Lithuania’s capital is home to numerous universities and colleges, attracting students from all over Lithuania and from abroad. The city has over 6,000 international students arriving to study, and the International House Vilnius, is available to help new arrivals settle in Lithuania.
Lithuanian universities offer more than 500 study programmes taught in English, ranging from full-time to part-time in Bachelor, Master, and PhD studies. From 2018 to 2023, international students’ academic focus shifted slightly, with newcomers predominantly choosing Social and Engineering Sciences. Most universities offer courses in both Lithuanian and English.
EU nationals do not need to obtain any documents to come to Lithuania for studies. They may stay in Lithuania for up to 3 months without applying for a residence permit, and only after that would they need to get a temporary residence certificate. Those going to Lithuanian universities from non-EU countries for up to a year only need is a National Visa (D), which is issued for a period of up to two years and can be renewed. Guidelines are available on the website https://ihvilnius.lt/home.
Students are allowed to work in Lithuania during their studies. EU students (and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) can work up to 40 hours per week and employment procedures are the same as for locals. Non-EU international students need a temporary residence permit. The city’s educational institutions provide numerous internships and part-time job opportunities, enabling students to gain practical experience and cover their expenses before graduating.
International students have the right to work in Lithuania for as long as they are enrolled in a university. This allows those looking to earn extra money to find work opportunities that can accommodate a student’s lifestyle and strict academic schedule, such as delivery services, restaurant work, etc. Vilnius also organizes career fairs for all expats in search of job opportunities, making it a perfect one-stop-shop for job hunting. Career fairs “Land A Job in Vilnius” introduce applicants to job opportunities in various industries in the city.
The BeFriend Vilnius mentorship programme invites expats to befriend a local with shared interests – whether it’s photography, volunteering, joining a running group or a book club.
Students can also benefit from discounts on public transportation, which is already one of the cheapest in Europe. As of 2023, a monthly public transport ticket for students costs only 5.80 euros. The city also offers substantial discounts for students at museums, theatres, cinemas, and concerts. Numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars around the city also provide special student menus or discounts. Only a student ID card is required.
The “Vilnius is My City” festival for all expats on September 2 provides an easy introduction to everything Vilnius has to offer.
