Universities in Latvia

Latvia, one of the three Baltic states and a member of the European Union, has a compact higher-education system concentrated in the capital, Riga, with smaller universities and colleges in the regions. Latvian is the language of most programmes, but many universities also run full degree programmes in English for international students.

According to the Ministry of Education and Science, universities and colleges in Latvia teach academic and professional programmes and carry out research. Our directory lists three Latvian higher education institutions: the University of Latvia and Riga Technical University in Riga, and Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (Vidzemes Augstskola, ViA) in Valmiera.

How Latvian higher education works

There are three levels of higher education: bachelor, master and doctorate. Programmes are either academic, based on research and leading to a bachelor's or master's degree, or professional, ending with state exams and leading to a professional bachelor's or master's degree with a professional qualification. Colleges (koledža) offer shorter first-level professional higher education.

• Bachelor's degree: academic or professional
• Master's degree: academic or professional; a master's is required for doctoral studies
• Doctorate: awarded after the public defence of a doctoral thesis

Since amendments to the Law on Higher Education Institutions took effect in October 2022, 60 Latvian credit points correspond to one year of full-time study under ECTS, and one credit point equals 25 to 30 hours of study work. You can check whether an institution and study field are accredited in the national Study Field Register, published through the Academic Information Centre (AIC).

Admission for international students

Students apply directly to the university and programme, and each institution sets its own admission rules and deadlines. Foreign qualifications are evaluated by the AIC, which checks the authenticity of the document, the status of the institution and the programme, and then states which Latvian qualification yours corresponds to; its statement is prepared within a month. Universities ask for proof of the language of instruction: the University of Latvia, for example, accepts an IELTS score of at least 6.0 for English and, for Spanish, a DELE at level B2 or higher.

Visa and residence

Citizens of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland need no visa; if they stay more than 90 days, they must apply in person for a registration certificate at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) within 90 days of arrival. Students from other countries, including Latin America, need a temporary residence permit. According to the University of Latvia (checked October 2026), the university first prepares an invitation, and once it is approved the student applies with proof of means of at least €780 per month, among other documents. The procedure takes over 40 days, and the permit is issued for the period for which the study fee has been paid.

Costs and funding

Latvia has state-financed and fee-paying study places. Students who pass the entrance requirements but do not obtain a state-financed place pay tuition, and institutions set their own fees. According to Eurydice (citing OECD data), the average tuition fee for bachelor's programmes at public institutions is USD 6,782 a year, and students from outside the EU/EEA pay on average USD 20,071 a year. Most institutions charge an application fee of about €20. Other options:

• Rotation: an annual competition through which fee-paying students with high marks can move to a state-financed place
• State-guaranteed loans: study loans for tuition and student loans for living costs
• Grants and scholarships from the university itself; ask the international office

How to choose

• Type of programme: academic or professional, and whether a professional qualification is included
• Language: confirm that your programme is fully taught in English
• Accreditation: check the institution and study field in the Study Field Register
• Location: Riga for the largest choice, or a regional institution such as ViA in Valmiera for a smaller campus
• Fees and funding: tuition for your nationality and the chance of a state-financed place

The University of Latvia is, according to the university, the largest in the country by number of students and carries out research in more than 50 research areas. Riga Technical University, the technical university in the capital, has since 1 January 2024 been the pilot for a new model of state funding for higher education. Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences in Valmiera celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in English at a Latvian university?

Yes. Many universities offer full programmes in English; you will usually need to prove your level, for example with an IELTS score of at least 6.0 at the University of Latvia.

How much does it cost to study in Latvia?

Each institution sets its fees. According to Eurydice, the average bachelor's fee at public institutions is USD 6,782 a year, and students from outside the EU/EEA pay on average USD 20,071 a year.

Do students from outside the EU need a residence permit?

Yes. After the university's invitation is approved, you apply for a temporary residence permit, showing at least €780 per month for living costs. The procedure takes over 40 days.

Are Latvian degrees recognised in other countries?

Latvia uses ECTS credits and the European bachelor-master-doctorate structure, which makes recognition within Europe easier. Check with the recognition authority of the country where you want to use your degree.