Best Universities In Latvia

Over the last decade, Latvia has been a more widespread study location for overseas students. The country's world-class colleges, low cost of living, and strategic location at the crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe have proven appealing.

Every year, almost 10,000 international students enrol in Latvian universities. However, not only the best universities in Latvia draw students' attention. The country is known for its welcoming atmosphere and affordable living costs, making it attractive to international students. Latvian universities provide a wide range of programs taught in English, ensuring accessibility for students from around the world. Additionally, Latvia's geographical location in Europe allows easy travel to other European countries, enriching the study experience. 

However, before enrolling in Latvian universities, international students need to learn about Latvian universities and colleges. So, let’s start by learning about them.

Here are some important highlights related to studying in Latvia  that international students must check before enrolling on Latvian universities.

Latvia's education system is modern and internationally recognised, with opportunities for research and academic growth. The country boasts beautiful landscapes, rich history, and a mix of modern and traditional influences, creating a diverse and stimulating environment for learning. Studying in Latvia opens doors to quality education and exposes students to a multicultural society and valuable global perspectives, preparing them for future careers in an increasingly interconnected world.

The nation's robust employment market and open post-study work rules make it an interesting alternative for students seeking relevant professional experience after graduation.

Every year, many overseas graduates choose to begin their careers in Latvia during their extra time in the country using the post-study work permit. This temporary residency visa allows international students to remain in the nation after completing their degree programs. Students who have pursued undergraduate degrees in colleges in Latvia can stay in the country for 4 months, and students who have pursued postgraduate can stay for 6 months.

However, once received, the temporary residency permit can be extended annually for up to five years. During this time, visa holders can seek employment opportunities relevant to their fields of study, allowing them to get valuable real-world work experience before returning to their home countries or exploring longer-term immigration options. Furthermore, the Post-Study Work Visa is important in obtaining long-term residency or citizenship in Latvia.

Part-time work is a great way to cover living expenses and tuition fees. This work-study balance benefits students by not only earning money but also allowing them to understand the market and gain practical knowledge. The Latvian student visa allows international students of undergraduate courses to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during academic terms and 40 hours per week during vacations. Whereas, Master’s and Ph.D. degree students have no work restrictions. On average, international students can earn up to 700 EUR per month through part-time jobs.

Here are some of the best universities in Latvia, along with their global rankings. This Latvia university list helps you to know the top universities you prefer to study at.

Latvia is a European country noted for its rich culture, affordability, and friendly atmosphere. Riga, Latvia's capital city, is one of the top destinations for international students looking to study or live. Here are some of the best cities in Latvia for international students.

Latvian universities offer various English-taught courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Below are some of the most popular programs for which international students move to study in Latvia, along with the number of universities offering them.

Before enrolling in a Latvian university, international students must meet the admission requirements. Although different universities have varied entrance criteria, the core eligibility criteria are the same. So, let's look at the basic admissions criteria for the best universities in Latvia for international students.

Certain universities in Latvia demand scores of standardised admission tests to assess students’ academic abilities. Below are certain entrance exams that various universities in Latvia accept.

• GMAT

• GRE

• SAT

In order to enrol in English-speaking courses in Latvia, international students must appear for English proficiency tests. Some standard English proficiency tests that universities in Latvia accept are mentioned below.

• IELTS

• TOEFL

• PTE

• Duolingo

Here is a list of important documents required to apply to a Latvia university and for a student visa:

Apart from the above documents, there are some other documents mentioned below.

• Application form

• Photo (3X4)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Copy of secondary education certificate and transcript

• Copy of latest graduation certificate and transcriptStatement of purposePassport 1st & last page copy

Latvia has two intakes, Autumn and Winter, which allow international students to study at their dream universities. However, confirming the availability of courses and universities for each intake is crucial, as not all universities participate in both.

• Autumn Intake (September) - The autumn intake is Latvia's primary intake. It usually starts in September and extends through October. This intake is suitable for students who prefer starting their studies at the beginning of the academic year. It allows students to settle in and get accustomed to the university environment from the start. Almost all universities offer courses during this intake. The application deadline for this intake is June.

• Winter Intake (January) - The winter intake offers an opportunity for those who miss the autumn intake or prefer to start later. It typically begins in February and runs through March.

This intake might have fewer program options than the autumn intake. It allows students to begin their studies at the midpoint of the academic year, and the deadline for this intake is December.

The tuition fees at Latvian universities are comparatively lower than in other countries. Below is the estimated cost of studying at the best universities in Latvia for international students at different levels.

Read More: Cost of Studying in Latvia

Latvia is one of the most affordable countries in Europe. This implies that you may live comfortably on less than in other European countries, such as Germany or the Netherlands. However, you will still need to plan your budget. International students must take a budget of almost 600 euros per month to live in Latvia. Below is a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Latvia for international students.

The Latvian student visa costs around 60 EUR (INR 5,372). A non-refundable cost must be paid when submitting the visa application. Students must spend an extra 70 EUR (INR 6,267) to obtain a residency permit. The processing period can be reduced to a minimum of 5 days by paying 400 EUR (INR 35,808).

Latvia reported 25,000 job openings at the end of the third quarter of 2023. The country’s most in-demand employment is in construction and building trades, information technology, engineering and manufacturing, and healthcare. It is one of the easiest EU countries to obtain a work visa. Below are some of the best job options in Latvia, along with their average salaries.

Latvia is known for its low cost of education and life. The country provides a variety of scholarships for international students to help them manage expenses and reduce their financial burden. Furthermore, certain scholarships are fully supported for international students, and candidates can apply depending on their academic performance. However, the Latvian government also offers need-based scholarships to students who want financial assistance to continue their education.