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Study in Lithuania

Affordable Baltic study with a growing technology sector

A guide for Indian students and parents · Updated 22 Oct 2026

Capital

Vilnius

Currency

Euro (€, EUR)

Student work hours

20–40 hrs/week (by year)

Dialing code

+370

Introduction

Quick read

  • Lithuania is a small EU and Schengen country where public universities teach many bachelor's and master's programmes in English, often for about €3,500 to €6,500 a year.
  • Indian citizens were the largest group of foreign students in Lithuania at the start of 2025, at about 1,500 people.
  • Full-time degree students from India need a temporary residence permit (TRP) for studies, not a national D visa, and should apply from India before travelling.
  • For 2026–27 you must show about €8,077 for the first year (€577 a month plus €1,153 for a return ticket) and hold health insurance of at least €10,000.
  • Since 22 May 2026, first- and second-year bachelor's students may work up to 20 hours a week; later-year bachelor's, master's and PhD students may work up to 40.
  • Graduates can stay on: the study permit can be extended by 3 months at the end of the course, and a 12-month job-search permit is available after that.

Lithuania is the largest of the three Baltic states, with a population of under three million. It joined the European Union in 2004 and uses the euro. Most universities that teach in English are in Vilnius, the capital, and in Kaunas, the second city.

For Indian families the main attractions are moderate fees, living costs well below Western Europe, and an EU degree recognised across the European Higher Education Area. Business, IT, engineering and data courses are the most common choices.

Lithuania has also tightened its rules for foreign students in 2025 and 2026, after finding that some people used study permits mainly to work. Genuine students who attend and pass their credits are not the target, but you should plan carefully and choose an established university.

Why Indian students choose Lithuania

India became the largest source country for foreign students in Lithuania in 2024. According to the Migration Department, about 1,500 Indian citizens were living in Lithuania on the basis of studies at the start of 2025, ahead of Belarus and Pakistan.

The wider Indian community is also growing. By the end of 2025 just under 8,000 Indian citizens lived in Lithuania, many of them in skilled jobs. This means there are Indian groceries, student associations and alumni in Vilnius and Kaunas, though the community is still small compared with Germany or Ireland.

The rise in numbers has brought closer checks. In 2025 the authorities withdrew hundreds of study permits from students who stopped attending, and universities now track attendance and credits more strictly. Students who treat the course seriously should not be affected.

Key figures for Indian students in Lithuania
WhatFigureSource
Indian citizens living in Lithuania on study grounds (start of 2025)About 1,500 (largest group)Migration Department, Mar 2025
All foreigners living in Lithuania on study grounds (start of 2025)Almost 9,000Migration Department, Mar 2025
Study-based residence permits issued or renewed in 2025 (all nationalities)8,083Migration Yearbook 2025, Migration Department
Indian citizens resident in Lithuania (end of 2025)7,908Migration Yearbook 2025, Migration Department
Study permits revoked in 2025 (to September) because students abandoned studies780LRT, Sep 2025
Minimum monthly wage, 2026 (gross)€1,153 (€7.05 an hour)State Labour Inspectorate, 2026

Top universities in Lithuania

Universities Indian students often ask us about. Being listed here doesn't mean Admission Mantra represents the university; we'll tell you plainly how we can help with each application.

See all 28 universities and colleges in Lithuania

Benefits of studying in Lithuania

  1. 01

    Moderate tuition

    Public universities charge non-EU students roughly €3,500 to €6,500 a year for most English-taught courses, well below the UK or Ireland.

  2. 02

    Lower living costs

    A student in a university dormitory can manage on about €450 to €700 a month, and Kaunas is cheaper than Vilnius.

  3. 03

    Work rights during and after study

    Master's students can work up to 40 hours a week without a separate work permit, and graduates can stay up to about 15 months to look for a job.

  4. 04

    EU and Schengen access

    A Lithuanian residence permit lets you travel within the Schengen area for short stays, and the degree follows the European credit (ECTS) system.

  5. 05

    Growing tech and fintech scene

    Vilnius has many software, fintech and shared-service centres, and IT is among the best-paid sectors in the country.

  6. 06

    Merit scholarships open to Indians

    Some universities, such as VILNIUS TECH and Vilnius University, offer full or partial tuition waivers that Indian applicants can compete for.

Eligibility and English tests

Typical entry requirements
RequirementBachelor'sMaster's
Academic qualificationClass 12 (CBSE, ISC or state board) with good marks; engineering and IT courses usually want maths, and some want physics.A bachelor's degree in a related subject, usually with at least about 60% or a first class.
English levelUsually B2 level, for example IELTS Academic around 5.5–6.0 or TOEFL iBT around 65–80.Usually B2 or higher, for example IELTS Academic around 6.0–6.5; some programmes also hold an online interview.
Recognition of documentsYour Class 10 and 12 certificates are assessed for recognition; transcripts may need an English translation and apostille.Your degree certificate and transcripts are assessed for recognition; an apostille from the MEA may be requested.
Other documentsPassport copy, motivation letter and sometimes a reference letter.Passport copy, CV, motivation letter and often one or two academic references; design courses ask for a portfolio.
Entrance test or interviewSome universities set an online maths or English test, or an interview.Many programmes hold a short online interview; some set a subject test.
Application feeCommonly €100, non-refundable (for example VILNIUS TECH and Vilnius University).Commonly €100, non-refundable.
Typical deadline for non-EU applicantsSpring to early summer for the September intake (KTU, for example, closes on 31 May).Spring to early summer; scholarship deadlines can be as early as 1–20 April.

English tests commonly accepted

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL iBT
  • PTE Academic (accepted by some universities)
  • Duolingo English Test (accepted by some universities)
  • Each university sets its own entry rules, so check the exact grades and English score on the programme page.
  • Start early: the residence permit can take up to two months or more after admission, so a late offer can mean a late start.
  • Universities must issue a mediation letter before you can apply for the residence permit, and most will only do this after you pay the first tuition instalment.
  • India is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so documents are apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs rather than legalised by the embassy.

Prepare with our IELTS and PTE classes

Intakes and application timeline

Main intakes: September, February (selected courses).

  1. Shortlist programmes and universities

    9–12 months before intake

  2. Take an English test

    7–9 months before intake

  3. Submit applications

    5–8 months before intake

  4. Accept an offer and pay fees as required

    3–4 months before intake

  5. Apply for the temporary residence permit for studies (through VFS in India)

    3–6 months before intake

Upcoming intakes and deadlines

Cost of studying in Lithuania

Tuition for non-EU students depends on the university and subject. Study in Lithuania lists averages starting from about €1,300 a year for bachelor's and €2,300 for master's, but most English-taught courses that Indian students choose at large public universities cost about €3,500 to €6,500 a year.

Tuition fees
TuitionIn EURApprox. in rupees
Bachelor's, business and managementVILNIUS TECH charges €3,950 for 2026–27 business programmes.€3,500–5,000per year≈ ₹3.7 lakh – ₹5.3 lakh
Bachelor's, engineering and ITVILNIUS TECH charges €4,950 for 2026–27 engineering and IT programmes.€4,000–6,000per year≈ ₹4.2 lakh – ₹6.4 lakh
Master's, business, economics and logisticsVILNIUS TECH charges €5,450 for 2026–27.€4,000–6,500per year≈ ₹4.2 lakh – ₹6.9 lakh
Master's, engineering, IT and technologyVILNIUS TECH charges €6,450 for 2026–27.€5,000–7,500per year≈ ₹5.3 lakh – ₹8 lakh
Architecture and dual-degree design programmesSpecialist and dual-degree courses cost more.€6,000–9,000per year≈ ₹6.4 lakh – ₹9.5 lakh

Other costs before you fly

Upfront costs
ItemIn EURApprox. in rupees
University application feeCommon at VILNIUS TECH and Vilnius University; non-refundable.€100one-off≈ ₹10,600
Registration fee (some universities)For example VILNIUS TECH, paid with the first tuition instalment.€200one-off≈ ₹21,200
Residence permit state fee (studies)General processing; urgent processing is only possible when applying inside Lithuania.€80one-off≈ ₹8,480
VFS Global service feeCharged when you apply before arrival through the external service provider.€110one-off≈ ₹11,660
Proof of funds for the residence permit€577 a month for 12 months plus €1,153 for a return ticket, for 2026–27. This is money you must hold, not a fee.€8,077one-off (shown in bank)≈ ₹8.6 lakh

Fees change each year and differ by programme. Check the university's fee page for your intake, and keep receipts: VILNIUS TECH, for example, refunds tuition and registration fees if the residence permit is refused. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.

Plan my monthly living costs

Cost of living in Lithuania

Most students spend about €450 to €900 a month, depending on the city and whether they live in a dormitory. Vytautas Magnus University estimates total living costs at about €300 to €1,000 a month.

Monthly living costs
Per monthIn EURApprox. in rupees
University dormitoryShared or single rooms; places are limited, so apply early.€100–220per month≈ ₹10,600 – ₹23,320
Private one-bedroom flat outside the centreSharing a flat brings the cost per person down; city-centre flats in Vilnius cost more.€330–800per month≈ ₹34,980 – ₹84,800
Food and groceries€150–300per month≈ ₹15,900 – ₹31,800
Public transport (student pass)Students with a Lithuanian student card get large discounts.€6–10per month≈ ₹636 – ₹1,060
Mobile phone and internetEstimate; prepaid SIM plans are cheap.€5–20per month≈ ₹530 – ₹2,120
Health insurance, books and personal costsEstimate; winter clothing is an extra one-off cost in the first year.€50–150per month≈ ₹5,300 – ₹15,900
Rough monthly total€641–1,500≈ ₹67,946 – ₹1.6 lakh

The residence permit only asks you to show €577 a month, but that is a legal minimum, not a comfortable budget. Plan for more if you will rent privately in Vilnius.

Not sure what your budget covers?A counsellor can match universities and cities to your budget.

Scholarships

Some Lithuanian universities offer tuition waivers or partial scholarships for international students, and state scholarship schemes may be available for certain programmes. Check the Study in Lithuania website for current options.

  • VILNIUS TECH international scholarships

    Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH)

    Value: Full tuition waiver, or 50% or 25% of tuition, for the whole programme if no academic debts

    Who it's for: International first-year bachelor's and master's applicants with strong grades (at least 70–80% of the maximum) and B2 English; 2026–27 deadline was 20 April.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
  • Tuition fee waiver for full-time master's studies

    Vilnius University

    Value: Full tuition waiver for five students

    Who it's for: Non-EU/EEA applicants to master's programmes taught in English or Russian; 2026 deadline was 1 April, followed by interviews.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
  • Academic Excellence International Master's Scholarships

    Vilnius Academy of Arts (VDA)

    Value: 50% off annual tuition for five candidates (living costs not covered)

    Who it's for: Non-EU applicants to VDA master's programmes, chosen on admission scores.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
  • Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's scholarships

    European Union (through university consortia)

    Value: Scholarship amount set by each programme; covers study in two or more countries

    Who it's for: Master's applicants from any country, including India, applying to a joint programme that includes a Lithuanian partner such as KTU, VU or VILNIUS TECH.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
  • State scholarships for short-term studies

    Education Exchanges Support Foundation (Lithuanian government)

    Value: Scholarship for one semester (up to 6 months); up to 35 awards, no more than 5 per country

    Who it's for: Students already enrolled at a university in an eligible country, including India, who want to spend a semester in Lithuania.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
All scholarships for Lithuania

Student visa: Temporary residence permit for studies (Leidimas laikinai gyventi)

Since 1 July 2023 Lithuania no longer issues national D visas to full-time degree students. Indian students apply online in the MIGRIS system and then submit originals and fingerprints at the VFS Global centre in India. Studies is one of the grounds the Indian centre still accepts. A decision normally takes up to two months, and the card is then sent to VFS for you to collect before you fly.

Student visa key facts
Key factDetails
State fee€80 (general processing) plus about €110 VFS service fee
Processing timeUp to 2 months, can be extended; universities warn it can take longer in peak season
Funds required (2026–27)€577 a month for 12 months plus €1,153 for return: €8,077
Health coverAt least €10,000, valid for the whole stay
BiometricsFingerprints and photo at VFS Global in India
Permit lengthUsually 1–2 years, renewable while you make study progress

How to apply

  1. Get an offer and pay the first tuition instalment if the university asks for it; the university then issues a mediation letter number.
  2. Fill in the online application for a temporary residence permit (ground: studies) at migracija.lt (MIGRIS) and upload your documents.
  3. Book a VFS Global appointment in India, ideally 3 to 8 months before your course starts, and within 4 months of the MIGRIS request.
  4. Attend the appointment with original documents, give fingerprints and a photo, and pay the state fee and the VFS service fee.
  5. Wait for the decision: up to 2 months in the normal procedure, which the Migration Department can extend if it asks for more documents.
  6. Collect the residence permit card from VFS in person (production and delivery take up to about 20 days), then travel to Lithuania.
  7. Declare your place of residence in Lithuania soon after arrival, within the deadline your university gives you.
  8. Apply to renew at least 3 months before the card expires; you need at least 40 ECTS credits from the last academic year to renew.

Documents checklist

  • Passport issued in the last 10 years, valid at least 3 months beyond the permit, with two blank pages, plus copies of all stamped pages
  • Mediation letter number from your Lithuanian university
  • Proof of funds: bank statement showing at least €8,077 for 2026–27, with recent transaction history (own or sponsor's, with a notarised affidavit of sponsorship)
  • Health insurance with at least €10,000 cover, valid in Schengen for the whole permit period (some universities ask for €30,000)
  • Police clearance certificate issued within the last 6 months and apostilled (from every country you lived in for over 6 months in the last 2 years)
  • Proof of accommodation in Lithuania, or a signed commitment to declare your address after arrival
  • Digital passport-style photo
  • Receipt for the state fee
  • Academic certificates and transcripts if the university or Migration Department asks for them
  • List of countries you have visited or lived in over the past 10 years (some universities ask for this)

Working while you study

Non-EU students with a study permit do not need a separate work permit. New limits came into force on 22 May 2026: first- and second-year bachelor's students may work no more than 20 hours a week, while later-year bachelor's, master's and PhD students may work up to 40. Working beyond your limit can lead to your permit being refused for renewal or withdrawn.

Work rules for students
RuleWhat it means
Bachelor's, years 1 and 2Up to 20 hours a week during studies
Bachelor's years 3–4, master's and PhDUp to 40 hours a week
Summer holidays and compulsory internshipsNot counted towards the 20-hour limit
Minimum wage (2026)€1,153 a month or €7.05 an hour, gross
Permits issued before 21 May 2026Exempt from the new 20-hour limit, but employers may still apply it, so check with your university

Post-study work visa: Temporary residence permit for job search after graduation

Graduates of Lithuanian universities can stay on to look for work. In your final year the study permit can be extended by 3 months after the course ends, and you can then apply for a 12-month permit for job search or self-employment, so up to about 15 months in total. This permit is only for people who hold a study-based residence permit, not a visa.

Post-study work options
Details
Extension at the end of studiesUp to 3 months after the course ends
Job-search permit12 months, for job search or self-employment; no work permit needed during this time
EligibilityGraduated from a Lithuanian university while holding a valid study residence permit
Funds and insuranceVilnius University's guidance asks for about €1,245 a month for the whole period and health cover of at least €10,000
CostThe Migration Department says no state fee is charged once for this permit; some universities quote €220, so check before paying
What it leads toA work-based permit or EU Blue Card; Lithuanian graduates are exempt from the work quota and some qualification checks for 5 years after graduating

Announced changes

From 1 November 2026, people who entered Lithuania on a Schengen visa (including one issued by another country) will no longer be able to apply inside Lithuania for a study- or work-based permit, so apply from India. Other measures debated in 2025, such as a list of institutions allowed to admit foreign students and limits on master's students bringing family, should be checked with your university before you apply.

Jobs and career opportunities

Lithuania's job market is small but has skills shortages in IT, engineering and finance. The national average gross salary was about €2,427 a month in the third quarter of 2025, and IT pays well above that. Outside English-speaking tech and shared-service companies, most jobs expect Lithuanian.

Graduate jobs and salaries
SectorTypical rolesTypical salary
IT and softwareJunior developer, QA tester, DevOps engineer, data analystAround €1,500–€2,500 a month gross (starting); the IT sector average is about €3,200–€4,300
Fintech and financeCompliance analyst, risk analyst, financial operations associateAround €1,600–€2,800 a month gross (starting)
Shared services and business supportOperations analyst, accounts assistant, multilingual customer supportAround €1,400–€2,200 a month gross (starting)
Engineering and manufacturing (lasers, electronics, machinery)Process engineer, quality engineer, production plannerAround €1,400–€2,200 a month gross (starting)
Logistics and transportLogistics coordinator, freight forwarder, supply chain analystAround €1,300–€2,000 a month gross (starting)
Life sciences and biotechLaboratory technician, quality control analyst, research assistantAround €1,500–€2,500 a month gross (starting)

Salaries are gross; after tax and social insurance you take home roughly 60–65%. Figures are rough guides based on Work in Lithuania and State Data Agency data, not offers.

Planning to study in Lithuania?Get a free shortlist of universities and courses that fit your marks, budget and timeline.

Best student cities in Lithuania

  • Vilnius

    The capital and main job market, home to Vilnius University, VILNIUS TECH, ISM and Mykolas Romeris University, and most tech and fintech firms.

    The most expensive city: a room in a shared flat is around €300–€500 a month; dormitories are much cheaper.

  • Kaunas

    A large student city with Kaunas University of Technology, Vytautas Magnus University and the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, plus a growing engineering and IT scene.

    Cheaper than Vilnius: dormitory rooms around €100–€220 a month and shared flats from around €250.

  • Klaipėda

    The port city on the Baltic coast, with Klaipėda University and LCC International University; strong in maritime and logistics studies.

    Rents are generally a little lower than in Vilnius.

  • Šiauliai

    A smaller northern city with Vilnius University's Šiauliai Academy; quiet, with lower costs.

    Among the cheapest options, but fewer part-time jobs and a very small Indian community.

Lithuania vs other study destinations

Lithuania compared with other destinations
LithuaniaLatviaGermanyMalta
Master's tuition (public, per year)About €4,000–€7,500About €3,500–€8,000Mostly no tuition; semester fee onlyAbout €8,000–€20,000
Living cost (per month)About €450–€900About €500–€850About €990+ (proof of funds)About €750–€1,100
Master's length1.5–2 years1–2 years2 years1–2 years
Part-time work20 hrs/wk (UG yrs 1–2); 40 for master's20 hrs/wk in term140 full days a year or 20 hrs/wkLimited, with an employment licence
Post-study stay3 + 12 months job searchLimited; check PMLPUp to 18 months job searchLimited; check Identità
Typical English testIELTS 5.5–6.5 or equalIELTS 5.5–6.5 or equalIELTS 6.0–6.5 or equalIELTS 6.0–6.5 or equal
Main intakesSeptember (some February)September (some February)October and AprilOctober (some February)
Language for everyday jobsLithuanianLatvianGermanEnglish widely used

Peer-country figures are broad indications for comparison only and change often. Check each country's official migration and university sites before deciding.

Challenges to plan for

  • Language outside the tech bubbleMany part-time and graduate jobs outside IT and shared services expect Lithuanian. A basic language course in the first year helps a lot.
  • Tighter migration checksRules changed in 2026, and permits are withdrawn from students who stop attending or fail to earn credits. You need at least 40 ECTS credits a year to renew.
  • Permit timingThe residence permit can take two months or longer, and some students miss the start of term. Apply as soon as you have the mediation letter.
  • Long, dark wintersWinters are cold, often below zero, with short days from November to February. Budget for warm clothing.
  • A small job marketSalaries are rising but remain below Western Europe, and graduate openings are concentrated in Vilnius. Do not count on part-time work to pay tuition.

Is Lithuania right for you?

A good fit if you…

  • You want an English-taught EU degree in business, IT, engineering or data at a moderate cost.
  • You can show about €8,000 in funds plus the first year's tuition without heavy loans.
  • You are a master's or later-year student who wants to work part-time alongside studies.
  • You are open to learning some Lithuanian and building a career in a smaller market.

Think twice if you…

  • You mainly want to work rather than study; the authorities now check attendance and credits closely.
  • You plan to fund your living costs from part-time work in the first two years of a bachelor's.
  • You want a large Indian community and many English-speaking jobs outside tech.
  • You dislike cold, dark winters.

About Lithuania

Lithuania is the largest and southernmost of the three Baltic states, bordered by Latvia, Belarus, Poland and Russia's Kaliningrad region. It is a member of the European Union, the eurozone and the Schengen area. Vilnius, the capital, has one of Europe's largest surviving old towns, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Kaunas is the second city and a major student centre.

Universities in Vilnius and Kaunas offer a wide choice of English-taught degrees, especially in business, IT, engineering and medicine, at fairly low fees and living costs. The country has a fast-growing tech and fintech sector. Non-EU students need a national (D) visa or temporary residence permit for study, and English is widely spoken by younger people.

Lithuania at a glance
LithuaniaAt a glance
Official language(s)Lithuanian; English widely spoken by younger people
Populationabout 2.89 million (beginning of 2025, Statistics Lithuania)
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
ClimateCold, snowy winters (often below 0°C) and warm summers of about 20–25°C
Time difference with IndiaIST is 3 hrs 30 min ahead (2 hrs 30 min in summer)
Flight time from Delhino direct flights; about 10–14 hours with one stop
Largest citiesVilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai
Indian communityabout 4,600 (MEA estimate), many of them students

Studying in Lithuania: FAQs

Do Indian students need a visa or a residence permit to study in Lithuania?

Full-time degree students need a temporary residence permit for studies. National D visas have not been issued to full-time students since 1 July 2023. You apply online in MIGRIS and submit originals at the VFS Global centre in India.

How much money do I need to show for the residence permit?

For 2026–27 you need about €8,077: €577 a month for 12 months plus €1,153 for a return ticket. This is separate from tuition. The bank statement can be yours or a sponsor's, with an affidavit of sponsorship.

Can I work while studying in Lithuania?

Yes, without a separate work permit. Since 22 May 2026, first- and second-year bachelor's students can work up to 20 hours a week, while later-year bachelor's, master's and PhD students can work up to 40. The 20-hour cap does not apply in summer holidays or compulsory internships.

Can I stay in Lithuania after my degree?

Yes. Your study permit can be extended for 3 months after the course ends, and you can then apply for a 12-month permit to look for work or start a business. Once you find a job, you switch to a work-based permit or an EU Blue Card.

What is the total cost of a master's in Lithuania?

As a rough guide, tuition is about €4,000 to €7,500 a year and living costs about €450 to €900 a month. A two-year master's often totals around €18,000 to €35,000, before scholarships.

Is IELTS compulsory?

Most universities ask for proof of B2 English, such as IELTS Academic around 5.5 to 6.5 or TOEFL iBT. Some accept other tests or hold their own interview, so check each programme.

Is a Lithuanian degree recognised in India?

Degrees from accredited Lithuanian universities follow the European ECTS system. If you plan to work in government roles or study further in India, check equivalence with the Association of Indian Universities before you enrol.

When should I apply?

Apply between October and April for a September start, and earlier if you want a scholarship, since some deadlines fall in early April. Leave at least three months for the residence permit after you receive the mediation letter.

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