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Professional Bachelor's or University Bachelor's in Lithuania: Which Should You Choose?

Lithuanian colleges, called kolegija and often translated as universities of applied sciences, award a professional bachelor's. It is a full higher education degree, but it is built for work rather than research. For many Indian students it is the cheaper and better-fitting choice; for some it is the wrong one.

Anna Pukshanskaya, co-founder of Edumapple

Anna Pukshanskaya, co-founder of Edumapple
Updated 23 October 2026 · How we check facts

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On this page
  1. The differences that matter
  2. Choose a college if
  3. Choose a university if
  4. Questions

The differences that matter

College (kolegija)University
Length3–3.5 years3–4 years
Typical non-EU fee₹2.7–4.8 lakh (€2,500–4,500)₹3.4–5.3 lakh (€3,200–5,000)
Stylepractice, internshipstheory, research
Master's afterwardsyes, sometimes with bridgingyes, directly

Choose a college if

  • your budget is tight: Šiauliai State UAS and Kauno kolegija have the lowest fees in the country;
  • you want to start work after three years in logistics, hospitality, nursing or IT support;
  • your marks are around 50–60%.

Choose a university if

  • you plan a master's or PhD in Lithuania or elsewhere in Europe;
  • you want engineering, computer science or medicine at full depth;
  • you want a better chance at merit scholarships.

Colleges admitting Indian students: Kauno kolegija, VIKO, Klaipėda State UAS, Šiauliai State UAS. All institutions: universities.

Professional vs university bachelor's in Lithuania: Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Lithuanian professional bachelor's valid in India?
It is a recognised bachelor-level qualification in Lithuania. For jobs or further study in India, check with the employer or the Indian university, and with AIU if you need an equivalence certificate.
Can I do a master's after a college degree?
Yes. Lithuanian universities admit professional bachelor's graduates to master's programmes, sometimes after bridging courses.

Sources

  1. Study in Lithuania — national programme catalogue — checked 23 October 2026

Last checked: 2026-10-23