Lithuania
2 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodSeptember StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
Applications will be considered in all fields, provided that projects are possible in affiliation with Lithuanian institutions of higher education. Candidates may also apply to work with a cultural institution or archive but must have a Lithuanian institution of higher education as their primary affiliation. Preference will be given to research that addresses issues of significance to contemporary U.S. and Lithuania national security priorities, such as:
- Regional and transatlantic security
- Sustainable economics, entrepreneurship, and innovation
- Cybersecurity, countering foreign malign influence
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grants should begin in early-to-mid-September.
The typical academic year lasts from September 1 through mid-June. The Fall semester begins in September and ends in December, while Spring semester begins in January and ends in June.
Orientation
As a condition of their grant, all grantees are required to attend a virtual pre-departure orientation in June or July and an in-country orientation in September. The virtual pre-departure orientation is organized by IIE.
U.S. Students are required to attend an in-country orientation, which typically takes place between the end of September and early October.
Candidate Profile
Candidates must be mature, self-motivated individuals who are capable of working independently.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.
The largest and southernmost of the three Baltic States, Lithuania offers a blend of old-world charm and modern convenience. It is a member of the European Union and a NATO ally. Because of the United States' large Lithuanian diaspora, many Lithuanians have ties to the United States or experience living and working there. As a nation with a deep history, Lithuania boasts picturesque medieval towns, a vibrant cultural and intellectual scene, and strong national pride. The capital, Vilnius, is known for its stunning baroque architecture and thriving tech sector. While winters can be cold and dark, summers are lively, with long daylight hours and many outdoor festivals. Lithuanians value education, tradition, and community, and while English is widely spoken among younger generations, Lithuanian remains central to daily life. The cost of living is lower than in most of the United States, but high-quality healthcare, infrastructure, and a growing economy make Lithuania a comfortable and dynamic place to live.
The locals are naturally quiet, which is sometimes mistaken for an unwelcoming attitude. It takes time to understand Lithuanians and become friends with them. But once you get to know Lithuanians, you will see that they are friendly, warm, and kind people!
Lithuania has an extensive public transportation system. It is relatively cheap, reliable, and safe. It includes buses and trains. Each Lithuanian city has a single bus station where most buses leave from. Buses between the main cities are very frequent, with Vilnius-Kaunas buses leaving each terminal station every 30 minutes. Bus routes connecting the main cities to regional towns run usually at least two to three times a day.
Lithuania is a safe country with little anti-American sentiment. However, visitors should take standard precautions, as in any other country. It is important to note that while the law prohibits discrimination against ethnic or national minorities, persons with disabilities, or discrimination based on sexual orientation, intolerance and societal discrimination persist. For more information on safety in Lithuania, we recommend you read:
Eligibility
Degree Level of Applicant
- Master's
- Doctoral
Special Application Instructions
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations, and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbrighters may be asked to participate in Embassy outreach activities, such as by giving talks, volunteering at the Embassy's public events, and otherwise engaging with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) Form
If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.
Lithuanian language proficiency is not required, unless it is necessary for the successful completion of the project (e.g. interviews with non-English speaking target audiences). Similarly, knowledge of Russian or Polish may be helpful or necessary depending on the project (e.g., research in archives, research with or about minority populations in Lithuania).
Some language study prior to arrival is encouraged to promote deeper engagement with the host community. There is a possibility that U.S. Students will be provided with a stipend to study the local language while in-country.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
Applicants must arrange an affiliation with a Lithuanian institution of higher education. Candidates may also apply to work with a cultural institution or archive but must have a Lithuanian institution of higher education as their primary affiliation. Applicants must submit letters of invitation/affiliation with their application.
Please find information about Lithuanian universities at Study in Lithuania. More information about studies in Lithuania can be found at the following websites:
https://www.study.eu/country/lithuania
https://www.educations.com/study-guides/europe/study-in-lithuania/
https://studyabroad.state.gov/countries/lithuania
Recent U.S. Fulbright Student grantees have been hosted by the following institutions:
Vilnius:
- Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theater
- Vilnius University
- Vilnius Tech University
- Vilnius Academy of Arts
- ISM University of Management and Economics
Kaunas:
Klaipeda:
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Universities do not usually charge affiliation fees.
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
One-Time Allowances
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
- Language training allowance
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
The one-time allowances total includes allowances for round trip international airfare, settling in expenses, language training and research.
Additional Grant Benefits
- Diplomatic pouch
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Groceries cost approximately the same throughout the country, but apartment rent costs less in smaller towns. Internet access is available everywhere. Students can use the following website to research the estimated cost of living in various parts of Lithuania: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Lithuania
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
Fulbrighters must arrange their own housing. They can work with their host institutions to do so, as sometimes host institutions can offer guest housing, such as university dorms. Fulbrighters can also work with real estate agents to find housing based on their priorities. In Lithuania, only furnished apartments are offered for rent. The prices you see in advertisements do not include the 15% personal income tax, so be ready to pay more than the list price. Internet access is not usually included in the rent, but it is inexpensive. The rental deposit (advance payment) in Lithuania is approximately 2-3 months of rent. This deposit will be returned at the end of the rental contract, as long as the apartment is not damaged and/or there are no outstanding payments.
Visa Requirements
Fulbright grantees must apply for and receive a National D visa before departure to Lithuania.
Follow the instructions here to apply for a National D-type visa. You will need to fill out the electronic application form and schedule an appointment as soon as possible at the nearest VFS application center. All applications will then be forwarded to the Lithuanian Consulate in Chicago. All grantees must work with their host institution to receive an invitational letter, which will be uploaded as a mediation letter in the electronic visa system.
If grantees are unable to receive their visas prior to traveling to Lithuania, they may apply for a visa in the United States and receive their visa in Lithuania.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Additional Online Resources
Lithuania - The World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/lithuania/#people-and-society
Lithuania - Crime and Safety Report: https://www.osac.gov/Country/Lithuania/Content/Detail/Report/edad6326-611b-4e67-8733-189417c3424f
Lithuania - Travel: https://www.lithuania.travel/en/