Study in Lithuania

Study in Lithuania

Would you like to study in Lithuania? You are always welcome to come and find out how good it is to study in the country that was the first in Eastern Europe to establish a university.

Professional qualifications acquired in Lithuania are recognized abroad. Besides, our country has signed agreements on academic exchanges with 16 countries around the world. Each year over 1,000 students and teachers leave for studies or internships abroad.

Public schools of higher education use Lithuanian as a language of instruction, but other languages are also possible if a curriculum is linked to another language or if classes are held by foreign teachers, or if studies are carried out under study programs for foreigners or in case of  academic exchanges.

Tuition fees

The best graduates are offered state-funded places at schools of higher education, in other words, they are not charged for the tuition. The number of the lucky ones by fields of studies or programme is fixed by the Government on annual basis.

All the rest may choose among paid studies. Each school of higher education has its own tuition fees, which can be covered with the state-sponsored loan.

Applicants to Lithuania’s universities, who are emigrants and foreigners of Lithuanian origin, may be assigned up to four extra points to the total enrolment score, including two points given to all the emigrants and foreigners of Lithuanian origin, and the other two – to the graduates of Lithuanian schools abroad. Currently, there are six Lithuanian comprehensive schools operating outside Lithuania, namely: the February 16th Gymnasium in Germany, Punsk March 11 Lyceum in Poland, Moscow Jurgis Baltrušaitis Secondary School in Russia, Riga Lithuanian Secondary School in Latvia, also Rimdžiūnai and Pelesa secondary schools in Belarus.

The state-funded places (50 at universities and 50 at colleges) are also available for the residents of the European Union and the Economic Area, other foreigners with permanent residence in Lithuania, as well as emigrants of Lithuanian descent.  For those who cannot speak Lithuanian but wish to pursue studies in this language, a one-year equalizing course may be arranged.

Study programmes

Studies in Lithuania follow degree or non-degree programmes at colleges and universities.

There are three cycles of studies: first, professional Bachelor’s or Bachelor’s Degree, second, Master’s degree and the third would be the doctorate. Studies may be part-time and full-time.

College higher education studies are designed to prepare for professional activities. Full-time studies as a rule take three years, while part-time studies – four years. At least one quarter of study programme is taken by practical training. Graduates are awarded Professional Bachelor‘s Degree. Practical work experience and additional studies (their duration is established by each school individually) provide for the possibility of continuing studies in Master‘s Degree programme. College studies are provided by public and private colleges.

University studies are designed to provide universal general education, theoretical preparation, the highest level of professional skills. University degree programmes can be integrated by linking the first and the second cycles, for example, when studying medicine. Full-time undergraduate (Bachelor’s) course lasts four years; part-time course usually lasts five years. Graduates acquire a Bachelor's Degree. Graduates may continue studies in post-graduate programme which takes 1.5 to 2 years. Those who wish to link their lives with academic activities may continue studies in pursuit for the doctoral degree (duration – four years). University studies are provided by universities, academies and seminaries.

Study programmes are offered by 24 colleges (including 11 private colleges) and 23 universities (including 9 private universities).

Scholarships

Students with good achievements may be provided with incentive scholarships following ther procedure prescribed by a respective school. Students meeting specific criteria established by the Government may also be provided with social scholarships.

Academic year

Academic year is divided into semesters and holiday periods. The beginning and end of an academic year and a semester as well as holiday spans are established by each school of higher education individually. In summer students are entitled to at least one month uninterrupted holidays.