Lithuanian Scholarships
European Union Member, Economically Advanced
Compared to other Baltic States, Lithuania is quite economically and politically advanced; many might even call it emerging. The capital of Vilnius is more cosmopolitan and globally charged than its name may sound. Students are typically based in Vilnius where business majors may experience the new upstarts of Eastern European markets and language students may get a handle on Lithuanian while still anchored in pockets of English-speaking professionals and students.
Government Scholarships
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships are ubiquitous among undergrad scholarships. The awards are handed out to meritorious, but financially disadvantaged students who would not be able to study abroad in places like Lithuania without the monetary support. Not every location is supported. Very traditional spots like Spain, Germany and Italy are not eligible. The purpose is to diversify the next generation of global movers and shakers by putting engaging international experiences at the fingertips of traditionally disenfranchised populations. Recipients must be top scholars and ready to participate in intensive study programs in all manner of disciplines. Award maximum is $5,000.
The National Security Education Program spawned the David L. Boren Scholarships for the express purpose of raising its own highly trained recruits. If the federal government has their say you’ll be working for them in the hottest jobs in the national security agencies. Here you’ll use your customized language skills in advanced vernacular Lithuanian, and show off your intimate knowledge of Eurasian culture and Lithuanian-learned street smarts. The NSEP program is a scholarship for service agreement; so make sure you’re okay with at least a short stint of time working for the federal government after you graduate. There are undergraduate and graduate versions of the Boren Scholarships. Maximum awards are $26,000.
Private Funds
The Ambassadorial Scholarships funded by Rotary International are carefully doled out to a few hundred outstanding students annually. Among them are students whose interests lie in Lithuania. Eligible applicants for the Rotary scholarships are expected to be exemplary students and model citizens. The Rotary is one of the largest charitable organizations in the world and these scholarships offer a whopping fist-full of dollars. The Rotary is most interested in candidates whose programs in Lithuania will give them the chance to engage in humanitarian aid or study sustainable development themes. Once scholars return to the States, they are expected to share their year abroad experiences with a Rotary audience. Scholarships max out at $26,000.
Do you have a need to travel to Lithuania for research purposes? If so you might be eligible for the IREX travel fellowships. The awards are not designed for a long-term research stint, but a shorter trip only requiring minimal amounts of time in an Eastern European country. IREX promotes the work of students, scholars and professionals whose research and projects go to sustaining new systems of international communication and “civil society development.”
College Scholarships
The University of Pittsburgh administers a scholarship through its Lithuania Nationality Room to students pursuing a study abroad program in Lithuania. The Lithuanian Room Committee Scholarship awards $2,500 to a deserving student.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City makes many scholarships available to students pursuing study abroad programs. Their format is flexible and permits students to apply for awards regardless of program length. Students planning to study in Lithuania may qualify for any number of scholarships, among them:
- UMKC International Travel Awards provide a modest scholarship intended to help with some of the travel expenses. Awards are at most $1,000 for a year abroad, one quarter of that for a summer program.
- Ernest Dick Memorial Scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student heading to international studies who is a major in business. The award is available directly through the Bloch School of Business.
- Students pursuing a long-term career in international or foreign affairs may qualify for the UMKC Hy Vile/Dreiseszun/Eddie Jacobson Awards.
Lithuanian Government Scholarships
Through the government of Lithuania, international students may apply directly for the Scholarships for Lithuanian or Baltic Studies. Applications are reviewed both spring and fall and may offer students a rare opportunity to spend a semester abroad at a Lithuanian university.
