Growing recognition: Kaunas among the world’s best cities for students

Kaunas has once again made it into the prestigious QS Best Student Cities 2026 ranking, climbing up to the 142^nd place.

In the Ranking, cities are evaluated on a wide range of factors, from cost of living, quality of life and study conditions to the opinions of students themselves. The mentioning in the prestigious ranking is a proof that Kaunas is succeeding in creating a perfect environment both for studying and living.

Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) is an integral part of the city’s development – its activities in the academic, infrastructural and social spheres contribute to the growth of Kaunas as a modern, open and lively city.

Kaunas is an increasingly attractive destination for international students

Cultural initiatives, contemporary infrastructure, academic inclusiveness and a lively city rhythm make Kaunas an increasingly attractive destination for international students, who come here to study and stay for the living quality.

“Initially, I was thinking about going home after studies, but after living here, I got emotionally attached to this place. Now, I want to find a job in my field and settle down in Lithuania,” says Busra Bilaloglu from Turkey, who has just graduated from International Business at KTU.

This trend is also reflected in figures: according to preliminary data for July 2025, the enrolment of international students at KTU has increased by more than 30 per cent. This is a success not only for the university but also for the city, as an open, global community.

KTU fosters sustainable partnerships with business and research institutions. The university works closely with companies such as Continental, Hollister and Elinta, providing students with internships, research and career opportunities during their studies. Such partnerships not only develop professionals but also have a direct impact on the city’s economy, increasing investment, creating innovative companies and strengthening the region’s competitiveness.

For many international students, Kaunas becomes more than a study stop, it is a place where real life begins. And it is this lively, engaging, international context that makes Kaunas one of the most attractive European study destinations.

An innovative study environment – a long-term investment in the city

One of KTU’s greatest strengths is its modern, forward-looking research and study environment, which goes beyond the classroom. The University consistently develops an advanced infrastructure where students and researchers work together, and the solutions generated contribute directly to the well-being of society and the growth of the city.

This is well reflected in the interdisciplinary M-Lab, a prototyping laboratory centre that brings together 12 different thematic laboratories covering areas such as telemedicine, digital health technologies, biomedical engineering, electronics, sustainable energy and others. It is one of the most modern research and study spaces in Lithuania, distinguished both by its size and by the facilities adapted to innovative research and study activities.

According to her, such experience helps not only to deepen knowledge, but also to understand how science works outside the university, when we have to think not only about the needs of students, but also about the needs of the whole city and even the country.

The vision of advanced infrastructure is continued by TiFEC – the Centre of Excellence for Technological and Physical Sciences, which focuses on the development of a sustainable economy and technological energy solutions. The Centre develops energy-efficient materials and hybrid energy systems to help manage energy flows more efficiently and reduce losses. It also aims to optimise solar energy extraction by developing solutions that contribute to the growth of green energy.

In addition to advancing research, TiFEC strengthens the competences of researchers by fostering the interdisciplinary knowledge of PhD students and postdoctoral fellows, encouraging critical thinking and fostering international collaboration. It is a space where solutions are born that are important for the sustainable future of the city and the country.

Focus on AI adaptations for sustainable living and working solutions

The innovation network is completed by SustAInLivWork, a centre of excellence for sustainable living and working, connecting Lithuanian and European universities. It aims to develop artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also adapted to the real needs of society. It develops technologies that can improve public services, contribute to sustainable urban management, healthcare or energy efficiency.

All this advanced infrastructure operates in a lively, ever-changing environment, the KTU Student Campus, which has been rapidly modernising in recent years. Public spaces are being renovated, green spaces are being created, and sustainable solutions are being introduced.

The living environment is also receiving a lot of attention, with dormitories being modernised to create comfortable, modern and community-oriented spaces. More spaces are being created for recreation, sport and independent activities. The campus is becoming not only a more comfortable place for students to study and live, but also an organic part of Kaunas city – open, green and growing together with the people who create here.

Science that fits into the life of the city

KTU’s activities are not limited to study spaces and science laboratories. The university actively participates in the cultural and social life of the city, opening science and technology to the public.

Such initiatives strengthen the bond between the university and the city’s communities, creating an open and inclusive academic culture. KTU becomes not only a source of knowledge, but also a participant in the life of the city. KTU also organises exhibitions in public spaces, inviting citizens to experience the experiences of international students. The exhibition “Choosing Kaunas”, on display next to Laisvės Avenue, voices the international students’ opinions on choosing this city. Their stories reflect the diversity of cultures, community feeling and even the love of basketball.