University in the Baltics: applications, fees and visas in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

Apply directly to the university

In all three countries, you apply to the university that offers the program. In Estonia, the University of Tartu and TalTech use the DreamApply system. In TalTech's 2027/2028 calendar, citizens of OECD countries can apply between 1 February and 1 May. Because Türkiye is an OECD member, Turkish applicants fall into this group.

At Vilnius University in Lithuania, a bachelor's applicant from Türkiye must submit a high school diploma and a transcript of the last four years. On top of these, a YKS result or a document showing at least one year of university study is needed. In Latvia, English-taught programs usually ask for at least B2. Riga Business School defines this as IELTS 6.0.

English-taught medicine: current fees are higher than the old figures

Some older guides say that English-taught medicine in Latvia costs €9,000 to €12,000 a year. The current official rates are higher than this:

• Rīga Stradiņš University (Latvia): For 2026/2027, medicine is €13,500 a year and dentistry is €15,500. Students who start these two programs also pay a one-time registration fee of €1,800.
• Vilnius University (Lithuania): For 2026/2027, medicine for a non-EU student is €14,100 a year.
• LSMU (Lithuania): Applications for 2027 open on 1 November 2026. It asks for at least B1 English, biology and chemistry in high school, and also a biology and chemistry entrance exam.
• University of Tartu (Estonia): English-taught medicine takes 6 years. 60% of the score comes from the online physics and chemistry exam, 20% from the motivation letter and 20% from the interview.

Fee examples in other fields

At TalTech, a student from outside the EU pays the tuition for two semesters before enrolment. From 2026/2027, the University of Tartu does not give a tuition exemption to newly admitted students from outside the EU.

Visa and residence permit differ in the three countries

• Estonia: After acceptance, you get a D visa from the Estonian mission. Processing can take up to 30 days. For study longer than a year, you apply for a residence permit to the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) after you arrive in the country. According to the PPA, the legal income in 2026 must be at least €880 a month.
• Latvia: First, the university has your invitation approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP). Turkish citizens apply to VFS Global for a 90-day multiple-entry D visa. After you enter the country, you apply for the residence permit to PMLP.
• Lithuania: Since 1 July 2023, full-time students are not given a D visa. The student gets a temporary residence permit directly. The application starts in the MIGRIS system, and then you book an appointment at the VFS Global center in Türkiye.

For the living money you need to show in Latvia and Lithuania, official sources give different amounts. We suggest asking the university that accepted you for the current amount.

Working during and after your studies

In Estonia, a full-time student can work without a separate permit as long as it does not disrupt classes. In Latvia, a full-time bachelor's student can work up to 20 hours a week during term. In Lithuania, under the change that took effect on 22 May 2026, a first-year and second-year bachelor's student can work 20 hours a week. From the third year and in a master's, the limit is 40 hours.

After graduation, Estonia gives an extra permit valid for 9 months to look for a job, and Lithuania one valid for 12 months. For details, see our Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania pages.