Study in Lithuania 2026: What Vilnius and Kaunas Actually Cost
Bachelor's and master's tuition generally runs €2,000–€7,000/year; MBBS is priced separately at €14,100 (Vilnius University) or roughly €12,600–€13,100 (LSMU). Lithuania is gaining ground with Indian applicants as an EU, English-taught destination that costs less than most Nordic or Western European alternatives — but the fee sticker price is only half the planning picture.
Tuition snapshot
- Most bachelor's / master's fields: roughly €2,000–€7,000 per year.
- Medicine at Vilnius University: about €14,100 per year (verify current offer).
- Medicine at LSMU: about €12,600–€13,100 per year (verify current offer).
Living costs: Vilnius vs Kaunas
Budget €400–€700 per month for student living in many cases, with Kaunas generally cheaper on rent and daily costs than Vilnius. Winter utilities and transport should be included in family planning.
Why consider Lithuania
- EU location with English-taught options.
- Lower tuition than many Nordic or Western European peers.
- Growing visibility among Indian STEM and health-science applicants.
Admissions timeline for Indian applicants
Most programmes admit for a September intake, with applications opening several months ahead and rolling offers issued as documents clear. Build in time for English-proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL or a recognised medium-of-instruction certificate), document attestation, and the national visa appointment — Schengen-area visa slots can book out weeks in advance during peak season.
How Lithuania compares
Against the UK and Ireland, Lithuania's tuition and living costs are markedly lower, though the post-study work and long-term settlement pathways are different and generally less established. Against other EU medicine destinations like Georgia or Armenia, Lithuania sits at a higher price point but with stronger EU-recognised university infrastructure — the right comparison depends on whether cost, degree recognition, or post-study pathway matters most to your plan.
Caveats
Programme quality, clinical access (for medicine), and post-study work rules differ from the UK/Ireland models. Always map the degree to your long-term licensing or career goal before paying an application fee.
Before you apply
- Get the current-year fee figure in writing from the university, not an agent.
- For medicine, confirm NMC screening-test recognition status before enrolling.
- Pick Vilnius or Kaunas based on your family's realistic monthly budget, not just tuition.
- Check post-study work and EU mobility rules for your specific programme.
- Budget for winter clothing and heating costs alongside rent and tuition.
Planning your 2026 intake?
Speak with a StudyATW counsellor in Pune for profile-specific guidance on eligibility, documents, visas and university shortlists — without the guesswork.