Vilnius University
- Study a wide variety of subjects in English in the heart of the Baltics
- Opportunities to enroll in fine arts and theatre courses at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre and the Vilnius Academy of Fine Arts
- Students live in campus housing with other international students
Vilnius University is the oldest and largest Lithuanian higher Education institution. Since its establishment in the 16th century, Vilnius University has been an active participant in international scientific and academic activity, thus it has become an integral part of European science and culture embodying the concept of a classical university and the unity of studies and research. Today, Vilnius University has over 23,000 students and over 1,500 teaching and research staff. The University has 12 faculties, 8 institutes, 3 university hospitals, 10 study and research centers as well as one of the richest libraries in Europe, an astronomical observatory, a botanical garden and a cherished Church of Sr. Johns’. As one of the oldest higher education establishments in Central and Eastern Europe, it has had a marked influence on the cultural life of Lithuania and its neighboring states. International cooperation has become a vital component of Vilnius University existence with number of bilateral agreement and international students growing each year and this inevitably has a huge impact on all spheres of university life embracing studies, research and cooperation of administrators. Students can choose to study at Vilnius University through either ISEP or MAUI-Utrecht.
The Republic of Lithuania lies on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea and it is the southernmost and the largest country of the three Baltic States. Climate in Lithuania is Oceanic/continental, winters and summers are moderate, however temperature can soar up to + 30°C in summer and drop down to -32°C in winter. Vilnius has always been a lively city with people from all the different nationalities and cultures who have lived here and have created a colorful city mosaic. It is the largest city of Lithuania with a population of 560,000 and a density of 1413 people per square kilometer. Vilnius city is full of tourist attractions that students will find interesting, some of which are the Cathedral Basilica, The President’s Palace, the Old Town, Upper Castle and Gediminas Tower, and the Church of Anne. The capital of Lithuania is one of the most beautiful cities in the Old Continent, where the heritage of the past and achievements of the present, science and culture co-exist in harmony.
Recommended fields include Languages, Humanities, Economics, Business Administration, Political Sciences, Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Informatics, Law, Social Sciences, Communication and Information Science. Course availability may be limited in Psychology and Medical Sciences.
Students typically enroll in 5-7 classes per term which averages to 20-23 hours in class per week. A term runs for 16 weeks.
Vilnius University Course Catalog
For the MAUI-Utrecht exchange, students will enroll in courses upon arrival. The enrollment deadline is 10 days after the start of the semester.
Students are housed in double rooms in one of the international students’ dormitories. Accommodation at Vilnius University international dormitories is available only for Vilnius University students so married student housing is not available, exception can be made only for doctoral students but extra payment that will have to be covered by the student himself/herself should also be foreseen. A refundable housing deposit is required. Depending on the geographical location of the faculty as well as traffic cause the trip from the dormitory to the faculties may take from 20 to 40 minutes by public transport. Dormitories are equipped with kitchen. ISEP students will receive a stipend for their meals
Orientation
All exchange students are invited to participate in Orientation Week program organized upon their arrival. This program is very important for international students as they get acquainted with University academic and administrative requirements, migration requirements, safety measures in the city and country. The program includes such activities as Guided Tours in Vilnius city, at Vilnius University and Library, Museum of Genocide Victims and a trip to Trakai. Students also have a possibility to attend Survival Lithuanian course to learn the basics of the Lithuanian language as well as to meet their faculty coordinators. The program is organized by Vilnius University mentors, so exchange students have plenty of possibilities to meet and get acquainted with other international and local students by attending welcome, karaoke, national dishes, etc. parties, going to movies, participating in orientation games.
We highly recommend international students to apply for mentor before arrival as mentors are Vilnius University students who help their fellow students to settle down in Vilnius as well as start enjoying their stay from the first minute. They usually meet international students at the airport, help them to reach the required destinations during the first days of stay and help them to integrate in student life. Usually, mentors are from the same faculty as international student, so they will be very helpful in sorting out academic questions as well.
Arrival Details
Host will provide arrival directions with acceptance packet.
Student Activities
Active and creative international students are welcome to join ESN Vilnius University activities organized for international exchange students. ESN VU organizes such activities as orientation week program, trips inside Lithuanian and to neighboring countries, thematic parties etc. So students get plenty of possibilities to know more about the country, city and Lithuanian culture as well as get acquainted with local and other international students. International students coming to study at Vilnius University can join and participate in various sports activities, such as playing basketball, football, aerobics, volleyball, table tennis, chess etc. Students have to arrange attendance with the instructors of different sports at Vilnius University Sport Centre.
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
ISEP:
For more information about ISEP, contact Kaitlyn Johnson at k.johnson@ku.edu or stop by the Study Abroad Info Center in 105 Lippincott.
ISEP website with more information on VU.
MAUI-Utrecht:
For more information regarding costs and deadlines, contact Jenna Hunter-Skidmore at jmhunter@ku.edu or stop by the Study Abroad Info Center in 105 Lippincott.
MAUI-Utrecht website with more information on VU.