Latvia can offer high-quality higher education of the European standard at affordable prices. Foreign students can study at most public and private universities since many programs are taught in English.
Diplomas from Latvian universities are highly regarded in other European countries. An equally important advantage of studying in Latvia is the European residence permit, which is received by all foreign applicants.
Higher education in Latvia
Higher education diplomas in Latvia are issued by colleges or universities. College (koledza) provides applied vocational education. Neither the study itself nor the work after graduation is in any way connected with research activities. Education in Latvian colleges is aimed at acquiring skills, and knowledge in a particular area, for example, banking, IT technologies, engineering and technology, law, entrepreneurship.
To get a bachelor’s degree, you need to study for 2 years, for a master’s degree you need 3 years.
The university, or high school (augstskola), provides academic education. Education in this type of university is focused on scientific and research work. Latvian universities offer standard levels of higher education: bachelor’s degree (3-4 years of study), master’s degree (2 years), a doctoral degree (3-4 years).
Thanks to the use of the common European system of transferring credits – ECTS, it will be easy for foreign students to continue their studies in Latvia, and then in another European country.
Latvian diploma
Latvia is a member of the European Union, NATO, and the Schengen Agreement. Therefore, diplomas obtained in Latvian universities have the same legal force in Europe. Foreigners go to Latvia for education mainly in the medical field. And also in the fields of tourism, entrepreneurship, logistics, and banking.
In addition, Latvian universities are known for their business incubators: for example, a student, under the supervision of experienced professionals and teachers, creates the foundation for his future business while still studying.
Work for students
Another plus of studying in Latvia is the opportunity to work. Students from other countries are eligible for a part-time job of no more than 20 hours per week. Master students can work without time limits.
To obtain a work permit, you need a visa or residence permit and an employment contract with an employer. Together with the application, these documents are submitted to the Office of Citizenship and Immigration Affairs, and after receiving official permission, the foreign student has a chance to improve his/her financial condition and independently cover the costs of the study. Moreover, the student has an opportunity to find a job after the study and continuing the residence permit.
Watch also: Obtain the Latvian residence based on work in 2021
Which university to choose in Latvia?
The oldest public institution is the University of Latvia, which offers the widest range of specializations. The largest number of students, including foreign ones, study here. Among the 25 thousand students, 5 thousand are foreigners. The cost of one semester at the University of Latvia starts from 1200 euros. The university has signed agreements on cooperation and student exchange with 104 educational institutions from 37 countries of the world. Therefore, any student can study for one or two semesters in another state.
The most demanded educational institution among those wishing to get an engineering education is the Riga Technical University. The university was founded in 1862 and is one of the oldest technical universities in Europe. The average cost is 1,300 euros per semester.
Baltic International Academy offers 26 study programs and 8 study directions in in tourism. Moreover, the programs taught in English.
The main Medical university of Latvia is the University named after Paul Stradins, offering programs in 40 specialties, 30 of which are taught in English. Tuition fees – from 1500 euros per semester.
Future entrepreneurs enter the Turiba Business School or the Riga International School of Economics and Management. The cost of one semester at these universities starts from 1000 euros.
The Latvian Academy of Arts is popular among artists and sculptors. The university offers training in creative programs with subsequent internships in world museums and galleries. The average price for one semester is 1500 euros.
Grants and scholarships in Latvia
Studying in Latvian universities and colleges is paid. But students are motivated to study well – these are discounts on tuition fees. At the end of the semester, each institution ranks the best performing student. For example, get a discount of up to 40% for the next six months. The number of honored students to be encouraged and the amount of compensation for them is determined by each university independently. The university also issues such discounts to students for sports achievements or active participation in the extracurricular life of the university.
Both local and international students have a chance to receive a government grant. You need to request financial support from the State Education Development Organization of Latvia. Undergraduate students from the 2nd year, graduate and doctoral students from the 1st year, studying at the full-time department of the English-language program, are eligible to apply for a grant. Obligator High marks are required. The size of the grant for bachelors is 500 euros per month, for masters and doctors – 670 euros. The money is paid for 10 months.
In addition, future specialists often participate in the Erasmus Mundus international student exchange program. It is supported by all Latvian universities.
How to enter the University of Latvia?
Most of the Latvian universities do not have entrance examinations. It is enough to complete simple tests in English / Latvian and according to the standard school curriculum.
For admission to any university, regardless of its focus, the following list of notarized documents will be required:
- Copy of ID
- Diploma/certificate
- Certificate of knowledge of English (at least 4.0 IELTS)
- Application for admission (each university has an online application form)
- Summary
- Motivation letter
- Photos
- Proof of payment for processing documents (14 euros)
- The entire package of documents can be submitted by email to the admissions office of the selected university or college by July 1. After considering the application, the university sends the applicant an official invitation. Based on this document, a foreigner will be able to obtain a student visa, and upon arrival in Latvia – a student residence permit.
Accommodation in Latvia
Latvia is one of the “cheapest” countries of the European Union with a fairly high standard of living. Housing prices, utilities, food, and entertainment are lower here than in France or Germany. Future students will be able to save on accommodation. Latvian universities offer students places in comfortable hostels with an average cost of 120 euros per month.
Latvian citizens are convinced that thanks to young specialists from other countries, the state will become even more developed and comfortable.
