One of the three Baltic States, Lithuania is renowned for its beautiful natural surroundings, old language, and passion for basketball. Additionally, the nation is well known for its cuisine, beer, and even its unique fragrance, dubbed “the Scent of Lithuania”. Lithuania is the ideal study location for international students since, in addition to having a distinctive culture, it is also among the most linguistically and educationally diverse nations in Europe. Compared to the US or the UK, studying in Lithuania is often cheaper. While living expenses are reportedly less expensive than in 54% of the world’s countries, tuition prices are lower than in other European countries.
However, the country’s quality of life has been compared to Copenhagen, Cape Town, and Barcelona and was ranked top in Central and Eastern Europe by the Green City Index.
Top Lithuanian universities for international students
Study programs in Lithuania are given in terms of “cycles”, which adhere to the Bologna system, and are evaluated by the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Bachelor’s degrees are awarded in the first cycle, followed by master’s degrees, and finally PhDs. Universities in Lithuania also provide integrated study plans that combine the first and second cycles, allowing students to earn a master’s degree and then if they so want, continue their education by pursuing a Ph.D. The regulated industries where these are most frequently found are law and medicine. In Lithuania, there are two types of higher education institutions: colleges, or kolegija, and universities. Colleges prioritize providing hands-on instruction for certain professions. There are eight private universities, one branch campus of a Polish institution, and fourteen state universities. Lithuanian universities employ a 10-point grading scale, with 10 representing the highest score and 5 representing the passing grade.
The top universities to apply to are listed below:
Vilnius University (VU)
The oldest and best university in Lithuania for foreign students is Vilnius University, which is also among the oldest in all of Eastern Europe. Since the nation’s founding in 1579, it has played a crucial role in shaping the culture of the nation. The university now oversees centers for computer technology, e-learning and examination, health and sports, and property management and services in addition to its 14 faculties that span the arts, social sciences, and natural sciences. A botanical garden, a cultural center and museum, a sizable library, and a publishing firm are also available to students at VU. Most of Vilnius University is located in Vilnius’ picturesque Old Town, where students can experience the university’s history. Over 1300 faculty members, staff members, and over 20000 students including about 1200 international students call the campus home.
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, which is also in Vilnius, is ranked 701+globally and 43rd in the EECA. One of Lithuania’s biggest state institutions, it was founded in 1956 and is well renowned for its technical and engineering teaching skills as well as its innovative and global approach. The university earned a maximum of five stars for teaching, facilities, and innovation, earning a three-star rating in the QS Stars rating system (an opt-in service for universities).
Technology University of Kaunas
As its name suggests, Kaunas University of Technology is situated in Lithuania’s second-largest city and is now ranked 701+ in the world and 51st in the EECA. With over 10,900 students enrolled in 156 different programs, 62 of which are provided in English, it is one of the biggest technical universities in the Baltic republics.
Vytautas Magnus university
Vytautas Magnus University, which is also in Kaunas, is ranked 701+ globally and 77th in the EECA in 2016-2017. Vytautas, which was founded in 1922 (and re-established in 1989), is the only university in Lithuania with a liberal arts focus and was the first to launch bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. The EECA rankings include information on three additional top universities in Lithuania:
- Klaipeda University (ranked 121-130 in EECA).
- University of Siauliai (151-200).
- University of Mykolas Romeris (151-200).
