Study abroad
Study in Latvia
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Latvia
Higher education in Latvia, in Northern Europe, on the Baltic Sea, gives international students a chance to study in a new academic and cultural setting. Universities and other institutions offer programmes at different levels, from first degrees to postgraduate study, across subjects such as business, engineering, health, science and the humanities.
The economy has strengths in logistics, digital technology and healthcare, which is reflected in many study options. The main language is Latvian; the availability of English-taught programmes varies between institutions. Start with the subjects available here, then compare institutions, costs and application steps.
Why study in Latvia?
Students choose Latvia for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in Northern Europe, on the Baltic Sea. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Transport & Logistics, Computing & Information Technology and Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, with options differing between universities.
- Industry context: Logistics, digital technology and healthcare matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Cities and campus life: Riga, Daugavpils and Jelgava each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Latvia means everyday contact with Latvian and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
- European mobility: as part of the European Union, Latvia takes part in European programmes and qualification frameworks that can make it easier to move between countries during or after study.
Compare the structure of each programme, how it is assessed and what support is available for international students before you decide.
Top subjects to study in Latvia
Here are some subject areas that fit well with study in Latvia. We chose them editorially, with logistics, digital technology and healthcare in mind, so treat them as ideas rather than a ranking.
- Transport & Logistics
- Computing & Information Technology
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Business & Management
- Engineering
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Courses connected to logistics, digital technology and healthcare can be a good fit for students who want their studies to relate closely to the local economy. Each subject has its own page for Latvia on this site, with its specializations.
When choosing between these areas, think about what you enjoy studying, the entry requirements for each course and the kind of work you would like to do afterwards. A specialization can matter as much as the broad subject.
Universities in Latvia
- Riga Technical UniversityRiga, Latvia
- THE 2026 1001–1200
- University of LatviaRiga, Latvia
- THE 2026 1001–1200
- Riga Stradiņš UniversityRiga, Latvia
- THE 2026 1201–1500
Scholarships to Study in Latvia
If you need financial support to study in Latvia, it helps to know where funding usually comes from.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Latvia
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
- European exchange and mobility programmes, where your institution takes part
Eligibility, the amount of support and deadlines vary, and competition can be strong. Apply to several suitable options and confirm what each award covers. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Latvia
In Latvia, the main intake for many programmes is usually around September. Some institutions also admit students around February, although this second intake is usually available for fewer courses. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Plan early. Popular courses can close well before the start date, and international applicants usually need extra time for translations, language tests, scholarship applications and visas. Each institution publishes its own deadlines, so check them for every course on your list.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Latvia
Fees for international students in Latvia are set by each institution and can differ considerably between programmes. In some cases, fees depend on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen, so check which fee category applies to you.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Check the latest fees on each institution’s website and confirm whether they can change during your course.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Latvia
Your offer letter is usually only the first step: most students from abroad also need the right permission to enter and stay in Latvia for their studies. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can usually study without a visa but may need to register their residence; other students usually need a long-stay visa or residence permit. A short-stay Schengen visa is not normally enough for a full degree programme.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Latvia in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Latvia
A realistic budget for life in Latvia starts with housing, which is usually the largest single expense. Costs in Riga can differ noticeably from those in Daugavpils or Jelgava and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Current cost estimates from your institution and official sources will help you build a realistic budget for the whole course.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Latvia
What are the advantages of studying in Latvia?
It depends on your goals. Latvia offers programmes across many subjects, a location in Northern Europe, on the Baltic Sea and study in Latvian (with some English-taught options). Students interested in logistics, digital technology and healthcare may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Latvia?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Transport & Logistics, Computing & Information Technology, Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies and Business & Management. The subjects page for Latvia lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When should I apply to universities in Latvia?
Many programmes start around September. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Latvia?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Latvia?
EU/EEA citizens can usually study without a visa; most other international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Latvia.
Are scholarships available for international students in Latvia?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Where do international students live in Latvia?
Riga, Daugavpils and Jelgava are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Latvia?
Many courses are taught in Latvian. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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