If you want to study nursing in Lithuania, you usually start with a bachelor's degree, then later can continue to master's level if you want to move into advanced practice, management, education, or research. Many programmes are open to international students, but the exact entry rules, tuition, and language options depend on the university and the programme page.
What nursing degrees exist in Lithuania?
In Lithuania, nursing is usually offered as a professional bachelor's degree at university or applied sciences institution level. Some universities also offer master's studies for nurses who already have a first degree and want to specialise further.
- Bachelor's level: the main route if you are starting nursing studies.
- Master's level: for graduates who want more advanced clinical, leadership, or academic roles.
- Short courses and exchange modules: some schools offer parts of the programme in English, but not always the full degree.
Always check the programme page, because the name, duration, and structure can differ by institution.
Can you study nursing in English?
Some Lithuanian universities and colleges offer nursing in English, but not every programme does. Even when the main teaching language is English, you may still need some Lithuanian for practice placements, patient contact, or daily life.
Typical language requirements are one of the following:
- an accepted English test result, often IELTS, TOEFL, or an equivalent;
- a school certificate showing enough English;
- an interview or language check by the university.
For clinical training, ask the programme what language level is needed in hospitals and internships. The admissions page is the best source.
Typical admission requirements
Entry requirements vary, but nursing programmes usually ask for a secondary school diploma for bachelor's studies. For master's studies, you usually need a relevant first degree, often in nursing or a related health field.
You may also need:
- passport or ID copy;
- transcript of grades;
- proof of English;
- motivation letter;
- CV;
- sometimes a health certificate or vaccination record;
- sometimes an entrance interview or biology-focused preparation.
For international documents, the university may ask for certified copies and sworn translations. Some schools also want documents recognised or checked by the national education authority. Follow the instructions on the university admissions page.
How much does it cost?
Tuition for nursing in Lithuania is usually lower than in many Western European countries, but prices vary a lot by institution and student status. Public universities often charge different fees for EU and non-EU students, and some programmes have one price for everyone.
As a realistic guide, annual tuition can often fall somewhere in these ranges:
- EU students: about 2,000 to 5,000 EUR per year in many programmes;
- non-EU students: about 3,000 to 8,000 EUR per year, sometimes more at some universities or for special tracks.
These are only general ranges. Check the programme page for the current fee, because prices can change from year to year. Also check whether fees are charged per year or per semester.
Living costs in Lithuania
Your total budget is not only tuition. You should also plan for rent, food, transport, books, insurance, and daily spending. Costs depend on the city. Vilnius is usually more expensive than smaller cities.
A typical monthly student budget may look like this:
- shared room or dorm: often lower cost than a private flat;
- food: moderate if you cook often;
- public transport: usually affordable for students;
- personal costs: phone, laundry, and study materials.
A practical monthly range for many students is about 400 to 800 EUR, but some spend less and some much more. Check the university's housing page and the city transport site for current student discounts.
Application timeline and where to start
Most students should start at least 6 to 12 months before the intake they want. That gives you time to prepare documents, apply for recognition of your school records if needed, arrange a visa or residence permit, and sort out housing.
A simple plan:
- Choose the nursing programme and check whether it is taught in English.
- Read the admissions page carefully.
- Prepare your school or university documents.
- Get your English proof ready.
- Submit the application before the deadline listed by the university.
- After admission, check visa or residence permit steps on the official migration authority site.
Deadlines are not the same at every institution. Some universities have spring or summer deadlines for autumn intake, while others accept applications longer. Always use the official admissions page.
How to check visa and work rules
If you need a study visa or residence permit, use the official Lithuanian migration authority and the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Rules can change, and the process can depend on your nationality and where you apply from.
If you plan to work while studying, check the official immigration rules and your university's guidance. Do not assume you can work unlimited hours. The allowed work time can depend on your permit type and status.
Also remember that nursing studies include practice in clinics or hospitals. The university may ask for extra health checks, immunisation records, or insurance before placements start.
Common questions
Do I need to speak Lithuanian?
Not always for admission, because some programmes are in English. But basic Lithuanian can help a lot during practice placements and daily life. Ask the programme whether patient contact requires Lithuanian language support.
Can I enter nursing directly after high school?
Yes, that is the usual route for a bachelor's degree. You need a finished secondary school education and the documents requested by the university. Some programmes may also want science subjects or an interview.
Can I get a scholarship?
Maybe, but not always. Scholarships depend on the university, the Lithuanian government, or external funding. Check the scholarship's own site and the university's financial aid page for the current rules and deadlines.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
This can help you get discovered by universities that are already looking for students for nursing and related health programmes.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.