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LITHUANIA · VILNIUS

Vilnius University

public · Founded 1579 · Languages: en, lt

In short

Vilnius University, founded in 1579, is a historic Baltic institution offering over 70 English-taught programs at Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral levels. It provides a research-intensive environment with various support services and scholarship opportunities for international students.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1579
Students: 23,517
International students: 2,000
Acceptance rate: 60%
Tuition (intl): €6–13k/yr
Languages: EN, LT
Location: Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius University, located in the capital of Lithuania, is a historic institution founded in 1579, making it one of the oldest universities in the Baltics. It comprises a Central Library, a modern Scholarly Communication and Information Centre (SCIC), and numerous faculty libraries. The university is committed to providing high-quality education and fostering a dynamic research environment, with strong ties to both national and international scientific communities. Students at Vilnius University benefit from a comprehensive range of academic programs at Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral levels, with over 70 study programs available in English. The university emphasizes an innovative, research-based approach to learning, preparing students for successful careers in a rapidly changing global landscape. Its dedication to open science and knowledge transfer also creates opportunities for collaboration with businesses and social partners. Vilnius University offers a supportive student experience, including career guidance, academic counseling, and various scholarship opportunities for international students. While accommodation options are available, students are advised that places are limited and should plan accordingly. The university is actively involved in groundbreaking research across various scientific fields, contributing to new discoveries and technological advancements.

Why study here

Access to over 70 study programmes taught in English across various disciplines.
Benefit from a research-intensive environment with over 3000 academic staff and numerous research projects.
Study at a historically significant institution, one of the oldest in the Baltics, fostering academic traditions and innovation.
Receive comprehensive career guidance and academic counseling to support your studies and future professional goals.
Explore diverse scholarship and funding opportunities specifically for international Bachelor's and Master's applicants.
Engage in challenge-based learning and practical experiences, designed in cooperation with industry professionals.

Student life

Vilnius University offers a vibrant student life with various services and programs to support students. The university has a mentor program for those seeking guidance or wishing to become mentors. Students can access free career counseling, virtual training courses on careers and personal development, and participate in competency development programs like 'Future Skills Pentathlon' and 'Achieve More'. The university also facilitates internships abroad and within Lithuania, with scholarship opportunities for international students. Accommodation is available in university dormitories in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Šiauliai, though spaces are limited. Students also receive a Lithuanian Student Identity Card (LSIC) for campus services and discounts, and have access to VU e-services for email, student accounts, and scholarship payments.

Fees

InternationalTuition fees for international students vary by program. For example, the Informatics Master's program is €6,000 per year, and the Career Education Master's program, if missing prerequisite courses, incurs an additional €1,400.

HomeEU/EEA students may compete for state-funded (tuition-free) places; otherwise annual fees are broadly in line with those charged to international students.

LivingStudents planning to reside in Lithuania for more than 90 days must provide proof of sufficient means of support (at least €221 per month) for visa/residence permit applications. Accommodation in Kaunas dormitories ranges from 130-155 Eur/month, plus a 200 Eur refundable deposit and fees for laundry, linen rental, and appliance rental.

An application fee of €100 is non-refundable.

Admissions

Bachelor's ProgramsCompletion of secondary education (or equivalent) granting access to higher education in your home country. Minimum overall grade average of 70% may be required for some programs. A motivation letter (1200-4000 characters) and a copy of passport/ID are also needed. Applicants may be invited for a remote motivation interview.

Master's ProgramsA university Bachelor's degree certificate and its supplement (or equivalent). For non-EU/EFTA applicants, the gap since your Bachelor's degree should not exceed five years. A motivation letter (1200-4000 characters) and a copy of passport/ID are required. Some programs may invite candidates for a remote motivational interview or require an entrance examination.

Doctoral ProgramsA Master's degree or equivalent qualification. Applications are accepted from March 3 to June 25 (until 12:00 p.m.) for those with a Lithuanian Master's degree. For applicants with a foreign Master's degree without diploma recognition in Lithuania, applications are accepted until May 18 (until 12:00 p.m.). Motivational interviews are part of the process.

IELTS Academic6.5+

TOEFL iBT81+

Cambridge English Exam176+

Pearson PTE Academic59+

LanguageCert IESOLB2

Duolingo English Test120+

Oxford ELLT7+

Password Skills Plus6.5+

Rankings

QS World University RankingsTop 421-450 worldwide

QS National Ranking#1 university in Lithuania

University scholarships

Grand Duchy of Lithuania scholarship for Ukrainians€300 per month for the first 10 months of study

State Scholarship for the Lithuanian Language and Culture CoursesCovers course fees and possibly living costs

VU Faculty of Economics and Business Administration Admission Scholarship€1,000 one-off

Tuition Fee Reduction for Ukrainian Students (FEBA)50% tuition fee reduction

Tuition Fee Waiver Offered by the Institute of International Relations and Political ScienceFull tuition fee waiver

Lithuanian State Grants and Scholarships for Full-Time Master's DegreeMonthly scholarship and grant covering standard study cost

Tuition Fee Waiver for Full-Time Master Degree StudiesFull tuition fee waiver

Internship Scholarships for International StudentsNot specified

Accreditation

The International Business Bachelor's program has been awarded the prestigious international ACBSP (USA) quality accreditation.

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Vilnius University · Lithuania

Accounting and Audit

This Bachelor of Business Management program prepares qualified specialists in accounting, auditing, taxation, and company performance analysis. You will learn to formulate accounting information, systematically evaluate data, and understand the mechanisms of organizing and performing audits. The curriculum also covers management, economics, and finance to develop a comprehensive business skillset.

Vilnius University · Lithuania

Art Management

The Art Management Master's program is designed to train highly qualified specialists in managing art organizations. You will learn to develop management strategies, identify and solve management and marketing challenges within art organizations, projects, and initiatives, and engage in collaborative art and business projects. This program is popular among professionals in the art and culture sector looking to update their knowledge with the latest research and progressive practices in art management.

Vilnius University · Lithuania

Baltic Linguistics

The Baltic Linguistics program is a unique Master's degree focused on training specialists in the field of Baltic languages. It covers synchronic and diachronic aspects of Lithuanian, Latvian, and Prussian languages, exploring their development within the context of other Indo-European languages. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research methods and provides skills to analyze, evaluate, and solve theoretical and practical problems related to language and society, culture, and identity. Students will learn to critically assess current research and apply modern technologies to the study of Baltic languages.

Vilnius University · Lithuania

Biochemistry Master's Program

This Master's program aims to deepen and broaden your knowledge in biochemistry and related scientific fields, fostering an understanding of current achievements and future perspectives. You will develop essential research skills, learning modern methods and technologies necessary for scientific innovation and application. The program includes opportunities for participation in practical environmental protection projects and conducting research in state-of-the-art laboratories, preparing you for a wide range of career paths.

Vilnius University · Lithuania

Bioinformatics - Bachelor's Degree

This interdisciplinary Bachelor's programme in Bioinformatics combines computer science and biology, equipping you with the skills to analyze diverse biological data and develop computational methods. Graduates are prepared for careers in research and high-tech industries, as bioinformatics is crucial for advancements in biotechnology, AI, and big data, impacting areas like medicine and genetic therapies. The programme offers practical and technological competencies, career and international opportunities, and an interdisciplinary, research-oriented education.

Vilnius University · Lithuania

Business and Finance

This Bachelor's program in Business and Finance provides students with practical, real-world knowledge essential for starting their own business or managing company finances. Taught by leading finance professionals, the curriculum covers topics from central banking and monetary policy to corporate finance management. Graduates will be equipped to identify and solve financial problems, evaluate company performance, assess financial risks, and develop business plans to secure necessary funding.

Scholarships

for Lithuania

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI)

Lithuanian Energy Institute PhD Opportunities

Open to applicants of all nationalities who hold a Master's degree (or an equivalent qualification from a recognised one-level higher-education system) in a field relevant to the chosen programme, such as engineering, environmental science, or economics. Candidates must demonstrate strong academic performance, a clear research interest aligned with one of the institute's doctoral fields, and English-language proficiency, since the PhD programmes are conducted in English.

Education Exchanges Support Foundation (EESF), Republic of Lithuania

Lithuania State Scholarships for Full-Time Master's Studies

Citizens of eligible countries (including Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, South Korea, Ukraine, the United States and others) who hold or will hold a Bachelor's degree by the end of the academic year, have an acceptance or pre-acceptance letter from a Lithuanian university, and do not already hold a Master's degree.

Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)

For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.

Wellcome International Training Fellowships

For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.

European Commission - European Research Executive Agency (REA)

Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships

Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will have defended their doctoral thesis by the call deadline) and have at most 8 years of full-time-equivalent research experience after the PhD. Applicants apply jointly with a host organisation - a university, research institution, business, SME, or other body based in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe. European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all nationalities for a project inside the EU or an associated country; Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are reserved for EU nationals or long-term residents who carry out a phase in a third country before returning to Europe. Researchers who have been displaced by conflict and those restarting a research career after a break are explicitly encouraged to apply.

Rotary Peace Fellowships

For professionals committed to peace and development, with relevant work experience and (for the master's) a strong academic background and proficiency in English. Applicants apply through their local Rotary district and are selected globally by The Rotary Foundation for study at a Rotary Peace Center.

Frequently asked questions

What are the tuition fees for international students at Vilnius University?

Tuition fees for international students vary by program. For example, the Informatics Master's program costs €6,000 per year. An application fee of €100 is also non-refundable.

What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?

Applicants can demonstrate English proficiency through various tests such as IELTS Academic (6.5+), TOEFL iBT (81+), or Duolingo English Test (120+). Exemptions may apply if English is your first language or if your previous degree was taught in English.

What are the academic requirements for Bachelor's and Master's programs?

For Bachelor's programs, completion of secondary education with a minimum overall grade average of 70% may be required. For Master's programs, a university Bachelor's degree certificate is necessary. Non-EU/EFTA applicants for Master's programs should not have a gap exceeding five years since their Bachelor's degree.

Does Vilnius University offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, Vilnius University offers various scholarship opportunities, including the Grand Duchy of Lithuania scholarship for Ukrainians, State Scholarships for Lithuanian Language and Culture Courses, and admission scholarships for specific faculties.

What is the cost of living and accommodation for students?

Students need to prove sufficient means of support, at least €221 per month, for visa applications. Accommodation in Kaunas dormitories ranges from €130-155 per month, plus a deposit and other fees.

Last updated 3 July 2026