Latvia is a top European destination for international students seeking affordable, high-quality education. Alongside globally recognized degrees like Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD and English-taught programs, especially in fields like IT, business, engineering, medicine, dentistry, social sciences and health sciences. Study in Latvia for international students offers a simple admission process, without IELTS and medium of instruction (MOI) is accepted, and student visa approval rate of around 90%.
As part of the EU and Schengen Area, students visa-free travel across Europe and access to post-study work opportunities. Latvia is also known for its safety, clean cities, vibrant student life, and growing innovation sector, especially in tech and startups. The tuition fees at public universities range from just €1,550 to €6,000/year, while medical programs may reach up to €15,000. Despite its affordability and living costs as low as €400/month, and for the visa process a bank statement requires €5,700 Latvia is a smart, well-rounded choice for your academic journey.
Quick Facts About Studying in Latvia 2025
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Popular Cities | Riga, Daugavpils, Liepaja |
| Degree Duration | Bachelor: 3–4 yrsMaster: 1–2 yrsPhD: 3–4 yrs |
| Popular programs | Medicine, Business, IT, Social Sciences |
| Tuition Fees | €1,550 – €6,000/year (medicine up to €15,000) |
| Living Costs | €450 – €700/month |
| Work Rights | 20 hrs/week during studies |
| Post-Study Work | 6–12 months job-seeking visa |
| Visa type | Long stay (Type D) |
| Visa Processing Time | 2–6 weeks |
| Visa approval rate | 90% (with proper documents) |
| Bank Statement Requirement | €5,700 for last 3 months |
| English Requirements | IELTS 6.0 or MOI accepted |
| Top Scholarships | Latvian Government Scholarship, University-specific awards |
Top Universities in Latvia for International Students
Here are the leading universities to pursue study in Latvia for international students offering quality education to international students:
| University | Top Programs | Tuition Range (€/year) |
| University of Latvia | IT, Natural Sciences, Business | €2,000 – €4,000 |
| Riga Technical University (RTU) | Engineering, Architecture, Aviation | €2,500 – €5,000 |
| Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) | Medicine, Public Health | €6,000 – €12,000 |
| Turība University | Law, Business, Tourism | €2,000 – €3,500 |
| Daugavpils University | Education, Social Sciences | €2,000 – €3,000 |
| Latvia University of Life Sciences & Technologies (LLU) | Agriculture, Food Science | €2,000 – €3,500 |
Tuition Fees and Cost of Living in Latvia
Studying in Latvia is cost-effective compared to other EU countries. Here’s a breakdown:
| Expense | Average Annual Cost (€) |
| Tuition (Non-Medical) | €2,000 – €4,000 |
| Tuition (Medical) | €6,000 – €12,000 |
| Accommodation | €1,200 – €2,400 |
| Food & Transportation | €1,200 – €1,800 |
| Health Insurance | €120 – €250/year |
Scholarships for International Students in Latvia
Scholarships in Latvia make studying in this vibrant Baltic nation more affordable, helping to study in Latvia for international students to access quality education at lower costs.
| Scholarship | Coverage | Eligibility |
| Latvian State Scholarships | Partial tuition waiver + stipend | Students from selected countries |
| University-specific Grants | Full/partial tuition discount | Based on merit and academic performance |
| ERASMUS+ Mobility Programs | Tuition + monthly stipend | For exchange students in EU universities |
Cost of Living in Latvia
The cost of living in Latvia is affordable compared to many European countries, making it an attractive choice for international students and expats seeking quality life on a budget.
| Expense Type | Monthly Cost (€) |
| Accommodation | €150 – €350 |
| Food & Utilities | €150 – €250 |
| Transport & Misc | €100 – €150 |
| Total (approx.) | €450 – €700/month |
Riga, the capital, offers excellent public transport, budget housing, and student discounts across the city.
Masters in Latvia for International Students
Latvia offers 1–2 year Master’s programs with internationally recognized degrees. Highlights:
- Entry Requirements: Bachelor’s degree + IELTS 6.0 or MOI
- Tuition: €2,500–€6,000/year
- Top Specializations: Data Science, MBA, Cybersecurity, Public Health, Data Science, International Business, Public Health, Engineering, Cybersecurity
- Work Rights: 20 hrs/week during study
- Post-study visa: 6–12 months (for job search)
Admission Process (Step-by-Step)
Applying to study in Latvia is straightforward, especially with the help of experienced european education consultants who can make it even smoother by helping you shortlist universities, prepare documents, apply on time, and track visa approvals. Below is a step-by-step guide outlining each stage of your journey to studying in Latvia.
Step 1: Choose a Program & University
Through our free education counselling, our consultant will help you choose the right university and program based on your academic background, budget, and career goals. With access to over 200+ English-taught programs, they’ll ensure you apply to institutions that align with your profile and preferences.
Step 2: Check Requirements
Your academic documents are assessed and to ensure you meet the minimum university entry criteria, Most programs require:
- High school (for Bachelor’s) or Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s)
- Minimum 50–60% academic score
- IELTS 6.0 or MOI
- Valid passport (at least 1 year)
Step 3: Prepare Documents
After meeting the requirement student ready to prepare the documents and start gathering and formatting all required documents such as:
- Academic transcripts
- Passport copy
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- IELTS/MOI
- Recommendation letters (if needed)
- Application form
Then our study abroad consultants at RIght Turn will fill out and submit your university application on your behalf, including payment of the application fee (if applicable).
Step 4: Get Offer Letter
Once the university reviews your application, you’ll receive a conditional or unconditional offer letter. Right turn will guide you through fulfilling any additional requirements mentioned in the offer (if any).
Step 6: Pay Initial Tuition Deposit
After accepting the offer, our educational consultant will help you to Pay the tuition deposit to confirm your admission.
Latvia Student Visa Requirements
To apply for a Latvian long-term (Type D) student visa:
- Valid Passport
- University Admission Letter
- Proof of Tuition Payment
- Health Insurance
- Proof of Accommodation
- Bank Statement (minimum €5,700)
- Visa Application Form + Photos
- Visa processing time: 2–6 weeks
FAQs
What are the cheapest universities in Latvia for international students?
Universities like Daugavpils University, Turība University, and Latvia University of Life Sciences offer tuition starting from €2,000/year.
Can I study in Latvia without IELTS?
Yes, Universities in Latvia accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter if your previous education was in English.
What are part-time job options in Latvia for international students?
Students can work in customer service, hospitality, IT support, tutoring, or freelancing within the legal 20 hours/week limit.
Can I stay in Latvia after graduation?
Yes, graduates can apply for a 6–12 month post-study work visa or continue to further studies.
What are the intakes for Latvian universities?
The main intake is September, with some universities offering a February or Spring intake for select programs. It’s best to apply at least 4–6 months in advance like Apply between January and June for the September intake.
Do Latvian degrees have value outside Latvia?
Yes. Latvian degrees follow the Bologna Process and are recognized throughout the EU, UK, Canada, and many other countries.