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Kaunas

All programmes in Lithuania

Kaunas may not be as famous as some European capitals, but Lithuania’s second-largest city has quietly become one of the most student-friendly destinations in Europe. With a strong academic tradition, affordable living costs, and a lively youth culture, Kaunas offers international students a high-quality education without the high price tag.

Named the European Capital of Culture in 2022, Kaunas blends historic architecture with a modern, creative energy. Its growing international student population has helped turn the city into a welcoming, dynamic place to study and live.

Living in Kaunas:

Kaunas is compact, green, and easy to navigate, all things students quickly learn to appreciate. The city sits at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers and offers plenty of outdoor spaces, pedestrian streets, and cafés where students tend to gather.

While a bit smaller than Vilnius, the capital city, Kaunas is beautiful in its own right. Being one of the most popular Lithuanian tourist destinations it has a great deal to offer to visitors. Kaunas, due to its history, is frequently known as the „temporary capital“ of Lithuania. In fact, the city was Lithuania's capital during the 1920s and 1930s, which has left Kaunas city with a lot of glorious architectural sights of that period.

The city's heroic past is still present in the Town Hall Square as well as the remnants of a large medieval castle on the banks of the Nemunas river. The city also presents the visitor with a multitude of historical, zoological and aviation museums, statues of grand dukes, freedom fighters and poets, and Ąžuolynas - the largest urban stand of oak trees in Europe.

Student life in Kaunas is lively but relaxed. You’ll find cultural events, concerts, exhibitions, and festivals throughout the year, as well as an active nightlife centred around the Old Town and Laisvės Alėja, one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe.

Tuition fees & cost of living:

Lithuania is known for offering excellent value for money in higher education. While tuition-free study is generally reserved for Lithuanian and EU students who meet certain criteria, tuition fees in Lithuania for international students remain affordable compared to many other European destinations. Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes taught in English typically cost between €2,000 and €5,000 per year, depending on the university and field of study.

One of Kaunas’ biggest advantages is its low cost of living. Lithuania uses the Euro, but prices are significantly lower than in Western and Northern Europe. Students benefit from discounted public transport, affordable food, and reasonably priced accommodation.

To give you an idea of typical monthly costs:

• A room in a shared apartment usually costs around €250 to €400
• Student dormitories are often cheaper
• Monthly public transport passes for students are heavily discounted

Overall, Kaunas allows students to enjoy a good quality of life while keeping expenses under control.

Universities in Kaunas:

Kaunas is one of Lithuania’s main academic hubs and home to several well-established universities with strong international profiles.

Major universities in the city include:

• Kaunas University of Technology
• Vytautas Magnus University
• Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
• Lithuanian Sports University

These institutions are known for strengths in fields such as engineering, technology, medicine, social sciences, and business, and many programmes are offered fully in English.

Job opportunities:

International students from the EU/EEA can work in Lithuania without restrictions. Non-EU students are also allowed to work part-time during their studies, provided they meet residence permit requirements.

Kaunas has a growing economy, particularly in:

• IT and technology
• Engineering and manufacturing
• Shared service centres
• Healthcare and research

While many student jobs require basic Lithuanian, international companies and startups increasingly offer opportunities in English-speaking environments. Learning some Lithuanian is not essential, but it can significantly improve both job prospects and everyday life.

After graduation, Lithuania offers pathways for international students to stay and work, making Kaunas an attractive option for those considering building a career in Europe.

Getting there and around:

Kaunas is well connected both nationally and internationally. Kaunas Airport offers direct flights to many European cities, particularly through low-cost airlines.

The city is also easy to reach by train or bus from neighbouring countries, including Latvia and Poland. Within Kaunas, public transport is reliable, affordable, and student-friendly, with buses and trolleybuses covering the entire city.

Thanks to its manageable size, many students choose to walk or cycle, making Kaunas an easy city to settle into from day one. 

 

List of universities in Kaunas

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