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Universities in Latvia

Riga Technical University

Riga, Latvia
Riga Technical University is located in Riga, Latvia, and was first established in 1862, as the first polytechnical institute in Imperial Russia. Currently the institution is an accredited, internationally-recognized school, offering a variety of study programs throughout its nine faculties: Architecture and Urban Planning; Building and Civil Engineering; Computer Science and Information Technology; Electronics and Telecommunications; Engineering Economics; Materials Science and Applied Chemistry; Power and Electrical Engineering; Transport and Mechanical Engineering. The mission that the... See full description.

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About universities in Latvia

Upon completion of secondary education, students in Latvia can choose, either to enter the labor market, or continue their tertiary education at one of the country’s higher education universities on institutes. Graduates of the general secondary, as well as, vocational secondary schools qualify for admission for higher education. Higher education in the country is primarily offered by five types of institutions namely:
  • Universitāte (University)
  • Akadēmija (Academy)
  • Augstskola (Higher Education Institution)
  • Institüts (Institute)
  • Koledža (College)
 
Since 2004, all institutes and universities in Latvia admit students based on their performance in the centralized school leaving examinations. However, universities and colleges in Latvia reserve the right to additionally conduct one or more entrance exams, or aptitude tests.

Universities and other institutes of higher education offer both academic as well as professional programs, successful completion of which may lead to the students obtaining the corresponding degree. Universities in Latvia follow the Bologna process, and so, follow the three cycle system, where the fist cycle leads to a Bakalaurs (bachelor’s degree), the second cycle leads to a Magistrs (master’s degree in Latvia) and the third cycle culminates in a Doktors (doctoral degree).
Professional programs comprise two levels- first level professional higher education programs or college programs and second level professional higher education program. The second level professional programs are considered as completed higher education in Latvia. Academic credits, in academic as well as professional programs in Latvia, can be transferred to adjust the education path to the student’s specific needs.

First Stage- Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Latvia

Academic higher education programs offered by universities in Latvia are based on fundamental and applied knowledge in an area of specialization. All students, who have completed secondary education, qualify to enroll into a bachelor’s degree program in Latvia.

The bachelor’s degree programs at universities and colleges in Latvia take three to four years to complete. More often, the preparation of a thesis is necessary to obtain the certificate. Those who have completed their bachelor’s degree successfully are eligible for higher studies.

For Professional higher education, students need to complete the first level college education for two to three years. Successful completion of the first level leads to second level of professional higher education that lasts for another two to three years. This is, however, not the case with medical or dentistry studies, which span six years. Holding a degree in medicine or dentistry is equivalent to a master’s degree in Latvia.

Master’s Degree Programs in Latvia

Master’s degree is awarded to those who have completed one or two years of higher education after the Bakalaurs. Earning a master’s degree in Latvia includes the presentation of an independent thesis. Holders of a Master’s degree are eligible for admission to doctoral studies.

Doctorate Degree Programs in Latvia

Those who hold a master’s degree or an equivalent can pursue further research in their area of specialization. Doctoral studies last three to four years. They involve academic studies, examinations, thesis preparation and defense of the thesis. Students are required to publish papers and articles on in internationally reviewed publications, before defending their doctoral dissertation. Doctoral degree is the highest scientific degree in Latvia. The Commission of the Scientific Qualification controls the procedure for awarding the doctoral degree.