students choose between university dormitories and private housing.
Dorms are often the easiest option when you first arrive, as they are managed by the universities and give you a student community. Private rooms in shared flats are also very popular and can offer more independence, often at similar or slightly higher prices depending on the city and location.
In cities like Vilnius and Kaunas, you’ll also find plenty of student-focused housing options through platforms and agencies, as well as private listings. Some students prefer to move into a dorm for the first semester and then switch to a shared flat once they get to know the city better and find roommates.
Lithuania is one of the more affordable EU countries to live in; hoever, demand can be high around the start of the academic year, so it’s recommended to secure your accommodation as soon as you receive your admission offer to avoid limited availability and higher prices.
The main international gateway is Vilnius Airport, which offers frequent flights to major European hubs such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Warsaw, making long-haul connections easy.
Depending on your destination city, you may also fly into Kaunas Airport or Palanga Airport, which serve low-cost and regional routes. For students coming from further away (such as Asia, Africa, or the Americas), it is common to book a connecting flight through a major European hub before continuing to Lithuania.
Once you arrive, Lithuania has a compact and efficient transport system, so getting to student cities like Vilnius, Kaunas, or Klaipėda is quick and affordable by bus or train.
A Bachelor’s degree in Lithuania typically takes 3,5 to 4 years to complete for most fields, though some specialized programmes like medicine extend to 5 years.
Tuition fees for Bachelor’s degrees in Lithuania are typically between €3,500 and €5,000 a year for both EU and non-EU students.
Ready to study in Lithuania?