Studying in Lithuania: English-taught programmes and costs

Still little known among Tunisian students, Lithuania is well worth a look: a European Union country, modern universities, plenty of English-taught programmes, and affordable fees and living costs. Vilnius and Kaunas are lively student cities with a strong focus on digital technology and innovation. Here is how to study in Lithuania.

Why Lithuania?

• European degree recognised across the European Union.

• English-taught programmes at bachelor's, master's and doctoral level.

• Moderate fees for an EU country.

• Cost of living lower than in Western Europe.

• Growth sectors: IT, fintech, engineering, life sciences.

• Safe country, well connected to the rest of Europe.

The universities

• Vilnius University, the oldest and best known;

• Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), renowned for engineering and IT;

• VILNIUS TECH (Gediminas Technical University);

• Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Kaunas), with medicine, dentistry and pharmacy programmes taught in English;

• Mykolas Romeris University (law, social sciences);

• business schools such as ISM.

Programmes and fees

• Bachelor's and master's degrees in English: around €2,500 to €6,000 per year for most fields.

• Medicine and dentistry in English: considerably more expensive, around more than €10,000 per year.

• Some universities offer international students fee reductions or merit-based scholarships.

Admission

Applications are made directly to the universities, online, usually from spring to summer for a September intake (earlier for students who need a visa).

Usual documents:

• baccalaureate (or bachelor's degree for a master's) and transcripts translated into English;

• English certificate (IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent) or the university's own test;

• motivation letter;

• passport;

• sometimes an online interview or an admission test.

Your qualification is assessed by the university or by the Lithuanian national body for the recognition of qualifications. The university guides you through this process.

Visa and residence permit

For a study stay you need a national visa and/or a temporary residence permit for studies, applied for through the Lithuanian migration system and the consular representation responsible for Tunisia (which may be in another country). The university generally sends a letter supporting the application. Documents: admission, proof of funds, health insurance, accommodation, criminal record certificate.

Allow several weeks for processing: plan ahead, especially if the consular appointment is abroad.

What budget should you plan for?

• Tuition fees: see above.

• Daily life: generally €500 to €800 per month, more in Vilnius.

• Accommodation: affordable university residences or shared flats.

• Administrative costs: residence permit, insurance, translations.

Working while studying

International students may work during their studies within the limits set by law. Good English is enough in many of Vilnius's tech companies.

Points to watch

• Winters are long and cold.

• Lithuania is still little known to Tunisian employers: make the most of your European degree and your internships.

• Check the recognition of the degree in Tunisia if you are aiming for a regulated profession. See Equivalence of the Tunisian diploma abroad.

Comparing with other destinations

• Poland: more universities, medicine in English.

• Czech Republic: free in Czech.

• Netherlands: more expensive, very wide range of English-taught programmes.

Typical timeline for a September intake

1. Autumn – winter: choosing universities and programmes, English test.

2. Winter – spring: online applications (non-EU students often have earlier deadlines).

3. Spring: any interviews, admission, payment of the deposit or required fees.

4. Spring – summer: temporary residence permit application, consular appointment (sometimes in another country).

5. Summer: accommodation, insurance, plane ticket.

Plan the budget and time for a possible trip to the consular appointment if the competent representation is not in Tunisia.

The most interesting fields

• IT, cybersecurity and data: Lithuania is a fast-growing tech hub, with many start-ups and fintech companies in Vilnius.

• Engineering: technical universities in Kaunas and Vilnius.

• Business and management: English-taught programmes at moderate fees.

• Health: medicine, dentistry and pharmacy in English in Kaunas.

• Life sciences: developing laboratories and biotechnology.

Scholarships and fee reductions

Several Lithuanian universities grant fee reductions to the best international applicants, or merit-based scholarships after the first year depending on results. Depending on the year, the Lithuanian government also offers scholarships for certain programmes. Ask about them as soon as you apply.

Documents to prepare

• transcripts and diplomas translated into English, legalised or apostilled;

• valid passport;

• English certificate;

• motivation letter;

• criminal record certificate;

• proof of funds for the residence permit;

• health insurance covering the stay.

Life in Vilnius and Kaunas

• Vilnius: a capital with a listed historic centre, lively cultural life and nightlife, many internship opportunities.

• Kaunas: the second city, very student-oriented, more affordable.

• Transport: efficient buses and trolleybuses, trains to Riga and Warsaw.

• Winter: bring proper warm clothes, temperatures drop well below zero.

• Integration: student associations and the Erasmus network organise many activities for international students.

Key takeaway: Lithuania offers a European degree in English at a moderate price, with a dynamic tech ecosystem. Plan ahead for the consular appointment and get equipped for the winter.

How we support you

Worldwide Studies helps you choose the university and programme, prepare your application, obtain your residence permit and find accommodation.

👉 Talk to an advisor to find out whether Lithuania fits your plans and your budget.