Russia → Latvia
Study in Latvia from Russia
RSU is the established path for Russia→Latvia medicine. Other programmes possible with clean profile and non-Russian financial evidence.
Visa / legal path
National Visa D
Processing time
2–4 weeks
Work rights
20 h/week
Tuition
€2,500–€14,000 /yr
Living cost
€10,200–€15,000 /yr
Financial proof
€5,160
Credential recognition
AIC (aik.lv) (€50–€100)
English (IELTS)
5.5 (med. 6.5)
Scholarships
None for this citizenship
What works on this route
- OCMA (Latvian migration) heightened scrutiny for Russian citizens — especially for students without prior EU residence.
- RSU historically accepts Russian students for medicine — established process, but verify admission conditions annually.
- AIC recognition required (€50–100, 2–4 weeks).
- SWIFT fully blocked: financial proof must come from non-Russian account.
Why applications get rejected
- AIC recognition not obtained
- OCMA scrutiny — permit denied
- SWIFT transfer for tuition failed
Example institutions
| Example institutions | Programme | City | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSU (Rīga Stradiņš) | Medicine / Dentistry / Pharmacy (EN) | Riga | €12,000–14,000/yr |
| RTU | IT / Computer Engineering | Riga | €2,500–4,500/yr |
| LU | Economics / CS | Riga | €2,500–4,000/yr |
After visa: settling in
- 1Collect your residence-permit card from OCMA (PMLP) after arrival and keep your declared address current.
- 2University dorms (RTU, University of Latvia) are cheap; Riga private rental is moderate — arrange it before you land rather than from a hostel.
- 3Open a bank account (Swedbank, SEB) with the residence card and address registration.
- 4Health insurance is mandatory for the residence permit — keep cover unbroken across renewals.
Related routes
Figures are indicative for the 2026-27 academic year and must be confirmed at the official source before applying. Admission and visas are never guaranteed.