LITHUANIAN ENERGY INSTITUTE (LEI)
Lithuanian Energy Institute PhD Opportunities
full · phd
- ~€1,330/month (Year 1)First-year stipend
- ~€1,540/month (Years 2-4)Later-year stipend
- 3 doctoral fieldsProgrammes offered
- 4 yearsStandard duration
- All nationalitiesOpen globally
- Tuition coveredFunding type
At a glance
full
Funding
€18k
Max amount
Jun 21, 2027
Deadline
Open to students of all nationalities
Country
Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI)
Provider
The Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI), founded in 1956 and based in Kaunas, Lithuania, is a public research institute that offers funded PhD positions for the 2026/2027 cycle in partnership with three Lithuanian universities: Kaunas University of Technology, Vytautas Magnus University, and Klaipeda University. Doctoral candidates can pursue one of three fields: Energetics and Power Engineering (code T 006), Environmental Engineering (code T 004), and Economics (code S 004). State-funded students receive a monthly stipend that rises across the programme: roughly 1,330 EUR per month in the 1st year and about 1,540 EUR per month from the 2nd to the 4th year, alongside tuition coverage, access to research laboratories, and expert supervision. PhD students join EU-wide sustainability and energy projects linked to the European Green Deal. A self-financed study route exists when state funding is unavailable. The standard doctoral duration is 4 years, and the published deadline for the most recent intake was 21 June; equivalent dates apply for the 2026 cycle. Because stipend rates, available places, and the closing date are confirmed each year, verify the current 2026/2027 figures and deadline on the official Lithuanian Energy Institute doctoral-studies page before you apply.
What's covered
- First-year stipend — A monthly living stipend of approximately ~€1,330 (est.) for state-funded doctoral candidates during the first year of study.
- Later-year stipend — An increased monthly stipend of approximately ~€1,540 (est.) for the 2nd through 4th years of the programme.
- Tuition coverage — Full tuition support for state-funded doctoral places, removing the cost of doctoral fees over the standard 4-year period.
- Research facilities — Access to LEI's research laboratories and top-tier facilities, with expert supervision throughout the project.
- EU research participation — Active involvement in EU-wide sustainability and energy initiatives connected to the European Green Deal, providing collaboration worth experience beyond the ~1,540 EUR (est.) monthly support.
- Self-financed route — An optional self-financed study path is available for admitted candidates when state funding is not allocated for their place.
How to apply
Applications are made through the Lithuanian Energy Institute's doctoral admission process for the relevant partner university.
- Review the open fields — Visit the LEI doctoral-studies page and identify which of the three fields (Energetics and Power Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or Economics) matches your background.
- Prepare your documents — Assemble academic transcripts, a research proposal, and letters of recommendation.
- Contact the studies administrator — Reach out to the studies administrator listed on the LEI admission page for submission instructions and guidance specific to your chosen programme.
- Submit your application — File your complete application package by the published deadline through the channel indicated for the partner university.
Eligibility
DegreeA Master's degree, or an equivalent qualification from a recognised one-level higher-education system, in a relevant field such as engineering, environmental science, or economics.
Academic recordStrong academic performance and a demonstrated interest in research.
LanguageEnglish-language proficiency, as the PhD programmes are conducted in English; Lithuanian is not required.
Research fitA research proposal that aligns with one of the three doctoral fields offered by LEI and its partner universities.
Programmes are run jointly with Kaunas University of Technology, Vytautas Magnus University, and Klaipeda University, so admission requirements may vary slightly by the partner university hosting your field.
Eligible countries
Open to students of all nationalities
Deadlines
2026/2027 doctoral intake~21 June 2026 (est.)
Selection
Candidates are assessed on academic record, the quality and feasibility of the research proposal, fit with the chosen doctoral field, and the availability of a matching supervisor at LEI and the partner university. State-funded places are allocated competitively, and admitted applicants without state funding may pursue the self-financed route.
Verified sources
- Lithuanian Energy Institute — Doctoral Studieslei.ltofficial
- Lithuanian Energy Institute — Homelei.ltofficial
About the provider
The Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI), established in 1956 and located in Kaunas, is a Lithuanian public research institute specialising in energy, thermal engineering, and environmental research, with a focus on sustainable energy aligned with the European Green Deal.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Is this PhD opportunity fully funded?
+
For state-funded places, yes. Successful applicants receive a monthly stipend of roughly 1,330 EUR in the first year and about 1,540 EUR from the 2nd to 4th year, plus tuition coverage. Confirm the current rates on the official LEI page.
Can international students apply?
+
Yes. The doctoral opportunities are open to students of all nationalities.
What is the application deadline?
+
The deadline for the most recent intake was 21 June; the equivalent 2026 date is expected to fall in June 2026. Verify the exact closing date on the official admission page.
Do I need to speak Lithuanian?
+
No. The PhD programmes are conducted in English, so Lithuanian is not required, but English proficiency is.
Which fields can I apply for?
+
Three fields are offered: Energetics and Power Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Economics, each run jointly with a partner university.
Can I apply with a background in Economics?
+
Yes. LEI offers a joint PhD in Economics in partnership with Kaunas University of Technology and Klaipeda University.
What is the stipend amount?
+
Approximately 1,330 EUR per month in year one and about 1,540 EUR per month in years two through four, subject to confirmation each cycle.
How long does the PhD take?
+
The standard doctoral duration is 4 years.
What documents do I need?
+
Academic transcripts, a research proposal, and letters of recommendation are the core requirements; check the admission page for any additional documents.
What if no state funding is available?
+
Admitted candidates can pursue a self-financed study route if a state-funded place is not allocated for their field.
Are there research collaboration opportunities?
+
Yes. PhD students take part in collaborative EU projects linked to the European Green Deal and other EU research initiatives.
Where is the institute located?
+
The Lithuanian Energy Institute is in Kaunas, Lithuania.