Studying medicine in Lithuania

What are the advantages of studying medicine in Lithuania?

The decision to purchase a Medizinstudium im Ausland is a big step for many people. Here you can find out more about the special features and advantages of studying medicine in Lithuania.

Admission without numerus clausus

In Lithuania, the Numerus Clausus at the Bewerbung für das Medizinstudium This does not matter - high school graduates do not have to worry about long waiting times. Instead, selection is based on a science entrance test, usually in the form of multiple-choice tests in biology, chemistry and physics. Targeted preparation for these tests significantly increases the chances of success.

Study medicine in Lithuania: English-language degree programme with international recognition

The medical degree programme in Lithuania is offered entirely in English. The medical degree completed in Lithuania is recognised in Germany and all other EU member states in accordance with the EU Professional Recognition Directive. In addition, the degree is also recognised in countries such as the USA and Israel. This enables a flexible professional career in Germany and abroad.

International student community

Lithuanian universities are popular with international applicants. Students from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and many other countries create a multicultural learning atmosphere. Many universities offer social programmes and student initiatives to make it easier for students to get to know each other and integrate.

Attractive university cities with a high quality of life

Vilnius, the capital, offers a wide range of leisure and cultural activities, numerous bars, clubs and events as well as green recreational areas along the River Neris.
Kaunas also boasts a lively student environment, affordable housing and cultural facilities such as museums and galleries.

Nature and local recreation

In addition to studying, Lithuania offers numerous opportunities for recreation. Popular excursion destinations are the Curonian Spit along the Baltic Sea coast or the Hill of Crosses - both places offer nature and history in the immediate vicinity.

At which universities is it possible to study medicine in Lithuania?

In Lithuania, English-language medical studies are currently offered at two leading universities:

University of Kaunas: Lithuanian University of Health Sciences

• Study programmes: Human medicine (6 years), as well as dentistry and pharmacy (5 years)

• Capacity: Around 90 places per year on the medical degree programme at the Universität Kaunas

• Network: International co-operation with over 140 universities

• Focal points: Practical training, modern laboratories, lively student community

Vilnius University (Vilnius University)

• Character: Oldest university in the Baltic States (founded in 1579)

• Study programmes: Human medicine and dentistry in English

• Internationality: Around 1,000 international students per semester

• Teaching concept: Teaching in modern facilities, large practical component, focus on clinical skills

Both universities fulfil the EU standards for medical degree programmes and offer degrees that are fully recognised as professional qualifications in Germany and other EU countries. They combine academic quality with practice-orientated teaching and intercultural exchange. Nothing stands in the way of studying abroad to become a doctor in Lithuania. It offers an alternative to pursuing your dream job despite a mediocre A-level average.

What are the requirements for studying medicine in Lithuania?

To obtain a place to study medicine in Lithuania, the following requirements must be met:

Academic qualification

• A general university entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur or equivalent qualification) is required.

• The numerus clausus does not play a role, but good grades in science subjects such as biology and chemistry are advantageous.

Admission procedure

• Admission to Lithuanian universities depends on an entrance test, which usually includes the following components:

  • 60 multiple-choice questions on biology and chemistry

  • Personal matters Auswahlgespräch to test your motivation and language skills

Language skills

• All lessons are taught in English.

• An international language certificate (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS) with at least B2 level is required.

Preparation & support

• Targeted preparation for the admission test and interview is helpful - we support you with training material and simulated exams.

These requirements apply to both study locations in Lithuania - Kaunas and Vilnius.

Studying medicine in Lithuania - structure and content

The medical degree programme in Lithuania follows the Bologna Bachelor-Master system and is divided into six years: two pre-clinical years, three clinical years and one year of clinical internship.

Study structure

• Duration: Including Master's degree around 6 years

• Columns: Pre-clinic, clinic, clinical internship

• Language of instruction: English, partly supplemented by Lithuanian lessons in the first semesters

• Small group lessons: groups of up to ten students enable close supervision, support and dialogue

Preclinical phase (years 1-2)

• Core subjects: anatomy, histology, genetics, physics, chemistry

• Additional element: Fundamentals of clinical Lithuanian up to the fourth year

• Objective: To provide a scientific basis for clinical training

Clinical phase (years 2-4)

• Specialisms: Reproduction, neuroscience, immunology, respiration and circulation, metabolism

• Beginning of direct practical relevance in simulations and realistic patient situations (such as Kardiologie, Chirurgie)

Clinical year and practical training (years 5-6)

• Internal, surgical, paediatric and other clinical modules

• Clinical placements and clinical practice in partner clinics and educational institutions

• Degree with Master's qualification and final examinations, which form the basis for the licence to practise medicine

Mobility & recognition

• Transfer to Germany: transfer possible after the pre-clinical section - the similarity of the curricula facilitates recognition, provided that an official recognition of achievement is available

• International exchange programmes, such as Erasmus, make it possible to Auslandssemester in Germany or in other EU Member States

How much does it cost to study medicine in Lithuania?

Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Kaunas):

• Years 1-4: 12,500 euros per year

• Years 5-6: 13,000 euros per year

• Further fees: Application fee: 150 euros (one-off), enrolment fee: 250 euros (one-off)

Vilnius University:

• Annual tuition fee: 13,000 euros

• Admission fee: 300 Euro (one-off)

The fees are payable annually and apply to the degree programme in English. These fees are binding and should be carefully planned in advance.

Cost of living in Lithuania

Lithuania is one of the countries with a comparatively low cost of living within the EU. This is a great advantage for students, especially when it comes to long-term student financing.

• Rent: 150 - 400 euros/month (depending on city and type of accommodation)

• Food: approx. 200 euros/month

• Total costs: approx. 500 - 600 euros/month (incl. basic requirements)

Financing options

• Scholarship programmes: National and international funding programmes can cover all or part of your study costs.

• Student loans: Numerous loans for students offer flexible repayment models after graduation. This option is particularly suitable for covering tuition fees.

• BAföG abroad: grants for living expenses, travel costs and up to 4,600 euros per year for tuition fees - ideal for EU countries such as Lithuania.

What you didn't know about Lithuania

• Good network! Lithuania ranks among the top countries in the world when it comes to providing the population with high-speed Internet access.

• Lithuania's "fragrance of culture" - Lithuania is the only country in the world to have its own national perfume called "Scent of Lithuania".

• The national dish in Lithuania is cepelinai. These are potato dumplings filled with minced meat or quark.

• A green river - On Vilnius St. Patrick's Day, the river in Vilnius is dyed emerald green. This is an Irish tradition in itself and you may recognise it from reports about Boston or New York.

Applying to study medicine in Lithuania - What should I look out for?

If you would like to apply for an English-language medical degree programme in Lithuania, the following points are particularly important:

• Prepare the admission procedure
  Universities require a science admission test (often multiple choice in biology, chemistry and physics) and a personal interview. Targeted preparation increases your chances of success Medizinstudienplatz considerable.

• Submit documents completely in English
  All application documents - e.g. university entrance qualification certificate, language certificate (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS), letter of motivation - should be submitted carefully and correctly in English.

• Note deadlines and start of studies
  Medical studies in Lithuania only start in the winter semester - which is also when the semester begins. Therefore, make sure to check all dates and Bewerbungsfristen in order not to jeopardise your chances of admission.