With over 500 English-taught study programmes and globally respected diplomas, it is easy to see why you are considering pursuing an academic degree in this vibrant Baltic nation.
Lithuania is a modern, compact European destination that offers a perfect balance of quality education and affordability, making it an ideal choice for international students seeking a high-value experience abroad without breaking the bank.
Are you wondering what the total investment is for your education and daily life in Lithuania?
1. University tuition fees in Lithuania
Tuition fees at public universities
Public universities in Lithuania offer competitive and accessible tuition fees for international students. As a starting point, annual tuition typically begins at:
- 1,300 EUR/year for Bachelor’s degrees
- 1,000 EUR/year for Master’s degrees
- 8,400 EUR/year for
Specialised fields, particularly medical programmes, represent a higher investment, with annual tuition fees often exceeding 10,000 EUR depending on the specific curriculum.
The benefits of studying here extend beyond just cost-effectiveness:
- Students from the European Union (EU) can apply for state-funded places
- All students (EU and non-EU/EEA) can apply for state-funded PhD places
Tuition fees at private universities
Private institutions generally carry higher tuition fees. These universities typically apply a uniform fee structure regardless of your origin and rarely offer extensive scholarship programmes for international applicants.
Most affordable universities in Lithuania
- – Masters start at 1,000 EUR/year for EU/EEA students
- – Bachelors start at 1,600 EUR/year for all international students
- – Masters start at 2,150 EUR/year for EU/EEA students
Always verify the specific tuition requirements for your chosen programme, as fee structures can vary; some courses offer identical rates for EU and non-EU/EEA students, while others distinguish based on residency status.
Universities we recommend in Lithuania
Explore how top-tier Lithuanian institutions compare according to international global rankings.
2. Student living costs in Lithuania
Lithuania remains a budget-friendly alternative to Western Europe. Your monthly expenditure will largely depend on your personal lifestyle, but most international students manage comfortably on a budget of 350 to 750 EUR per month.
As a member of the European Union, Lithuania uses the euro (EUR). If you are arriving from a fellow Eurozone country, you will benefit from a seamless transition without the need for currency conversion.
3. Student accommodation costs
Most Lithuanian universities provide convenient student housing options, such as residence halls and dormitories. The key benefits include:
- dormitories are renovated and equipped with the necessary furniture
- they are the most affordable type of accommodation for students (70-200 EUR/month)
- they include utilities in the overall price
Opting for private apartment rentals typically incurs higher costs, with premiums often applied to properties located in prime city centre areas:
- one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre: 285 EUR/month
- one-bedroom apartment in the city centre: 415 EUR/month
- three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre: 455 EUR/month
- three-bedroom apartment in the city centre: 700 EUR/month
Remember to budget for monthly utility bills, which generally range from 80 to 140 EUR.
4. Food costs in Lithuania
Monthly grocery expenses typically fall between 150 and 250 EUR. Eating out or choosing premium convenience foods will naturally increase your total costs. Below are typical average prices for essential food items in Lithuania:
- 1 loaf of bread: 0.85 EUR
- 1 litre of milk: 0.87 EUR
- 12 eggs: 1.45 EUR
- 1 kg of local cheese: 7 EUR
- 1 kg of apples: 0.95 EUR
- 1 kg of bananas: 1.05 EUR
- 1 meal at affordable restaurants: 7 EUR
Review additional data regarding living costs in Lithuania.
5. Transportation costs
Lithuania's urban centres feature comprehensive public transport networks, including buses and trolleybuses. While a standard monthly pass is approximately 29 EUR, students benefit from significant discounts.
Alternative transport options include taxis, ridesharing services like Uber, or car rentals, provided you hold a valid driver's licence recognised by local authorities.
6. Extra costs in Lithuania
- entertainment (cinema, concerts, theatre): 50–130 EUR/month
- student visa fee (only for non-EU/EEA citizens): 120 EUR for visa + 28 EUR for the residence permit
- health insurance: it depends on your insurance plans, the length of your stay, your current health condition, etc. To make sure students have access to the best insurance out there, Online Result found a reliable partner in Aon. You can easily get advise and insight in costs based on your personal needs: Get free advise now.
7. University scholarships and grants
As mentioned previously, EU nationals may qualify for state-funded spots to study for free. But what funding paths exist for other international students?
A wide range of scholarships is available at all academic levels, provided by universities, government agencies, and private organisations. Since admission criteria vary significantly, ensure you research specific requirements well in advance.
You can discover current scholarship opportunities by visiting the official Study in Lithuania website.
While exploring your options, don't miss the chance to apply for our Online Result Scholarship: International Distinction Awards.
8. Employment for international students in Lithuania
While tuition remains affordable, many students choose to supplement their income with part-time work to help cover living expenses, provided it fits within their academic schedule.
Great news for international students: Lithuania has introduced policy updates to simplify the job-seeking process for non-resident students. Since 1 March 2021, the following improvements have made it easier to enter the local workforce:
- Foreigners can obtain a residence permit quicker, and they only need to write a declaration about their place of residence. Previously, an official statement from the landlord was also required.
- Foreigners applying for managerial roles no longer need to obtain approval from the Lithuanian Employment Service. For managers, this makes the job application process faster and easier.
- Highly qualified employees can start working immediately after applying for a residence permit. Previously, they had to wait for the permit to be issued, which meant further delays and wasted time.
- Foreigners who are specialists in one of the areas that fall in the category of ‘high professional qualifications’ no longer need to apply for a work permit. The same applies to employees who work remotely for a Lithuanian company and for students on exchange programmes.
- Master’s students can now work full-time. Previously, they were limited to 20 hours per week, and only PhD students could work more than that. This brings new options for graduate students, who can now combine a part-time (or full-time) Master’s with a full-time job, getting the best of both worlds.
For more detailed information regarding work policies for international students, visit the official Invest Lithuania website.