Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Located at the crossroads of Europe, Lithuania is a country that never ceases to amaze with its dynamism and openness to the world. Parents concerned about their children’s education will find an educational offering that meets their expectations, thanks in particular to the presence of renowned international schools.
Whether for a multicultural environment, innovative educational programs, or quality facilities, these institutions stand out for their ability to prepare students for a globalized future.
In this article, discover the best international schools in Lithuania, which guarantee not only academic excellence but also enriching cultural immersion.
Discover the Gems of International Education in Lithuania
Lithuania’s international schools, such as the International School of Vilnius and Vilnius International School, embody educational excellence in a cosmopolitan and innovative environment.
| School | Programs Offered | Languages of Instruction | Main Diploma |
|---|---|---|---|
| International School of Vilnius | International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge IGCSE, customized programs | English (primary), Lithuanian, other languages as support | IB Diploma Programme |
| Vilnius International School | IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), active and innovative pedagogies | English (primary), Lithuanian, language support | IB PYP |
Unique Educational Programs and Innovative Pedagogy:
- International Baccalaureate (IB), globally recognized for its academic rigor, intercultural dimension, and preparation for global higher education.
- Modern pedagogical approaches fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
- Integration of new technologies and interdisciplinary projects.
- Personalized mentoring, allowing each student to develop their talents and autonomy.
Extracurricular Activities and Cultural Diversity:
- Wide range of sports activities (basketball, soccer, swimming, martial arts).
- Artistic clubs (music, theater, visual arts), debates, Model United Nations (MUN), robotics.
- Multicultural events celebrating student diversity, representing over 40 nationalities.
- Educational trips, international exchanges, themed weeks.
Preparation for University Success and International Careers:
- Active guidance toward prestigious universities in Europe, North America, and Asia.
- Support for international exam preparation (SAT, TOEFL, IELTS).
- Development of transferable skills: leadership, intercultural communication, project management.
- Personalized assistance with university admission procedures.
Modern Facilities and Support for International Students:
- Modern campuses with science labs, digital libraries, creative spaces, and high-end sports facilities.
- Connected classrooms, collaborative spaces, widespread Wi-Fi access.
- Services for expatriate families: orientation, integration assistance, psychological and language support.
- International cafeteria, school transportation, enhanced security.
Strengths of International Schools in Lithuania:
- Stimulating multicultural environment fostering open-mindedness.
- Globally recognized academic excellence.
- Comprehensive support for each student’s academic, personal, and social development.
- Ideal platform for accessing global higher education and succeeding in an international professional context.
Studying at an international school in Lithuania means benefiting from a springboard to the world, in a modern, inclusive, and forward-looking setting.
Good to Know:
The International School of Vilnius and Vilnius International School offer the International Baccalaureate program with modern facilities, promote cultural diversity, and provide a wide range of extracurricular activities to prepare students for international careers.
Focus on Annual Costs and Benefits of Top Schools
| School/Institution Type | Registration Fees | Annual Tuition Fees | Books & Materials | Uniforms | Extracurricular Activities | Scholarships & Payment Plans |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| French International High School of Vilnius | €800 | €5,700 | €150 | Not mandatory | €5-€15/day for after-school care | Sibling discounts (up to 100%), refundable security deposit, payment in 10 installments |
| Average International Primary School (LT) | — | €7,934 | Variable | Variable | Variable | Annual or monthly payment depending on institution |
| Vilnius International School (max) | — | €15,000 | Variable | Variable | Variable | Based on family situation and internal policy |
Frequent Additional Fees
- Books and materials: €150-€300/year
- Uniforms: rarely mandatory, average cost €100-€200
- Extracurricular activities: €100-€500/year depending on choice
- After-school care: package or daily payment (€5-€15/day)
Payment Methods
- Annual payment or monthly installments (often 10 payments)
- Refundable security deposit upon departure
- Reservation deposit deducted from tuition fees
- Discounts for large families (up to 100% for the 5th child and beyond)
- Specific discounts for kindergarten cycles or siblings
Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Lithuanian scholarships for European and non-European students, accessible based on social and academic criteria
- Erasmus+ programs and exchange scholarships for international mobility
- Local aid (municipal, departmental, regional) for residents or mobile students
- Payment plans offered by most international schools
Advantages of Lithuanian International Schools
- Recognized teaching quality, multilingual programs (French, English, German)
- High pass rates on international exams (over 90% on average)
- Erasmus+ exchange programs and partnerships with foreign high schools
- Modern facilities (labs, connected libraries, sports spaces)
- Strong cultural diversity, with students from over 40 nationalities in some institutions
Student and Parent Testimonials
“The personalized pedagogical approach and cultural diversity make the experience unique. My child thrives both academically and personally.” (parent, LIFV)
“Extracurricular activities allowed me to develop social and artistic skills. I feel ready for international university.” (student, International School of Vilnius)
“Payment plans and scholarships were decisive in our choice. Integration and support are excellent.” (parent, international school)
Educational Return on Investment Statistics
- 85% of Lithuanian international school graduates continue to world-ranked universities (France, Germany, UK, USA)
- 92% of parents believe the cost is justified by teaching quality and opportunities offered
- Alumni predominantly hold high-responsibility positions in international companies
Key Takeaways
The best international schools in Lithuania offer a high-level educational environment, financially accessible compared to other European countries, with concrete benefits for academic success and international integration. Fees remain reasonable considering the facilities and prospects, and numerous financial support systems are available for families.
Good to Know:
International schools in Lithuania offer scholarships and payment plans to reduce tuition fees that can reach €20,000 per year, including extras like uniforms and activities. Investing in these institutions yields high returns through prestigious exchange programs and remarkable success rates, as evidenced by satisfied parents and accomplished students.
Tips for Planning Your Expatriate Budget in Lithuania
The cost of living in Lithuania is on average 20-40% lower than in France, making it an attractive destination for expatriates and families. Here is a detailed overview of common expenses and practical tips to optimize your daily budget.
| Expense | Average Price in Lithuania (2025) | Comparison with France |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom, city center) | €593 – €599/month | 21% to 22% cheaper |
| Apartment (1 bedroom, suburbs) | €422 – €426/month | 29% cheaper |
| Utilities (electricity, water, etc.) | €212/month | 15% more expensive |
| Inexpensive restaurant meal | €12 | 12.8% to 20% cheaper |
| Mid-range restaurant meal for two | €30 | equivalent |
| Movie ticket | €8 | – |
| Public transport ticket | €1 – €1.50 | – |
| Mobile plan | €13.10/month | 32% cheaper |
| ADSL Internet | €13.80/month | 55% cheaper |
| 1L gasoline | €1.40 | – |
| Local beer bottle (0.5L) | €1.50 | 33% cheaper |
| Beef roast (1kg) | €10.60 | 42% cheaper |
Tips for Daily Savings:
- Housing: prioritize neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable rentals (around €420/month for a studio vs €600 downtown).
- Transportation: use public transport, efficient and economical (monthly pass around €30). Shared bikes and scooters are also popular.
- Groceries: shop at local markets or Lithuanian supermarket chains for lower prices than international brands.
- Dining out: opt for traditional restaurants (kavinės) or daily menus to enjoy local cuisine at lower cost.
- Healthcare: subscribe to private health insurance to complement public coverage, especially for non-EU expatriates.
Tax Particularities to Know:
- Expatriate residents in Lithuania are subject to Lithuanian income tax (progressive rate of 20-32% depending on brackets).
- Tax treaties exist to avoid double taxation with many European countries.
- Standard VAT is 21%, but some products benefit from reduced rates.
Opening a Local Bank Account:
- Recommended to simplify daily expense management and receive local salary.
- Banks typically require a passport, proof of address, and sometimes an employment or study contract.
- Card payments are widely accepted, even for small amounts.
Education and International Schools:
| International Institution | Annual Fees (2025) | Funding Options |
|---|---|---|
| Vilnius International School | €7,000 to €12,000 | Limited scholarships, installment payments |
| American International School Vilnius | €10,000 to €15,000 | Sibling discounts, occasional aid |
| LCC International University | €5,000 to €7,000 | Student loans, merit scholarships |
Tuition fees at international schools are high compared to the local cost of living.
Some schools offer installment payment plans or partial scholarships. It’s advisable to contact institutions upon registration to learn about available options.
Expatriate Testimonials:
“By choosing to live in Kaunas rather than Vilnius, I reduced my rent by nearly 30%. Public transport is reliable and cheap, which more than compensates for the distance from the center.”
— Claire, French expatriate
“Opening a local bank account simplified all my procedures, especially for rent and bill payments. The process is quick and staff often speak English.”
— Jean-Michel, Belgian expatriate
“My children’s education at an international school represents a real budget, but aid is possible. We opted for quarterly payments, which is easier to manage.”
— Anna, German expatriate
Key Takeaways:
The cost of living in Lithuania is significantly lower than in France, with common expense categories (housing, food, transportation) being very affordable. Proper preparation, particularly regarding tax, banking, and educational matters, allows for a smooth settlement and full enjoyment of Lithuanian life.
Good to Know:
Budget €800 to €1,200 per month for basic expenses in Lithuania, prioritize peripheral neighborhoods for more affordable rent, and use public transport. Open a local bank account to simplify your transactions and inquire about local taxes specific to expatriates; international school tuition starts around €5,000 per year, explore available scholarships to reduce this cost.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
