Studying in the Baltics

Overview

Found in the northeastern region of Europe! The three countries Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia make up the Baltic states.  These Baltic states border the Baltic Sea and are members of NATO, the European Union, and the Eurozone. Countries like the UK, France, Germany, and Canada are famous for their excellent academics and professional opportunities. However,  these countries mask the countless remarkable opportunities for international students from smaller nations. The Baltic states have developed remarkably in recent years. They have modernized their educational system and improved exceptionally. The three Baltic nations Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia offer more than 1000 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in English.

The growing academic excellence of Baltic universities is evident from QS Universities ranking 2024. It features ten Baltic universities: five from Lithuania, three from Latvia, and three from Estonia. There is no wonder that international students are growing in number to study in the Baltics!

Let’s dive deep into Studying in the Baltics opportunities.

Educational Affordability in Baltic States for International Students

Baltic states offer comparatively affordable higher education to international students than other European countries.  Studying in the Baltics can be less expensive as other european countries.

• Estonia on average has a tuition fee of €1000-€7000/per year and that can vary based on the type of program and field of study. For example, health, technology, and business have higher tuition fees compared to other programs.  
• Similarly in Latvia business and engineering may account for higher tuition fees than humanities and social sciences. The average fee may range between €2000-€8000 depending upon the type of program and field of study.
• Lithuania offers bachelor programs with an average tuition fee of €2000-€5000 and masters at €4000-€9000 a year. 

Some universities have different fee structures for European and non-European students. Scholarships are also available for international students. 

Scholarships for Pakistani Students to Studying in the Baltics

There are various scholarships available for Pakistani students that provide partial to full tuition fees and additional benefits.

1. Latvian Scholarships Offered by Latvian Higher Education Institutions

The Latvian State of Education Development provides €500 per month to international students to pursue their academics in the fields of science and education at Latvian Higher Education Institutions.

2. Latvian Fellowships for Research Work

Latvia is motivated towards the progress of research in the fields of science, technology, and education. Latvia’s Higher Education Institutions offer a scholarship of €500 per month to researchers enrolled in Latvian universities from across the globe. 

3. Estonian Government Scholarships

International students enrolled in Estonian universities at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs can benefit from this scholarship. It provides a monthly stipend of €350-€660 per month. 

4. Estonian University Scholarships

This is a merit-based scholarship. It provides €100-€500 per month stipend to international students based on program and field of study. 

5. Scholarships for Short Courses

These scholarships are provided to international students who are enrolled in short courses on Estonian or English language. It provides  €500 course fee and €25 per day living charges. 

6. Estophilus Scholarships for Estonia-Specific Research

The scholarship offers €500 monthly stipends to international students at undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels. The scholarship duration for each program varies as well. 

7. Scholarship for Degree Programs

This is the Estonian National Scholarship offered to international students. 

• For bachelor’s and master’s, the monthly stipend is approximately €350.
• For doctoral studies, the monthly stipend is around €660. 

8. Short-Term Studies in Lithuania

This scholarship provides a monthly stipend of 550-1100 depending upon the study cycle of the international student enrolled in short-term study courses. Tuition fees are also paid by the Republic of Lithuania directly to the institution. 

Language Requirements in Baltics

There are many branches of Indo-European Languages in the Baltics. The older people speak Lithuanian, Russian, Latvian, and Estonian mainly. But, the English language is also used. Most of the courses that are taught in English require proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL. However, every university has its requirements for scores and types of language proficiency tests. You can check the requirements for language from the university you are applying for study. 

Part-time Work and Post-study Work Permit

In Latvia, students can work for 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during the semester break. While in Estonia students are allowed to work as many hours as long as they don’t disturb their study schedule. In Lithuania students, non-EU students can work up to 20 hours per week while EU students can work up to 40 hours per week.

Students can earn from 500-1000 per month while studying in Baltics and this depends upon their working hours. 

International students are allowed to remain in Baltic states post-graduation for up to 1 year. During that time they can search for jobs and apply for work permits. Master’s level students in Lithuania can complete internships and training without work permits.

FAQ’s