Attending high school in Lithuania gives students the opportunity to study in the most populous of the Baltic states, a fast-developing European Union country that invests in technology. Lithuanian high schools stand out for their long-established gymnasium traditions, strong programs in mathematics and science and structures that prepare students for university studies in Europe.
Lithuania is rarely chosen by students from Turkey for high school education, and options for international students are largely limited to international schools in the capital, Vilnius, and in Kaunas. These schools offer English-language programs, above all the International Baccalaureate (IB). For families moving to Lithuania for work or to live, and for students looking for an affordable international school, Lithuania is an option worth considering.
Attending high school in Lithuania offers students important academic and personal advantages.
Lithuania is a Northern European country on the Baltic Sea and a member of the European Union and NATO. Its capital is Vilnius. The official language is Lithuanian, and English is widely spoken, especially among young people. The currency is the euro.
Lithuania is known for Vilnius's old town, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, its baroque architecture, lakes, forests and the Curonian Spit on the Baltic coast. Winters are cold and snowy, and summers are mild. There are direct flights from Vilnius and Kaunas to many European cities.
In Lithuania, compulsory education lasts until the age of 16. After basic education, students continue to secondary education. The final four years of secondary education are usually completed at gymnasium schools.
In the final two years of high school, students choose subjects based on their interests, and secondary education ends with national final exams known as maturity exams. The results of these exams are used for university admission in Lithuania. At Lithuanian high schools, grades are given from 1 to 10.
The types of high schools international students can choose from in Lithuania are:
There are different high school programs in Lithuania depending on the student's goals:
Application requirements for high schools in Lithuania vary depending on the school and program. International schools usually ask for report cards from recent years, a transcript, teacher references, a copy of the passport and health information. Many schools also hold an English proficiency assessment, an entrance exam and an interview with the student and family.
Students applying for the IB program are expected to have a level of English and a strong academic record that meet the program's academic demands. For full-time education, the student must hold a valid Lithuanian residence permit, and previous school documents may need to be recognized.
The school year in Lithuania starts on September 1 and ends in June. It is usually divided into two semesters, with autumn, winter and spring breaks. International school calendars generally follow a similar pattern.
International schools usually accept applications throughout the year; however, students who want to start the IB program are advised to apply in the spring before the school year. Since residence permit processes take time, it is very important to plan your process early.
High school options for international students in Lithuania are concentrated in a few large cities.
Public high schools in Lithuania are tuition-free for students residing in Lithuania. IB programs offered at some public gymnasiums may also be free or low-cost. However, full-time education at these schools requires the student to be legally resident in Lithuania.
It is usually not possible for a student living in Turkey to enroll in these schools without moving to Lithuania with their family. For this reason, students from Turkey usually choose fee-paying international schools.
Fees at international schools in Lithuania vary depending on the school's curriculum, grade level and facilities. Fees are generally lower than at international schools in Western Europe.
When planning your budget, you should account for registration fees, books, school trips, IB exam fees, accommodation, health insurance, residence permit costs, airfare and pocket money in addition to tuition.
At NGGlobal, we keep you informed about current school fees and work with you to choose the option that best fits your budget and goals.
The main accommodation options for high school students in Lithuania are:
Boarding school options for international students in Lithuania are very limited. For this reason, accommodation and guardianship arrangements need to be carefully planned in advance for students whose families will stay in Turkey. In all options, students' safety and wellbeing come first.
Turkish citizens need a visa to attend high school in Lithuania. Studies longer than 90 days require a long-stay national visa or a temporary residence permit for study purposes. Applications are started through the Lithuanian migration authority's online system and completed through Lithuania's mission in Turkey or the authorized application center.
The application usually requires documents such as the school's letter of acceptance, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, health insurance, a notarized parental consent form and documents on the person who will be responsible for the student in Lithuania.
Since visa and residence permit processing can take time, it is important to plan your application early. At NGGlobal, we support our students and their families at every step of this process.
Students who complete part of their high school education in Lithuania must obtain recognition (denklik) from the Turkish Ministry of National Education to continue their education where they left off when they return to Turkey. Students who earn an IB diploma or a high school diploma in Lithuania must also obtain recognition of their diploma to apply to universities in Turkey.
For the recognition process to run smoothly, the courses taken and grades earned in Lithuania must be documented, and the documents must be certified and translated. It is advisable to speak with the Provincial Directorate of National Education before choosing a school to learn the recognition requirements.
At NGGlobal, we offer free consultation to students who want to attend high school in Lithuania and to their families. By assessing the student's age, academic background, English level and the family's budget, we identify the most suitable school. Where needed, we also share alternative options in other European countries with you.
Contact us to build your plan for high school in Lithuania together.
Public high schools in Lithuania teach in Lithuanian. International schools and IB programs in Vilnius and Kaunas teach in English.
Yes. In addition to international schools in Lithuania, some public and private gymnasiums also offer the English-language IB Diploma Program.
Public high schools in Lithuania are tuition-free for students residing in Lithuania. Students from Turkey usually study at fee-paying international schools.
Since boarding options in Lithuania are limited, this is not easy. Accommodation, guardianship and residence permit arrangements need to be carefully planned in advance.
Yes. If you prepare all the required documents, you can obtain recognition from the Turkish Ministry of National Education and continue your education in Turkey where you left off.
No results found!
Apply now for undergraduate and graduate programs in Italy offered in both English and Italian and take advantage of opportunities for scholarships and tuition-free education.
Let Us Call You
You can have our study abroad consultants contact you by filling out the contact form below.