Top Universities in Lithuania for International Students

Once a part of the Soviet Union, Lithuania is now among the most bilingual and educated nations in Europe. It is a small country known for its abundance of water with over 22,000 streams and rivers and 3,000 lakes. It is also a modern nation with one of the fastest internet speeds in the world. If you are looking to see a less explored side of Europe, then Lithuania is a good place to study. Lithuania is a Baltic state and is bordered by Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east, and Poland to the south. The western part of the country sits on the Baltic Sea and is known as the Curonian Spit: a 98km sand dune spit that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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The weather in Lithuania can get relatively cold. Winter temperatures often drop below the ’30s. Summers are pleasant with temperatures in the high 60s. From April to October, it rains frequently which explains the lush forests throughout the country. English and Russian are the most widely spoken languages after Lithuanian. In fact, around 66% of people between the ages of 25-64 can speak two or more languages.

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The country is a member of the European Union and uses the Euro as its currency. As one of the least expensive countries in Europe, Lithuania is perfect for those with tight student budgets. Accommodation costs are often below €200 per month.

Your educational qualifications will be assessed by the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education in Vilnius. Students will need proof of completion of secondary education (i.e., a high school diploma) plus transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. A motivational interview may be conducted. This process typically takes 20 days.

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Many schools may require you to get your diploma legalized. If your country is a member of the Hague Conference (and the US is a member), this is a fairly easy process as all you will need is something called an "apostille certificate" affixed to your diploma.  Your Secretary of State's office can generally issue this, but a full list is provided here. Check here to see if your country is a member of the HCCH.

Proof of means is required to get a Temporary Resident Permit. A letter is needed confirming that the student has enough funds (at least 162,500 EUR per month, equal to half the minimum monthly salary) for the duration of the residence period and/or will receive regular income in order to live in Lithuania.

International students can work up to 20 hours per week but must obtain a work permit.

Students from the US and 77 other countries don't need a visa to enter Lithuania. A Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) will be required, however.

TRPs are usually issued for one year (may be issued for a shorter time) and the application process begins with an embassy abroad.

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These are the required documents to get a TRP: a completed TRP application; a valid passport; valid Schengen visa or national visa unless a visa-free regime applies, when applying for the TRP while already in Lithuania; one photo (40 x 60 mm), matching the age; letter from the school indicating acceptance, both or one parent’s letter of consent to study in the Republic of Lithuania, in case the applicant is a minor; proof of means; proof that you have a place to live in Lithuania; proof of health insurance. 

Students from non-EU countries may obtain their health insurance either in their country or in Lithuania.

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It costs approximately 15 euros per month or more if you purchase coverage in Lithuania.