Lithuania (LT)

Lithuania is the largest and most southerly of the three Baltic states, a semi-presidential EU republic celebrated for its remarkably preserved Baroque capital Vilnius (UNESCO World Heritage), dramatic coastal dunes at Neringa (also UNESCO), vibrant startup and fintech ecosystem (home of Revolut HQ, Vinted, Nord Security, and Hostinger), rapidly rising living standards, and a resilient population with deep cultural roots stretching back to one of the last pagan civilisations in Europe to adopt Christianity.

Capital: Vilnius

Region: Europe

Language: Lithuanian

Currency: EUR (€)

Cost of living: Affordable (index 47)

Emergency: 112

Education & Schools

Schools, universities, and language courses in Lithuania.

👶 Childcare & Kindergarten

Lopšelis (nursery) €60–200/month parent payment (heavily subsidised by municipality)

Age: 0–3 years

Subsidy available

Lithuanian municipalities subsidise childcare heavily. The parent pays a relatively small fee based on family income. Low-income families may pay nothing. Municipality covers the majority of the cost.

Apply through your savivaldybė (municipality) portal or contact the municipal education department. In Vilnius: apply at vilnius.lt. Registration is based on the child's age and the parent's registered address.

⏱️ Municipal nursery places can be scarce in Vilnius — register as soon as possible (even before birth). Private nurseries are available at €400–800/month as an alternative.

Darželis (kindergarten) €40–150/month parent payment (subsidised)

Age: 3–6 years

Subsidy available

Pre-school education from age 3 to 6 is the right of every child in Lithuania. The state funds the educational part; parents pay for food and care surcharges only.

Register at your municipality's electronic queue system. In Vilnius: e-darzeliai.vilnius.lt. Priority given to children of the district, children with disabilities, and those from socially vulnerable families.

⏱️ Municipal kindergarten waiting lists in Vilnius can be 6–24 months. Apply early. Private darželiai are available at €400–700/month.

Private nursery/kindergarten €400–900/month

Age: 0–6 years

Contact private institutions directly. Many offer English-language programmes. In Vilnius: numerous private international-style kindergartens operate, particularly in the northern districts (Šnipiškės, Antakalnis).

🏫 Schools

Public primary school Free

Pradinė mokykla / Bendrojo ugdymo mokykla

Ages: 7–10 years (Grades 1–4) · Language: Lithuanian (main language of instruction). Minority language schools teach in Polish or Russian in areas with significant minority populations.

Contact your local municipality education department or school directly. Children must be enrolled in the school district (mikrorajonas) where the family is registered. Documents needed: birth certificate, health certificate (medical card), and proof of address (residence registration).

Children of non-Lithuanian-speaking families may attend preparatory Lithuanian language classes before entering mainstream school. Most schools in Vilnius offer adaptation programmes for newly arrived children.

Public secondary school Free

Pagrindinė / Vidurinė mokykla (Progimnazija / Gimnazija)

Ages: 11–18 years (Grades 5–12) · Language: Lithuanian. English is taught from Grade 1 as a mandatory subject; second foreign language (Russian, German, French) from Grade 5.

Same process as primary school — contact the school in your district. Gymnasium entry (Grades 9–12) may require a transfer application and minimum grades. Some Vilnius gymnasia are highly selective.

The Lithuanian education system uses a 10-point grading scale. At the end of Grade 12, students take the matura (Brandos egzaminai — state maturity exams) which are required for university admission. International Baccalaureate (IB) programme available at several Vilnius schools.

International Schools

Vilnius has several international schools serving the expat community: (1) The British International School Vilnius (britishschool.lt) — British curriculum, IGCSE and A-Levels; fees €5,700–7,600/year (2026/27). (2) Vilnius International School (vischool.lt) — IB curriculum; fees €9,450–11,700/year (2025/26). (3) Šv. Kazimiero kolegija (private) — bilingual Lithuanian/English. (4) Nordea International School — IB curriculum. Fees range from approximately €5,700 to €12,000/year depending on school and grade. Kaunas International School serves the Kaunas expat community. Check school websites for current availability as demand from the growing expat community can fill places quickly.

University

Tuition fee

State-funded places: free (if admitted to state-funded quota). Commercial places: €1,500–6,000/year (depending on programme and university). International/English-taught programmes: €3,000–8,000/year. Prestigious programmes (medicine, law at Vilnius University): competitive state-funded quota or €4,000–6,500/year commercial.

Semester fee

No semester administration fee for state-funded students. Commercial students pay tuition in two instalments (per semester).

Student visa

EU/EEA students: no visa required. Non-EU students: apply for a national D visa or temporary residence permit for studies at the Lithuanian Migration Department (migris.lt). Requires admission letter and proof of financial means (€300/month recommended in 2026).

Health insurance

All full-time students in Lithuanian higher education institutions are covered by the state-funded PSDF health insurance scheme — no separate payment required. Part-time or external students may need to pay PSD separately through Sodra.

Application process

Apply through the LAMA BPO (Lietuvos aukštųjų mokyklų asociacija) centralised admissions system at lamabpo.lt. Foreign students: apply directly to universities. Vilnius University, Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), ISM University, and others offer English-taught programmes.

🗣️ Language Courses

Lithuanian language courses for immigrants

Provider: VUL (Vilniaus universiteto lituanistikos kursai / various private schools) · Duration: Intensive: 2–3 months. Standard: 6–12 months to reach B1 level. · Levels: A1–C2 (Common European Framework)

Subsidised courses: free or €50–150/module for non-EU immigrants via Employment Service. Private courses: €200–500/month (group), €30–60/hour (individual)

Basic Lithuanian is practically essential for daily life outside of central Vilnius and for citizenship application (B1 level required). Required for permanent residency and citizenship. Lithuanian language proficiency dramatically improves integration and job prospects with local companies.

Lithuanian for Foreigners (Lituanistikos centre)

Provider: Vilnius University Centre of Lithuanian Studies · Duration: Academic year or individual semesters · Levels: All levels A1–C1

€150–400/semester

High quality academic Lithuanian courses. Respected certificate upon completion. Useful for those planning citizenship or higher-level language use.

English language schools

Provider: Various private schools (British House, Open Studies) · Duration: Ongoing term-based courses · Levels: All levels

€100–300/month group lessons

English is widely taught across Lithuania; useful for partners or family members who need to improve English for work.

Premium Section

Education & Schools

Unlock the complete Education & Schools guide for Lithuania — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.

Become a Supporter

Support the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere