Riga Nordic University (ex-ISMA)
About
ISMA in Riga offers English-taught degrees in IT, business, tourism, and creative industries from €3,300/year (IELTS 5.5), with two intakes a year — September and February — for flexible entry. As an EU/Schengen institution, its residence permit includes work rights of up to 20 hours/week during term and 40 during holidays.
Riga is one of the EU’s most affordable capitals, yet it has everything you need for a full student life. Universities, international students, cafés, bars and cultural venues combine with an active startup scene, while living costs can be under €600 per month.
The city is fairly compact, so many places are within walking distance, and student, business and tourist areas blend naturally around the historic centre. After class, it is easy to meet friends in the centre, walk to the Daugava riverfront or spend an evening in one of the many cafés and bars.
Riga also remains a comparatively calm European capital without a sense of overcrowding. There are plenty of events and opportunities to enjoy your time, but the city does not demand constant rushing or a huge budget: a good option for those who want to experience life in a European capital while keeping spending at a reasonable level.
Application deadlines
- SeptemberAug 31
Rolling admissions. SSL certificate on isma.lv expired as of Jun 2026 — access via HTTP or contact admissions directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study at Riga Nordic University (ex-ISMA) as a non-EU student?
Tuition for non-EU students at Riga Nordic University (ex-ISMA) is €3300 per year. Living costs in Riga are separate.
What IELTS score do you need for Riga Nordic University (ex-ISMA)?
English-taught programmes at Riga Nordic University (ex-ISMA) typically require IELTS 5.5 or equivalent. Confirm the exact requirement per programme on the official admissions page.
How much money do you need to show for a student visa to Latvia?
For a student residence permit in Latvia you must prove €9,360 per year (2026, PMLP — necessary subsistence: https://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/necessary-subsistence-0).
Does Riga Nordic University (ex-ISMA) offer scholarships?
Latvian State Scholarship available for UA/KZ/UZ (cycle 2026/27 currently closed; check studyinlatvia.lv). RU/BY not eligible for state scholarship.
Where is Riga Nordic University (ex-ISMA) located?
Riga Nordic University (ex-ISMA) is in Riga, Latvia. Lomonosova iela 1, LV-1019 Riga, Latvia
What can you study at Riga Nordic University (ex-ISMA)?
Fields offered include: Computer Science, Business, Tourism, Arts.
Accommodation
SSL certificate expired on isma.lv as of Jun 2026 — website accessible via HTTP. Contact admissions to verify current status.
SourceScholarships
- 🏛Latvian State Scholarship: €500–700/month (UA/KZ/UZ only)
Latvian State Scholarship available for UA/KZ/UZ (cycle 2026/27 currently closed; check studyinlatvia.lv). RU/BY not eligible for state scholarship.
National funding for this destination
Honestly
Why this works
- Bachelor tuition at €3,300/year is among the lowest for English-taught EU degrees in the region.
- IELTS minimum of 5.5 is accessible for CIS students without intensive test preparation.
- Latvia is an EU/Schengen member — graduates receive an EU-recognised diploma with full Schengen mobility.
- Two intakes per year (September and February) give flexible entry timing for international applicants.
- Student work rights allow up to 20 h/week during term and 40 h/week during holidays, included in the residence permit.
- Riga is the largest Baltic capital — affordable cost of living with on-campus accommodation from ~€100–250/month.
What to check
- RNU is a private applied university — brand recognition outside the Baltic states is limited for employers and graduate schools.
- The university was renamed from ISMA to Riga Nordic University in September 2025 — older listings, aggregators and rankings still use the ISMA name; check that offer letters and diplomas carry the name you expect.
- The university also runs an international branch in Fergana, Uzbekistan — a branch programme is not the same route as studying in Riga; confirm in writing which campus your programme and residence permit relate to.
- Scholarship terms and amounts are not publicly documented; do not budget for discounts without written confirmation.
- Daily life in Riga requires at least basic Latvian or Russian; English-only speakers may face barriers outside campus.
- Private health insurance (~€30–60/month) is an additional mandatory cost not included in tuition for non-EU students.
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These fields in the country
Tuition and deadlines change with each academic year — the date beside the figures says when we last confirmed them on the official source. Visa rules are set by governments and can change between our checks.
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