Study in Lithuania

Study in Lithuania

ABOUT LITHUANIA 

As one of the three Baltic states, The Republic of Lithuania covers an area of 65,300 kilometres per square and holds a population of 2.8 million. While the Balkan sea covers the east of its shores, it shares its land borders with Latvia to the north, Belarus and Poland to the south, and Kaliningrad Oblast of Russia to its southwest. It experiences a semi-continental climatic structure which makes winters very cold and summers moderately rainy. While its capital Vilnius is the largest city in the country, cities such as Kaunas and Klaipeda have risen to significant importance in recent years. Although small, the country is considered by the international community to be one of the finest developed nations. It shares a high income and advanced economy with very high rankings in human development, civil liberties, press freedom and internet freedom.Its contribution to the international community comes from its membership in many multilateral forums such as the United Nations, European Union, Council of Europe, NATO and the OECD.

 

HIGHER EDUCATION STRUCTURE

The Lithuaninan Higher Education system can be best described as a culmination of three different cycles:

  • Bachelors or the first cycle: For students graduating fresh out of school, Lithuania provides a primary degree called the Bakalauras or the Bachelor’s degree that expands the student’s general academic understanding in fields such as science, arts and commerce, and provides the necessary background to either pursue an academic or a professional career. Such a degree usually takes upto 3-4 years for students to finish depending on the field of their choice.

Requirements to pursue Bachelor’s in Lithuania 

To pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Lithuania, students require:

  • Successful completion of class 12 with 60% and above.
  • A TOEFL PBT score of 525 or an IELTS score of more than 5.5
  • Masters or the second cycle: Lithuania offers a Magistras or a Master’s degree to students who wish to acquire a scientific knowledge in their field of interest after the successful completion of their bachelor’s studies. With the involvement of academic research, workshops, seminars and lectures, the degree utilises 1-2 years to effectively prepare any student in a career that they wish to pursue. Some universities also provide an integrated academic course which lets students pursue a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.

Requirements to pursue Master’s in Lithuania 

To pursue a Master’s degree in Lithuania, students require:

  • Successful completion of class 12 with 60% and above.
  • Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree with 60% and above
  • A TOEFL PBT score of 525 or an IELTS score of more than 5.5
  • PhD or the third cycle: After the successful completion of their Master’s degree, students who wish to pursue a career in academics and research are given the option to opt for a mokso daktaras or a doctoral degree. The degree helps in nurturing young scholars who would be able to pursue independent research ideas in their career and contribute greatly to the global academic community. Students are essentially tasked with conducting a research interest of their choice under an academic supervision which after successful completion requires to be presented to a panel of experts under the University. While the study may take upto 4-6 years, students are often funded with a stipend that will help them sustain their costs of living in the country.

Requirements to pursue PhD in Lithuania 

To pursue a Master’s degree in Lithuania, students require:

  • Successful completion of class 12 with 60% and above.
  • Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree with 60% and above
  • Successful completion of a master’s degree with 60% and above
  • An independent research proposal
  • A TOEFL PBT score of 525 or an IELTS score of more than 5.5

Cost of studying in Lithuania 

Although the tuition fee vary from course to course, students are likely to pay an average of:

  • EUR 1000 – 5300 (around INR 83000 to 450000) per year for Bachelor’s
  • EUR 2200 – 6500 (around INR 186000 to 548000) per year for Master’s

However Lithuania stands to be very less expensive when it comes to costs of living for international students with an average budget of EUR 350 – 750 (around INR 29500 – 63000) per month. Students can either opt for university dormitory facilities which range from EUR 70 – 200 (around INR 5900 – 16900) per month or can rent their own apartment in Lihtuanian cities which may likely cost them EUR 285 – 700 (around INR 24000 – 59000)  per month. Students can also avail a monthly travel pass for EUR 29 (around INR 2500) which will buses, trolley buses and minibuses that operate throughout the city.

 

WORK IN LITHUANIA

In order to contribute to their living expenses, international students are allowed to work upto 40 hours a week during their academic years. They are likely to find jobs in the country’s service sector like cafes, restaurants, private offices and IT, but it is highly recommended that students learn basic Baltic language to find an adequate source of income.

However, after graduation, students have the option of staying for an additional 15 months in the country to find a perfect job for themselves. They may apply for a 3 month extension to their residency permit during their last semesters or a 12 month temporary residence permit for themselves in order to stay and find a job.

 

VISA TO LITHUANIA 

To be granted to valid student residence permit in Lithuania, students must submit:

  • A passport that does not expire within 6 months
  • Letter of acceptance from the university
  • Proof of sufficient funds to sustain themselves
  • Details of accommodation in Lithuania
  • A health insurance with a minimum coverage worth EUR 6000 (around INR 500000)

SCHOLARSHIPS

Besides the government and the European Union, many universities in Lithuania have their own set of scholarships that students can avail. Read our blog XXXX for more information on scholarships