Lithuania Top Universities welcome international students from all around the world. Study in Lithuania is becoming a primary destination for students seeking high-value degrees within the European Union.
Let’s look at the best universities and best choices in Lithuania:
A Quick Look at Lithuania’s Leading Universities: 2026 Rankings
We’ve put together this table based on the QS World University Rankings for 2026:
| Rank (Country) | University Name | Europe Rank | World Rank | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vilnius University | 156 | 416 | 85.48 |
| 2 | Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) | 363 | 1211 | 74.38 |
| 3 | Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) | 370 | 1239 | 74.07 |
| 4 | Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) | 400 | 1376 | 72.38 |
| 5 | Mykolas Romeris University | 472 | 1751 | 68.92 |
| 6 | Klaipeda University | 541 | 2155 | 65.76 |
| 7 | Lithuanian Sports University | N/A | 3630 | 55.09 |
| 8 | ISM University of Management & Economics | N/A | 4518 | 49.44 |
| 9 | Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH) | N/A | 5797 | 44.18 |
| 10 | Vilnius Academy of Fine Arts | N/A | 6015 | 43.28 |
| 11 | LCC International University | N/A | 6145 | 42.69 |
| 12 | Vilnius University of Applied Sciences | N/A | 6611 | 40.88 |
🔸Vilnius University
The Vibe: The “Academic Soul” of the Baltics.
Location: Vilnius (The Old Town campus is a UNESCO site)
Founded back in 1579, walking through VU feels like walking through history. But don’t let the ancient courtyards fool you—their Life Sciences Center is world-class. It’s the place to be if you’re into Laser Physics (Lithuania actually supplies 10% of the world’s scientific lasers) or deep theoretical sciences.
- International Stats: About 13% of the 20,000-strong student body comes from abroad.
- Best For: Medicine, Quant Economics, and anyone who wants to study in one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe.
Faculties and Programs (in English)
| Faculty | Key English-Taught Programs (2026) |
|---|---|
| Medicine | Medicine (Integrated), Dentistry (Integrated), Systems Biology |
| Economics & Business | Quantitative Economics, Global Marketing, Sustainable Finance |
| Physics | Laser Physics & Optical Tech, Light Engineering, Photonics |
| Mathematics & Informatics | Data Science, Software Engineering, Bioinformatics |
| Life Sciences Center | Molecular Biotechnology, Genetics, Neurobiology |
| Political Science (IIRPS) | Politics of Global Challenges, Eastern European Studies |
| Philology | English Studies, Baltic Linguistics, Nordic Studies |
| Business School | DeepTech Entrepreneurship, International Business |
🔸Kaunas University of Technology (KTU)
The Vibe: The “Innovation Engine.”
Location: Kaunas
If you’re a builder, go to KTU. They’ve moved away from dry, traditional lectures toward a “challenge-based” learning model. In 2026, KTU is basically a bridge between the lab and the global tech market. Their relationship with the local “Silicon Valley” in Kaunas means internships usually lead straight to job offers.
- Key English Programs: AI, Cybersecurity, and Fashion Engineering.
- Standout Feature: The M-Lab, where students and massive corporations collaborate on prototypes.
Faculties and Programs (in English)
| Faculty | Key English-Taught Programs (2026) |
|---|---|
| Informatics | Artificial Intelligence, Software Systems, Cyber Security |
| Electrical & Electronics | Intelligent Robotics Systems, Renewable Energy Engineering |
| Mechanical Eng. & Design | Aviation Engineering, Fashion Engineering, Industrial Design |
| Chemical Technology | Applied Chemistry, Food Science, Biomedical Materials |
| Civil Eng. & Architecture | Architecture (Integrated 5-yr), Sustainable Construction |
| Social Sciences & Arts | Communication & Info Management, New Media Language |
| Economics & Business | Business Digitalization Management, Sustainable Finance |
| Math & Natural Sciences | Data Science and Engineering, Materials Physics |
🔸Vytautas Magnus University (VMU)
The Vibe: The “Free Thinker’s Hub.”
Location: Kaunas.
VMU is the only university in the region that follows the Artes Liberales (Liberal Arts) model. This means you aren’t locked into one narrow path. You can study International Relations but take classes in Jazz or Environmental Science at the same time. It’s built for students who want to be more than just “specialists.”
- Focus: Diplomacy, Media Art, and Social Sciences.
- The “Heart”: VMU is known for being incredibly welcoming to international students, with a high “International Outlook” score.
Faculties and Programs (in English)
| Faculty / Academy | Key English-Taught Programs (2026) |
|---|---|
| Political Science & Diplomacy | Diplomacy and International Relations, World Politics and Economy |
| Social Sciences | Social Anthropology, Social Work in the Context of Global Crises |
| Economics & Management | International Business, Marketing and International Commerce |
| Humanities | English Philology, Applied English Linguistics, Sociolinguistics |
| Informatics | Multimedia and Internet Technologies, Applied Informatics |
| Natural Sciences | Biology and Genetics, Biotechnology, Environmental Science |
| Music Academy | Performing Arts (Jazz, Piano, Vocal), Music Production |
| Agriculture Academy | Agronomy, Sustainable Bio-Business Management, Logistics |
| Education Academy | Educational Management, Social Education |
| Arts | Art Management, New Media Art |
🔸Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH)
The Vibe: The “Employability Factory”
Location: Vilnius
VILNIUS TECH is obsessed with the future. They have a massive focus on “future-proofing” their graduates. If you want to study Aviation Management or FinTech, this is your best bet. They have partnerships with over 470 universities worldwide, so the networking potential is massive.
Faculties and Programs (in English)
| Faculty | Key English-Taught Programs (2026) |
|---|---|
| Antanas Gustaitis Aviation Institute | Aircraft Piloting (5-yr Integrated), Aviation Management, Aerospace Engineering |
| Architecture | Architecture (5-yr Integrated), Landscape Architecture |
| Civil Engineering | Civil Engineering, Building Energy, Structural Engineering |
| Fundamental Sciences | Applied Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering |
| Creative Industries | Creative Industries, Entertainment Producing, Communication in the Creative Society |
| Electronics | Cybersecurity & Communication Tech, Computer Engineering, Robotics |
| Business Management | Financial Engineering (FinTech), Business Leadership, Sustainability Management |
| Transport Engineering | Automotive Engineering, Transport Logistics, Railway Engineering |
| Environmental Engineering | Environmental Protection Tech, Sustainable Building |
| Mechanics | Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering & Innovation Management |
🔸Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU)
The Vibe: The “Employability Factory.”
Location: Vilnius.
VILNIUS TECH is obsessed with the future. They have a massive focus on “future-proofing” their graduates. If you want to study Aviation Management or FinTech, this is your best bet. They have partnerships with over 470 universities worldwide, so the networking potential is massive.
Faculties and Programs (in English)
| Faculty | Key English-Taught Programs (2026) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | Medicine (MD), Health Psychology | 6 Years |
| Odontology | Odontology (Dentistry) | 5 Years |
| Pharmacy | Pharmacy (MPharm) | 5 Years |
| Veterinary Medicine | Veterinary Medicine (DVM) | 6 Years |
| Public Health | Applied Public Health, Management of Public Health | 4/2 Years |
| Nursing | Nursing, Occupational Therapy | 4 Years |
| Animal Sciences | Animal Science, Wildlife Biology | 4 Years |
Scholarships for EU and non-EU Students
Financing an education in Lithuania is made easier through a mix of government support and university-specific merit grants.
1. State Scholarships (The Big Win)
The Education Exchanges Support Foundation (Švietimo mainų paramos fondas) is the primary body offering state-funded scholarships.
- For Master’s Students: Full-time Master’s applicants from specific countries (including Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and others) can receive a scholarship that covers 100% of tuition fees plus a monthly stipend of approximately €600 for living expenses.
- Short-term Studies: There are grants specifically for those wishing to study the Lithuanian language or culture, offering a generous stipend of up to €910 per month.
2. University-Specific Merit Grants
Most top universities offer their own financial “sweeteners” to attract top-tier talent:
- KTU & VILNIUS TECH: Offer full tuition fee waivers for the most outstanding international applicants based on their previous academic records and motivation.
- Vilnius University: Provides various partial scholarships and specific grants for students from non-EU countries, particularly those with a strong research background.
- VMU: Offers a 15–25% tuition fee reduction for its own graduates who choose to stay for a Master’s degree, as well as grants for former exchange students.
| Scholarship Type | Eligibility | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| State Master's Grant | Specific non-EU countries | Full Tuition + €600/mo |
| University Merit Waiver | Top 5–10% of applicants | 50% to 100% Tuition |
| Lithuanian Origin Grant | Students of Lithuanian descent | Variable Stipend + Tuition |
| Erasmus+ Mobility | EU & Partner countries | €300–€700/mo (for exchanges) |
Career Prospects in Lithuania: Transitioning from Study to Success
Studying in Lithuania is a launchpad for a European career. The country has one of the most flexible “stay-back” policies in the EU, allowing graduates 12 months to remain in the country and hunt for a job or start a business.
- The “Work in Lithuania” Advantage: The government-led initiative “Work in Lithuania” actively connects international graduates with high-growth companies. In 2026, the job market is particularly hungry for talent in:
- FinTech: Lithuania is a regional leader, hosting over 250 FinTech companies (including giants like Revolut and local unicorn Vinted).
- Cybersecurity & IT: With the presence of Nord Security (the team behind NordVPN), roles in DevOps, AI, and Blockchain are in high demand.
- High-Tech Manufacturing: Specifically in laser technology, where Lithuanian firms supply 10% of the world’s scientific lasers.
- Working While Studying: International students (both EU and non-EU) can work up to 40 hours per week once they have their Temporary Residence Permit (TRP). With a minimum wage of approximately €1,038 (gross) as of 2025/2026, part-time work can significantly offset living costs.
✅ Interesting Fact: Lithuania is often called the “Silicon Valley of the Baltics.” It has the highest density of startups per capita in Central and Eastern Europe, and the government even offers a €4,200 relocation incentive for highly skilled professionals in specific tech sectors.
Final Note
One of the best-kept secrets about studying here is the “Lithuania startup visa.” If a student develops a tech-based business idea during their studies, Lithuania makes it remarkably easy to pivot from a student permit to a founder’s permit, providing access to one of the most efficient digital infrastructures in the world.
The “Lithuania Startup Visa” Secret:
If you start a business during your studies, the government makes it remarkably easy to switch from a Lithuania Student Visa to a “founder’s permit.” Lithuania wants your ideas to stay in Lithuania.
FAQs
Yes, it is highly affordable compared to Western Europe, with bachelor’s tuition starting at €1,300/year and average monthly living costs between €500 and €800.
The top institutions are Vilnius University, KTU, VMU, VILNIUS TECH, LSMU, Mykolas Romeris University, Klaipėda University, ISM University, LCC International University, and Šiauliai Academy.
As of 2026, Babeș-Bolyai University in Romania ranks #761–770 in the QS World University Rankings and is consistently the #1 ranked institution in its home country.
Lithuania is an excellent destination offering high-quality EU-recognized degrees, a safe and multicultural environment, and generous part-time work rights for international students.
Admission is most competitive at Vilnius University and LSMU (specifically Medicine/Dentistry), followed by KTU, VILNIUS TECH, VMU, ISM, and specialized academies like the Military Academy or Music & Theatre Academy.
Compared to the UK or the Netherlands? Absolutely. You can get by on €600–€800 a month (including rent if you stay in a dorm).
Medicine and Dentistry at LSMU are famously competitive. They have a huge number of students from Israel, Germany, and Sweden who come specifically for the English-taught medical programs.
