Vytautas Magnus University
Lithuania
Vytautas Magnus University
Kaunas, Lithuania
Founded
1922
Institution Type
Public
Total Students
8,800+
QS World Ranking
#741-750 (2026)
Discover Vytautas Magnus University: A Liberal Arts Leader in the Baltics
Discover Vytautas Magnus University: A Liberal Arts Leader in the Baltics
Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) is a public university located in Kaunas, Lithuania, originally founded in 1922 as the University of Lithuania. In 1930, it was renamed to honor Grand Duke Vytautas the Great on the 500th anniversary of his death. After being closed by the Soviet government in 1950, the university was re-established in 1989 through the collective efforts of Lithuanian and diaspora scientists.
VMU is the only public higher education institution in Lithuania and one of the few in the Baltic region where a comprehensive liberal arts education is imparted. Students enjoy the freedom to organize their schedules, minor in one field and major in another, and choose from 30 foreign language courses. The university's study model is inspired by the Harvard liberal arts approach, emphasizing interdisciplinary learning and critical thinking.
Today, VMU has 12 academic subdivisions covering agricultural sciences, arts, biomedical sciences, humanities, physical sciences, social sciences, and technological sciences. The university offers 54 first-cycle, 71 second-cycle, and 24 third-cycle study programmes, with many available in English. VMU welcomes students from over 80 countries and maintains an extensive network of international partner universities across North America, Europe, and East Asia.
Key Milestones
- 1922: Founded as the University of Lithuania in Kaunas, the provisional capital, becoming the country's first and only university during the interwar period.
- 1930: Renamed Vytautas Magnus University to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Grand Duke Vytautas the Great.
- 1989: Re-established through the efforts of Lithuanian and diaspora scientists, becoming the first autonomous higher education institution in the country.
- 2019: Aleksandras Stulginskis University and the Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences were integrated into VMU, significantly expanding its academic scope.
Academic Structure and Faculties
Academic Structure and Faculties
VMU has 12 academic subdivisions and covers nearly all study areas, with 30 research and art centres and 50 high-tech laboratories. Over 30 percent of all Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes are taught in English, making VMU highly accessible for international students.
Faculty of Humanities
One of VMU's founding faculties, focusing on languages, literature, philosophy, history, and cultural studies with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and liberal arts values.
- English Philology
- Lithuanian Philology and Editing
- History and Cultural Heritage
Faculty of Economics and Management
Offers programmes in business, economics, marketing, and management with a focus on international collaboration, applied research, and real-world professional skills.
- Business and Marketing Management
- Finance
- Bioeconomy Business Management
Faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy
Provides education in political science, international relations, public administration, and diplomacy, preparing students for careers in governance and international organizations.
- Political Science
- Public Communication
- International Politics and Development Studies
Faculty of Informatics
Focuses on information technologies, software engineering, multimedia, and data science, equipping students with cutting-edge technical skills and practical project experience.
- Multimedia and Internet Technologies
- Informatics Systems
- Mathematics and Its Applications
Faculty of Arts and Music Academy
Combines visual arts, performing arts, and music education under one umbrella, fostering creative expression and professional artistry in a vibrant cultural environment.
- Performing Arts
- Music Production
- Theatre and Film Studies
Agriculture Academy
Integrated from Aleksandras Stulginskis University in 2019, offering programmes in agricultural sciences, forestry, environmental engineering, and sustainable land management.
- Agronomy
- Forestry
- Environmental Engineering
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admission
- Academic QualificationHigh school diploma equivalent to Lithuanian secondary education certificate, minimum 60% CGPA
- English ProficiencyIELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent required for English-taught programmes
- Application FeeEUR 150 (non-refundable)
- Application PlatformOnline via DreamApply; choose up to 2 study programmes per application
- Additional RequirementsSome programmes may require entrance exams or interviews
Graduate Admission
- Academic QualificationBachelor's degree in a related field, minimum 60% CGPA
- English ProficiencyIELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent required
- CV and Motivation LetterRequired, highlighting academic and professional achievements
- Letters of RecommendationTypically required for Master's and doctoral programmes
- InterviewSome programmes may require an online interview
Online applications for the autumn intake open on December 1 each year for international Bachelor's and Master's students.
Recommended early deadline for applicants from countries requiring a student visa to allow time for visa processing.
Final deadline for international applicants from non-EU/EFTA countries for Bachelor's and Master's programmes.
Deadline for applicants from EU/EFTA countries and citizens of visa-free countries for BA and MA programmes.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
VMU offers competitive tuition fees compared to Western European universities. Fees are calculated per ECTS credit and vary by field of study, with the Lithuanian Ministry of Education setting standard fees for EU/EFTA citizens. Various scholarships are available to help offset costs.
| Fee Category | EU/EFTA Citizens | Non-EU/EFTA Citizens |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition per ECTS (range) | EUR 54.16 - EUR 177.06 | EUR 56.66 - EUR 177.06 |
| Average Annual Tuition | EUR 3,200 - EUR 10,400 | EUR 3,200 - EUR 10,400 |
| Application Fee | EUR 150 | EUR 150 |
| Estimated Monthly Living Costs | ~EUR 450 | ~EUR 450 |
| Total | EUR 3,200 - EUR 10,400 per year | EUR 3,200 - EUR 10,400 per year |
VMU Tuition Fee Scholarships
VMU offers various scholarships covering partial or full tuition fees for international students based on academic merit and financial need.
- Coverage: Partial to full tuition fee waiver
- Eligibility: International BA and MA students with strong academic records
- Duration: Full study period, subject to academic performance
Lithuanian State Scholarships
The Lithuanian government offers state scholarships for international Master's degree students at Lithuanian higher education institutions, administered by the Education Exchanges Support Foundation.
- Coverage: Tuition fee coverage and monthly stipend
- Eligibility: International Master's degree applicants
- Application: Through Education Exchanges Support Foundation annual call
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
VMU's campus is located in the heart of Kaunas, Lithuania's second-largest city. The university operates across 17 buildings in the city and features modern libraries, 50 high-tech laboratories, and dedicated art and performance spaces that serve as cultural hubs for the entire community.
The historic main building on K. Donelaicio street serves as the administrative and academic heart of VMU.
The VMU library provides extensive collections, digital resources, and quiet study spaces for research and learning.
The VMU Kaunas Botanical Garden is one of the university's unique academic subdivisions, used for research and open to the public.
Housing and Student Living
Student Dormitories
VMU provides dormitory accommodation for international students, with guaranteed spots for first-year students on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Affordable dormitory rooms at EUR 100-300 per month
- Guaranteed accommodation for first study year
- Private housing options also available in Kaunas
Campus Services
The university offers comprehensive support services including sports facilities, student centres, and a mentor support system for international students.
- Sports facilities and recreational areas
- Mentor support system for new international students
- 30 research and art centres on campus
Student Life at VMU
Student Life at VMU
VMU fosters a vibrant and inclusive student community with numerous clubs, cultural events, and volunteer opportunities. The university's art spaces serve as cultural hotspots for the city, hosting events like the International Kaunas Jazz Festival and the International Festival of Modern Dance.
Kaunas: A Vibrant European City
Kaunas: A Vibrant European City
Life in Kaunas
Kaunas is Lithuania's second-largest city with a population of approximately 300,000. Known for its interwar modernist architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and affordable cost of living, Kaunas was designated a European Capital of Culture in 2022. The city offers an excellent quality of life for students with reliable public transport, green spaces, and a welcoming international community.
Affordable Living
Monthly living costs for students average around EUR 450, significantly lower than in Western European university cities.
Cultural Capital
Kaunas was a European Capital of Culture in 2022, home to numerous museums, galleries, theatres, and annual festivals.
Strategic Location
Kaunas is centrally located in Lithuania with excellent road and rail connections to Vilnius, Riga, and Warsaw, plus its own international airport.
Safe and Student-Friendly
Lithuania is an EU member state offering a safe environment, with Kaunas known for its walkable city centre and growing international student community.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Where VMU Graduates Work
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
Non-EU students need a student visa. VMU provides an admission letter required for the visa application. After graduation, you can apply for a job seeker visa to stay in Lithuania for up to six months.
Health insurance is mandatory for all international students in Lithuania. EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card, while non-EU students must purchase local health insurance.
VMU assigns mentors to incoming international students to help with orientation, registration, and adjusting to life in Kaunas. Online info sessions are held monthly before the academic year begins.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Vytautas Magnus University World Rankings
Vytautas Magnus University World Rankings
VMU is consistently ranked among the top universities in Lithuania and the Baltic region. The university appears in major international ranking systems and is recognized for its strong performance in agricultural sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Sciences | QS Subject Rankings | #201 |
| Liberal Arts and Social Sciences | EduRank | #4 in Lithuania |
| Environmental Science | EduRank | #4 in Lithuania |
| Computer Science | EduRank | #4 in Lithuania |
Features
Features Description: VMU is a public university established in 1922, known for its liberal arts education, international student presence (~20%+), many programmes in English, and strong international cooperation.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - June
Location
K. Donelaičio g. 58, 44248 Kaunas, Lithuania
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