2026-2027 Competition is Now Closed. Please visit the Competition & Selection webpage for additional information.

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I am:

Current U.S. Student

United States citizens who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs are eligible to apply.If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a U.S. college or university, you will apply through that institution, even if you are not currently a resident there. Find the Fulbright Program Adviser on your campus.

U.S. Citizen but not a Student

If you are a U.S. citizen, will hold a bachelor’s degree by the award start date, and do not have a Ph.D. degree, then you are eligible to apply. Non-enrolled applicants should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Candidates with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

The Getting Started page will provide information on eligibility and next steps.

Artist

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program welcomes applications in the creative and performing arts. Arts candidates for the U.S. Student Program should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Artists with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

Creative & Performing Arts projects fall under the Study/Research grant category and are available in all countries where Study/Research grants are offered.

FPA

U.S. Professor/Administrator

If you are a U.S. citizen and a professor or administrator at a U.S. institution and are interested in applying for a Fulbright Scholar Award, you will need to apply through fulbrightscholars.org.

To support your students in applying for a U.S. Student Program award, please connect with the Fulbright Program Adviser at your institution.

Non U.S. Citizens

If you are a non-U.S. citizen interested in applying for a Fulbright Award to the United States, you will need to apply through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home country. Find out more information on the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program or Fulbright Foreign Student Program.

Lithuania

2 Open Study/Research Award

Accepted Degree Levels
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Grant Period
September Start
Grant Length
9 Months
Award Type
Open Study/Research Award
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
  • Freedom of Speech

Grant Length
9 Months
Grant Period
September Start

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
Pre-Departure and In-Country Orientation

All grantees are required to attend a virtual pre-departure orientation in June or July as a condition of their grant.  The event 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 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 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: 

2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices

Eligibility
Residency in host country permitted in year prior to grant
Dual citizens of this country are eligible
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.

Not Required

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
Independent Study/Research:
Yes
Letter required for independent study or research at deadline
Graduate Degree Enrollment:
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:  

Kaunas:

Klaipeda:

Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Affiliation Fees/Tuition not covered in grant benefits

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.

$1,600 monthly stipend amount in
$ [US Dollar]

Stipend amount for one dependent: $1,700

Stipend amount for two or more dependents: $1,800

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.

$5,570 in
$ [US Dollar]
  • 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. 

Base Amount: $3,570

Research Allowance: $1,500

Language Allowance: $500

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: Cost of Living in Lithuania

 

Dependents
Dependent financial support is available
English-language school options for dependent children are available in a number of cities in Lithuania. The Fulbright Program is unable to cover the costs of English-language private schools.
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 can apply for and receive a National D visa before departure to Lithuania.  Navigate to https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ltu/apply-visa

and follow the instructions to apply for the National a D-type visa, including filling out the electronic application form.  You can pick up your visa after arrival in Lithuania. Schedule an appointment as soon as possible at Vilnius, Kaunas or Klaipeda Migration Offices on-line https://www.migracija.lt/en/

All grantees must work with the host institution to get an invitational letter, which will be uploaded as a mediation letter in the electronic visa system. 

Fulbright Program Management Contact
FBstudent.EUR@iie.org
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
http://lt.usembassy.gov
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Rasa Baukuviene, Educational Affairs Specialist: BaukuvieneR@state.gov
Additional Online Resources
Lithuania - U.S. Department of State Country Page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Lithuania.html
Lithuania - Crime and Safety Report: https://www.osac.gov/Content/Report/b56016f0-f20d-4554-b2e6-1cec521730bd
Lithuania - Travel: https://www.lithuania.travel/en/