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Information for Those Without Lithuanian Citizenship
The following steps are required for all foreigners without Lithuanian citizenship:
1. Prove your Lithuanian origin
Why?
You need to obtain a document confirming your Lithuanian origin, which grants access to certain benefits and admission to Lithuanian higher education institutions.
Where to apply?
- Migration Department of the Republic of Lithuania
- Lithuanian embassies or consulates abroad
Documents:
- Birth certificates indicating Lithuanian-origin ancestors.
- Archival documents proving ties with Lithuania.
2. Have your foreign education recognized
Why?
Foreign secondary education documents must be evaluated in Lithuania to ensure qualification equivalence.
Where to apply?
Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (SKVC)
Required documents:
- Certificate of secondary education (graduation certificate or equivalent).
- Grade transcript.
- Passport or identity document.
Deadline:
The recognition procedure usually takes up to 30 day
3. Pass the Lithuanian language proficiency test (if needed)
Why?
If the study program is in Lithuanian, you must prove Lithuanian language proficiency.
Where to apply?
- Faculty of Philology, Vilnius University (Department of Lithuanian Studies)
- Alternative certified testing centers in Lithuania.
Alternative: If you studied in Lithuanian schools abroad, documents proving language skills might suffice.
4. Submit your admission application through the LAMA BPO system
Why?
The admission process to Lithuanian higher education institutions is centralized through LAMA BPO.
Where to apply?
LAMA BPO official website.
Deadlines:
- Main Admission: June–July.
- Supplementary Admission: August.
Required documents:
- SKVC certificate on education recognition.
- Identity documents.
- Lithuanian language proficiency document (if applicable).
- Proof of Lithuanian origin.
5. Take entrance exams (if applicable)
Why?
Some study programs require special entrance exams (particularly in arts or pedagogy).
Where to apply?
Check requirements on the chosen university’s website.
6. Sign the study agreement
Why?
After successful admission, you must sign an agreement with the chosen higher education institution.
Where?
Electronically via the LAMA BPO system or directly at the university’s admission office.
Deadline:
Usually signed by late July or August.
7. Apply for a visa or temporary residence permit in Lithuania
Why?
If you are not a citizen of Lithuania or an EU country, you must obtain a residence permit to study in Lithuania.
Where to apply?
Migration Department.
Required documents:
- Admission documents from the higher education institution.
- Passport.
- Address of residence in Lithuania.
Additional information:
Useful links
Extra admission points may be awarded for achievements, including:
Lithuanian schools abroad
When applying to Lithuanian higher education institutions, additional competitive points may be awarded for studying in certain Lithuanian schools abroad or for other achievements. Below is a list of schools and activities that qualify for additional points:
Lithuanian Schools Abroad:
- Vasario 16-osios Gymnasium (Germany)
- Punsk Kovo 11-osios Lyceum (Poland)
- Jurgis Baltrušaitis School in Moscow (Russia)
- Riga Lithuanian Secondary School (Latvia)
- Pelesa Secondary School (Belarus)
- Rimdžiūnai Secondary School (Belarus) – if the secondary education was completed by 2022 (inclusive)
- Brussels II European School (Belgium) – if the secondary education was completed in 2022 or later
For Lithuanians abroad
An additional 1 competitive point is awarded to Lithuanians abroad who:
- Have lived abroad for at least 3 years and obtained their secondary education there.
- After living abroad for 3 years, came to Lithuania, started studies no earlier than grade 8, and completed secondary education in Lithuania.
Long-term volunteering
An additional 0.25 point is awarded to individuals who have completed voluntary activities lasting no less than 3 months and possess relevant certificates, such as “Youthpass.”
Source: Vilnius City Municipality – Additional 0.25 Points for Long-Term Volunteering
Completion of non-formal education schools
Additional points are awarded for completing certain non-formal education schools, for example:
- The “Pažinimas” Correspondence School for Young Chemists – 0.5 point is awarded to applicants applying to chemistry programs.
- “Junior Achievement” programs – completion of specific programs grants 0.5 to 1 point, depending on the program and the study field.
Source: How to Apply – Additional Points for Higher Education Admission
