Studying in Latvia

Tuition fees

Tuition fees in Latvia differ per institution and programme. In general, you can expect the following fees:

• Bachelor’s programmes: < €1,600 per year
• Dentistry programme: €15,000 per year
• Executive MBO degree: €25,600 per year
• Health & Medicine: €8,000 - €15,000 per year
• Business Administration & Management: €2,000 - €6,000 per year
• Engineering: €2,700 - €3,500 per year
• Computer Science: €1,800 - €3,800 per year

More details on tuition and application fees

Living costs

Average monthly living expenses for students are between €450 - €700. This includes accommodation, food, local transport, and study materials.

Visa and residence permit procedures in Latvia depend on your nationality.

Non-EU/EEA citizens

You must:

• receive an invitation number from your Latvian university
• prepare required documents, which may vary depending on your country of residence and degree level
• submit your visa or residence permit application at the Embassy of Latvia in your country of residence
• attend an interview at the embassy and await your decision
• if Latvia does not have an embassy in your country, the admitting university will advise on where to apply

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens

No visa is required.

More visa and permit details

Latvia uses its own credit point system, which is fully compatible with ECTS:

• 1 Latvian credit = 1.5 ECTS = 1 week of full-time study workload
• 1 academic year = 60 ECTS = 40 Latvian credit points

Degree structure

• Bachelor’s degree: 3-4 years (ISCED/EQF level 6)
• Master’s degree: 1-2 years (ISCED/EQF level 7)
• Doctoral degree (PhD): typically, 3-4 years (ISCED/EQF level 8)

These programmes are more practice-oriented and include mandatory placements:

• Short cycle / 1st level professional higher education: 2-3 years (also known as college education; ISCED/EQF level 5)
• Professional bachelor's programmes: at least 4 years (ISCED/EQF level 6)
• Professional master's programmes: 1-2 years (ISCED/EQF level 7)
• Long-cycle professional programmes: 5-6 years

Types of institutions

Latvia’s higher education system includes a diverse range of institutions offering both academic and professionally oriented studies. In total, Latvia has 29 higher education institutions and 24 colleges.

These institutions fall into three main categories:

• Universities of Applied Sciences: professionally oriented degrees
• Universities: offering academic and research-focused studies
• Specialised higher education institutions: e.g., in business, culture, aviation, or medicine

Latvia offers 200+ English-taught programmes, many available at bachelor's level.

Application procedures vary by higher education institution, but include:

1. find your study programme, choose a university and check if you qualify
2. collect all documents, provide translations and digital copies if necessary and submit your application
3. wait for the recognition of your documents
4. prepare for the exams and interviews
5. receive your study agreement and pay tuition fees
6. manage your visa or residence permit

Detailed step-by-step guide on the application process

Latvia offers state scholarships to international students at Bachelor, Master, and PhD levels.

Amounts (Latvian State scholarship)

• €500/month - bachelor's students (from 2nd study year onwards)
• €600/month - master's students
• €700/month - PhD students

Eligible applicants

• Bachelor’s: must have completed at least 1 academic year at any higher education institution
• Master's or PhD students from any previous higher education institution

More about scholarships

Latvia is known for its safe cities, beautiful Baltic coastline, rich cultural heritage, and multicultural environment. This means many languages are spoken, including Latvian, Russian, German, and English.

Riga offers a lively student scene with museums, theatres, and historic architecture, while smaller towns provide easy access to nature. International students often highlight Latvia’s inclusive atmosphere.

Are programmes taught in English?

Yes, Latvia offers over 200 English-taught programmes. Search the database, selecting 'English' as the programme language.

Can I work while studying in Latvia?

Yes. International students are allowed to work, with restrictions depending on study level:

• Full-time bachelor’s students: up to 20 hours/week during studies
• Full-time master's & PhD students: up to 40 hours/week
• Some visa or residence permit types may have additional conditions

More information on working while studying

Is health insurance required?

Yes, health insurance is required for international students in Latvia. EU/EEA students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU/EEA students must have health insurance that covers emergency medical care, inpatient treatment, emergency transportation to a medical facility, and repatriation in case of serious illness. Insurance can be purchased from Latvian providers such as Balta, BAN, BTA, or Seesam.

How can I find housing in Latvia?

Most universities offer dormitories or assistance in locating private accommodation. It is recommended to reach out to your host higher education institution to get their tips and recommendations on finding housing in Latvia.