If you want to study economics in Lithuania, you can usually choose between a bachelor's and a master's degree. Many programmes are taught in English, especially in larger universities in Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda. This guide gives you a clear start: entry requirements, typical costs, timing and where universities usually look for students.
What kinds of economics degrees you can study
In Lithuania, economics is usually offered as part of a larger faculty of social sciences, business, or management. The main levels are:
- Bachelor's degree - usually for school leavers. It gives you the basic theory, maths, statistics and business background.
- Master's degree - usually for students who already have a bachelor's degree. It goes deeper into economics, policy, finance, data analysis or applied research.
Some universities also offer related subjects such as finance, business economics, public economics, international economics, or economic policy. If you are unsure, check the programme page and compare the module list, not only the title.
Typical admission requirements
Each university can set its own rules, but the usual requirements are similar from year to year. For a bachelor's degree, you normally need a secondary school leaving qualification that gives access to university in your home country. For a master's degree, you normally need a relevant bachelor's degree.
Common documents include:
- passport or ID copy
- high school diploma or bachelor's diploma
- transcripts or grade list
- proof of English level, if the programme is taught in English
- CV and motivation letter, for some programmes
- document translation, if the university asks for it
Some programmes may also ask for maths preparation, especially if they are more quantitative. Admission teams may look at your grades in maths, economics, statistics, or related subjects.
For the exact entry rules, always check the university's admissions page. If you are not sure whether your diploma is accepted, ask the admissions office directly. They can tell you whether your qualification is enough for that specific programme.
English-taught study options
You do not need to know Lithuanian for every economics programme. Many universities offer economics in English, especially at master's level and in international business schools. Some bachelor's programmes are also available in English.
Universities often ask for proof of English through one of these:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- Cambridge English
- school or university study in English, if the university accepts it
The required level is often around B2, but this is not universal. Some programmes may want a higher score, while others may accept different proof. Do not guess. Check the programme page and the university's language rules.
Even if your classes are in English, living in Lithuania is easier if you learn some basic Lithuanian. It helps with daily life, shopping and local services. It is not usually needed for admission to English-taught programmes.
Tuition fees and living costs
Tuition in Lithuania depends on the university, the level of study and whether you are from the EU or outside the EU. A common pattern is that EU and non-EU fees can differ, but not always. Some universities charge the same fee for all students, while others use different rates.
As a broad guide, economics tuition is often somewhere in these ranges:
- Bachelor's - often around 2,000 to 5,000 EUR per year
- Master's - often around 2,500 to 6,500 EUR per year
Some programmes can be below or above these ranges, especially at private universities or specialised schools. Always check the official programme page for the current fee.
Living costs are usually lower than in many Western European countries, but you should still budget carefully. A student in Lithuania often needs money for:
- rent or dormitory
- food
- local transport
- books and study materials
- health insurance and personal spending
A realistic monthly budget is often around 500 to 900 EUR, depending on the city and your housing choice. Vilnius is usually more expensive than smaller cities. Shared flats can help lower the cost. Check the university housing page and local rental sites before you apply, so you know what is realistic for your budget.
When to apply and what the timeline looks like
Most universities open applications months before the start of the academic year. If you want to start in autumn, it is smart to begin preparing early in the year, or even earlier. The exact deadline depends on the university and the programme.
A simple timeline looks like this:
- 6 to 12 months before start - choose programmes, check entry rules, and prepare documents
- 3 to 6 months before start - submit your application and wait for the admission decision
- after admission - arrange tuition payment, housing, and student visa or residence permit if needed
If you need a visa or residence permit, check the Lithuanian national immigration authority or the official migration page. Rules can change, and the process can take time. Do not leave it to the last moment, especially if you are coming from outside the EU or EEA.
How universities look for candidates
Universities do not only wait for applications. Many also search in student databases and contact suitable candidates directly. They may look for students by field of interest, education level, grades, language level and country.
This means your profile can matter before you apply. A clear profile can help admissions offices see that you are interested in economics and ready for contact. Useful details include:
- your current or completed education
- your preferred level - bachelor's or master's
- your English level
- your grades in relevant subjects
- your documents, if you already have them
If a university contacts you, that does not mean you are admitted. It only means they want to talk or share information. You still need to meet the official entry requirements and follow the normal admissions process.
Common questions
Do I need perfect grades to study economics in Lithuania?
No. Requirements vary by university and programme. Strong grades help, especially in maths or economics, but admissions teams also look at your full profile and documents.
Can I study economics in English?
Yes, many programmes are available in English. Always check the programme page, because the language of instruction can differ by university and by level.
How do I know if my diploma is accepted?
Check the admissions page of the university and, if needed, contact the admissions office. They can confirm whether your diploma gives access to the programme you want.
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 save time when you are comparing universities, because the right schools can contact you instead of you starting from zero every time.
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.