Why ISM
ISM is the only Lithuanian university on our list that is a business school and nothing else. It is small, with about 2,100 students, teaches in English and Lithuanian, and holds AACSB accreditation, which only a small share of business schools worldwide have. Its Norwegian founders also left it with links to Nordic companies.
It is the right choice if you want a BBA-type degree in finance, economics or marketing with a recognised accreditation and are ready for a selective admission with an interview. It is not cheap if you pay the full fee, but almost half of new students get a scholarship.
Key facts
- Founded: 1999, by BI Norwegian Business School and Innovation Norway.
- Type: private university, Vilnius.
- Students: about 2,100.
- Accreditation: AACSB.
- English programmes: 9 bachelor's and master's.
- Deadlines 2027: early round 30 April; main round for India 31 May.
Bachelor's and master's programmes
Bachelor's programmes (5)
| Programme | Duration | Tuition per year (non-EU) |
|---|---|---|
| Business Management and Marketing | 3.5 years | ₹4.4 lakh €4,165 |
| Economics and Data Analytics | 3.5 years | ₹3.8 lakh €3,570 |
| Economics and Politics | 3.5 years | ₹3.4 lakh €3,190 |
| Finance | 3.5 years | ₹3.4 lakh €3,192 |
| International Business and Communication | 3.5 years | ₹3.4 lakh €3,190 |
Master's programmes (4)
| Programme | Duration | Tuition per year (non-EU) |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Economics | 2 years | ₹3.4 lakh €3,225 |
| Global Leadership and Strategy | 1.5 years | ₹5.2 lakh €4,900 |
| Innovation and Technology Management | 1.5 years | ₹5.2 lakh €4,900 |
| International Marketing and Management | 2 years | ₹3.4 lakh €3,225 |
Fees and payment
If you apply in the early round, you pay a ₹53,100 (€500) reservation fee, which is later credited to tuition. In the main round you pay one semester's tuition within seven days of signing the contract. If you do not get a visa, or your diploma is not recognised, ISM refunds the money minus the ₹53,100 (€500).
ISM has no dormitories. Plan for a private room in Vilnius; see cost of living.
The ISM scholarship test
ISM's scholarships are awarded by results, and Indian applicants can compete:
- Bachelor's: an online test in mathematics, English and logic; the best scores earn up to 50% off tuition.
- Master's: up to 50% for top scores; a GMAT result may be requested.
- Entrepreneurship scholarship: 75%.
In 2025, 45% of first-year students received an ISM scholarship. Take the test seriously: prepare for school-level maths and logic puzzles in English.
Careers
ISM is well connected with Vilnius banks, consulting firms, fintech companies and the Nordic groups that run shared-service centres in the city. Finance and data graduates have the easiest start in English-speaking roles. See after graduation for the job-search permit.
Admission requirements
- English, bachelor's: IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.0), TOEFL iBT 60, PTE 52, Duolingo 115, Cambridge 169 or the ISM English test with 55. Certificates must be no older than two years. Exemption is possible if your education was fully in English.
- English, master's: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT 79, PTE 59 or Duolingo 125.
- Motivation: a motivation letter or video, then a mandatory motivational interview in English.
- Scholarship test: recommended for all applicants who want a discount.
Read our admission guide for documents and apostille.
Campus and housing
ISM is on Gediminas Avenue in central Vilnius, a short walk from the Old Town. Without university dorms, most students share flats; start looking in July for a September start. More in studying in Vilnius.