Lithuania has seen a significant increase in international students in recent years, with 7,800 foreign students enrolled in the 2021-2022 academic year, accounting for 7.6% of all university students. This influx can be attributed to the country’s globally recognized higher education system, which provides relatively affordable education compared to many Western countries. Lithuania is known for its high-quality education and is a member of the European Union. The country offers a variety of study programs taught in English and has a warm environment for foreigners. In Lithuania, tuition fees for international students vary depending on the university, program, and level of study. On average, international students pay around 3,500 EUR per year for undergraduate programs and between 2,700 to 3,500 EUR per year for graduate programs. Doctorate programs can cost between 3,900 to 10,646 EUR annually. Despite the relatively low tuition fees, studying in Lithuania can still be a financial challenge for many students. To mitigate costs, some students choose to work part-time, but scholarships in Lithuania for international students, offer a more sustainable solution. Scholarships can drastically change the entire structure of a student’s life, since they significantly reduce financial constraints, leading to a more balanced and flexible lifestyle. It’s important to note that Lithuania, doesn’t have as many scholarship options as the more popular destinations such as US, UK, or Australia. This is mainly due to Lithuania only recently, becoming a large hub for international students.
This article will explore some of the most prominent scholarships available to international students in Lithuania, including information about their full benefits and eligibility criteria.
Types of Scholarships in Lithuania
In Lithuania, international students have various scholarship opportunities available to support their studies. These scholarships can be broadly categorized into government scholarships, private scholarships, and university scholarships.
Government Scholarships: The Government of the Republic of Lithuania offers scholarships to international students to study in Lithuania. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs. They are aimed at promoting international education and cultural exchange.
Private Scholarships: Private organizations, foundations, and trusts also provide scholarships for international students studying in Lithuania. These scholarships may focus on specific fields of study, research areas, or professional development opportunities.
University Scholarships: Universities in Lithuania administer scholarships to support international students pursuing their studies in various academic disciplines. These scholarships may be funded by the universities themselves or through partnerships with external organizations.
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Top Scholarships in Lithuania for International Students
Lithuanian State Scholarship for Full-Time Masters Studies
The Lithuanian state scholarships have a rich history and a clear purpose: to attract talented individuals from around the world and support their educational aspirations. These scholarships enable international students to pursue full-time master’s degree programs in Lithuania. Administered by the Education Exchanges Support Foundation, they offer various benefits, including full tuition fee coverage, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel expenses. For the academic year 2024/2025, there are 100 grants available, with specific quotas for citizens of Belarus, Ukraine, and foreign citizens of Lithuanian origin.
Benefits:
- Full Tuition Fee Coverage: 100% of tuition fees are covered.
- Monthly Stipend: Recipients receive 825 EUR per month for living expenses.
- Health Insurance: Health insurance coverage is provided.
- Travel Expenses: A contribution towards flight tickets is included.
Eligibility:
- Candidate must be a citizen of an eligible country or a foreigner of Lithuanian origin.
- Good knowledge of Lithuanian, English, or other language used in the study program.
- Bachelor’s degree or enrollment in integrated studies.
- Official acceptance or pre-acceptance for full-time master’s degree studies.
- State scholarships can be granted only once.
Lithuania State Short-Term Scholarships
Lithuania’s short-term scholarships, part of the Lithuanian State Scholarships program, are financial aid programs offered by the Lithuanian government for international students to study in Lithuania. These scholarships are designed for students, teachers, and researchers who wish to pursue their higher education in Lithuania for 1-2 semesters. The scholarships cover the full tuition fee and living expenses for the duration of the studies.
There are two types of scholarships: Short-Term Studies scholarships and Lithuanian Short-Term Studies scholarships. The Short-Term Studies scholarship is for students who wish to study in Lithuania for a short period, and the number of scholarships is up to 35. The Lithuanian Short-Term Studies scholarship is for students, lecturers, and researchers of Lithuanian science centers, and the number of scholarships is 15 for foreigners and 30 for students, lecturers, and researchers of Lithuanian science centers.
The scholarship amount ranges from 550 to 1100 euros per month, depending on the study level and the chosen program. The application process involves submitting documents through the online application system, receiving an official approval of acceptance from the chosen Lithuanian higher education institution, and meeting the eligibility requirements, which include good knowledge of Lithuanian, English, or other languages required to study in the chosen study program.
Benefits
- Full tuition fee coverage.
- Living expenses support.
- Scholarship amounts range from 550 to 1100 euros per month.
Eligibility Criteria
- Student, Lecturer, or Researcher, must be affiliated with higher education institutions.
- Applicants must have good knowledge of Lithuanian, English, or other required languages.
- Applicants must be from an eligible country
- Foreigners of Lithuanian origin or Lithuanians living abroad can also apply.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Program in Lithuania is a high-level integrated study program at the master’s level, designed and delivered by an international partnership of higher education institutions. It is financed by the European Commission and contributes to the international influence of universities in Lithuania, enabling students from around the world to join these programs and enhancing the quality of international programs. The program involves at least three higher education institutions from three different countries, of which at least two must be EU Member States and third countries associated with the Program. The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Program in Lithuania offers a variety of courses, including those on technology, architecture, literature, journalism, and more. Students must have obtained a first higher education degree or demonstrate a recognized equivalent level of learning, according to national legislation and practices, in the degree-awarding countries.
Benefits:
- Participation costs, including tuition fees, library, laboratory costs, and insurance coverage
- A monthly subsistence allowance to cover living expenses
- A contribution to travel and installation costs
- Health and travel insurance during the full period of studies
Eligibility:
- Obtaining a first higher education degree or demonstrating a recognized equivalent level of learning, according to national legislation and practices, in degree-awarding countries
- Meeting the academic excellence, academic potential, and language skills requirements of the program
University Scholarships
- University of Vilnius Scholarships: The University of Vilnius offers scholarships to international students, including those from outside the European Union. These scholarships cover one semester’s tuition fees and are available to students from various countries, including India, China, and others.
- Vytautas Magnus University Scholarships: Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas offers scholarships to international students, including those from outside the European Union. These scholarships cover tuition fees and are available for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies
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Tips for Applying for Scholarships in Lithuania
Research Scholarships: Start by researching available scholarships specifically for international students in Lithuania. Look into government scholarships, university scholarships, and private scholarships offered by organizations or foundations.
Check Eligibility Criteria: Each scholarship will have its own set of eligibility criteria. Make sure you thoroughly review these criteria to ensure you meet all requirements before applying.
Prepare Required Documents: Most scholarship applications will require various documents such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and proof of language proficiency. Gather all necessary documents well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Meet Deadlines: Pay close attention to application deadlines and make sure you submit your application before the specified date. Missing deadlines can disqualify you from consideration, so mark them on your calendar and plan accordingly.
Write a Strong Personal Statement: Your statement is an important part of your scholarship application. Use this opportunity to showcase your achievements, aspirations, and why you deserve the scholarship. Tailor your statement to each scholarship you apply for.
Obtain Letters of Recommendation: If required, request letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or employers who can speak to your academic abilities, character, and potential. Make sure to give them plenty of notice and provide any necessary information to facilitate the process.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents to ensure there are no grammatical errors or typos. A polished application reflects positively on your attention to detail and professionalism.
Follow Instructions Carefully: Read through the application instructions thoroughly and follow them precisely. Failure to comply with instructions could result in your application being disqualified.
Seek Assistance if Needed: If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to the scholarship provider or the international student office at your prospective university for guidance.
Stay Positive: Applying for scholarships can be competitive, so it’s important to stay positive and persistent. Don’t get discouraged by rejection, and keep searching for other opportunities that may be a good fit for you.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, there are more than a few scholarships for International students in Lithuania. Although this list isn’t exhaustive it looks at some of the major financial aid options for international students in the country. When pursuing scholarships for international students in Lithuania, it is crucial to conduct thorough research and meticulously craft strong applications. The competition for such financial aid is often fierce, and therefore, it is essential to stand out with well-prepared materials. While the available scholarships may seem limited, those who do not secure funding should not be disheartened. Instead, students can consider seeking employment opportunities or exploring scholarship options in alternative countries. Guidance throughout this process is invaluable, as it can provide insight into the best strategies for success and help navigate the complexities of scholarship applications. For more information and guidance regarding the same and more, feel free to contact our admission experts at Gyanberry. Book your free video call appointment now!
