University of Latvia (Latvijas Universitāte)
About
University of Latvia, the country's largest public research university founded in 1919, offers a broad English-taught portfolio spanning science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), business, computer science, medicine, humanities, and law at bachelor's, master's, and PhD level. Tuition for Business and Engineering starts around €3,100–3,700/year (IELTS 6.0), well below Western European public universities, with EU-recognised diplomas and full post-study work rights across Europe.
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
- SeptemberJun 21
Non-EU / visa-required countries (RU, KZ, UA, UZ, IN, etc.). Confirmed on lu.lv.
- September — Medicine/DentistryMay 01
Additional assessment countries: earlier deadline.
- September EU/EEAJul 31
EU fee-paying places.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study at University of Latvia (Latvijas Universitāte) as a non-EU student?
Tuition for non-EU students at University of Latvia (Latvijas Universitāte) is €3300 per year. Living costs in Riga are separate.
What IELTS score do you need for University of Latvia (Latvijas Universitāte)?
English-taught programmes at University of Latvia (Latvijas Universitāte) typically require IELTS 6 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 University of Latvia (Latvijas Universitāte) offer scholarships?
Institution-specific options: Foundation Patron scholarships (outstanding students, case-by-case); Emergency support UA: €140/month (historical). State scholarship for UA/KZ/UZ. Foundation scholarships open to all on merit.
Where is University of Latvia (Latvijas Universitāte) located?
University of Latvia (Latvijas Universitāte) is in Riga, Latvia. Raiņa bulvāris 19, LV-1586 Riga, Latvia
What can you study at University of Latvia (Latvijas Universitāte)?
Fields offered include: STEM, Business, Medicine, Humanities, Social Sciences, Computer Science, Law, Education, International relations.
Accommodation
Prima Hostel: €100/person twin. Reznas Student Hotel (Erasmus-only). Private rentals €350-600/month in Riga.
SourceScholarships
- 🎓Foundation Patron scholarships (outstanding students, case-by-case)
- 🎓Emergency support UA: €140/month (historical)
- 🏛Latvian State Scholarship: €500–700/month (UA/KZ/UZ only)
State scholarship for UA/KZ/UZ. Foundation scholarships open to all on merit.
National funding for this destination
Citizenship restrictions
- For citizens of Russia, Belarus admission and visa rules have changed — confirm your current status before applying.
Honestly
Why this works
- Latvia is an EU and Schengen member, giving graduates access to EU post-study work rights and free movement across Europe.
- As the largest public research university in Latvia, founded in 1919, UL issues EU-recognised diplomas without diploma recognition centre (NARIC) complications.
- Bachelor tuition starts from €3,100–€3,700/year for Business and Engineering — well below Western European public universities.
- Broad English-taught portfolio spans science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), Business, Computer Science, Medicine, Humanities, and Law at bachelor, master, and PhD levels.
- Entry bar is accessible: IELTS 6.0 minimum across nearly all English-taught programmes, bachelor and master.
- Riga is Latvia's capital and largest city — an EU capital with active student life, international community, and lower living costs than Western Europe.
What to check
- SAT ≥1200 is mandatory for non-EU/EEA applicants on most bachelor programmes — an extra barrier for many CIS students.
- Latvia's strict sanctions policy toward Russia and Belarus means visa feasibility for RU/BY passport holders must be verified individually before applying.
- Application is portal-only; email submissions are rejected and incomplete applications are not reviewed — a strict process with no flexibility.
- Many master's and PhD tuition figures are listed as TBD and must be verified per programme before financial planning.
- Riga's job market is smaller than major Western European capitals — post-study employment opportunities are more limited outside Latvia.
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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.
We break down figures like these in the channel — each one with a source and a date. Open the channel