Study in Latvia

Affordable European education with a vibrant student life.

Start Your Latvia Journey View Top Universities

11K+

International Students

20+

Higher Education Institutions

€3,000

Average Annual Tuition

90%

Visa Success Rate

Why Choose Latvia for Higher Education?

Latvia offers exceptional value with some of Europe's most affordable education costs, quality universities, and a unique Baltic cultural experience within the EU.

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Ultra-Affordable EU Education

Among Europe's most affordable tuition fees (€3,000-€5,000/year) with extremely low living costs and high quality of life.

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EU Membership Benefits

Full EU membership since 2004. Access to European job market, Schengen mobility, and pathways to permanent residence.

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Quality Academic Standards

Bologna Process aligned education with ECTS credits, internationally recognized degrees, and strong research programs.

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English-Taught Programs

Extensive range of English-taught bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs across all major academic disciplines.

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Rich Cultural Heritage

Historic cities, medieval architecture, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and vibrant arts and music festivals.

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Natural Beauty & Lifestyle

Pristine forests, Baltic Sea coastline, clean environment, and excellent work-life balance with outdoor activities.

Latvian Higher Education System

European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) aligned with three-cycle degree structure

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Bachelor's Degree

3-4 Years - 180-240 ECTS

Comprehensive undergraduate education with practical experience.

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Master's Degree

1.5-2 Years - 90-120 ECTS

Advanced specialization with research or professional focus.

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Doctoral (PhD)

3-4 Years

Research-focused doctorate with international collaboration.

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Professional Programs

5-6 Years

Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy with clinical integration.

Academic Structure & Features

Academic Calendar

• Autumn Semester: September - January
• Winter Break: December - January
• Spring Semester: February - June
• Summer Break: June - September

Quality Assurance

• Accredited by Academic Information Centre (AIC)
• Bologna Process and ECTS compliance
• European Higher Education Area integration
• International quality recognition

Top Latvian Universities for International Students 2025

Quality institutions offering diverse programs with affordable tuition and EU recognition

University	QS Ranking 2025	Annual Tuition (EUR)	Location
University of Latvia Largest comprehensive university with 15,000+ students	#801-850	€2,000 - €6,000	Riga
Riga Technical University Leading engineering and technology university	#761	€2,950 - €4,830	Riga
Rīga Stradiņš University Premier medical and health sciences university	Unranked	€2,700 - €15,000	Riga
Turība University Business and management focus with international programs	Unranked	€3,330	Riga
Latvia University of Life Sciences Agriculture, forestry, and environmental sciences	Unranked	€2,500 - €4,500	Jelgava

Latvian University Admission Requirements

Entry requirements for international students at Latvian universities

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Bachelor's Requirements

Academic Qualifications

Completion of secondary education (12th grade) with good academic performance

English Language Proficiency

IELTS 5.5+, TOEFL 72+, or PTE 51+ for English-taught programs

Application Process

Online application through university portals with required documents

Document Requirements

Transcripts, certificates, passport copy, and motivation letter

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Master's Requirements

Academic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in relevant field with satisfactory grades

English Language Requirements

IELTS 7.0+, TOEFL 90+, or PTE 67+ for most master's programs

Statement of Purpose

Detailed motivation letter explaining academic and career objectives

Additional Requirements

Letters of recommendation and relevant work experience (program-specific)

Cost of Studying in Latvia 2025

One of Europe's most affordable destinations for quality higher education

Annual Tuition Fees (EUR)

Bachelor's Programs€3,000 - €5,000

Master's Programs€3,700 - €6,000

Medical Programs€15,000

PhD Programs€3,000 - €6,000

Monthly Living Expenses (EUR)

Accommodation (Student)€150 - €300

Accommodation (Private)€300 - €500

Food & Groceries€150 - €250

Transportation€20 - €50

Personal Expenses€100 - €200

Cost Comparison by Latvian Cities

Riga (Capital)

€600 - €900/month

Higher costs, more opportunities

Jelgava & Daugavpils

€450 - €650/month

Moderate costs, student-friendly

Smaller Cities

€350 - €500/month

Lowest costs, quiet lifestyle

Estimated Total Annual Cost

Bachelor's Programs

EUR €7,200 - €13,800

Including tuition and living

Master's Programs

EUR €7,900 - €14,800

Including tuition and living

Among the most affordable in Europe

Latvia Student Visa Process 2025

Step-by-step guide to obtaining your Latvian student visa (Type D)

University Acceptance

Receive official invitation from recognized Latvian university or educational institution

Visa Type Selection

Choose between Short-stay (Type C) for <90 days or Long-stay (Type D) for longer programs

Financial Documentation

Show €420-€500 per month financial capacity for entire study duration

Health Insurance

Obtain comprehensive health insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage for EU

Document Preparation

Prepare and notarize all academic and personal documents in Latvian or English

Residence Permit

Apply for temporary residence permit if studying longer than one year

Student Visa Requirements & Processing

Essential Documents

• Valid passport (12 months validity for Type D)
• University invitation/enrollment letter
• Completed visa application form
• Financial proof (bank statements)
• Health insurance (€30,000 coverage)
• Accommodation proof
• Academic documents (notarized)

Processing & Fees

• Visa fee: €60
• Processing time: 2-3 months
• Apply at least 2 months before travel
• Work rights: 20 hours/week
• Post-study work permit available
• Path to permanent residence

Latvian Scholarships for International Students

Government and institutional funding opportunities to make Latvia even more affordable

Latvian Government Scholarships

Ministry of Education and Science funding

For: Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs

Coverage: Full or partial tuition support

Duration: Program length

Erasmus+ Scholarships

EU mobility program funding

For: Exchange and joint degree programs

Amount: €300-400/month

Duration: 3-12 months

University Merit Scholarships

Institution-specific academic awards

Universities: UL, RTU, RSU, Turība

Benefits: Tuition reduction or stipends

Criteria: Academic excellence

Research Scholarships

PhD and research program funding

Focus: STEM, social sciences, humanities

Support: Research stipends + tuition

Requirements: Research proposal

Country-Specific Scholarships

Bilateral education agreements

Countries: India, China, Ukraine, Belarus

Support: Various levels of support

Application: Through national agencies

Need-Based Support

Financial assistance programs

Support: Living allowances, housing support

Eligibility: Financial need demonstration

Application: University financial aid offices

Work Opportunities in Latvia

Build your career in the Baltic region with EU benefits and growing economy

During Studies

Student Work Rights

• 20 hours per week during studies
• Full-time work during breaks
• No separate work permit required
• Access to local job market

Popular Student Jobs

• Customer service: €4-7/hour
• Language tutoring: €10-20/hour
• Research assistant: €5-12/hour
• Hospitality/retail: €4-6/hour

Post-Study Opportunities

Post-Study Work Rights

• Apply for work permit after graduation
• EU Blue Card eligibility
• Path to permanent residence
• Latvian citizenship opportunities

Growing Industries

• Information technology
• Financial services
• Manufacturing and logistics
• Healthcare and pharmaceuticals

Graduate Salary Expectations (EUR)

Information Technology

€18,000 - €35,000

Software development, IT services

Engineering

€16,000 - €28,000

Civil, mechanical, electrical

Finance & Banking

€15,000 - €30,000

Banking, accounting, fintech

Healthcare

€20,000 - €40,000

Medicine, nursing, pharmacy

Business & Management

€14,000 - £25,000

Marketing, operations, consulting

Education

€12,000 - €22,000

Teaching, research, academia

Why Choose IAEC for Latvia Studies?

Expert guidance with proven success record for Latvian university admissions

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University & Program Selection

Expert guidance for choosing the right Latvian university with focus on quality, affordability, and career prospects.

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English Program Matching

Comprehensive database of English-taught programs across all Latvian universities and disciplines.

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Document & Visa Support

Complete assistance with document preparation, notarization, and visa applications for Latvia.

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Cost Optimization & Scholarships

Help minimize costs through scholarship applications and budget planning for affordable Latvian education.

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Residence Permit Guidance

Support with temporary residence permits and long-term settlement procedures in Latvia.

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Baltic Lifestyle Preparation

Guidance on adapting to Latvian culture, climate, and student life in the Baltic region.

Our Latvia Success Record

90%

Student Visa Success Rate

350+

Students in Latvia

15+

Partner Universities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common queries about studying in Latvia

Is Latvia a good choice for international students?

Yes, Latvia offers excellent value with affordable tuition, quality education, EU benefits, and a safe, welcoming environment for international students.

Can I work while studying in Latvia?

Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during studies and full-time during breaks without needing a separate work permit.

Are there English-taught programs in Latvia?

Yes, Latvian universities offer extensive English-taught programs at all levels, from bachelor's to PhD across various disciplines.

What are the living costs like in Latvia?

Latvia has among the lowest living costs in Europe, with students typically spending €350-850 per month including accommodation, food, and personal expenses.

Can I stay in Latvia after graduation?

Yes, graduates can apply for work permits and eventually permanent residence. Latvia offers pathways to long-term settlement and EU citizenship.

How is the weather and lifestyle in Latvia?

Latvia has a temperate climate with distinct seasons. The lifestyle balances modern city amenities with beautiful nature, offering excellent work-life balance.