Lithuanian language courses: where to learn as a student
You can study and live in Lithuania entirely in English, but learning even a little Lithuanian makes daily life far easier — and there are plenty of free or cheap options. Here is where to start.
First: do you actually need it?
For your studies, usually no. International degree programmes and Erasmus exchanges run in English, and most young people in cities speak it well. But Lithuanian helps with renting, part-time jobs, doctors' receptionists, officialdom and simply belonging. It is also a legal requirement much later on (A2 for a permanent residence permit, roughly A2–B1 for citizenship), so a head start does no harm.
Aim low to start
University courses (the easiest route for students)
If you are enrolled at a Lithuanian university, ask your international or Erasmus office first. Many include a free or subsidised beginners' Lithuanian module, sometimes worth ECTS credits, for their own exchange and degree students.
For open-enrolment courses, Vilnius University's Department of Lithuanian Studies (Faculty of Philology) is the best-known provider. Anyone aged 16+ can join — you do not have to be a VU student. Indicative 2026 prices (confirm on the VU course page):
| Course | Length | Hours | Approx. fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evening course | 3 months, 2×/week | 50 | €350 |
| Summer/winter intensive | 2 weeks | 50 | €560 |
| Summer intensive | 4 weeks | 100 | €850 |
| Full semester | 4 months, 8×/week | 256 | €1,792 |
Vytautas Magnus University (Kaunas), Mykolas Romeris University, Klaipėda University and others run similar courses and summer schools.
Free city courses in Vilnius
Vilnius runs free 75-academic-hour courses for residents of foreign origin, organised with Vytautas Magnus University, with an academic certificate and ECTS credits on completion (as of 2026 — confirm on Go Vilnius and LRT).
- Open to non-EU citizens and stateless people who hold a Lithuanian residence permit and have registered their address in Vilnius.
- Levels range from absolute beginner to advanced.
- Groups fill fast — watch for new registration windows.
EU students
The state summer scholarship
The Lithuanian government funds summer Lithuanian language and culture courses at universities including VU, VMU, Klaipėda and Mykolas Romeris. Selected participants receive a scholarship (around €962 in 2026) and the tuition is paid by the state — you cover only living costs. Apply through Study in Lithuania.
- Open to students, lecturers and researchers from most countries, plus people of Lithuanian descent.
- Apply to one institution only — multiple applications disqualify you.
- Not available for native speakers or C1+ level.
Private schools and online
Private schools (for example Lingua Lituanica, International House Vilnius and others) offer group and one-to-one classes, online and hybrid groups, and intensive "exam prep" courses for the residence-permit language test. Prices vary, so compare before committing.
For self-study between classes, free apps and YouTube channels cover basic vocabulary and pronunciation — useful, but no substitute for speaking with people.
How to choose
- Enrolled at a uni? Check for a free/credited module first.
- Non-EU and registered in Vilnius? Try the free city course.
- Want an intensive boost? Apply for the state summer scholarship.
- Need flexibility or a specific level fast? Pay for an evening or online course.
Practise outside class
Frequently asked
Do I need to speak Lithuanian to study in Lithuania?+
No — most international degree programmes and all Erasmus exchanges run in English. But basic Lithuanian helps enormously with daily life, part-time work and feeling at home.
Is there a free way to learn Lithuanian?+
Yes. Many universities offer a free or low-cost beginners' module to their own exchange and degree students, and Vilnius runs free 75-hour courses for non-EU residents who are registered in the city. The state-funded summer scholarship also covers tuition.
Which level should I aim for?+
A1–A2 is plenty for everyday life. A2 is the level later needed for a permanent residence permit, and around A2–B1 for citizenship — but those are long-term concerns, not something exchange students need.
Can I learn Lithuanian online?+
Yes. Several schools and the VU department run online and hybrid groups, and free apps cover basic vocabulary. In-person classes are usually better for speaking practice.
How long does it take to get to a conversational level?+
Roughly 100–200 hours of structured study (an intensive summer course plus a semester) gets most people to a comfortable A2. Daily exposure speeds this up a lot.