Choosing between Latvia and Lithuania can be challenging, as both offer high-quality European education within the Schengen zone. However, their admission processes, visa hurdles, and settlement rules differ significantly. Awais Chaudhary (AA Study Consultant) provides a step-by-step breakdown to help you choose the right path for your academic future.

1. Application Fees & Admission Ratios
Latvia: Application fees range from €100 to €300 [00:25]. The admission success ratio is high, around 70% to 80%, provided you meet the requirements.

Lithuania: Fees are slightly lower, ranging from €80 to €200 [00:38]. However, the admission ratio is more competitive at 65% to 70%, even after meeting criteria .

2. Document Verification (AIC vs. SKVC)
Latvia (Tougher): Universities will NOT issue an invoice until your documents are verified by the AIC (Academic Information Centre). This process can take 1.5 to 2 months .

Lithuania (Easier): Verification (SKVC) often happens parallel to or after admission, meaning you receive your invoice and move to the next step much faster .

3. Financial Requirements & Bank Statements
Latvia: Requires a closing balance of €8,800 (approx. 27-28 Lakh PKR). It allows sponsors (parents) and requires a 3 to 6-month statement history .

Lithuania: Requires approximately 25 Lakh PKR. While the amount is lower, the documentation for sponsors has recently become stricter .

4. The Visa File & Appointment Process
Latvia (The Dubai Route): Pakistani students must manually file their visa in Dubai (UAE). This involves travel costs and the challenge of securing a Dubai visa/appointment.

Lithuania (Global Centers): Lithuania uses an online portal called MIGRIS for pre-assessment. You can give your biometrics in various countries like Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Thailand, or Turkey, making appointments much easier to find .

5. Spouse & Family Settlement
Latvia: Students can usually invite their spouse after 6 months (specifically for Master’s programs), depending on the university’s invitation letter..

Lithuania: Offers the Same Day Spouse benefit. Master’s students can process their spouse’s visa alongside their own application.

6. Decision Time & TRP Cards
Latvia: Offers fast-track options (5-day or 10-day decisions for an extra fee). Once you arrive, you get your TRP card within 3 days

Lithuania: Decisions are currently taking longer, often 2 to 3 months. You collect your TRP card from the same center where you gave your biometrics

7. Work Rights & Settlement
Both countries allow students to work part-time. Your Pakistani driving license is valid for 6 months, and both countries offer a relatively easy path to obtaining a European driving license

Watch the Full Comparison Video

For a deep dive into the hurdles and settlement prospects, watch Awais Chaudhary’s complete briefing:

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Authority Resources: #AIC_Latvia_Verification | #SKVC_Lithuania_Verification | #MIGRIS_Portal