For EU/EEA nationals

EU/EEA nationals 

One may also choose to apply to selected higher education institution directly (instead of using LAMA BPO admission process) but this precludes one  from the option to acquire a state-funded study place.

Each university is a separate institution, therefore each one has a different set of requirements and admits students through separate application processes. The requirements and admission fees vary from university to university largely depending on the chosen study programme.

First you must choose a study programme.

Once you find the study programme you want to apply to and evaluate your academic background against the prerequisites of the study programme – you must directly contact the university that provides that programme.

The university then will give up-to-date instructions on their own application process.

You must submit the documents to the selected Higher Education institution before the deadline. Don’t forget to check the deadline for your study programme as it may differ from others.

Regardless of which Lithuanian higher education institution you select, you will need all or at least some of the following documents:

• a completed application form. Each Higher Education institution has its’ own form;
• Certificate of Education (including grades), recognised by the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (for recognition necessity one should double-check with the university);
• Curriculum Vitae;
• a letter of motivation;
• a copy of your passport, certified by a Commissioner of Oaths;
• photographs (3 x 4 cm);
• a receipt proving that the application and tuition fees have been paid;
• bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds for study and living throughout the duration of your study.

Holders of foreign qualifications willing to study at Lithuanian higher education institutions must:

1. Contact the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (SKVC) regarding academic recognition of foreign qualifications (Academic recognition is not required: European Baccalaureate Diploma Holders), grade conversion and evaluation of study subjects;
2. Pass the Lithuanian language test if the selected studies are conducted in the Lithuanian language and one does not have a proven record of language proficiency issued by competent authority (e.g., relevant documents issued by the embassy, municipality or the Lithuanian community officially registered in a foreign country); 
   • The pass/fail system used to test the knowledge of Lithuanian language is executed by the Department of Lithuanian studies at Vilnius University. The test is both oral and written. The cost of the test is 31.86 Euros;
3. Complete an application form of general admission to Lithuanian institutions of higher education via the website of the Association of Lithuanian Higher Education Institutions, LAMA BPO (as a rule of thumb, submission of applications begins on June 1);
4. Pass entrance examinations (if required for the selected study programmes);
5. Submit the documents before the deadline to the Data Management Office of LAMA BPO for General Admission.

How is the admission score calculated?

The admission score is calculated considering the information presented in the document on completing secondary education, grade score of maturity examinations, and other additional data about the student in question (sports achievements, outstanding performance in competing at student Olympiads, international competitions, etc.).

Based on this score, applicants’ priority list is drawn. Admission is based on the competition for seats among all applicants. In the case of an equal number of competitive scores, priority is determined considering the grade score of maturity (entrance) examinations and the place of the relevant study-program on the preference list indicated in the application. Finally, a list of successful entrants is announced.

Admission procedures to private and public IHE are different. Some private universities and colleges may not participate in the general admission to higher education. Such IHE have their own procedure for admission of applicants to respective study programmes.

On average, the cost of studies at an institution of higher education is approximately between 1 248 – 11 587 Euros per year for 1st cycle (Bachelor) studies, from 2 242 to 12 581 Euros per year for 2nd cycle (Master) studies (the total costs for studies are indicated, including both public and private universities). More information regarding study costs can be found here.

High-performing students of Lithuanian IHE are awarded scholarships. The Law on Education and Science also provides the possibility for high-performers to pursue studies financed by the state (that is, they are provided free tuition).

The right to state-funded studies or to a refund of the tuition fee may be granted to:

• Citizens of the member countries of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA);
• Lithuanian citizens;
• Foreigners who are children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the Lithuanian diaspora and people of Lithuanian descent (hereinafter referred to as the diaspora and people of Lithuanian descent;

Other students admitted to Lithuanian IHE are required to cover tuition fees themselves.

 Full-time Master’s degree studies may be covered for the cost of the studies, up to a limit not exceeding the national standard study cost. A monthly scholarship and a grant covering the standard study cost is offered to nationals of the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, Georgia, foreign citizens of Lithuanian origin, the Republic of Moldova, and the Republic of Ukraine, Republic of Azerbaijan, the People’s Republic of China, the State of Israel, Japan, the Republic of Korea.

Eligibility requirements:

• Candidate must be a national of one of the above mentioned countries. Foreigner of Lithuanian origin cannot hold the citizenship from one of EU or EEA country;
• Candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree;
• Candidate must have an official letter of acceptance or pre-acceptance for full-time Master’s degree studies or integrated studies programme from one of the Lithuanian higher education institutions;
• Candidate must have good knowledge of the Lithuanian, English or another language the study programme is conducted in (the minimum B2 level of command of the language of instruction according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages);
• A scholarship can be granted only once. A candidate, who has already got funding under this instrument, will not be eligible;
• A scholarship cannot be granted to a candidate who is studying or planning to study an international joint degree programme with a part of the studies (as mandatory mobility period) in the candidate’s home country.

More information about scholarships.

A citizen of European Union, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Lichtenstein (hereinafter EU citizen) may enter the Republic of Lithuania and stay here for a period not exceeding 3 months starting from the first day of entry into the Republic of Lithuania. If one resides for a period longer than 3 months, (s)he should apply for a document confirming the right to reside in Lithuania.

Then, having declared a place of residence in Lithuania, an EU citizen acquires the right to the social guarantees of the Republic of Lithuania if these rights are not related to citizenship (for example, voting).

EU citizen’s Certificate for temporal stay in Lithuania

As an EU student in Lithuania, one may apply for a Certificate proving the right of EU citizen to temporal stay in Lithuania. The certificate is valid for 5 years or for the planned EU citizen’s period of residence inLithuania, where this period is shorter than 5 years.

To apply for the Certificate one should submit the documents to a territorial Migration Department in whose service the EU citizen has declared or intends to declare a place of residence.

What documents do I need to submit?

• an application form;
• a valid passport of an EU citizen or an identity card;
• the documents confirming the ground for the issuance of the certificate:
• a document confirming that you have been admitted to a higher education institution; or
• a document confirming that you have been enrolled as a student at an educational establishment; or
• a mediation letter of the host (inviting) legal person of the Republic of Lithuania confirming your internship in the Republic of Lithuania, and where you are sent to the Republic of Lithuania by an enterprise, agency or organisation – a letter of this enterprise, agency or organisation confirming your internship in the Republic of Lithuania; or
• a document confirming that you have been invited to participate in in-service training or vocational training courses;
• a document confirming that you are in possession of adequate means of subsistence for yourself and for your family members or another person, where the family members arrive together with you or join you, for residence in the Republic of Lithuania;
• a police clearance certificate;
• a document about the place of residence;
• a valid document confirming possession of medical insurance.

Application must be considered and a decision on it must be adopted not later than within one month from the day that it was submitted to Migration Unit of the Territorial Police Office. Prior to lodging the application, the state fee of 8,60 EUR for the issuance or replacement of the certificate must be paid.

More information

Accommodation in Campuses

Most universities offer the opportunity of living in a hall of residence. Some of the halls of residence are situated near the universities, others – further away, so you will have to use public transport to get to the university. Most halls of residence have been renovated and equipped with modern appliances and internet access.

Residents of the hall usually share common showers and kitchen area. Students share their room with one or two others.

What should you expect from living in halls of residence in Lithuania?

• Most likely you will have to share a room with one or two other students;
• One shower/bath is intended for two or more rooms;
• You will be provided with the necessary furniture in the room – bed, wardrobe, table and chairs;
• There may be internet access in each room, however this is not included into the price;
• You will be able to make breakfast, lunch and dinner in a common kitchen area with other students. There is usually an equipped kitchen on each floor;
• Guests are not permitted to sleep in the halls of residence. When entering the premises, they will have to submit ID and register in the guest book;
• The residents of the halls must keep noise to a minimum during particular hours (usually from 11pm to 6am);
• Consumption of alcoholic beverages and/or psychoactive drugs is prohibited by law. Smoking is allowed in specified areas only;
• Please inquire your selected university about the conditions of your accommodation, applications for a room in a hall, prices and rules prior to your arrival.

Renting a flat

Shared accommodation doesn’t have to be the only option. If you prefer to live alone or more comfortably, you might also want to consider renting a place.

You can search for flats and homes advertised online: Aruodas, Domoplius. 

More information about accommodation for rent.

Citizens of the EU/EEA member states who have arrived to live in the Republic of Lithuania for longer than three months within half a year or changing their place of residence in the Republic of Lithuania and who have acquired the right to reside in the Republic of Lithuania, must declare their place of residence in Lithuania.

As of 22 March 2016, foreigners who had not declared their place of residence in Lithuania earlier, can do that at the Migration Office when collecting an EU certificate permitting temporary or permanent residence in the Republic of Lithuania. The Migration Office forwards the data to the Centre of Registers.

The place of residence shall be declared at the local municipal ward according to the person’s address upon arriving at the ward in person. It is important that declaring the place of residence at the address of premises, which belong to someone else by the right of ownership or lending, a permit of that person is needed (a permit is issued by signing the form obtained at the ward or presenting a loan agreement which is registered at Centre of Registers).

More information on declaring one’s place of residency

In order to receive an EU citizen’s Certificate for temporal stay in Lithuania, one will have to acquire a medical insurance which would be valid for the period of stay in Lithuania. For EU/EEA citizens the most common way to fulfill this requirement is to acquire European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

If you are a citizen of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland and have a European Health Insurance Card, you are guaranteed state health care services in the case of an accident. You need to be aware that the card does not cover the expenses of health care services provided by the private sector.

The EHIC gives access to any state-provided medical treatment that becomes necessary during your stay because of either illness or an accident. It includes treatment of a chronic or pre-existing medical condition that becomes necessary during your visit.

It is important to be aware, that the European Health Insurance Card gives access to reduced-cost or free medical treatment from state healthcare providers and allows you to be treated on the same basis as a resident of the country you are visiting i.e. you may have to pay a patient contribution (co-payment).

More about European Health Insurance Card.