Worried that IELTS is the only door to a European degree? For several Lithuanian universities, it is not. But “no IELTS” never means “no English proof”.
Many Pakistani students look at Lithuania for an affordable European education. The question that stops many of them is the English test. This guide checks the official pages of eight universities, so you can see which alternatives are really accepted, what each university charges, and what the permit process involves.
If you plan to study in Lithuania, read this before paying any application fee. It is written for anyone who wants to study in Lithuania from Pakistan with a realistic plan for 2027.
- Prove English-medium studySome universities waive the test if your previous studies were fully in English.Best if you studied in an English-medium school or university
- Use another testDuolingo, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge are accepted by several universities instead of IELTS.Best if you can book a test soon
- Take the university’s testKTU and MRU say they may offer a free online English test if you have no certificate.Best if you have no certificate yet
Why Study in Lithuania? Affordable, English-Taught, European
Lithuanian universities offer English-taught programmes in IT, engineering, business, biotechnology, law and social sciences. Tuition is moderate compared with many Western European countries (see the university list below for real figures), and the country sits inside the Schengen Area. Graduates from outside the EU can apply for a temporary residence permit of up to 12 months to look for work, according to Kaunas University of Technology (KTU).
Can Students Study in Lithuania Without IELTS? Yes, With Conditions
Yes, at some universities, if you can prove your English another way. The rules are set by each university, and some are strict: Vilnius University accepts only its listed tests (IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 81, PTE 59, Duolingo 120) or proof that English was your language of instruction, and it does not accept internal test results or teacher statements. Always confirm the policy for your exact programme before you apply. If your chosen university asks for a test score, preparing with the best IELTS academy in Lahore is the safest way to meet its minimum.
How to Prove Your English Proficiency Without IELTS
Previous studies fully in English
VILNIUS TECH makes exceptions “only for applicants who have completed their previous studies fully in English.” KTU, MRU, VMU and Vilnius University also say that earlier English-medium study, shown by an official document, can replace a test. Ask your school or university for an official letter, and confirm that your institution is accepted for your country.
Another recognised English test
Several universities accept other tests with set minimums. VILNIUS TECH lists IELTS 5.5, PTE Academic 48 and Duolingo 100, among others. MRU and VMU accept Duolingo at 100–125, and Vilnius University at 120. Students who prefer IELTS or PTE can prepare at a top 10 IELTS institute in Lahore.
The university’s own online test
KTU and MRU say applicants without a certificate can take a free online English test. VMU says it does not organise language testing.
An interview or motivation letter is not English proof. Master’s applicants at KTU and VILNIUS TECH do complete interviews, but these assess motivation and academic fit.
Universities to Study in Lithuania Without IELTS: Official Requirements Compared
Start with the application fees, because this is the money you spend before you know the result. Then open each university to see its English rule, tuition and fee.
- VILNIUS TECH€100 + €200 registration
- KTU€100
- VMU€150
- MRU€100 + €50 registration
- Vilnius University€100
- Klaipėda University€180
- LSMU€150
- ISM€100
Every application fee listed here is non-refundable. So first match your English proof to the university’s rule, then pay. Never treat an interview as your English proof.
VILNIUS TECH€100
- English requirement
- IELTS Academic 5.5 (no section below 5.5), PTE Academic 48 in all skills, or Duolingo 100. Waiver if your previous studies were fully in English.
- Tuition per year (non-EU)
- 2026–27: Bachelor’s €3,600–9,000. Master’s €5,450–7,950.
- Application fee
- €100, non-refundable, plus a €200 registration fee with your first payment.
Kaunas University of Technology (KTU)€100
- English requirement
- Master’s: IELTS 6.0 (no part below 5.5) or TOEFL iBT 85. Bachelor’s: IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 75. Fully English studies may waive the test, and there is a free online exam if you have no certificate.
- Tuition per year (non-EU)
- Bachelor’s 2026–27: €3,250–5,676. Master’s (2025–26 table on its site): €4,690–7,116. Prices are updated each intake.
- Application fee
- €100, non-refundable.
Vytautas Magnus University (VMU)€150
- English requirement
- B2 level: IELTS 5.5–6.5 or Duolingo 100–125, depending on the programme, or official proof of English-medium studies.
- Tuition per year (non-EU)
- Bachelor’s €3,400–9,600. Master’s €5,000–10,624.
- Application fee
- €150 for non-EU applicants, non-refundable.
Mykolas Romeris University (MRU)€100 + €50
- English requirement
- B2 for most programmes: IELTS 5.5–6.5 or Duolingo 100–125. Not needed if your studies were fully in English. Free online test available.
- Tuition per year (non-EU)
- Examples: Bachelor’s €3,250–4,200. Master’s €3,518–4,984.
- Application fee
- €100 for non-EU applicants plus a €50 registration fee, both non-refundable.
Vilnius University€100
- English requirement
- IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 81, PTE 59 or Duolingo 120. No test needed if English was the language of instruction in your previous studies.
- Tuition per year (non-EU)
- Varies by programme and is listed on each course page.
- Application fee
- €100 per application, non-refundable.
Klaipėda University€180
- English requirement
- Proof of English is required. The admissions office confirms the accepted certificates for your programme.
- Tuition per year (non-EU)
- Listed per programme. Tuition is paid after the conditional letter and is refunded if the visa or permit is rejected.
- Application fee
- €180, non-refundable.
Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU)€150
- English requirement
- IELTS above 5.5, PTE Academic 55 to 67, Duolingo 95, TOEFL iBT 4.0 (as listed), or another B1 certificate. Otherwise the university’s English test.
- Tuition per year (non-EU)
- 2026–27: Nursing €4,300. Other health bachelor’s €4,201. Pharmacy €5,600–5,700. Medicine €12,800–13,300. Odontology €13,600–14,100. Master’s €5,641.
- Application fee
- €150, non-refundable.
ISM University of Management and Economics€100
- English requirement
- Bachelor’s: IELTS 6, TOEFL iBT 60, PTE Academic 52, Duolingo 115, Cambridge B2 169 or the ISM English test (55). Master’s: IELTS 6.5 (no part below 6.0), TOEFL iBT 79, PTE 59, Duolingo 125 or the ISM test (70). Education fully in English may be accepted instead, subject to the admissions committee.
- Tuition per year (non-EU)
- Listed per programme on the ISM website. After signing the study contract, one semester’s tuition is due within 7 days, and its €500 reservation part is non-refundable.
- Application fee
- €100 for bachelor’s and master’s applications.
Official pages: VILNIUS TECH admission, VILNIUS TECH fees, KTU master’s admissions, KTU bachelor’s, VMU admission, VMU fees, MRU admission, MRU fees, Vilnius University language rules, Klaipėda University application procedure, LSMU fees, LSMU admission, ISM admission, KTU application portal. Fees and scores change, so confirm yours.
Admission Requirements for Pakistani Students
Commonly required
- Transcripts and certificates (FSc, A-Levels or bachelor’s), officially translated into English if needed
- English proof, as above
- Motivation letter and CV (for master’s)
- Valid passport copy with name and surname
Rules to check
- Minimum 60% overall result at VILNIUS TECH, VMU and MRU
- Study gap: VILNIUS TECH allows up to three years unless you document relevant work
- Apostille or legalisation of documents
- Two references for master’s at VILNIUS TECH
MRU also states that motivation letters must be written without AI assistance. Passport validity rules differ: VILNIUS TECH asks for at least one year from first entry, and VMU asks for two years from submission.
Application support
Check Your English Route Before You Pay the Fee
Each university accepts different proof, and one wrong choice can waste your application fee. Message us your degree and English background, and we will tell you which universities fit.
Intakes and Deadlines for 2027
Most universities take international applicants once a year, for autumn. KTU states, “We don’t have a Spring Intake,” and Vilnius University has one intake per academic year, so do not plan around spring. Dates change every year: KTU and ISM have published their 2027 windows, while VMU’s dates below are last year’s and only a guide.
- 15 October 2026 to 31 May 2027KTU’s application window for the 2027 intake, according to KTU’s admissions news.
- 30 April 2027ISM early admission deadline (bachelor’s and master’s).
- 31 May 2027ISM main admission deadline for candidates from visa-regime countries. Check which group your country is in.
- Last year’s VMU windowsMaster’s: 1 November 2025 to 1 April 2026. Bachelor’s: 1 December 2025 to 1 May 2026. Confirm VMU’s 2027 dates before you plan.
- 1 January to 1 June 2027Klaipėda University’s autumn window for non-EU applicants.
- 1 June 2027MRU deadline for non-EU applicants.
- 6 July 2027LSMU application deadline for 2027–28 (English-taught programmes).
- Autumn 2027Studies begin.
Cost of Studying in Lithuania: What Universities Actually Charge
Official non-EU tuition at VILNIUS TECH, VMU, MRU and KTU (bachelor’s) runs from €3,250 to €9,600 a year for bachelor’s. Master’s ranges published by VILNIUS TECH, VMU and MRU run from €3,518 to €10,624. Health sciences cost more: LSMU lists €4,201–4,300 for most health bachelor’s programmes and €12,800–13,300 a year for Medicine in 2026–27, and its page does not separate EU from non-EU fees, so confirm yours with the university. Business and social science programmes are usually cheaper than engineering, IT and architecture. Add the application fee, and at VILNIUS TECH a €200 registration fee with your first payment.
Funds matter too. VILNIUS TECH lists €8,077 as proof of sufficient funds for one year, shown through original bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months. Other universities quote different amounts, so ask yours.
Lithuania Student Permit for Pakistani Students: Step by Step
Since 1 July 2023, full-time students no longer receive a national (type D) visa. They apply for a temporary residence permit instead, according to the Lithuanian Migration Department.
- Secure admissionFollow your university’s instructions. Some, such as KTU, require first-year tuition to be paid before the permit application.
- Get your mediation numberThe university issues a mediation letter number that you add to your application.
- Prepare documentsPassport, funds, international health insurance with at least €30,000 coverage, accommodation proof, a police clearance covering the last 2 years, a 10-year travel history and apostilled diplomas.
- Apply and give biometricsApply through the Migration Department’s MIGRIS system or at a VFS Global centre abroad, and attend your appointment.
- Wait for the decisionTimes vary. Avoid non-refundable tickets until you have the permit.
A state fee applies to the permit, and VFS Global may add postal fees of €30 to €100. Check the current amounts with the Migration Department when you budget.
Official sources: Lithuanian Migration Department news, VILNIUS TECH immigration guide.
Working, Scholarships and Staying After Graduation
KTU reports that, under rules effective 1 March 2021, non-EU master’s students may work full time and bachelor’s students up to 20 hours a week, with full-time work in summer breaks and internships. Rules can change, so confirm them with the Migration Department. Some universities also offer scholarships, with their own deadlines. Read our guide to scholarships in Lithuania for Pakistani students for current options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in Lithuania Without IELTS
Is IELTS compulsory for Lithuania?
Not at every university. Some accept other tests, such as Duolingo or PTE, or proof of fully English-medium previous studies. Vilnius University accepts only its listed tests or English as the language of instruction.
Is an interview enough instead of IELTS?
No. Interviews at KTU and VILNIUS TECH assess motivation and academic fit, not English proficiency.
Do I need a student visa for Lithuania?
Full-time students apply for a temporary residence permit, because national visas stopped being issued to them from 1 July 2023.
Is a study gap a problem?
It can be. VILNIUS TECH accepts a gap of up to three years since your last completed education, unless you document relevant work experience.
Can I work while studying?
According to KTU, non-EU master’s students may work full time and bachelor’s students up to 20 hours a week under rules effective in 2021. Confirm the current rules.
When should I apply for 2027?
Dates differ by university. MRU’s non-EU deadline is 1 June 2027, LSMU’s is 6 July 2027, and Klaipėda University’s window runs from 1 January to 1 June. KTU’s window runs from 15 October 2026 to 31 May 2027, and ISM’s main deadline is 31 May 2027 for visa-regime countries. For VMU, use last year’s windows as a guide and confirm the 2027 dates.
Final Thoughts: Verify Your English Route First
You can study in Lithuania without IELTS only if your chosen university accepts your alternative proof. Check the English rule for your programme, confirm tuition and the application fee, prepare apostilled documents, and plan for a temporary residence permit rather than a visa.
If your university still needs a test score, choose the best IELTS and PTE coaching center in Lahore and book your exam early. If you want a second opinion on your profile before applying, message us on WhatsApp.
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