What types of scholarships are offered in Lithuania?
Lithuania has become a popular study destination for international students because of its affordable education, globally recognized degrees, and generous scholarship options. If you are planning to study in Lithuania, understanding the available scholarships can help reduce your study and living costs.
Government-Funded Scholarships in Lithuania
The Lithuanian government offers official scholarships to attract talented international students.
These scholarships are usually managed by the Education Exchanges Support Foundation and include:
-
Tuition fee waivers (full or partial)
-
Monthly living allowance
-
Support for Lithuanian language and culture studies
These scholarships are available for:
-
Bachelor’s degree students (limited programs)
-
Master’s degree students
-
Short-term studies and research
They are highly competitive and based on academic merit.
University-Specific Scholarships
Many Lithuanian universities offer their own scholarships to international students.
Popular universities such as Vilnius University and Kaunas University of Technology provide:
-
Tuition fee discounts
-
Merit-based scholarships
-
First-year fee reductions
-
Performance-based scholarships for continuing students
These scholarships are usually awarded based on:
-
Academic results
-
Motivation letter
-
Previous qualifications
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students with strong academic performance.
Key features:
-
Based on grades and academic achievements
-
Available for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs
-
Can cover part of tuition fees or provide a stipend
Students who maintain good academic results may continue receiving these scholarships throughout their studies.
Need-Based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships are designed for students who require financial support.
These scholarships may:
-
Offer partial tuition fee waivers
-
Provide monthly financial assistance
-
Support students from low-income backgrounds
Applicants usually need to submit financial documents along with their application.
Erasmus+ Scholarships
Lithuania actively participates in the Erasmus+ program.
Erasmus+ scholarships are suitable for:
-
Exchange students
-
Joint degree students
-
Short-term mobility programs
Benefits include:
-
Monthly living allowance
-
Travel support
-
Tuition fee exemption during exchange period
Research and PhD Scholarships
Lithuania offers strong support for research students and doctoral candidates.
Research scholarships often include:
-
Full tuition coverage
-
Monthly salary or stipend
-
Research funding
Many PhD positions are paid and treated as employment contracts rather than traditional scholarships.
Country-Specific and Bilateral Scholarships
Lithuania has bilateral agreements with several countries.
These scholarships:
-
Are offered to students from selected countries
-
May cover tuition fees, living costs, or both
-
Often focus on cultural exchange and academic cooperation
Availability depends on your nationality and home country agreements.
Private and External Scholarships
Some private organizations and international foundations offer scholarships that can be used to study in Lithuania.
These scholarships may:
-
Be partial or full funding
-
Support specific fields like technology, business, or healthcare
-
Require separate applications outside the university system
Language and Preparatory Course Scholarships
Students enrolling in Lithuanian language or foundation programs may be eligible for:
-
Short-term scholarships
-
Tuition discounts
-
Living support for cultural studies
These are ideal for students planning long-term studies in Lithuania.
Who Can Apply for Scholarships in Lithuania?
Most scholarships are available to:
-
Non-EU and EU international students
-
Students applying for full-time programs
-
Applicants with good academic records
-
Students meeting English or Lithuanian language requirements
Each scholarship has its own eligibility rules, so careful review is important.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship
-
Apply early
-
Maintain strong academic records
-
Write a clear and honest motivation letter
-
Apply for multiple scholarships
-
Check university and government portals regularly
Final Thoughts
Lithuania offers a wide range of scholarships that make studying in Europe affordable and accessible. Whether you are looking for government funding, university support, or exchange opportunities, there is likely a scholarship option that fits your profile.
For students planning to study in Europe, Lithuania is a smart choice with high-quality education and strong financial support systems.
