- Globally recognized degrees compliant with the Bologna Process.
- Affordable tuition fees and low living costs.
- High-quality education with modern infrastructure.
- Diverse and multicultural student community.
- English-taught programs available across disciplines.
- Opportunities for internships, part-time jobs, and post-study work.
- Access to other European countries through Schengen visa.
Latvia
Latvia is a beautiful country located in Northern Europe, bordered by Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, and Belarus, with a coastline along the Baltic Sea. A member of the European Union, Schengen Area, and NATO, Latvia offers a high standard of living, a safe environment, and globally recognized education at affordable costs.
Latvia, one of the three Baltic States in Northern Europe, is known for its rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and dynamic economy. It is a member of the European Union, the Schengen Area, NATO, and the OECD, offering international students a safe and globally connected academic environment. Riga, the capital city, is a vibrant hub of culture, education, and innovation, making it a popular destination for students from around the world.
Latvia boasts a high literacy rate and strong emphasis on education and innovation. With a growing number of English-taught programs and internationally accredited universities, it has become an emerging hub for affordable and quality higher education in Europe.
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Quick Facts about Latvia
Feature | Details |
Continent | Europe |
Capital | Riga |
Official Language | Latvian |
Major Languages Spoken | Latvian, Russian, English |
Currency | Euro (€) |
Population | ~1.8 million |
Time Zone | Eastern European Time (EET), UTC +2 |
Climate | Temperate Oceanic (cold winters, mild summers) |
Government | Parliamentary Republic |
EU/Schengen Member | Yes (Since 2004) |
International Students | Over 8,000 annually |
Main Industries | IT, Logistics, Timber, Pharmaceuticals, Engineering |
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Why Study in Latvia?
Benefits
- Cost-Effective Education: Tuition starts as low as €2,000/year.
- Modern Curriculum: Innovative teaching methods with practical experience.
- Easy Admission Process: Less complicated application and visa procedures.
- Safe and Peaceful Environment: Latvia is one of the safest EU nations.
- Residence Permit & Schengen Travel: Valid student visa allows travel across 26 EU countries.
Education System in Latvia
Latvia’s education system is structured in accordance with the Bologna Process, making degrees internationally recognized and aligned with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
Higher Education Structure
Level | Description |
Bachelor’s Degree | 3–4 years |
Master’s Degree | 1–2 years |
Doctorate (PhD) | 3–4 years |
Key Features of Latvian Higher Education:
- European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS): Enables easy credit transfer across European universities.
- English-Taught Programs: Widely available at all levels in various fields.
- Practice-Oriented Learning: Focus on real-world skills and employability.
- International Collaboration: Universities participate in Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and other academic exchange programs.
- Public and Private Institutions: Latvia has both public universities (like the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University) and private institutions (like Turība University).
Types of Higher Education Institutions:
- Universities – Offer academic and professional higher education and conduct research.
- University Colleges – Focus on applied sciences and professional qualifications.
- Non-university Institutions – Specialize in specific fields like medicine, business, and arts.
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Intakes for International Students in Latvia
Latvian universities typically offer two major intakes for international students each year. Some institutions also offer additional rolling intakes or course-specific start dates.
Fall Intake (Primary Intake)
- Starts: September
- Application Period: February to July
- Visa Process: July to August
- Programs Available: Almost all Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs
- Popularity: Most preferred and widely available intake for international students
Recommended for students applying to major universities and popular programs (engineering, business, IT, medicine, etc.)
Spring Intake (Secondary Intake)
- Starts: February
- Application Period: September to November
- Visa Process: November to January
- Programs Available: Limited number of programs (mostly business, IT, management, and selected Master’s)
Suitable for students who missed the fall intake or are interested in select courses with flexible start options.
Rolling/Additional Intakes (Occasional)
- Some private universities and vocational institutions offer rolling admissions or summer intakes in May or July.
- Ideal for foundation courses, short-term diplomas, or pathway programs.
- Availability varies depending on university and demand.
Important Application Deadlines (Typical Range)
Intake | Application Opens | Application Deadline | Semester Begins |
Fall | February | July | September |
Spring | September | November | February |
Deadlines may vary slightly depending on the university and program. Early applications are advised due to limited seats and visa processing time.
Tips for Students
- Start preparing documents (transcripts, SOPs, LORs, IELTS/TOEFL, passport) 3–4 months before deadlines.
- Apply early to increase scholarship chances and secure your visa on time.
- Use services like Dreamz International for application guidance, admission tracking, and document verification.
Application Process
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choose Your Program & University
- Check Admission Requirements
- Prepare Documents:
- Academic transcripts
- Valid passport
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent)
- Motivation letter & CV
- Recommendation letters
- Submit Online Application via university portal or Dreamz International
- Pay Application Fee (usually €100–€200)
- Receive Offer Letter
- Confirm Admission & Pay Tuition
- Apply for Student Visa/Residence Permit
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Post-Study Work Opportunities
- After graduation, students can apply for a 6-month job-seeking visa.
- Once employed, students can convert their residence permit to a work permit.
- Latvia has a growing job market in IT, engineering, logistics, business, and healthcare.
- Students can also explore employment across the EU under various mobility agreements.
Top 30 Universities in Latvia with World Rank & Tuition Fees
University | QS World Rank 2025 | Tuition Fee (per year) | Popular Courses |
University of Latvia | 801–850 | €2,000–€6,000 | Business, Computer Science, Medicine |
Riga Technical University | 751–800 | €3,000–€5,500 | Engineering, Architecture, IT |
Riga Stradiņš University | 801–850 | €6,000–€15,000 | Medicine, Dentistry, Public Health |
Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies | 1001+ | €2,000–€4,000 | Agriculture, Forestry, Veterinary |
Turība University | 1001+ | €2,800–€4,000 | Business, Law, Management |
Daugavpils University | 1001+ | €2,000–€3,500 | Humanities, Social Sciences |
Ventspils University of Applied Sciences | 1001+ | €2,500–€4,000 | IT, Electronics, Translation Studies |
Liepāja University | 1001+ | €2,200–€3,800 | New Media, Physics, Education |
Art Academy of Latvia | N/A | €3,500–€6,000 | Visual Arts, Design, Cultural Studies |
Baltic International Academy | N/A | €2,000–€3,000 | Business, Tourism, Languages |
(Note: Rankings are approximate and vary yearly; tuition varies by program and level)
Popular Courses in Latvia
- Business & Management
- Information Technology & Computer Science
- Engineering & Robotics
- Medicine & Healthcare
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Social Sciences & Humanities
- Media & Communication
- Architecture & Design
Scholarships in Latvia for International Students
Latvia offers several scholarships and funding opportunities for international students at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, provided by the Latvian government, individual universities, and international programs like Erasmus+. These scholarships are designed to support talented students, promote international mobility, and encourage academic excellence.
1. Latvian State Scholarships (via State Education Development Agency – VIAA)
Description:
Funded by the Latvian Ministry of Education and Science, these scholarships are available for students from select countries to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD studies or participate in summer schools and short-term research.
Eligibility:
- Citizens of eligible countries (e.g., India, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, etc.)
- Applying to accredited Latvian higher education institutions
- Academic excellence in previous studies
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent)
Coverage:
- €500/month for Bachelor’s and Master’s level
- €670/month for Doctoral level
- Duration: up to 10 months (renewable yearly)
- No tuition fees are covered—students must self-fund tuition
Application Period:
- Opens: February
- Deadline: April (for studies starting in September)
Application Link:
https://www.viaa.gov.lv/en
2. University-Specific Scholarships
Many Latvian universities offer institutional scholarships to attract top international talent. These are generally merit-based, need-based, or based on academic performance after enrollment.
Examples:
a. University of Latvia Scholarships
- Eligibility: High academic achievers, international students applying for bachelor’s or master’s programs
- Coverage: Tuition fee reductions or full waivers (up to 100%)
- Additional Support: Monthly stipend (for selected top-ranking students)
b. Riga Technical University (RTU) Scholarships
- Eligibility: New students applying to engineering, IT, or architecture programs
- Coverage: Tuition waiver up to 50–100%, based on merit
- Renewal: Performance-based continuation in the second year
c. Turība University Scholarships
- Types: Academic merit, social needs, and early bird application discounts
- Coverage: Tuition fee discounts up to 30%–40%
- Additional Offers: Business school scholarships for students involved in innovation or entrepreneurship
d. Riga Stradiņš University (RSU) Scholarships
- Mainly for medical and healthcare students
- Eligibility: Academic excellence, research involvement
- Coverage: Up to 100% tuition fee waiver (competitive)
Common Requirements for University Scholarships:
- High GPA (usually 70%+ or CGPA 3.0+)
- Motivation letter & strong academic background
- Proof of English proficiency
- Active participation in academic or extracurricular activities
3. Erasmus+ Scholarships
Description:
European Union-funded mobility program allowing international students to study, train, or intern in Latvia or Latvians to study abroad.
Who Can Apply:
- Students already enrolled in a Latvian or EU university
- Joint degree and exchange program participants
Benefits:
- Monthly stipend (€850–€1,200/month based on host country)
- Travel cost reimbursement
- Waiver of tuition fees during mobility
Duration:
3 to 12 months (per academic cycle)
How to Apply:
Through your home university’s Erasmus+ office
4. Doctoral and Research Fellowships
Latvian universities and research centers offer PhD and postdoctoral funding in collaboration with the Latvian Council of Science and EU programs like Horizon Europe.
Eligibility:
- Enrolled or accepted into a doctoral program
- Strong academic and research background
- Specific research proposal
Benefits:
- Monthly stipend (€670–€1,200 depending on program)
- Conference funding, lab access, and supervision support
5. Summer School Scholarships (VIAA Funded)
The Latvian Government also offers short-term summer school scholarships to international students for programs in:
- Latvian language and culture
- Arts and music
- Engineering and IT
Coverage:
- Participation cost
- Accommodation and meals
- No travel cost
Duration:
2–4 weeks during summer
Tips to Win a Scholarship:
- Apply early (at least 4–6 months before program start)
- Tailor your motivation letter and CV to match the scholarship’s values
- Maintain strong academic grades and show extracurricular involvement
- Demonstrate English or Latvian language proficiency
Career Growth in Latvia by Sector and Permanent Residency (PR) Process in Latvia
Latvia has seen steady economic growth in recent years, driven by industries such as IT, engineering, logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare. International students who graduate from Latvian institutions are well-positioned to enter the local job market or continue working in the broader EU region.
1. Information Technology (IT) & Software Development
- Key Roles: Software Engineers, Web Developers, Data Analysts, Cybersecurity Experts, DevOps
- Top Employers:TietoEVRY, Accenture Latvia, Mikrotik, LMT
- Growth Opportunities: Rapidly expanding tech scene, EU-funded startups, remote work flexibility
- Average Salary: €1,200 – €3,500/month
- Career Note: High demand for AI, cloud computing, and fintech professionals
️ 2. Engineering & Manufacturing
- Key Areas: Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Robotics, Industrial Engineering
- Top Employers:LatvijasFinieris, RīgasElektromašīnbūvesRūpnīca
- Growth Opportunities: Latvia is investing in automation, infrastructure, and export-based production
- Average Salary: €1,000 – €2,800/month
3. Transport, Logistics & Supply Chain
- Key Roles: Logistics Managers, Supply Chain Analysts, Freight Coordinators
- Top Employers:LatvijasDzelzceļš (Latvian Railways), AirBaltic, DHL Latvia
- Growth Factors: Riga’s strategic location makes Latvia a logistics hub for the EU and CIS countries
- Average Salary: €900 – €2,500/month
4. Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Key Roles: Medical Researchers, Pharmacists, Nurses, Public Health Experts
- Top Employers: Riga Stradiņš University, National Health Service, Private clinics
- Requirements: Language proficiency often required (Latvian or Russian)
- Average Salary: €1,000 – €3,000/month (varies by role and qualifications)
5. Business, Finance & Management
- Key Roles: Accountants, Financial Analysts, Marketing Specialists, HR Managers
- Top Employers: SEB, Swedbank, Citadele, Deloitte Latvia
- Career Path: English-speaking professionals are welcomed in multinational companies and startups
- Average Salary: €1,200 – €3,000/month
6. Creative Industries & Design
- Key Areas: Graphic Design, Architecture, Animation, New Media, UI/UX
- Institutions: Art Academy of Latvia, Liepāja University (New Media)
- Job Market: Growing startup and digital content sector
- Average Salary: €800 – €2,000/month
International students in Latvia can transition to permanent residency after fulfilling specific residency and employment criteria.
Eligibility for PR:
- Legal continuous stay in Latvia for 5 years on a temporary residence permit
- Must have a permanent job offer and stable income
- Clear criminal background
- Valid health insurance
- Latvian language proficiency (A2 level)
Documents Required:
- Passport and residence permit
- Proof of continuous residence and employment
- Proof of income and accommodation
- Latvian language certificate (A2)
- Police clearance certificate
Key Benefits of PR:
- No need for yearly visa renewal
- Access to almost all public services
- Right to live and work in Latvia indefinitely
- Family reunification options
Latvian Citizenship for International Graduates
International residents can apply for Latvian citizenship after 10 years of legal residence, including:
- 5 years with a temporary residence permit
- 5 years with a permanent residence permit
Citizenship Requirements:
- 10 years of legal residency
- Latvian language proficiency (B1 or higher)
- Pass tests on:
- Latvian Constitution
- National Anthem
- History and culture
- Proof of stable income and residence
- Renunciation of previous citizenship (exceptions apply for select countries)
Dual Citizenship:
Allowed only for citizens of:
- EU, EEA, NATO, OECD countries
- Certain countries with special agreements
- Individuals of Latvian descent
Post-Graduation Steps for Career & Residency
- Complete studies at a recognized Latvian institution
- Apply for 6-month job-seeking visa
- Secure a full-time job offer
- Apply for a work permit/residence extension
- After 5 years: Apply for PR
- After 10 years: Apply for Latvian citizenship
Types of Visas in Latvia (for International Students & Others)
Latvia, being a Schengen Area country, offers a range of visa categories depending on the purpose and duration of stay. Below is an overview of all the relevant visa types, including those for students, researchers, workers, and tourists:
1. Type C – Short-Stay Schengen Visa
Purpose:
- Tourism, business meetings, conferences, or short training programs
- Stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area
Eligibility:
- Passport valid for 3 months beyond return date
- Travel insurance (€30,000 coverage)
- Sufficient financial means (~€14/day)
- Confirmed accommodation and travel itinerary
Required Documents:
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport
- Invitation letter (if applicable)
- Proof of accommodation and funds
- Flight reservation
- Travel insurance
Processing Time: 10–15 working days
2. Type D – Long-Stay National Visa (Student Visa)
Purpose:
- For students admitted to full-time academic programs in Latvia
- Also granted for certain long-term internships or exchange programs
Validity:
- Up to 12 months (renewable annually)
- Accompanied by a temporary residence permit
Eligibility:
- Admission letter from a Latvian university
- Proof of sufficient funds (~€500/month)
- Health insurance (minimum €50,000 coverage)
- Clean criminal record
Required Documents:
- Valid passport
- University acceptance letter
- Proof of accommodation in Latvia
- Financial evidence (bank statement, sponsorship)
- Health insurance
- Police clearance certificate
- Passport-sized photos
Renewal: Can be renewed yearly based on academic status
3.Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)
Purpose:
- Required for stays longer than 90 days (e.g., study, work, research, family reunification)
- Student visa (Type D) holders are simultaneously issued a TRP
Validity:
- Matches the duration of study or employment contract (1–5 years)
- Renewable as long as eligibility continues
Benefits:
- Can work part-time (up to 20 hours/week for students)
- Allows travel within the Schengen zone
Conversion:
After graduation, TRP can be converted to a work-based residence permit if employment is secured.
4. Researcher/Academic Visa & Permit
Purpose:
- For doctoral students, researchers, and guest lecturers
Requirements:
- Hosting agreement with a Latvian research institution
- Sufficient funding for duration of stay
- Proof of qualifications and research purpose
Validity:
- Up to 2 years (renewable)
5. Work Visa / Employment-Based Residence Permit
Purpose:
- For non-EU nationals offered employment in Latvia
Eligibility:
- Job offer from a registered Latvian company
- Labor Market Test (unless exempted)
- Educational qualifications relevant to job role
Documents Required:
- Signed employment contract
- Employer’s registration documents
- Qualification certificates
- Valid passport and police clearance
Validity:
- 1–5 years depending on contract
- Renewable if employment continues
6. Family Reunification Visa / Permit
Purpose:
- For family members (spouse, children, parents) of legal residents or students in Latvia
Eligibility:
- Proof of family relationship
- Proof that sponsor has sufficient income and accommodation
Validity:
- Same as sponsor’s residence permit
- Renewable
7. Startup Visa (Temporary Residence Permit)
Purpose:
- For third-country nationals wishing to start an innovative business or tech startup in Latvia
Eligibility:
- Innovative idea and business plan
- Approval from the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA)
- Financial stability
Validity:
- Initially 1 year, extendable up to 5 years
Summary Table
Visa Type | Purpose | Duration | Renewable | Allows Work? |
Type C (Schengen) | Short stay (tourism/business) | 90 days in 180 days | ❌ | ❌ |
Type D (Student) | Full-time study | Up to 12 months | ✅ | ✅ (20 hrs/week) |
TRP (Student/Work) | Long stay for study/work | 1–5 years | ✅ | ✅ |
Work Visa | Full-time employment | 1–5 years | ✅ | ✅ |
Researcher Visa | Research/PhD | Up to 2 years | ✅ | ✅ |
Family Visa | Dependent family members | Same as sponsor | ✅ | ❌ (unless separate work permit) |
Startup Visa | Start a business | 1–5 years | ✅ | ✅ |
