Do you need to speak Lithuanian to study in Lithuania?
No — you don't need to speak Lithuanian to study in Lithuania. Almost every programme aimed at international students is taught in English, and you can live, study and socialise comfortably in English, especially in the bigger cities. Learning some Lithuanian is a nice-to-have, not a requirement.
Your studies: English all the way
Lithuania's universities run hundreds of full degree programmes entirely in English — across business, IT, engineering, health sciences, social sciences and the arts. You can find and filter them on the official Study in Lithuania portal. From application to graduation, the working language is English.
What you do need is to prove your English. Most English-taught programmes ask for around B2 level — commonly IELTS 5.5–6.5 or an equivalent TOEFL/PTE score, though many universities also accept proof that your prior education was in English, or run their own test. Always check the exact requirement on your chosen programme's page.
This is the same whether you're an EU/EEA, non-EU or Erasmus/exchange student. The language of instruction doesn't change based on where you're from — only your admissions paperwork and visa route do.
The exception: clinical and placement-heavy courses
Daily life: English gets you a long way
English is widely spoken, particularly by younger people. Lithuania scores "High" on the 2025 EF English Proficiency Index, ranking #33 globally with a score above the world average (EF EPI 2025). Estimates suggest roughly 80% of people under 35 speak some English, even if overall census figures for the whole population are lower.
In practice, in Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda you'll be fine in English for:
- University offices, lectures and student services
- Shops, supermarkets, cafés and restaurants
- Banking and most apps (transport, food delivery, e-shops)
- Doctors and pharmacies, especially in cities
Where English thins out:
- Older people, and smaller towns or rural areas
- Some official letters and forms, which arrive in Lithuanian
- Older paperwork at clinics, the post office or utilities
A translation app on your phone covers most of these gaps. A few polite words go a long way too — ačiū (thank you), labas (hi), prašau (please / you're welcome).
When Lithuanian is actually required
For most students, the honest answer is "never during your studies". The language only becomes a legal requirement much later, if you decide to stay long-term:
| Situation | Lithuanian required? |
|---|---|
| English-taught degree | No |
| Student temporary residence permit (TRP) | No |
| Erasmus / exchange semester | No |
| Permanent residence (after years here) | Yes — state language exam (about A2) |
| Citizenship | Yes — state language exam |
Only relevant if you settle long-term
Worth learning some anyway
You don't need Lithuanian, but a little makes life warmer — and locals genuinely appreciate the effort. The good news is it's often free or cheap for students:
- Your university. Many institutions offer free or subsidised "survival Lithuanian" courses to international students; some build them into orientation. Ask your international office.
- City courses. Vilnius has run free Lithuanian courses for foreign residents (LRT).
- Dedicated courses. Vilnius University's Department of Lithuanian Studies runs courses for foreigners at all levels (VU), and the national Learn Lithuanian page lists summer schools and online options.
Start with 20 words
Frequently asked
Can I do a whole degree in Lithuania without Lithuanian?+
Yes. There are hundreds of full degree programmes taught entirely in English across the main universities, and you graduate without ever sitting a Lithuanian exam. You'll need to prove your English (usually B2, e.g. IELTS or TOEFL) to get in instead.
Will I get by in daily life with only English?+
In Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda, yes — especially with anyone under about 40, in shops, cafés, transport apps and university offices. It gets patchier with older people, in small towns and with some official paperwork, where a few Lithuanian words or a translation app help a lot.
Do I need Lithuanian for a residence permit (TRP)?+
No. A temporary residence permit for studies has no language test. A language requirement only appears much later, if you go for permanent residence or citizenship.
Are Lithuanian classes for students free?+
Often yes. Many universities offer free or subsidised 'survival Lithuanian' courses to their international students, and Vilnius has run free city courses for foreign residents. Check what your university and city offer.
Which programmes still need some Lithuanian?+
Mainly those with local placements — nursing, medicine and similar — where you deal with Lithuanian-speaking patients. These usually build Lithuanian classes into the curriculum so you learn what you need.