Here in our forum, we have put down relevant information about the cost of living, Tuition, Visa, Application & Top 10 Universities in Latvia to encourage you and other students who wish to pursue their masters, Bachelor & Ph.D. Degrees in Latvia.
About Lativa
Latvia is an Eastern European country fondly referred to as ‘The best-kept secret in Europe.’ The country is stunningly beautiful, and at the same time not very popular outside of Europe like the bigger countries. That is what makes it a gem. The country’s culture and way of life are heavily influenced by Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, and Belarus and Russia to the east. This makes the country a nation of several ethnic mixes and cultures. Add the wide beaches to the east and dense sprawling forests, you get a country immensely blessed with natural beauty. The landscape of the country, especially the capital Riga, is dotted with unique architectural masterpieces like the St Peter’s Church, the National Museum, and the huge Central Market.
Higher Education in Latvia
This country of about 2 million people has two types of tertiary education programs. These are academic and professional programs. Academic programs are strictly focused on improving the student’s ability to conduct independent research while giving a theoretical foundation for a future career. Professional programs, on the other hand, prepare students for careers in all aspects of Latvian society. Graduates of the professional programs can end up as teachers and researchers in their fields. All the Top 10 Universities in Latvia offer both types of programs and the language of instruction is mainly in Latvia, the main language of the country.
Academic calendar
Top 10 Universities in Latvia follow a strict academic calendar that runs from September to June for each academic year. Bachelor’s degrees are generally 4-year programs while Master’s degrees are at most 2-year programs. The duration of Ph.D. level programs largely depends on the student’s researching abilities.
Reasons to study in Latvia
Students cost of living in Latvia
The cost of living in Latvia is dependent on your location in the country and lifestyle. Obviously, there would be a disparity between the cost of living in the capital Riga compared to another town like Liepaja. On average though, the cost of living should be between €450 and €750. Depending on the type of accommodation, the amount should take care of transportation, utility bills, food, and accommodation. Students who love traveling a lot should expect to pay more though.
Latvian universities Tuition fees
Latvian universities Tuition fees vary depending on the program and the institution of choice. However, like in most Study abroad countries, there is a disparity in the fees paid by Latvian students on the one hand and EU and Swiss students on the other. Non-European students should expect to pay higher tuition than domestic and EU students. In general, the approximate tuition range for some popular undergraduate programs are as follows:
Medicine 7500 — 15,000 Euros per yearBusiness programs 2,000 — 6,000 Euros per yearManagement programs 2,000 — 6,000 Euros per yearIT and Engineering programs 2,200 – 4000 Euros per yearMathematics 2,000 — 4,000 Euros per yearInformatics 2,000 — 4,000 Euros per year
At the Master’s level, the tuition can go as high as $4,000 per year for international students while EU students should expect to pay about half of that.
Applying for admission to study in Latvia
The admission procedure varies for each University in Latvia. But generally, all study abroad students to Latvia must provide the following when applying for admission:
Academic transcriptDegree/diploma/certificate from your previous educational institution(s) andEnglish language test results if you want to study in English
These must be sent to the university of choice in addition to other peculiar prerequisites demanded by the university. To get the detailed admission requirements for each University, students should contact the relevant admission office through their websites or email. Once your admission has been processed and granted, a conditional acceptance letter would be issued to you. You would need to sign a letter accepting the admission. The full first-year tuition fee must be paid before final approval is granted to come to Latvia to study. Some universities might ask for a security deposit to prove you have enough funds.
Student visa
All international students coming to Latvia (except citizens from the EU) must obtain a student visa and a residence permit to study in the country. In some cases, your chosen university would guide you on how to obtain a student visa and a resident permit. They might also apply on your behalf. The cost of obtaining these two documents also varies depending on the location. The embassy close to your location would give you details of the cost. Non-European students must go to the nearest consulate/embassy to complete the process of getting a student visa and residence permit.
The completed student visa application form which you can get herePassport-sized photoYour traveling passportYour admission letter from the admissionAll your academic recordsProof of payment of tuition fee (to be provided by the university)Bank statements to show you have enough money to finance your stay in LatviaProof of accommodation from the UniversityProof of health insurance
Getting the student visa and residence permit can take several weeks. So intending students are advised to apply months before the beginning of the school year.
List of top 10 universities in Latvia
University of Latvia, RigaRiga Technical University, RigaLatvia University of Agriculture, JelgavaRiga Stradins University, RigaTuriba University, RigaVidzeme University of Applied Sciences, ValmieraRezekne Higher Education Institute, RezekneRiga Graduate School of Law, RigaDaugavpils University, DaugavpilsTransport and Telecommunication Institute, Riga
1. University of Latvia, Riga
The University of Latvia (LU) (Latvian: Latvijas Universitāte) is a state-run university located in Riga, Latvia. It was established in 1919. University Link
2. Riga Technical University, Riga
Riga Technical University is the largest technological university in the Baltic States with a rich history and clear future vision aimed at promoting. University Link
3. Latvia University of Agriculture, Jelgava
The Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies is a university in Jelgava, Latvia, specializing in agricultural science, forestry, food technology, and related areas. University Link
4. Turiba University, Riga
Turība University is a higher education institution and the largest business school in Latvia. University was established in 1993. University Link
5. Riga Stradins University, Riga
Rīga Stradiņš University is a public university located in the city of Riga, Latvia. The Stradiņš name in the university’s title is owed to members of the Stradiņš family who have had a significant influence on the course of community and academic life in Latvia for over a century. University Link
6. Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, Valmiera
Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences is the higher education establishment in Valmiera, Latvia. It was founded in 1996 and now it has around 800 students. University Link
7. Rezekne Higher Education Institute, Rezekne
The Rēzekne Academy of Technology is an institution of higher education and scientific research in Rēzekne, Latvia. It is one of two Augstskola based in Eastern Latvia. University Link
8. Riga Graduate School of Law, Riga
The Riga Graduate School of Law in Riga, Latvia is a private law school in the Baltic region offering Bachelor, Masters, and Doctoral studies. It was established in 1998 through an international agreement between the Governments of Sweden and Latvia and the Soros Foundation. University Link
9. Transport and Telecommunication Institute, Riga
Transport and Telecommunication Institute is the largest university-type accredited non-state technical higher educational and scientific establishment in Riga, the capital of Latvia. University Link
10. Daugavpils University, Daugavpils
The University of Daugavpils is a public university in Daugavpils, Latvia, and the largest regional university in the country. University Link
We also recommend the following available scholarships
Study in Latvia: 21 Affordable Universities and their Tuition FeeRGSL Excellence Award for Foreign Students in LatviaP & G CEO Challenge ProgramRīga Conference Future Leaders Forum in LatviaFilmmakers for Climate Innovation – Germany and Latvia
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