The short answer
You can study in Lithuania in English, and the cost is among the lowest in the EU: English-taught tuition at public universities runs roughly €2,000–8,000/year, plus living costs of €600–800/month in Vilnius (university programme pages and Study in Lithuania, 2026-27). Vilnius University is one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe, so the route combines a low price with a long-established institution. This is a realistic route for an applicant with budget around €9,000–13,000 for the first year; it is not a "free degree" route.
We do not promise admission or a visa. Below is what the route requires and where the risks sit.
Where you study
The main public universities carrying English-taught programmes:
- Vilnius University (vu.lt) — the oldest and largest; broad coverage across sciences, social sciences, humanities, IT, medicine.
- Kaunas University of Technology / KTU (ktu.edu) — engineering, IT, business.
- Vilnius Gediminas Technical University / VILNIUS TECH (vilniustech.lt) — engineering, architecture, transport, IT.
The English-taught range is narrower than in Western Europe, so verify your specific field is offered before committing to the route.
Cost — first year, realistically
| Item | Amount (2026-27) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (English-taught, public) | €2,000–8,000/year | university programme pages |
| Living costs (Vilnius) | €600–800/month | Study in Lithuania |
| Financial proof (residence permit) | ~€3,600/year | migracija.lt |
Exact tuition depends on the programme — medicine and some professional programmes sit above this band. Check the programme page, not a country average.
English requirements
Public universities accept IELTS and TOEFL. The exact minimum varies by programme and is not published as a single national figure — read your programme's admission page for the score it requires. Note: Duolingo is not universally accepted in the Baltics; do not assume it qualifies you without confirming on the specific programme page.
Student visa and financial proof
Non-EU students apply for a national D-visa and a temporary residence permit for study, usually after admission, through the Migration Department (Migracija) and the Lithuanian embassy in your country of residence (migracija.lt). Financial proof is roughly €3,600/year for the study period. Work rights come with the student status (up to 20 hours/week during term). Many programmes admit via the centralised LAMA BPO application system — check whether yours does.
For Russian citizens: SWIFT transfers from Russian banks are blocked. Before paying, confirm accepted payment methods and proof-of-funds documents with the university and bank. Check current requirements with the relevant official authority. Expect heightened consular scrutiny.
Diploma recognition
Secondary and higher diplomas from Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan are assessed by the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (SKVC / ENIC-NARIC Lithuania) (skvc.lt). Each university then sets country-specific entry requirements, so request your recognition statement early.
Scholarships
State and institutional schemes exist but are competitive and limited: Lithuanian State Scholarships, administered through the Education Exchanges Support Foundation (smpf.lt). Eligibility is by citizenship and reviewed annually — at the time of research Ukrainian applicants were eligible and no scheme was open to Russian applicants. Confirm current eligibility on smpf.lt before counting on it. Treat scholarships as a bonus, not the base plan.
Bottom line
Lithuania is a low-cost, realistic Baltic route: among the lowest EU tuition, a predictable Schengen visa, English-taught provision at a centuries-old flagship (Vilnius University) and strong tech universities, plus 20h/week work rights. The main risks to check up front are programme availability in your field, accepted payment methods and current transfer restrictions, and early diploma recognition.
Take the quiz to see whether the Lithuanian route fits your profile — citizenship, budget, field and language — with backup destinations.