Complete guide to studying in Latvia
Everything you need to know about becoming an international student in Latvia
Top reasons to study in Latvia
- Friendly student cities with welcoming academic communities
- High quality of life with a relaxed pace and safe environment
- Strategic location in Northern Europe with easy links to the Baltics and Scandinavia
- Multicultural and multilingual study atmosphere
- Modern, innovative higher education with competitive tuition fees
A quick introduction to Latvia
Situated on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, Latvia shares borders with Estonia, Lithuania, Belarus and Russia, and is part of the European Union and the Schengen Area. As one of the three Baltic nations, Latvia offers a blend of Nordic and Central European influences, with historic towns, forest landscapes and a growing international outlook.
Latvia is a strong choice for international students who want a peaceful, academically focused environment with high living standards and a manageable cost of living. Although Latvian is the official language, English is widely spoken in universities and urban areas, making daily life easier for many international students.
Latvia participates in the Bologna Process and forms part of the European Higher Education Area. This means that degrees follow the standard European structure and use ECTS credits that are recognised across Europe. Students transferring from other EHEA countries will also have their credits recognised.
Higher education in Latvia has developed rapidly over the last two decades, gaining a reputation for strong research output, especially in fields such as engineering, technology, medicine and environmental sciences. International students now make up an increasing share of the student population, drawn by Latvia’s affordability, strong academic standards and welcoming atmosphere.
The regions of Latvia
Latvia is divided into four main regions, each offering its own cultural identity and landscape.
Vidzeme sits in the north east and includes the capital city Riga. It is known for its historic towns, forests and academic hubs.
Latgale in the east features lakes, rural scenery and a strong cultural heritage that differs from other parts of the country.
Kurzeme in the west borders the Baltic Sea and is known for coastal cities, maritime history and outdoor activities.
Zemgale in the south is an agricultural region with flat landscapes and several student friendly towns.
International students tend to live and study in Riga, although other cities like Liepaja and Daugavpils also offer university programmes and a quieter pace of life.
All universities in Latvia
- BA School of Business and Finance
- Riga Graduate School of Law
- Riga Technical University
- University of Latvia
Latvia’s higher education system
There are two main types of higher education institutions in Latvia: universities and universities of applied sciences. Both follow the European degree structure divided into bachelor, master and doctoral levels.
Universities
Latvian universities focus on academic and theoretical education, offering a wide range of programmes in fields such as science, humanities, engineering and medicine. They typically place a strong emphasis on research and innovation.
Prominent examples include the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University and Riga Stradins University. These universities have growing international student communities and increasing numbers of programmes taught in English, especially at postgraduate level.
Universities of applied sciences
These institutions, sometimes referred to as academies, focus on professional, skills oriented education. They offer bachelor and master degrees with practical components, internships and industry links. Popular areas include business, computing, design and social sciences.
Well known institutions include the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies and the Art Academy of Latvia.
Private institutions
Latvia is also home to several private higher education institutions, such as the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga and Turiba University. These often offer specialised programmes in business, management, law and social sciences with strong industry connections.
Climate
Latvia has a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy, while summers are mild and pleasant. The Baltic Sea influences the weather, producing cool breezes and occasional rain throughout the year.
Winter temperatures often fall between minus 5 and plus 2 degrees Celsius, with shorter daylight hours and regular snowfall. Students should prepare with warm clothing, insulated coats and good winter boots.
Summers usually range between 17 and 25 degrees Celsius, with long daylight hours and bright evenings that can feel almost endless. Spring and autumn tend to be mild, with colourful seasonal changes.
Although the weather is not extreme, students will benefit from layered clothing and waterproof outerwear, especially during rainy months.
Lifestyle and welfare
Latvia offers a peaceful, student friendly lifestyle with modern amenities, safe cities and a strong sense of community.
Healthcare
Latvia has a well developed healthcare system. International students are required to have valid health insurance for the duration of their studies.
If you are a non EU student
You must purchase private health insurance before arriving in Latvia and ensure that it covers primary care, specialist visits, emergency treatment and hospitalisation. Upon arrival, some students choose to register with a local insurer for easier access to services.
If you are an EU/EEA student
Your European Health Insurance Card allows you to receive medically necessary treatment during your stay. However, many students still choose to register with a Latvian insurer to simplify reimbursements.
Once in Latvia, students should register with a local clinic or general practitioner to access routine healthcare.
Food
Latvian cuisine is hearty and seasonal, influenced by northern European traditions. You will find dishes featuring potatoes, rye bread, dairy, fish and berries.
Breakfast tends to be simple, with porridge, bread, cheese or pastries. Lunch is usually the main meal of the day and many universities offer affordable canteen options. Dinner is often lighter.
Students will find plenty of international food options in cities, ranging from budget friendly cafes to modern restaurants. Local markets are popular for fresh, inexpensive produce.
Leisure
Latvia combines cultural activities with abundant nature.
Popular activities include:
- Exploring historic old towns and medieval castles
- Visiting museums, theatres and galleries
- Joining university clubs and societies
- Cycling and hiking in forests and national parks
- Visiting the seaside in Jurmala during summer
Music, arts and seasonal festivals are common throughout the year, with many events offering student discounts.
Transport
Public transport in Latvia is reliable and inexpensive. Major cities such as Riga offer buses, trams and trolleybuses that connect key areas and university campuses.
Intercity travel is easy through national bus and train networks, making it simple to explore the rest of the country.
Cycling is becoming increasingly popular in cities, especially during warmer months.
Safety
Latvia is a safe country with low crime rates. International students usually feel comfortable in cities and on university campuses.
As with any urban environment, petty theft may occur in crowded areas, so it is sensible to keep belongings secure and stay aware while using public transport.
Emergency services respond quickly and universities offer support for students who need advice or assistance.
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Latvian is the official language and is used in government, daily life and many undergraduate programmes. Russian is also widely spoken, particularly among older generations and in certain regions.
English proficiency is strong among young people and academic communities. A growing number of bachelor and master programmes are offered in English.
Learning some basic Latvian can help with integration, part time work and everyday communication, although it is not mandatory for many English taught programmes.
University cities
Riga
Riga is Latvia’s capital and largest city, combining historical neighbourhoods with modern architecture and a lively cultural scene. It is the main hub for international students and home to major universities including the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University and Riga Stradins University.
Riga offers museums, nightlife, theatres, parks and excellent public transport, although living costs are higher than in other Latvian cities.
Daugavpils
Located in the Latgale region, Daugavpils is Latvia’s second largest city. It has a quieter atmosphere and a strong community feel. Daugavpils University offers various programmes and the cost of living is more affordable than in Riga.
Liepaja
Situated on the western coast, Liepaja is ideal for students who enjoy the sea and a relaxed, creative lifestyle. Liepaja University offers courses in arts, social sciences and technical fields.
Jelgava
Jelgava is a student centred city, home to the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies. It has a compact layout, green spaces and good rail links to Riga.
Ventspils
Ventspils is a modern coastal city known for its clean environment, cultural venues and family friendly atmosphere. It hosts Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, offering technology and business related programmes.
Student visa
International students planning to study in Latvia for longer than 90 days will need a long stay student visa and a residence permit.
Non EU/EEA students must first obtain a student visa from a Latvian embassy and then apply for a temporary residence permit, which allows them to live in Latvia for the duration of their studies.
EU/EEA students do not require a visa but must register their stay with local authorities after arrival.
Residence permits allow students to work part time during the academic year, subject to specified limits.
Costs of studying
Course fees
Tuition fees in Latvia are generally more affordable than in many Western European countries.
Bachelor programmes often range between €2,000 and €6,000 per year. Master programmes usually cost between €3,000 and €8,000 per year, depending on the field. Medical and technical programmes may have higher fees due to their specialised nature.
EU students sometimes pay lower fees or the same rates as Latvian students, depending on the institution.
Scholarships are available through universities and the Latvian government, so it is worth checking eligibility before applying.
Living costs
Overall living expenses in Latvia are moderate. Typical monthly costs include:
- Accommodation in most cities: €250 to €450
- Riga accommodation: €350 to €600
- Food and groceries: €200 to €300
- Transport: €20 to €30 for monthly student passes
- Leisure and personal expenses: €150 to €250
A comfortable student budget usually ranges between €600 and €900 per month, depending on lifestyle and city choice.
How to apply to university in Latvia
Latvia does not use a single national application system. Students apply directly through each university’s online portal.
Typical required documents include:
- Application form
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of language proficiency
- Copy of passport
- Motivation letter
- CV for certain programmes
- Recommendation letters in some cases
Language requirements
Programmes taught in English require evidence of English proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL results. Programmes taught in Latvian require proof of Latvian language skills.
Application deadlines
Deadlines vary by university. Non EU students typically apply between January and May for programmes starting in September. EU students often have slightly later deadlines, though applying early is recommended.
Job prospects for international students
Graduates who speak English and Latvian have a strong advantage in the Latvian job market. Knowledge of Russian can also be useful in some sectors.
Growing industries include IT, engineering, logistics, finance, healthcare and forestry. Riga in particular hosts international companies and start ups seeking multilingual graduates.
EU students can work freely without restrictions. Non EU students may apply for a temporary residence permit after graduation that allows them to search for work or begin employment in Latvia.
Participation in internships and career events during your studies can improve employment prospects.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to study in Latvia?
No. Tuition fees apply, but they are generally lower than in many Western European countries. EU students sometimes pay reduced fees.
Am I allowed to work while I study?
Yes. EU students may work without restrictions. Non EU students may work part time during their studies and may apply for a work related residence permit after graduation.