Kaunas Recognized as an Alluring Destination for Studying Students
In the recently released QS Best Student Cities 2026 ranking, Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) in Kaunas, Lithuania, has made a significant leap, securing a place among the top universities globally for its appeal to international students.
VMU, the largest university in Kaunas by student population, has climbed nearly 50 positions in the International Research Network category, reaching 653rd place. This is a testament to the university's growing reputation and its commitment to academic excellence.
A Global Hub for Diversity and International Students
The increased attractiveness of VMU for international students is primarily due to its high diversity and large number of international students. VMU is now the most international and broadest-scope university in Lithuania, a new metric introduced in the QS World University Ranking 2026. This global appeal was reflected in VMU's ranking of 244th for university diversity and 270th for the number of international students.
Kaunas: An Attractive and Affordable Student City
Kaunas city's overall improvement in the QS Best Student Cities ranking also played a significant role in VMU's success. Kaunas, the home of VMU, improved its score from 44.4 to 49.5 out of 100. This positive shift reflects positively on the student experience and the attractiveness of the university's environment.
The city's desirability, affordability, and student views were key indicators that influenced this score. Kaunas received 55.3 points in the desirability category, 46.7 in affordability, and 50.2 in the student views category.
A Boost in Student Numbers
The 2025-2026 academic year saw a significant increase in student enrolment at VMU. Over 1,300 first-year students chose to pursue a bachelor's degree at VMU, and more than 1,200 students enrolled in master's programs. Additionally, among the students enrolled in the previous academic year, as many as 400 were international students.
A Bright Future for VMU and Kaunas
The QS Best Student Cities 2026 ranking places Kaunas among the top 150 most attractive locations for students worldwide. This ranking is designed to show which cities are best suited to meet students' needs. For VMU, this recognition is a testament to its commitment to providing a high-quality education in a welcoming and affordable environment.
In the 2022 QS Best Student Cities ranking, Kaunas placed 147th with a score of 44.4 out of 100. The significant improvement in Kaunas' score to 49.5 in the 2026 ranking is a clear indication of the city's continued growth and development as a hub for students from around the world.
References:
- QS World University Rankings 2026
- VMU Becomes the Largest University in Kaunas
- QS Best Student Cities 2026: Kaunas
- VMU Ranks Among the Most International Universities in Lithuania
At Vytautas Magnus University (VMU), the growing reputation for academic excellence and international student appeal is not only due to the university's climb in the International Research Network category but also its focus on environment, diversity, and lifestyle. As a result, VMU is now the most international and broadest-scope university in Lithuania, making it an attractive destination for education-and-self-development.
The city of Kaunas, home to VMU, plays a significant role in this success by fostering a student-friendly environment. With boosts in student numbers and the city's increasing ranking in the QS Best Student Cities, Kaunas offers a welcoming and affordable lifestyle for international students, making it a prime location for environment, lifestyle, and education-and-self-development.
