Living in Lithuania – Postgraduate Guide

Attracting students from over 150 countries each year, Lithuania is an increasingly popular study abroad destination, hosting over 7,000 international students.

Situated along the Baltic Sea with excellent transport links to every European capital, Lithuania is an ideal location for those seeking to explore the Baltic states and beyond.

This guide will give you an idea of what to expect from student life in Lithuania, from culture to accommodation and living costs.

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What's it like to study abroad in Lithuania?

Lithuania is a small and hospitable country. Around 80% of its population speaks Lithuanian as a first language, while Russian is spoken by almost 10%. Around a third of Lithuanians are proficient in English (this more common amongst younger generations), so a basic grasp of Lithuanian certainly wouldn’t go amiss!

The Education Exchanges Support Foundation provides Lithuanian language and culture courses for foreign students and academics. Successful applicants will have the cost of their course subsidised by the government.

While cities such as Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda provide a traditionally cosmopolitan student experience, you can also explore the luscious forestland that makes up over a third of Lithuania’s landmass, inhabited by a host of wildlife including roe deer, hedgehogs and moose. The spectacular sand dunes and historic fishing villages that line the Baltic coast are must-see attractions for warmer days.

Amongst Lithuania’s cultural features are a love of nature, a passion for basketball (its team boasts an impressive number of Olympic and FIBA World Championship medals) and even an official scent, which was developed by a team of entrepreneurs to promote a positive national brand and was once shipped out to soldiers drafted abroad to boost morale.

History enthusiasts will find much to explore in Lithuania, from Vilnius’s medieval old town to the Stelmužė Oak, which is amongst the oldest trees in Europe. Simultaneously, the country boasts an international reputation for technological innovation, increasing investment in environmentally friendly cities and some of the cheapest and fastest internet speeds in the world.

Food and drink

Traditional Lithuanian cuisine is warming and hearty, with staple dishes including sweet or savoury pancakes and dumplings (koldųna) with a meat or vegetable filling. A particularly well-known dish is cepelinai – parcels made from rice and grated potatoes which are stuffed with ground meat, cheese or mushrooms. Popular alcoholic drinks include beer (alus) and mead (midus).

Accommodation

All universities in Lithuania provide student halls of residence, which are equipped with modern appliances and internet access (though internet is not always included in the rent). You’ll usually share a room with one or two other students, and kitchen and bathroom facilities are communal.

Note that any visitors will need to show ID and register in a guest book and will not usually be permitted to sleep in student accommodation. Drugs and alcohol are also prohibited.

Student accommodation in Lithuania is very affordable, with rent generally costing between €55 and €174 per month.

Though halls of residence are a cheap and convenient option for Masters students, not everyone will be so well-suited to this communal style of living! Private accommodation is also available to rent. The Lithuanian government suggests the following websites for university students wanting to browse the private rental market:

• Aruodas
• Domoplius
• Remax
• Ntzemelapis

Living costs

The cost of living in Lithuania is relatively low. Excluding rent, you should budget approximately €716 per month to cover basic expenses (according to Numbeo).

All students in Lithuania are required to have a Lithuanian Student Identity Card (LSIC). This will entitle you to various discounts, including half-price travel on city or intercity public transport, and reductions at many restaurants, cafes, cinemas and theatres.

Working whilst studying

The Lithuanian government updated migration law in 2021 to allow international Masters students to work full time (up to 40 hours per week) while studying. Non-EU students will need to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit in order to work in Lithuania. You can find out more about the application process on the Lithuanian Migration Department website.

If you’re looking for the ideal part-time job to supplement your income while completing your Masters, Work in Lithuania features the latest job postings and regularly updated migration information.

Further information

Hopefully, this guide has given you an idea of what to expect from student life in Lithuania, but there are a few other areas you might want to familiarise yourself with before you pack your bags. We’ve included a quick introduction to student banking, transport and healthcare below.

Banking

To open a bank account as a student in Lithuania, you’ll first need to apply for a Certificate of Student Status. This is done through your university – so check their website or contact the International Office for more information about how to obtain one. You’ll then be able to open your account by making an appointment at a local branch of your chosen bank.

Transport

Lithuanian cities are well-connected, with a choice of buses, trolleybuses (in larger cities) and minibuses. As a student with a valid Lithuanian Student Identity Card, you’ll have access to generous reductions on public transport. A monthly transport pass in Vilnius or Kaunas with student discount can cost as little as €5.80.

Healthcare

All students in Lithuania are required to have medical insurance which is valid for the duration of their course. EU students are entitled to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare from a GP or hospital specialist for free, as long as they have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Non-EU students will need to purchase private health insurance from one of the companies on the Lithuanian Insurers Association (LDA) list. This can cost between €50 and €150 per year, depending on the specific policy. You’ll need to contact an insurance company directly to arrange this. At a minimum, the policy will need to cover any basic medical assistance costs, and the cost of travel to your home country if you need to return for health reasons.

For more information on Masters study in Lithuania, including universities, applications, funding and student visas, you can read our detailed study guide.