Study in Latvia

Quick facts

• Population: 1,968,957 (2016)
• Capital: Riga
• Geographical size: 64,573 km²
• GDP: €25.021 billion (2016)
• Official EU language(s): Latvian
• Currency: Euro

Higher education in Latvia

• Number of higher education institutions: 24
• Number of students in higher education: 73,946 (2014 Ministry of Education and Science)
• Number of international students in higher education: 5294 (2014, Ministry of Education and Science
• Language of instruction: Most higher education programmes for international students in Latvia are taught in English language, but you will find some taught in Russian, too. And of course there are programmes taught in Latvian if you prefer
• Typical tuition fees: The average tuition fee for students from the European Union (EU) for studies per year in Latvia is from 1,500 EUR to 6,000 EUR*. The average tuition fee for non-EU-students is from 2,500 to 4,500 EUR* (8,000 -15,000 EUR Medical Sciences)
• Average length of a full-time higher education programme in Latvia:
  • Bachelor’s degree programme: 3 – 4 years
  • Master’s degree programme: 1.5 – 2 years
  • Doctorate/PhD: 3 – 4 years

Overview

Located in North Eastern Europe, Latvia is a country of rich history and cultural traditions and is a relatively new national state. Due to its geographical location, it has always been a bridge between Eastern and Western Europe.

The climate of Latvia allows one to enjoy the magic and the differences of the four seasons. Furthermore, Latvia is easily accessible by land, sea or air, and has the largest railway terminal and international airport in the Baltics.

Latvia has a vibrant cultural life. Classical and modern music and dance performances are high quality. Folk music and dance traditions are alive and play a large role in everyday life. Riga as a regional centre and Latvia’s capital city offers a wide range of cultural events and entertainment, from bustling nightlife to world-class performances of classical music and ballet, art galleries and leisure activities.

Latvia successfully participates in the European Higher Education Area, an initiative that promotes international student and staff mobility and is internationally competitive.

Latvian higher education institutions offer internationally-recognised Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral study programmes and cooperate actively in education and research at an international level.

Studying here is great for your career too – higher education institutions develop student competitiveness in the local and international labour markets.

Tuition fees depend on the chosen institution and the study programme, but most higher education institutions in Latvia offer affordable fees. In addition, the State Education Development Agency offers scholarships to international students and teaching staff from more than 25 countries all over the world for studies, research and participation in summer schools in Latvia.