Study in Lithuania for Indian Students: Costs, Universities, Visa and Careers (2026-27)
This article speaks about every detail you need to study in Lithuania. It is easier to get a European degree here without the expense of UK bill. Universities there teach hundreds of programs in English. A master's costs €2,300 to €6,500 a year (Rs.2.5 to Rs.7.2 lakh). Add living costs and most students spend about Rs.7 to Rs.18 lakh a year.
Study in Lithuania for Indian students rests on four facts:
Degrees follow the Bologna Process and use ECTS credits, so every EU country can read them.
MBBS in Lithuania costs about Rs.1.1 to Rs.1.35 crore over six years. NEET is mandatory.
Master's and PhD students can work up to 40 hours a week.
Graduates get 12 months to find a job.
Rules and fees change every year. We last checked them in October 2026, at Rs.110 per euro.
Study in Lithuania at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition for non-EU students | Master's €2,300-6,500; PhD from €8,400; Medicine €12,800-14,100 a year |
| Living cost | €400-800 a month (Rs.44,000-88,000) |
| Language | English-taught programs |
| Main intake | September (apply from November) |
| All-in cost, standard degrees | About Rs.7-18 lakh a year |
| MBBS total | About Rs.1.1-1.35 crore over six years |
| Work rights | Up to 40 hours a week for master's and PhD students |
| After graduation | 12-month job-search permit |
| Recognition | EU-wide, through ECTS credits |
| Documents from India | MEA Apostille |
| Rate used | Rs.110 per euro |
Why Do Indian Families Choose Lithuania?
Lithuania gives Indian students an EU degree at a much lower price than the UK or Western Europe. Yearly budgets there often pass Rs.25 lakh. A Lithuanian master's costs Rs.7 to Rs.18 lakh a year. Students can also earn while they learn, which eases the load on family savings.
Each study year carries 60 ECTS credits, so you can transfer credits within Europe. Some universities, including LSMU, offer Erasmus+ exchange semesters. Vilnius University ranks among the oldest universities in Northern Europe.
Three reasons stand out:
EU recognition
Lithuania sits in the EU, NATO and the Eurozone. Its degrees count across all EU and EEA countries.
Schengen travel
Students can visit 29 Schengen countries during breaks.
Real employers
Western Union, Booking.com, Danske Bank and Barclays all run operations in Lithuania. Their offices give students a path to internships.
| Item | Lithuania | Germany | UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard tuition (non-EU) | €2,000-6,000 | €0-3,000 (public) | £14,000-35,000 |
| Living cost a month | €400-800 | €900-1,200 | £1,100-1,800 |
| Schengen access | Yes | Yes | No |
| Post-study job search | 12 months | 18 months | 18 months (applications from Jan 2027) |
Lithuania wins on living costs. Germany and the UK give you six more months to search for work.
Universities and Degree Levels in Lithuania
Lithuania has public research universities, medical schools and private colleges of applied sciences. Most English-taught programs run in Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda. Universities focus on theory and research. Colleges focus on practice, which fills at least one-third of the study program. Private institutions often charge higher fees, so compare before you apply.
| University | City | Known for | Yearly tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vilnius University | Vilnius | Medicine, business, data science, law | €3,000-14,100 (Rs.3.3-15.5 lakh) |
| Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) | Kaunas | Medicine, nursing, pharmacy, veterinary | €4,300-13,300 (Rs.4.7-14.6 lakh) |
| Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) | Kaunas | Computer science, engineering | €3,000-5,000 (Rs.3.3-5.5 lakh) |
| VILNIUS TECH | Vilnius | Civil engineering, architecture, IT | €3,000-5,000 (Rs.3.3-5.5 lakh) |
| Klaipeda University | Klaipeda | Marine engineering, port logistics | €2,000-4,000 (Rs.2.2-4.4 lakh) |
Degrees come in three cycles:
What Does a Master Degree in Lithuania Cost and Require?
A master degree in Lithuania takes 1.5 to 2 years and carries 90 to 120 ECTS credits. Tuition runs €2,300 to €6,500 a year (Rs.2.5 to Rs.7.2 lakh). Programs in business management, software engineering, digital transformation and sustainable finance all run in English. Most start on September 1 and applications open in November. Shortlist three programs. Write a specific SOP that names your career goal and why Lithuania fits it. Please check with individual admissions offices as dates vary from school to school.
Master studies in Lithuania are offered to those who have:
- Marksheets are required with a bachelor's degree in related field.
- An SOP (statement of purpose).
- Letters of recommendation.
- An English score of IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 72 and above.
Some schools, such as SMK College of Applied Sciences, run their own online English and motivation test for students without a score.
Pick a course that matches hiring in Northern Europe. Software engineering, cybersecurity, sustainable energy and supply chain logistics are growing fields.
In 2026, Vilnius University grants a full tuition waiver for five Non-EU master's students. The deadline for the application is 1 April. Master's students can also work up to 40 hours a week. Compare three or four programs before you choose, because fees vary.
MBBS in Lithuania for Indian Students: Fees, NEET and NMC Rules
MBBS in Lithuania is a six-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) taught in English. Indian students need NEET to study MBBS in Lithuania and practice in India later. Tuition and living costs add up to about Rs.1.1 to Rs.1.35 crore. Capitation fees at private medical colleges in India push some families to look abroad.
Years 1 to 3 build the science base: anatomy, histology, genetics, physics and chemistry, plus a Lithuanian language course. Later years move into hospital rotations. LSMU keeps clinical groups to 10 students or fewer.
Does it meet NMC rules?
The National Medical Commission (NMC) sets the rules for Indian students who train abroad. Lithuania's program addresses the main points:
Length of study
6 years (360 ECTS credits) and more than 54 months.
Language
Lectures, clinical rotations and exams run fully in English.
Internship
12 months in university teaching hospitals. NMC rules say you finish it at the same university.
Practice rights
The MD diploma lets you register as a doctor in Lithuania and across the EU.
Licensing in India
The FMGE screening test still runs. The NExT exam is meant to replace it, so check current NMC notices before you pay any fee.
You also need Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
LSMU vs Vilnius University: MBBS Cost
| Item | LSMU (Kaunas) | Vilnius University |
|---|---|---|
| Yearly tuition | €12,800 (years 1-3), €13,300 (years 4-6) | About €13,000-14,100 |
| Six-year tuition | About €78,300 (Rs.86 lakh) | €78,000-84,600 (Rs.86-93 lakh) |
| Six-year living | €22,000-35,000 (Rs.24-39 lakh) | €25,000-38,000 (Rs.28-42 lakh) |
| Total | Rs.1.1-1.25 crore | Rs.1.13-1.35 crore |
| One-time fees | €150 application, €250 registration | €200 entrance exam |
| Entry test | Biology, chemistry, math and English test, plus interview | Online English exam on biology and chemistry |
How to Study MBBS in Lithuania
- 1
Qualify in NEET UG.
- 2
Apply on the university portal. LSMU's 2026 application fee was €150 and its deadline was July 6.
- 3
Sit the entrance test and interview. LSMU tests began in January. Vilnius University runs exam sessions between January and May.
- 4
Sign the study contract, pay the deposit and collect your mediation letter.
Three Checks Before You Pay
- Ask the university to confirm the 54-month course and 12-month internship in writing.
- Read the latest NMC notices.
- Walk away from any offer that skips NEET. It puts your Indian license at risk.
Nursing in Lithuania for International Students
Nursing in Lithuania for international students starts at €4,300 a year (Rs.4.7 lakh) at LSMU. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing runs four years, carries 240 ECTS credits and is taught in English. Students train at the Kauno Klinikos hospital, the largest clinical base in the Baltic region. Clinical courses run in small groups of up to 10 students. LSMU asks for strong biology and chemistry results. Graduates can apply for a license to practice nursing.
If you study nursing in Lithuania, four years of tuition comes to about €17,200 (Rs.18.9 lakh). English at B1 level is enough to apply. Europe needs more nurses as its population ages. Planning to work in India later? Please refer the Indian licensing regulations prior to enrollment.
PhD in Lithuania
A PhD in Lithuania takes about four years and covers natural sciences, technology, medicine and social sciences. Self-funded places start near €8,400 a year (Rs.9.2 lakh). State-funded places also accept non-EU students, including Indians, according to Study in Lithuania. Funded seats can cover tuition and some come with a research stipend. Amounts vary, so ask each university for its numbers. The Ministry of Education, Science and Sport allocates the state-funded seats. Self-funded study suits applicants without a state seat. Apply to several universities, since each runs its own doctoral calls.
Find a research supervisor first, then apply through the university's doctoral school. Living costs match other students at about €400 to €800 a month. Doctoral students can work up to 40 hours a week. PhD graduates qualify for the same 12-month job-search permit.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Lithuania?
Most master's students pay €2,300 to €6,500 a year in tuition plus €400 to €800 a month to live. That adds up to about Rs.7 to Rs.18 lakh a year. Medicine costs more. The low end pairs a cheap program with a dorm room. The high end pairs a pricey program with a flat in Vilnius.
| Program | Tuition a year | In rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Master's | €2,300-6,500 | Rs.2.5-7.2 lakh |
| Bachelor's | €1,300-5,000 | Rs.1.4-5.5 lakh |
| Nursing (LSMU) | €4,300 | Rs.4.7 lakh |
| PhD | From €8,400 | From Rs.9.2 lakh |
| Medicine | €12,800-14,100 | Rs.14.1-15.5 lakh |
| Monthly cost | Euros | Rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Dorm or shared flat | €100-350 | Rs.11,000-38,500 |
| Food | €150-250 | Rs.16,500-27,500 |
| Local transport | €10-30 | Rs.1,100-3,300 |
| Health insurance | €15-50 | Rs.1,650-5,500 |
| Utilities, phone, internet | €50-100 | Rs.5,500-11,000 |
| Total | €325-780 | Rs.36,000-86,000 |
Most students land between €400 and €800 once they add clothes, travel and eating out. Kaunas and Klaipeda usually cost less than Vilnius.
Immigration officers ask for proof of funds. Students need about €577 a month, which is half of Lithuania's €1,153 minimum wage. For 12 months, that is about €6,900 (Rs.7.6 lakh). A bank statement, fixed deposit receipt or a sponsor's signed undertaking can show it. You also need health insurance with at least €30,000 in cover. Application fees add a one-time cost, such as €150 at LSMU. A weaker rupee raises every euro bill, so keep a buffer. Add a one-time budget for flights and settling in. Universities ask for a first tuition payment before they issue your mediation letter.
Scholarships and Funding for Indian Students
Plan your budget without a scholarship. Treat any award as a bonus.
- State master's scholarship: The 2026 call excluded India, so do not count on it.
- Short-term state scholarship: India qualifies for one-semester study awards.
- Vilnius University tuition waiver: The tuition fee was completely waived for 5 students from non-EU countries during the 2026 master's course.
- PhD seats: funded by state - open to non-EU students with tuition expenses covered.
- Educational loans: Inquire about Indian banks and compare them with regard to the rates of interest and conditions on the collateral.
How to Apply: Admission Steps and Documents
Apply directly on each university's portal. Most deadlines fall between November and April and classes start on September 1.
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| November-April | Apply online, upload apostilled documents, take the entrance test or interview |
| May-June | Get your offer, sign the study contract, pay the deposit, receive the mediation letter |
| July-August | File your visa or permit application on MIGRIS and book your VFS appointment |
| September | Arrive, attend orientation, register your address |
Medicine deadlines can run into July, so read each program page.
You will need:
- A passport.
- Your Class 12 marksheet (bachelor's) or degree and marksheets (master's).
- An SOP and recommendation letters (master's).
- An English test score.
- A NEET scorecard (MBBS).
India and Lithuania both belong to the Hague Convention, so you skip embassy attestation.
Get an Apostille in three steps:
- A notary signs your documents.
- Always your State HRD department will verify the educational certificates. Fastest way is to go to the Delhi SDM office.
- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) adds the Apostille sticker with a QR code.
Lithuania Student Visa and Residence Permit
Indian students apply through MIGRIS, Lithuania's online migration system, using a mediation letter from their university. You give biometrics at a VFS Global center in India. Your university sends the mediation letter after you sign the study contract and pay the deposit.
Visa or permit
First-year students usually receive a National Visa D valid up to one year, or a temporary residence permit (TRP). The Migration Department decides.
Switching
D visa holders apply for a TRP while in Lithuania, about 1.5 to 3 months before the visa ends.
Length
A study permit usually lasts two years, or the program length if shorter.
Money
Show about €577 a month.
Insurance
Carry at least €30,000 in cover for emergency care and a medical trip home.
Housing
Show proof of your address.
Book your VFS slot as soon as you hold the mediation letter. Summer appointments fill fast, so start 4 to 6 months early. New rules for filing permits from inside Lithuania start on November 1, 2026. Read the Migration Department page before you apply. Newly issued study permits also face an eight-year total cap. Master's and PhD students can bring family members right away under the 2026 law changes. You collect your card at a Migration Department office in Lithuania or at the VFS center.
Work While Studying and Careers After Graduation
A law that took effect on May 22, 2026, sets weekly work limits by study level. Students with a study permit need no extra work permit. Confirm the limit with your university before you accept a job.
| Study level | Weekly work limit |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's, years 1-2 | 20 hours |
| Bachelor's, year 3 onward | 40 hours |
| Master's | 40 hours |
| PhD | 40 hours |
Common student jobs include tech support, customer operations, retail and English tutoring. Some customer-facing jobs now require Lithuanian. The 2026 law aims to stop people from using study permits mainly to work. Even part-time work helps develop networks for making a transition to a graduate position.
After graduation, you have these options:
- 12-month job-search permit: Open to bachelor's, master's and PhD graduates. You can also use it to start a business.
- 3-month extension: Your final-year permit runs three months past your study end date.
- Quota exemption: Lithuanian graduates skip the employment quota for five years.
- Work-based TRP: You switch to it once you land a qualifying job.
Software engineering, cybersecurity, sustainable energy, supply chain logistics and advanced healthcare services are growing. Start networking in year one, because the 12-month clock starts after graduation.
Your Next Step
Check each university's fee page and the Migration Department site before you pay. Shortlist two universities and ask for their 2027 deadlines. Book a free counseling session to match a program to your budget.