Vilnius University: A World-Class Education in the Heart of Lithuania

Picture this…

You wake up in an Old Town on the UNESCO World Heritage List – a city buzzing with innovation and ideas, where world-class education goes hand in hand with an unbeatable student experience. You grab a coffee at a trendy café filled with students from all over the world, then head to a lecture given by a professor who conducts groundbreaking research. Later, you walk through a historic university courtyard that looks as if it is straight out of a movie – because, fun fact, it actually is!

Welcome to Vilnius University (VU) – where innovation, culture, and academic excellence come together in one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Whether you dream of launching a start-up, making scientific discoveries, or simply experiencing the adventure of studying abroad, Lithuania is calling – and trust us, you’ll want to answer.

“Selecting Vilnius University was a conscious choice fuelled by a desire for academic excellence and a unique cultural experience. The University’s rich history, esteemed faculty, and diverse academic programmes were irresistible attractions. I saw Vilnius University as a gateway to unparalleled learning experiences. As I reflect on my time here, I’m grateful for the transformative impact VU has had on my academic and personal development, preparing me to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead,” – says Aida Ahmadi, a student from the VU Faculty of Medicine.

Study in Lithuania: One of the Happiest Places for Young People

Lithuania was ranked the best country for people under 30 in the UN’s annual World Happiness Report – thanks to its safe environment, strong student support systems, and vibrant cultural scene.

The best part? VU offers affordable accommodation options, from student dormitories to private rentals, all at significantly lower prices than other capital cities in Europe. The monthly cost of living in Vilnius is around EUR 540, while in Kaunas and Šiauliai, it can be as low as EUR 250–400 per month. For students facing long-term financial difficulties, VU offers scholarships and financial support, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder academic success.

Vilnius: Made Famous by Top TV Shows and Groundbreaking Research

You’ve probably seen Vilnius on screen without even realising it. The city’s UNESCO-protected Old Town, historic streets, and breathtaking architecture make it a preferred filming location for major productions. Hit shows like HBO’s Chernobyl and Netflix’s Young Wallander were filmed right here, capturing Vilnius’ cinematic charm and atmospheric beauty. Beyond the film sets, Vilnius is home to some of Europe’s most advanced research institutions.

At Vilnius University, students and professors are working on cutting-edge discoveries in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, laser physics, and medicine. Professor Virginijus Šikšnys, one of VU’s most distinguished scientists, played a key role in pioneering CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology, which revolutionised medicine by allowing scientists to precisely modify DNA.

With nearly 900 new international students joining VU every year, the University is a vibrant and diverse global community. Popular programmes include International Business, Medicine, Information Systems and Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering, attracting students from over 100 countries.

A Thriving Start-up Scene

Ever heard of Vinted? It’s Europe’s largest online marketplace for second-hand fashion – and it started right here in Vilnius, co-founded by VU alumnus Justas Janauskas. How about Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN, one of the world’s leading cybersecurity solutions? That’s another Vilnius-born unicorn (a start-up valued at over EUR 1 billion).

Vilnius University is also pushing the boundaries of AI in education. The VU Faculty of Law has pioneered AI tools and introduced AI knowledge twins to assist students in their learning process.

“Interacting with AI knowledge twins gives you the same confidence as checking in with a classmate before asking a question,” explains VU student Maria Ignacia Borgoño Serrano.

Studying at VU means immersing yourself in an ecosystem where ideas turn into reality, supported by entrepreneurship centres, incubators, and networking events with global investors.

Kaunas: The City of Basketball and Innovation

Kaunas, Lithuania’s basketball capital, is home to Žalgiris Kaunas, one of Europe’s top basketball teams.

At VU’s Kaunas campus, students experience top-tier education while enjoying the city’s thrilling sports culture. Once Lithuania’s capital during the interwar period, Kaunas is now a rapidly growing cybersecurity and technology hub. International companies and researchers are drawn to the city’s expanding innovation ecosystem, making it an exciting place to study and start a career.

Kaunas Faculty offers diverse interdisciplinary study programmes tailored to the evolving job market, including Information Systems and Cybersecurity, Marketing Technologies, International Business Management, and Art Management. The faculty emphasises practical learning, ensuring that students gain valuable real-world experience through internships, projects, and case studies.

Šiauliai: Affordable, Connected, and Full of Possibilities

For students looking for affordable yet high-quality education, Šiauliai is a perfect choice. The cost of living is lower than in major European cities, allowing students to focus on their studies, careers, and adventures. Šiauliai Academy is part of Vilnius University and offers programmes in Humanities, Informatics, Engineering, Social Sciences, Business, and Public Management, spanning Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees.

The academy is particularly recognised as a leading centre for educational studies, preparing Lithuania’s next generation of teachers and public administration specialists. Šiauliai is also known for its strong connections with industry; this allows students to engage in local, national, and international projects, participate in exchange programmes, and collaborate with businesses and research institutions. Oh, and another thing – its strategic location makes it perfectly connected for students who love to explore; it’s just a short train ride to Latvia and an even shorter one to the coast of the Baltic Sea. Just choose which trip you will embark on first.

At Vilnius University, you won’t just earn a degree – you’ll join a global community, experience an unforgettable adventure, and set yourself up for success in an international career.

Ready to start your journey at VU?