Vilnius University (VU) offers international students applying to Bachelor and Master study programmes not only the opportunity to study at one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the region, but also to receive state funding for their studies. One student who has experienced this first-hand is Sean Christopher Fitzpatrick, an Irish student enrolled in the ‘Politics of Global Challenges’ study programme. For Sean, receiving a state-funded study place made a tangible difference to his time in Lithuania by easing some of the financial pressure and providing greater security while studying abroad.
‘It allowed me to focus on my studies to a much greater extent than I would have if I’d needed to work full time. Since I had already set aside some savings to pay tuition fees, I could use this money for emergencies or other unexpected expenses, which gave me a greater sense of security. This, combined with the knowledge that the Lithuanian state was funding my studies, motivated me even further. I wanted to give something back in return for that generosity by working hard and remaining focused on my studies,’ he said.
Not sure whether you qualify for a state-funded study place? Here is a breakdown of who is eligible and how to apply.
International students wishing to enrol in Bachelor or integrated study programmes at Vilnius University may be eligible for state-funded places if they meet at least one of the following conditions: they are Lithuanian citizens, citizens of a European Union (EU) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country, or foreign citizens and stateless persons holding a permanent residence permit in Lithuania. Eligibility also extends to Lithuanians living abroad, as well as other foreign nationals or stateless persons who have the right to reside in Lithuania (either permanently or temporarily) and have completed secondary education under the Lithuanian curriculum.
For Master study programmes at Vilnius University, international students may apply for state-funded study places if they are citizens of the Republic of Lithuania or another EU or EFTA member state, non-EU/EFTA nationals holding a permanent residence permit in Lithuania, children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren of the Lithuanian Diaspora, or persons of Lithuanian origin.
International students who wish to obtain a state-funded study place and pursue Bachelor studies at Vilnius University must apply through the LAMA BPO admissions system. Those seeking a state-funded study place for Master studies must apply via apply.vu.lt. For more information on what steps to take before applying, please read the relevant information here and here.
If you wish to study at Vilnius University, you should first browse the programme catalogue and choose the study programme you would like to apply for. Once you have selected a programme, complete the online application form, upload all the required documents, and submit your application before the deadline.
The application deadline for EU/EFTA applicants via apply.vu.lt is 1 July. For those applying through the LAMA BPO admissions system, the deadline for the main admission round is 23 July, while the additional admission round closes on 7 August.