Lithuania has become a top destination for higher education in Europe, attracting students from around the world – African countries, Asian countries and more. With affordable tuition fees, high-quality education, and globally recognized degrees, Lithuani’s universities offer an excellent study experience for international students. This guide explores the top universities in Lithuania for international students, comparing tuition costs, degree recognition, and the cost of living in dormitories.
Why Study in Lithuania?
We discuss some top reasons to study in Lithuania in our blog post – Study in Lithuania: Your #1 Gateway to Quality Education and Cultural Enrichment. The country’s education system is designed to provide international students with a high-quality learning environment at a fraction of the cost of studying in Western Europe or North America. Education in Lithuania for international students is also attractive due to the availability of English-taught programs.
Best Universities in Lithuania for International Students
Here’s a comprehensive look at the top universities in Lithuania for international students, focusing on affordability, degree recognition, and student life. You’ll find the general tuition fees in Lithuania for international students, cost of accommodation and more!
1. Vilnius University (VU)
- – Established: 1579
- – Average Tuition Fees: €3,100 – €5,000 per year for Bachelor’s studies
- – Time to Graduation: Bachelor’s (3-4 years), Master’s (1.5-2 years)
- – Degree Recognition: Globally recognized, part of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA)
- – Monthly Dormitory Cost: €70 – €150 (they have triple and double rooms only)
- – Application Deadline: 1 May 2025 for 2025-2026 Fall semester Bachelor’s studies (may depend on nationality)
Vilnius University is Lithuania’s oldest and most prestigious institution, offering a wide range of programs in English. It ranks among the top 500 universities worldwide and provides excellent research facilities. Another pro is that it has faculties in Vilnius, Kaunas and Šiauliai where you can attend different types of programs.
2. Kaunas University of Technology (KTU)
- – Established: 1922
- – Average Tuition Fees: €3,100 – €5,500 per year for Bachelor’s studies
- – Time to Graduation: Bachelor’s (3-4 years), Master’s (1.5-2 years)
- – Degree Recognition: Recognized in the EU and worldwide
- – Monthly Dormitory Cost: €80 – €250 (they have double and single rooms)
- – Application Deadline: 1 June 2025 for 2025-2026 Fall semester Bachelor’s studies (may depend on nationality)
KTU is a leader in technology and engineering studies in Lithuania. It collaborates with international companies, offering students excellent internship and career opportunities. The Erasmus opportunities are also quite extensive allowing for a more global study experience. Although it doesn’t rank as highly as the previous uni, it still offers state of the art facilities which students can utilize.
3. Vytautas Magnus University (VMU)
- – Established: 1922
- – Average Tuition Fees: €3,100 – €5,500 per year for Bachelor’s studies
- – Time to Graduation: Bachelor’s (3-4 years), Master’s (1.5-2 years)
- – Degree Recognition: Internationally accredited
- – Monthly Dormitory Cost: €105 – €210 (they have double and single rooms with some being renovated and others not)
- – Application Deadline: 1 May 2025 for 2025-2026 Fall semester Bachelor’s studies (may depend on nationality)
VMU is known for its liberal arts education and international student-friendly environment. It provides diverse degree programs and encourages academic freedom. You’ll find it has some fascinating programs in the Music and Multimedia field such as Music Production, which does however cost €8,995 per year. The university performs slightly better than KTU in world rankings but given their expertise in different study areas, this shouldn’t be a deciding factor.
4. Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH)
- – Established: 1956
- – Average Tuition Fees: €3,500 – €4,500 per year for Bachelor’s studies
- – Time to Graduation: Bachelor’s (3-4 years), Master’s (1.5-2 years)
- – Degree Recognition: Highly regarded in engineering and technology fields
- – Monthly Dormitory Cost: €140 – €240 (they have double and triple rooms)
- – Application Deadline: 15 June 2025 for 2025-2026 Fall semester Bachelor’s studies (may depend on nationality)
VILNIUS TECH specializes in technical and engineering programs and is one of the best universities in Lithuania for international students pursuing STEM degrees. It has faculties in both Vilnius and Klaipeda allowing one to choose their study city. It is also ranked in the World Rankings but not as highly as the previous three.
5. ISM University of Management and Economics
- – Established: 1999
- – Average Tuition Fees: €3,000 – €4,000 per year for Bachelor’s studies
- – Time to Graduation: Bachelor’s (3-4 years), Master’s (1.5-2 years)
- – Degree Recognition: Internationally accredited, highly respected in business and economics
- – Monthly Dormitory Cost: not specified as of now
- – Application Deadline: 31 May 2025 for 2025-2026 Fall semester Bachelor’s studies (may depend on nationality)
Though much younger than the other universities, ISM is one of the best choices for students interested in business and management studies. In our previous blog post, Top Business Schools in Lithuania: Advice for International Students, we highlighted some of the top business programs they offer. It collaborates with top universities worldwide and offers great exchange programs.
Comparison Table of Lithuania’s Top Universities for International Students
| University | Tuition Fees | Time to Graduation | Degree Recognition | Monthly Dormitory Cost |
| Vilnius University | €3,100 – €5,000 | 3-4 years (Bachelor), 1.5-2 years (Master) | Global Recognition (EHEA) | €70 – €150 |
| Kaunas University of Technology | €3,100 – €5,500 | 3-4 years (Bachelor), 1.5-2 years (Master) | EU and Global Recognition | €80 – €250 |
| Vytautas Magnus University | €3,100 – €5,500 | 3-4 years (Bachelor), 1.5-2 years (Master) | Internationally Accredited | €105 – €210 |
| Vilnius Gediminas Technical University | €3,500 – €4,500 | 3-4 years (Bachelor), 1.5-2 years (Master) | Recognized in STEM Fields | €140 – €240 |
| ISM University of Management and Economics | €3,000 – €4,000 | 3-4 years (Bachelor), 1.5-2 years (Master) | Respected in Business & Economics | Not specified |
Student Life and Cost of Living in Lithuania
The cost of living in Lithuania is relatively low compared to other European countries. International students can expect to spend around €400 – €800 per month on accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. Dormitory accommodations provide an affordable option, while renting a private apartment can range from €300 – €700 per month. You can read more about expenses in Lithuania as a student on our blog post: Living Expenses in Lithuania for Students: A Comprehensive Cost of Living Guide
Conclusion
If you’re considering education in Lithuania for international students, you’ll find a variety of high-quality and affordable universities to choose from. The top universities in Lithuania for international students offer globally recognized degrees, affordable tuition fees, and a welcoming environment for international students. Whether you’re looking for a technical degree at VILNIUS TECH or a business degree at ISM, Lithuania provides excellent opportunities for higher education.
Are you ready to start your study journey in Lithuania? Contact us for expert guidance on university applications, visa support, and accommodation arrangements!