Language Immersion Courses in Latvia

Language schools in Latvia mostly mean courses in Latvian, the country's official language, and in Russian, which many residents also speak. Under the Official Language Law, the official language of the Republic of Latvia is Latvian, and every other language used in the country, except Livonian, is treated as a foreign language. Learning Latvian is useful for anyone planning a longer stay: according to the State Education Development Agency (VIAA), knowledge of Latvian helps non-Latvians integrate and is one of the preconditions for Latvian citizenship.

Latvian is a Baltic language. The Latvian Language Agency notes that it is close to Lithuanian, although speakers of the two languages cannot communicate freely, and that there are about 1.5 million native speakers, 1.38 million of them in Latvia. The state also protects Livonian (Liv), a Finno-Ugric language of the indigenous population that is related to Estonian.

Our directory lists one active language school in Latvia: the Russian Language School of the Baltic International Academy in Riga, which teaches Russian to non-native speakers.

How language courses work in Latvia

Latvian is taught by many kinds of providers. VIAA describes Latvian teaching as the activity of many language schools, cultural associations, town and district councils and vocational training centres, which issue a statement on the learner's level at the end of a course. Other options include:

• University courses, such as the Summer School of Latvian Language and Culture at the University of Latvia in Riga
• Conversation clubs and courses for adults run by the Latvian Language Agency
• Private language schools, for Latvian and for Russian
• Latvian lectureships at universities abroad, supported by the Latvian Language Agency

Courses are usually organised by the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The University of Latvia's summer school, for example, has groups from absolute beginners to B2. The beginners' group aims at level A1, where learners can introduce themselves and use familiar everyday expressions, while the B2 group works towards fluent conversation with native speakers on everyday and professional topics. In 2026 the summer school ran in person in Riga from 5 to 18 August, and it combines language classes with lectures on Latvian history, art and folklore.

A private school's certificate shows the level reached on a course; it is not an official language qualification. Check whether a course ends with an external exam if you need proof of level for work, study or residence.

Admission and language requirements

General language courses have no entrance exam: schools place you in a group by level. Requirements matter when you want to study a degree in Latvian. The University of Latvia accepts its own Latvian language proficiency test, organised by the Applied Linguistics Center of the Faculty of Humanities, with a minimum result of 4 on a 10-point scale. For programmes taught in Russian it accepts the TORFL test at level B2 or higher.

Students from outside the European Union who plan a long course should check visa and residence rules with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) before booking. For degree students, the University of Latvia notes that the residence permit procedure takes over 40 days.

Costs and funding

Fees depend on the school, the intensity and the length of the course. As an example, the participation fee for the University of Latvia's Summer School of Latvian Language and Culture is €699. It covers Latvian classes, lectures, museum visits and excursions, but not accommodation or meals in Riga.

The Latvian state offers scholarships for summer schools through VIAA. Only students and academic and research staff of foreign higher education institutions from eligible countries can apply. The scholarship is €1,000 per person for the summer school and is paid to the organiser; participants pay their own travel. For 2026 the call opened on 1 February and closed on 1 April.

How to choose a course

• Language: Latvian for study, work and residence in Latvia; Russian if you need it for your career or research
• Goal: a short summer course for a first contact with the language, or a longer course if you plan to study or work in Latvian
• Level and group size: ask how the school tests your level and how many students are in a group
• Proof of level: check whether the course prepares for a recognised test, such as the University of Latvia's Latvian test or TORFL for Russian
• Location and housing: the University of Latvia's summer school and the school in our directory are in Riga; ask whether the school helps with accommodation

Frequently asked questions

Is Russian an official language in Latvia?

No. Latvian is the only official language, and under the Official Language Law every other language except Livonian is a foreign language. Russian is still widely spoken, and courses in Russian are available in Riga.

Where can I learn Latvian as a foreigner?

Latvian is taught by language schools, cultural associations, local councils and universities. The University of Latvia runs a Summer School of Latvian Language and Culture in Riga, with groups from beginners to B2.

How much does a Latvian summer course cost?

The University of Latvia's summer school costs €699, without accommodation and meals. Students and staff of foreign universities from eligible countries can apply for a state scholarship of €1,000 through VIAA.

Do I need Latvian to study at a Latvian university?

Only for programmes taught in Latvian. The University of Latvia asks all international candidates for proof of English, and for Latvian-taught study it accepts its own Latvian test with a minimum score of 4 out of 10.