A Comprehensive Guide to Studying in Baltic Universities

Have you ever considered studying in the Baltics? Perhaps, you’ve heard about their beautiful cities, vibrant student communities and lifestyle that set them apart as top destinations for international students. Yet, you’re uncertain if furthering education in this language, culture, and education-driven region is an ideal call.

You are not alone. Students in search of a high-quality, affordable study abroad experience often find the Baltic states intriguing. Questions about the quality of this experience abound, including universities to consider, available scholarship programs, and ways to get started. We’ve provided answers down below.

Life as a Student in the Baltics

The Baltic states are located in Northern Europe, on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Comprising Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, these unified regional and historical territories are a perfect mix of tradition, cultural heritage, and modernity. Home to over 6 million residents, they boast well-developed higher-educational institutions and thriving student communities.

Education in the Baltic states is affordable, quality-driven, and flexible, allowing students to explore all study areas of interest. An added benefit is the relationship-building experience among local and foreign students. Studying in this region, you are at the heart of a culturally diverse Europe, with no shortage of recreational and sight-seeing opportunities.

Educational Levels in the Baltics

Students in the Baltic states have varying educational options, from skill-building short courses to PhD programs. There are over 1,000 bachelor's and master's degree programs to choose from, whether you’re undertaking a full-time course, distance learning, or correspondence learning. Considering your academic background, further studies may require one of these levels.

- Preliminary

- Bachelor’s degree

- Master’s degree

- PhD

Preliminary

Your path to tertiary academic learning begins here. A typical preliminary program comprises 120 ECTS (2 years of study): 90 ECTS course-based and 30 ECTS thesis-based. The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is a comparative standard generally used in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. This system facilitates the comparison of academic results. 

Bachelor’s Degree

A Bachelor's degree typically takes four years to complete or 240 ECTS. In some cases, your university may offer a flexible option that allows you to complete the program in less time. Some programs offer a three-year curriculum of 180 ECTS.

Master’s Degree

A Master’s degree typically takes 2 years, 120 ECTS, to complete. It sets the pace for doctoral work. The requirements vary, but students generally need at least one year of study.

PhD

This supplementary degree conferred at the highest academic level necessitates extensive research and coursework. Generally, it’s a three-year curriculum (180 ECTS). To fulfil its requirements, you'll need to write a detailed, publishable report that's at least 100 pages long. 

Higher Learning in Each Baltic State

Your choice of destination depends on the type of education and lifestyle provided by each Baltic country. The higher-education systems in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are relatively homogenous, so there’s only a minimal amount of adaptation required.

Lithuania

The Lithuanian educational system ranks among the best worldwide. Given that the country is one of the top-10 affordable European destinations, students here experience world-class learning without breaking the bank.

Scholarships are also available for undergraduate and postgraduate students, both local and international. A bachelor's degree program typically costs €1,300 per year in tuition, whereas a master’s degree averages €1,000.

EU citizens don’t need a visa to study in this country. In contrast, international students must apply for a “National Visa” to stay beyond 90 days. Lithuanian universities offer over 350 English-taught programs to meet every student's needs, including:

- Vilnius University

- Vytautas Magnus University

- Kaunas University of Technology

- Vilnius Gediminas Technical University

These universities are among the top 700 worldwide, with Vilnius University ranking within the best 500. Other credible institutions are Mykolas Romeris University, Siauliai University, and Klaipeda University.

Latvia

Nicknamed “Europe’s best-kept secret”, Latvia offers high-quality education and affordable tuition rates. Students can find universities with affordable fees in the country’s capital: Riga. On average, BSc programs cost €2,400. Master’s and doctorate degrees are slightly more expensive, with annual fees averaging €2,900 and €3,400, respectively.

Latvia’s higher learning ecosystem is home to over 200 English-speaking programs, which are available in top-rated universities, like:

- University of Latvia

- Riga Stradins University

- Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies

- Art Academy of Latvia

- Riga Graduate School of Law

EU students don’t require visas to study in this scenic and vibrant country.

Estonia

Despite being the smallest and northernmost country in the Baltic, Estonia has developed an impressive higher-education sector that rivals the rest of Europe. Its excellent education quality and low tuition rates attract hundreds of international students yearly.

Here, a bachelor's or master's degree program costs between €1,600 and €7,500. EU and non-EU students have access to scholarships, including those backed by the Estonian government. Among Estonia's notable universities are:

- Tallinn University

- University of Tartu

- Estonian Information Technology College

- Tallinn University of Technology

- Tartu Art College

The country has a thriving student community that offers support for international students.

Application Procedures for a Degree Program in the Baltics

Applying to your preferred university or college in Latvia, Lithuania, or Estonia is straightforward if you have the right documents. First, you need to complete a general application form or apply directly to the institution, depending on your EU-EEA citizenship status. Other requirements to fulfil include:

- English proficiency tests, such as TOEFL IBT or IELTS

- Complete application package.

Contained within the application package are your:

- Application form

- Motivation letter

- Certified passport copy

- Photographs

- Europass CV (for EU citizens)

- Recognized bachelor’s degree certificate (for postgraduate studies)

- Student fee receipts

Admission to your selected university is partly determined by your application form and motivation letter. A poorly written personal statement may jeopardize your chances of getting accepted. As such, your letter should detail:

- Throat-clearing introduction

- Personal details

- Academic history

- Special skills

- Personality

Include a concise study plan as well as an explanation of why you're applying for a particular program and how it will help you achieve your academic goals. If you’re unable to write such letters, a personal statement writing service may help.

Conclusion

When looking for a high-quality, affordable educational program abroad, don’t overlook the Baltic States. While each country promises exceptional academic, social, and cultural experiences, the value you receive is heavily influenced by your university and program of choice. Hence, your search should be laser-focused.

As an added guideline, chances of getting accepted at top-tier institutions are higher if your documents are exceptional. Hence, we recommend quality writing services to handle your application letter and other related documents. To aid your search, read some of the best essay services reviews from previous clients.