TSI, University of Applied Sciences

Why this works

• Tuition starts at €2,300/year — among the lowest for English-taught IT and engineering degrees in the EU.
• IELTS 5.5 minimum is one of the lowest English bars for EU-accredited bachelor programmes.
• Latvia is an EU and Schengen member: graduates gain EU diploma recognition and post-study work mobility across Europe.
• Two intakes per year (February and September) give flexibility when other universities offer only September entry.
• Riga's cost of living is approximately €800/month, significantly cheaper than Western European capitals.
• Specialist applied programmes in AI, robotics, aviation engineering, and transport logistics are rare in this price range.

What to check

• TSI is a private university with lower brand recognition outside the Baltics — verify degree recognition in your home country before enrolling.
• Non-EU students must prove €8,900 in liquid funds for the residence permit — financial documentation must be fully prepared in advance.
• Scholarships are not yet confirmed for international students — budget planning must rely on tuition and living costs only.
• Latvian language requirement (B2 or equivalent) may create barriers for residence permit if secondary education was in Russian.
• Riga is a smaller capital city — job market and internship opportunities in tech are narrower than in Berlin, Amsterdam, or Warsaw.

Accommodation

€200-400/mo private — No TSI-managed dorm. Partner: Duck Republik (across the street, utilities+WiFi incl., est. €250–350/mo); SHED Co-living (private room, gym, laundry); Fuse (furnished apartments, centre); Hotel Janne (private, 40 min by bus). Contact admission@tsi.lv for referrals.

Scholarships

• • Loyalty grants: 100%, 75%, 50% tuition discounts
• • PhD grant: full tuition for Telematics & Logistics
• • 20% discount regular programs; 10% double degree (UWE Bristol)

State scholarship for UA/KZ/UZ. Loyalty grants open to all.