Scholarship Programs Available in Lithuania Every Year

Scholarship Opportunities in Lithuania

Lithuania offers a range of well-structured scholarship opportunities each year, making it an attractive destination for international students seeking affordable, high-quality education. These funding options are provided by the government, universities, and international organisations, and they support both full-degree and short-term academic mobility.

1. Lithuanian State Scholarships (Government-Funded)

Each year, the Lithuanian government administers a national scholarship programme primarily intended for international students pursuing full-time Master’s or integrated degree programmes at recognised Lithuanian higher education institutions. These scholarships are competitive and aim to attract academically strong students from around the world.

Successful applicants typically receive a monthly living allowance of approximately €560, along with financial support toward tuition fees, capped at the nationally approved standard study cost. Eligibility is generally limited to citizens of selected non-EU and non-EFTA countries, including Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Moldova, New Zealand, South Korea, Ukraine, the United States, and Uzbekistan. Foreign nationals of Lithuanian origin are also eligible to apply.

Applications are submitted through the Education Exchanges Support Foundation’s official online system, with calls usually opening in spring (April or May) for studies beginning in the following academic year. As a recurring initiative, this programme remains one of the most reliable and structured sources of funding for international students in Lithuania.

2. Short-Term Study Scholarships

Lithuania also offers annual state-funded scholarships for short-term academic stays, allowing international students, researchers, and lecturers to study or conduct research in the country for one or two semesters (up to ten months).

These scholarships are open to international applicants (excluding citizens of Russia and Belarus), members of the Lithuanian diaspora, and scholars affiliated with Lithuanian studies centres abroad. Funding usually includes a monthly stipend as well as support for study-related costs.

A key requirement is that at least 50 percent of the academic programme must focus on Lithuanian-related subjects, such as language, culture, history, or similar fields. Calls for applications are issued annually, with deadlines most often set in spring.

3. University-Based Scholarships

In addition to national funding, most Lithuanian universities offer their own scholarship schemes each academic year. These awards differ by institution but commonly include:

Merit-based scholarships, which provide partial or full tuition waivers for students with strong academic records

Faculty-specific awards, often granted as one-time financial support based on academic performance, motivation, or interview outcomes

Automatic tuition discounts, where eligible applicants are considered for funding during the admissions process without submitting a separate scholarship application

Eligibility criteria and deadlines vary by university, but scholarship opportunities are usually aligned with the main admissions cycle.

4. Additional Funding Opportunities

Erasmus+ and Exchange Programmes
European Union-funded mobility programmes, such as Erasmus+, provide annual grants for students studying or training abroad, including in Lithuania. While not funded directly by the Lithuanian government, these programmes are widely used by students already enrolled at European institutions.

Private and Sector-Specific Scholarships
Additional funding may be available through private foundations, non-governmental organisations, or professional bodies. These scholarships often focus on specific academic disciplines, research areas, or cultural exchange and typically require direct application to the awarding organisation.

Practical Advice for Applicants

Prospective students are encouraged to begin their scholarship search early, as most applications open in late winter or early spring for the following academic year. Applicants should carefully review all requirements, which commonly include academic transcripts, motivation letters, language proficiency evidence, and an official offer of admission from a Lithuanian institution.

It is also important to check eligibility conditions thoroughly, particularly for government-funded scholarships that operate under country-specific quotas. Students currently enrolled in European institutions should strongly consider Erasmus+, as it can provide financial support for studying in Lithuania without the need for separate national scholarship applications.