When a Saudi student looks for a destination to study medicine in Europe, Lithuania stands out as a choice that brings together what is hard to find in one place: official European education standards, fully English-taught programs, competitive costs, and degree recognition in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In this comprehensive article, the Future Way Academy team reviews everything related to studying medicine in Lithuania for Saudis: from the leading universities — foremost among them LSMU — to specializations, costs, Saudi recognition, and the admission path, without exaggeration and without hiding the facts.
| 6 years Duration of human medicine | 1922 Year LSMU was founded | 60+ countries Student nationalities at LSMU | ≈ SAR 50,000 Approximate annual tuition |
| 💡 An opening note from the Future Way team “Studying medicine in Lithuania” is one of the terms Saudi students search for increasingly, yet the information available about it in Arabic is scarce. This means less competition for admission and an academic experience in a calmer, more focused environment. |
Why Lithuania specifically for studying medicine?
The EU guarantees the education standard
Lithuania has been an EU member since 2004, which means its medical curricula are subject to the standards of the common European framework for higher education. A medical degree issued in Lithuania is in principle accepted across the other EU countries — a level of recognition that many cheaper study destinations do not offer.
An objective comparison with other destinations
For those weighing their options, our article on studying medicine in Europe for Saudi students provides a comprehensive comparison across countries; here we offer a direct comparison between Lithuania’s leading competing destinations:
| Criterion | Lithuania (LSMU) | Georgia | Czech Republic | Poland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual tuition (medicine) | €12,000 – 14,000 | €8,000 – 12,000 | €13,000 – 16,000 | €10,000 – 14,000 |
| EU membership | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Teaching in English | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | ✅ Full |
| Saudi recognition | ✅ Recognized | ✅ Recognized | ✅ Recognized | ✅ Recognized |
| Competition for admission | Medium | Low | High | Medium |
| Monthly living costs | €600 – 900 | €400 – 600 | €700 – 1,000 | €600 – 900 |
| Quality of teaching hospitals | High (European) | Medium – good | High (European) | High (European) |
| 📌 Future Way team assessment Lithuania sits at the sweet spot between genuine European quality and a reasonable cost. For anyone who wants educational standards equal to the Czech Republic or Poland but with less admission competition, Lithuania is the answer. |
Clinical training in accredited European hospitals
What sets studying medicine in Lithuania apart from other destinations is that clinical training takes place in Lithuanian public hospitals subject to European standards. The major Kaunas university hospitals are among the medical training centers recognized across Europe, which enriches the graduate’s academic record.
LSMU — the top choice for studying medicine in Lithuania
The Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) is the only medical university in Lithuania dedicated exclusively to the health sciences, with roots going back to 1922. Today it has more than 9,000 students from 60 countries.
Faculties available in English
- Faculty of Medicine — Medicine (MD)
- Faculty of Dentistry — Dentistry
- Faculty of Pharmacy — Pharmacy
- Faculty of Health Sciences — Health Sciences
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine — Veterinary Medicine
LSMU’s international ranking
LSMU holds an advanced position in international rankings of medical universities:
- Ranked among the top 1,000 universities worldwide (QS Rankings)
- First in Lithuania in the field of health sciences and medicine
- Member of the European Medical Students’ Association (EMSA)
- Listed in the WHED database for international academic recognition
Campus life at LSMU
The university is located in Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city and a quintessential university town. The campus offers student housing, sports facilities, a large medical library, and a clinical skills center equipped with the latest digital training equipment.
| 💡 From the experiences of our Saudi students at LSMU At Future Way we have accompanied a number of Saudi students from their application through to completing their studies. Most agree that the university environment is respectful and supportive, and that professors are more readily available for direct contact than they were used to in countries with huge student numbers. The Arab community in Kaunas is growing noticeably. |
Specializations available in English at LSMU
Human medicine — Medicine (MD)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 years (integrated bachelor’s + professional doctorate) |
| Language of study | Fully English |
| International seats | Limited — highly competitive |
| Clinical training | From the third year in Kaunas hospitals |
| Degree awarded | Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
| Specialization after graduation | Available in Lithuania and Europe |
Dentistry
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 years |
| Language of study | Fully English |
| Practical training | Equipped university clinics from the third year |
| Degree awarded | Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) |
| Saudi recognition | Recognized — verifying the specialization is advised |
Pharmacy
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 years |
| Language of study | Fully English |
| Specialized curricula | Clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical manufacturing, community pharmacy |
| Practical training | Hospital and community pharmacies |
| Degree awarded | Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) |
| 📌 The Future Way team’s view on choosing a specialization Human medicine is the most sought-after and the most competitive. Dentistry is an excellent alternative in terms of acceptance and employment rates. Pharmacy is an option worth attention for anyone who wants an applied scientific path at a lower cost, with job opportunities in the Saudi private sector. |
The cost of studying medicine in Lithuania — the real numbers
Annual tuition at LSMU
| Specialization | Annual tuition (EUR) | Annual tuition (approx. SAR) | Total duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human medicine (MD) | 12,000 – 14,000 | SAR 48,000 – 56,000 | 6 years |
| Dentistry | 10,000 – 12,000 | SAR 40,000 – 48,000 | 5 years |
| Pharmacy | 8,000 – 10,000 | SAR 32,000 – 40,000 | 5 years |
| Veterinary medicine | 8,000 – 10,000 | SAR 32,000 – 40,000 | 5–6 years |
For a comprehensive comparison of medicine costs with other European countries, please visit our article on the cost of studying in Europe.
Monthly living costs in Kaunas
| Item | Monthly cost (EUR) | Monthly cost (approx. SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| University dormitory (recommended for year one) | 150 – 280 | 600 – 1,120 |
| Shared apartment with students | 260 – 400 | 1,040 – 1,600 |
| Food and weekly groceries | 200 – 320 | 800 – 1,280 |
| Transport (bus + metro) | 20 – 35 | 80 – 140 |
| Phone and internet | 15 – 25 | 60 – 100 |
| Books and study materials | 30 – 60 | 120 – 240 |
| Entertainment and activities | 50 – 100 | 200 – 400 |
| Estimated monthly total | 665 – 1,020 | 2,660 – 4,080 |
Total cost of studying medicine at LSMU — 6 years
| Item | Amount (EUR) | Amount (approx. SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Total tuition (6 years) | 72,000 – 84,000 | 288,000 – 336,000 |
| Total living costs (6 years) | 47,880 – 73,440 | 191,520 – 293,760 |
| Visa and residence fees | 300 – 500 | 1,200 – 2,000 |
| Travel tickets (estimated over six years) | 3,000 – 5,000 | 12,000 – 20,000 |
| Estimated total (6 years) | 123,180 – 162,940 | 492,720 – 651,760 |
| 💡 A financial tip from the Future Way team The total figure may look large, but it covers everything for a full 6 years. Compare it with the cost of private medical education in Saudi Arabia, or with countries such as the UK where medical tuition can exceed £30,000 per year. Lithuania offers a strong economic equation at a European standard. |
Scholarships available to reduce costs
- Lithuanian government scholarships for outstanding international students
- Erasmus+ scholarships for student exchange within Europe
- Internal LSMU scholarships for academic excellence (from the second year)
- The Saudi scholarship, if the university and specialization are listed
For details on funding your studies through the Saudi external scholarship, please see our dedicated page.
Admission requirements for medical faculties in Lithuania — LSMU
Core academic requirements
| Requirement | Human medicine | Dentistry | Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum GPA | 85%+ (competitive) | 80%+ (competitive) | 75%+ |
| Biology | Essential — high grade | Essential | Important |
| Chemistry | Essential — high grade | Essential | Essential |
| Physics | Preferred | Preferred | Useful |
| University entrance test | Yes (biology + chemistry) | Yes | Usually none |
English language requirements
LSMU requires proof of English proficiency for all its English-taught programs. Review the details of language tests for studying in Europe to find out which ones are accepted.
| Test | Minimum accepted at LSMU |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 (no band below 5.5) |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 or higher |
| Cambridge Advanced (CAE) | Accepted |
| Prior study in English (certificate) | Accepted with official proof attached |
Documents required for the application file
- High school certificate, translated and certified
- Detailed transcript of grades
- English proficiency certificate
- Valid passport
- Motivation letter, 1 page in English
- Academic CV
- Two academic recommendation letters (some specializations)
- Application fee: €60 – 100, non-refundable
Application deadlines
| Intake | Application period | Admission closing | Start of study |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn (main) | January – June | July | September |
| Spring (limited) | October – November | December | February |
| ⚠️ An important warning from the Future Way team The seats allocated to international students in the medical faculty are very limited. Applying early (January – March) gives you a clear competitive edge. Those who wait until May or June find the seats nearly full. At Future Way we help you start your file at the right time. |
Saudi recognition and the steps to certify a Lithuanian medical degree
Is studying medicine in Lithuania recognized in Saudi Arabia?
The short answer: yes, with essential caveats that should not be ignored.
LSMU is listed in the international WHED database, the reference the Saudi Ministry of Education relies on to verify foreign universities. However, recognition is granted to the specialization within the university, not to the university in general — so verifying on the official Ministry of Education page before enrolling is advised.
For full details on the recognition and equivalency process, please see our comprehensive article: equivalency of European certificates in Saudi Arabia.
Steps to certify a Lithuanian medical degree in Saudi Arabia
| Step | Action | Responsible body | Estimated time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Verify the recognition of LSMU and the specialization | Saudi Ministry of Education website | Immediate |
| 2 | Obtain the official degree from LSMU | Student Affairs Office — LSMU | Two weeks |
| 3 | Certify the degree at the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Lithuania | 1 – 3 weeks |
| 4 | Certify the degree at the Saudi Embassy in Vilnius | Saudi Embassy | 1 – 4 weeks |
| 5 | Translate the degree into Arabic with a certified translator | Certified translation offices | 1 – 2 weeks |
| 6 | Apply on the electronic degree-equivalency platform | Ministry of Education — electronic platform | Immediate |
| 7 | Follow up on the application and respond to inquiries | Ministry of Education | 3 – 6 months |
| 📌 The Future Way team’s experience with degree equivalency From our field experience, the biggest equivalency delays occur at the Lithuanian Foreign Affairs and Saudi Embassy certification stages. We advise students to begin the certification procedures 6 months before the expected graduation date — not after. Early preparation saves a great deal of time and effort. |
Experiences of Saudi students at LSMU — real testimonials
| 🗣️ A third-year Saudi student’s experience — Faculty of Medicine “I started studying medicine at LSMU because I wanted a genuine European standard but without the enormous financial pressure of the UK or the Netherlands. The curriculum is very rigorous, especially in the first and second years, but the professors are available to help in a way I hadn’t expected. Kaunas is a quiet city well suited to the serious student.” |
| 🗣️ A fifth-year Saudi student’s experience — Dentistry “I chose dentistry at LSMU after researching Poland and the Czech Republic. What set LSMU apart was the modern university clinics where you train on real patients from the third year. The Saudi recognition of my degree is confirmed, and we had already contacted the Ministry of Education to confirm it before enrolling.” |
| 📌 A note from the Future Way team The testimonials above are drawn from our field follow-up with students currently at LSMU. We encourage every student to contact Future Way to speak with graduates or current students in the same specialization they are interested in, before making a decision. |
Frequently asked questions about studying medicine in Lithuania
Is studying medicine in Lithuania recognized in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. LSMU is listed in the WHED database approved by the Saudi Ministry of Education, and a medical degree from it is subject to the official equivalency procedures. It is recommended to verify the specific specialization on the official Ministry of Education website before enrolling, and the Future Way team helps you do this free of charge.
How many years is medical study in Lithuania?
Human medicine at LSMU lasts a full six years (integrated bachelor’s + professional doctorate). Dentistry and pharmacy are five years. There is no preliminary cut-off as in some universities; the student begins the medical track directly from the first year.
What is the minimum GPA required for admission to LSMU’s medical faculty?
No fixed minimum is announced, as admission depends on competition among applicants. In practice, successful applicants to the human medicine faculty usually have GPAs above 85% with high grades in biology and chemistry. In dentistry and pharmacy the competition is less intense.
Can you enroll at LSMU through the Saudi scholarship?
Yes. A scholarship for LSMU is possible provided the university and specialization are listed in the approved list of the sponsoring body. Medicine and health sciences fall among the priorities in most scholarship programs. For more details, see the Saudi external scholarship page.
How much does studying at LSMU cost per year in Saudi riyals?
Human medicine tuition ranges between €12,000 and €14,000 per year — roughly 48,000 to 56,000 Saudi riyals — plus monthly living costs (€600 – 900, i.e. SAR 2,400 – 3,600). The estimated annual total ranges between 79,000 and 99,000 riyals.
| Have you decided to study medicine in Lithuania? The Future Way Academy team accompanies you from the very first step: assessing your profile, preparing the application documents, communicating with LSMU, and following up on your admission until you arrive safely in Kaunas. |
