Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas

The Lithuanian University of Health Sciences in Kaunas, known as LSMU, is the only dedicated health university in the Baltic states. Human medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and health psychology are all offered there under one roof, all in English. The medical program lasts six years, covers 360 ECTS, and costs 12,800 euros in years one through three and 13,300 euros in years four through six. Intake is once a year, starting in the winter semester.

What defines the faculty

Medical education in Kaunas traces back to the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Lithuania founded in 1922; LSMU in its current form was established in 2010 through the merger of Kaunas Medical University with the Lithuanian Veterinary Academy. Over 8,000 students are enrolled, including more than 1,850 from 88 countries. The university runs seven faculties and four research institutes and has been implementing problem-based learning since 2005: content is organized by body functions rather than individual subjects.

Clinically, the program is anchored at Kauno klinikos, the largest medical institution in Lithuania with nearly 8,000 employees, around 2,300 physicians, over 1.5 million patient contacts, and approximately 78,000 surgeries per year. An additional 32 accredited hospitals across the country supplement this. Clinical courses run in groups of no more than ten students — which is the key reason the university can maintain small groups despite large cohort sizes. Since 2016, the university has also operated a World Health Organization collaboration center.

Where the limitations lie

Tuition increases by 500 euros from the fourth year onward, and the affordable dormitory spot is primarily a first-year benefit: the university allocates its places primarily to first-year students, after which most students find private accommodation and pay more. Anyone budgeting based on first-year costs is underestimating the overall expense.

Lithuanian is on the curriculum from the first year and continues in years two and three. The reason is practical: from the fourth year onward you will be in front of patients who speak Lithuanian. There is no German-language medical program either in Kaunas or elsewhere in Lithuania. And transferring to a higher semester at a German faculty is not automatic, as both available places and credit recognition are decided on a case-by-case basis. Plan your studies so that you can complete them in Lithuania.

Who this location suits

Kaunas is a good fit if you are pursuing a healthcare profession, are still considering different fields of study, and value a very large teaching hospital with small learning groups. It also suits you if cost levels below those of Vilnius matter to you. Those who prefer not to learn a second foreign language, want to study in German, or have tight finances are better served elsewhere. Whether this location matches your qualifications, budget, and timeline is something Medschool Experts assesses objectively in a free consultation.

Entrance examination instead of grade average

There is no admission restriction based on your school leaving grade. Requirements are a general university entrance qualification, solid knowledge of biology and chemistry, and proof of English proficiency; the admissions regulations require at least level B1. The entrance examination consists of thirty questions each in biology and chemistry, scored by percentage of correct answers, followed by a motivational interview. Certain school-leaving qualifications exempt applicants from the exam. What this means for your qualifications is assessed individually in a free consultation.

Deadlines

Intake is exclusively for the winter semester; there is no mid-year entry. Anyone wishing to begin in autumn must complete the test and interview in the preceding calendar year; a missed cohort costs twelve months. Places per cohort are limited, and preparation for the test and interview requires lead time. From the initial consultation, Medschool Experts handles the coordination; participation in the process is generally entirely online, so you do not need to travel to Lithuania. Exact deadlines and test dates change from cohort to cohort.

Tuition and living costs

Tuition is 12,800 euros in years one through three and 13,300 euros in years four through six; in dentistry it is higher. Over six years, total tuition amounts to 78,300 euros. Additional costs include a one-time application fee plus ongoing textbooks, study materials, and insurance. For living in Kaunas, budget 500 to 650 euros per month; the university's three dormitories cost between 81 and 250 euros per person, while private rentals start at around 350 euros. Over six years, the total from tuition and living costs comes to approximately 119,700 euros. An application for study abroad BAföG is generally possible for an EU location; approval and amount are determined by the relevant student finance office, not the university.

Structure and language of instruction

Six years and 360 ECTS, graduating as Master in Health Sciences with the qualification Medical Doctor. The first year covers anatomy, histology, genetics, physics, and chemistry; years two and three are structured in organ-system modules: reproduction, neuroscience, immunity, respiration, circulation, and metabolism. Years four through six consist of clinical modules and practical training. Instruction is in English, with Lithuanian running as a compulsory subject from the first year. In dentistry, two years of foundations are followed by subjects ranging from cariology to oral surgery with extensive clinical practice.

Clinical and practical training

Practical training takes place at Kauno klinikos and at 32 accredited hospitals across the country, in groups of no more than ten students. The final year is almost entirely practical and resembles the structure of the German Praktisches Jahr. Elective clinical attachments can also be completed in Germany; recognition is decided by the relevant state examination authority, which will require documentation from the clinic. Request a Transcript of Records after each academic year — you will need it for every credit recognition request and for your Approbation application.

Recognition in Germany

Lithuania has been a member of the European Union since 2004, and the Lithuanian medical qualification is listed in Annex V of Directive 2005/36/EC as amended by Delegated Decision (EU) 2023/2383. The degree is therefore automatically recognized: no equivalency assessment, no knowledge test, no German state examination. The same applies to the university's dentistry and veterinary degrees. You apply for licensure at the competent authority in your federal state; in Austria the Austrian Medical Chamber is responsible, and in Switzerland the relevant federal authority.

Life in Kaunas

Kaunas is Lithuania's second-largest city, with a population of around 312,000, and is situated at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers. Between 1920 and 1939 it served as provisional capital; this period produced its dense collection of interwar modernist architecture, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2023. In 2022, Kaunas was the European Capital of Culture. Day to day, the city is quieter and more affordable than Vilnius, which is reachable by train in just over an hour. The student population is high, so you will find international groups quickly.

Housing and everyday life

The university operates three dormitories priced between 81 and 250 euros per person per month; places are allocated primarily to first-year students. From the second year onward, most students find private accommodation, with rentals starting at around 350 euros. University buildings and the university hospital are in the same district, keeping distances short, and Kaunas Airport serves several German destinations. Lithuania has used the euro since 2015, so there is no currency risk. Winters get dark early, but summer evenings are long. The distance from Germany remains a factor — spontaneous weekends at home are rare.

Is the LSMU degree recognized in Germany?

Yes. Lithuania is an EU member state and the Lithuanian medical qualification is listed in Annex V of Directive 2005/36/EC. Recognition is automatic, without an equivalency or knowledge test. The same applies to the university's dentistry and veterinary degrees. Licensure is granted by the competent authority in the federal state where you intend to work.

What is the total cost of studying in Kaunas?

Tuition is 12,800 euros in years one through three and 13,300 euros thereafter, totaling 78,300 euros over six years. Adding 500 to 650 euros per month for living costs brings the total to approximately 119,700 euros. Application fee, textbooks, and travel home are additional. The higher tuition from year four is part of the budget from day one.

How does the application process work?

Via a test with thirty questions each in biology and chemistry and a motivational interview. The test covers upper secondary content and is scored by percentage of correct answers. Certain school-leaving qualifications exempt applicants under the admissions regulations. Whether this applies to your qualifications and what preparation looks like is discussed in a free consultation.

Do I need to learn Lithuanian?

Yes. Lithuanian is on the medicine and dentistry curriculum from the first year and continues in years two and three. The reason is practical: from the fourth year onward, patient histories and consultations in Kaunas are conducted in Lithuanian. Teaching itself is entirely in English, and at least B1 level is required.

What fields of study are available besides human medicine?

The university offers dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and health psychology, all in English. Pharmacy and veterinary medicine are significantly less expensive than human medicine at the same institution, and the university is the only training ground for veterinarians in Lithuania. A change of field requires a separate application and is not a continuation pathway.