Latvia is part of the European Union and offers world-class education in various fields, including Engineering, Medicine, Business, Tourism, Public Relations, Banking, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. Latvia provides a modern and safe study environment, internationally recognized academic staff, competitive tuition fees, and reasonable living costs. The degrees obtained in Latvia are recognized across all European Union countries.
The focus of higher education in Latvia is on interactive learning and practical experience.
1. Studying in Latvia is Affordable
Most programs at Latvian higher education institutions charge tuition fees, but compared to other European countries, Latvia’s undergraduate tuition fees are relatively low.
Tuition fees vary significantly depending on the institution and the study program. For international study programs, fees range from €1,500 to €15,000 per academic year. Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences offers some of the lowest study fees in Latvia, ranging from €2, 000 to €3,000 per year.
Living costs also vary between cities. In the capital, Riga, living expenses tend to be higher than in other regions. For example, accommodation in Valmiera starts from €150 (student hostel), while in Riga, it starts from €200 and higher. Transportation costs start at €30, and food costs around €300 per month.
2. Scholarships Available for International Students
Latvia offers various scholarship schemes to support international students interested in studying in the country. Scholarships are available for:
- Degree studies at Latvian higher education institutions
- Research work at Latvian higher education institutions
- Participation in summer schools organized by Latvian higher education institutions
Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences offers five scholarships for EU/EEA and non-EU students in each program:
Bachelor's level: Information Technologies, Tourism and organization management
Master's level: Business Environment Administration, Media and Information Literacy, Strategic Communication and Governance, Virtual Reality and Smart Technologies, Tourism Competitiveness Management, Gamified Reality Applications For Real-World Challenges And Experiences (Grace)
Doctoral level: Economics and Business, Sociotechnical Systems Modelling
For more details, visit https://va.lv/en.
Scholarships are administered by the State Education Development Agency (Valsts izglītības attīstības aģentūra – VIAA).
Find out more about scholarships here
3. How to Choose Your University
There are many universities, colleges, and institutions to choose from in Latvia, not only in the capital city, Riga, but also in regional areas. Most colleges and universities in Latvia are publicly funded and accredited, ensuring high-quality education to help you secure a job after graduation.
The Latvian higher education system distinguishes between academic and professional degree programs. Academic programs are more theoretically focused, while professional programs train students for specific professions. Both types of programs offer Bachelor's and Master’s degrees. Diplomas obtained in Latvia are highly regarded not only in Europe but also globally.
To find your ideal study program, visit the websites of Latvian universities, where you can find detailed information about their offerings.
4. The Weather
If you’re planning to study in Latvia, you should be prepared for colder weather during several months of the year. Latvia is located in the temperate climate zone and experiences four distinct seasons. You can expect a true winter with subzero temperatures and snow, spring floods, warm summers, and colorful autumns.
Winter in Latvia usually lasts from mid-December to the beginning of March. The temperature can range from +5°C to -30°C, though winters are now generally milder. You’ll need a good winter jacket, hat, scarf, gloves, and waterproof winter boots.
Spring may begin as early as late February or as late as late April, lasting until early June. The average temperature in spring is between 0°C and +15°C.
Summer starts in June and lasts until September, with an average temperature of around +19°C, though it can occasionally reach +30°C. The latter half of the summer may bring sudden thunderstorms.
Autumn lasts from September to December. The temperature typically drops from +10°C in September to around 0°C in November. Occasionally, there is an “Indian summer” in early autumn, with temperatures rising up to +20°C, while the first snow can fall as early as October or November. During the golden autumn period, the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold across Latvia.
Find out more: Weather in Latvia
5. Visa to Study in Latvia
The visa requirements for studying in Latvia depend on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen. Students from the EU/EEA do not need a visa to enter Latvia, but citizens from countries such as Russia, Belarus, Georgia, China, and others will need a visa to enter Latvia. These students are granted a Schengen visa, which allows them to stay in Latvia and other Schengen countries. Some non-EU/EEA countries also benefit from this privilege.
Note that students from the above-mentioned countries can stay in Latvia for up to 90 days within a six-month period. If you plan to stay longer, you should apply for a residence permit before or within the first 90 days of your stay.
Be aware that specific requirements may vary depending on the chosen university, so it is highly recommended to check with your university’s international coordinator.
Documents required for a visa or residence permit:
- A letter of invitation from your chosen university
- The application form (available on the embassy or consulate website)
- A copy of your passport (with the original for presentation). The passport must be valid for at least three months after your planned stay
- One photo (3x4 cm)
- Proof of sufficient funding (minimum of EUR 430 per month): original bank statement, signed and stamped, plus a copy of your bank card (valid for 3 months from approval date)
- Proof of accommodation (valid for 3 months from approval date)
- Copy of your study agreement with the university
- State processing fee
The entire residence permit process takes more than 40 days. Once the permit is approved, students will need to present a health insurance policy (valid for all Schengen countries) and fluorography or X-ray results from a reputable institution in Latvia.
6. Working While Studying
Foreign/international students studying in Latvia may work on or off-campus as long as they have a valid residence permit. All full-time students with a valid permit are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during study semesters and full-time during semester breaks.
7. Travel to Latvia
Several airline companies, including budget airlines, serve Riga International Airport, making it easy to find reasonably priced tickets. You can check the list of airlines flying to Riga here: Riga Airport Airlines.
You can also reach Latvia by ferry. Riga is connected by ferry to Stockholm (Sweden), and Ventspils connects with Ninneshamn (Sweden) and Travemunde (Germany). The city of Liepāja offers a ferry route to Travemunde, Germany.
Currently, international train routes are limited to connections with Moscow and St. Petersburg in Russia, and Minsk in Belarus.
Riga is well-served by extensive bus connections. Bus routes connect Latvia with Austria, Belgium, Belarus, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Moldova, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, Russia, Switzerland, the UK, and Ukraine. Check with your local travel agency or transport provider for more information.
8. Language Learning Courses
Universities in Latvia may offer a variety of language support. At Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, all international students can attend the course "Latvian Language and Culture" to learn basic phrases and gain an understanding of Latvian.
Average tuition fee ranges from €2,800 to €15,000 per year. For medical or executive business programmes it may cost up to €15,000 per year.
Scholarships do not fully cover all the expenses related to your studies. Some expenses related to tuition fees, living costs, and other expenses must be covered personally.
