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. Plan tuition payment and financial proof through a non-Russian account (an EU Wise account, or a bank in Armenia/Georgia) and 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, payment routing if you hold a Russian passport, and early diploma recognition.
Take the quiz to see whether the Lithuanian route fits your profile — citizenship, budget, field and language — with backup destinations.