University Education in Latvia

Located on the Baltic Sea, Latvia is a member of the European Union, the Schengen Area, and the European Higher Education Area. Its higher education system follows the Bologna framework and offers academic and professional programmes at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

Latvian universities provide English-taught programmes in a wide range of fields, including business, engineering, computer science, health sciences, medicine, dentistry, social sciences, tourism, and communication. Admission requirements, tuition fees, and available intakes vary according to the institution, programme, and level of study.

Why Study in Latvia?

Latvia offers several advantages to international students seeking an English-taught university education in Europe:

• A higher education system aligned with European standards
• English-taught undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
• Academic and professionally oriented study options
• A diverse selection of programmes in business, technology, engineering, and health
• An international student community
• Tuition fees that may be more accessible than those in some other European destinations
• The opportunity to study and live within the Schengen Area

A university should not be selected solely on the basis of the country’s general advantages. Students should also evaluate the accreditation, language of instruction, curriculum, total cost, and potential career value of the individual institution and programme.

Universities in Latvia

Notable higher education institutions in Latvia include the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, Rīga Stradiņš University, Turība University, RISEBA University of Applied Sciences, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, and the Transport and Telecommunication Institute.

Programmes featured on the official Study in Latvia platform are selected according to specific quality criteria. These include being delivered entirely in an official language of the European Union, holding accreditation for the maximum permitted period, and already enrolling full-time international students.

Admission Requirements for Latvian Universities

Applicants to bachelor’s programmes must hold a secondary education qualification that provides access to higher education and normally represents at least 12 years of schooling.

Applicants to master’s programmes must hold an appropriate bachelor’s degree, while doctoral applicants require a relevant master’s qualification. Universities may also assess whether the applicant’s previous studies provide a suitable academic foundation for the selected programme.

Commonly requested documents include:

• Passport
• Diploma or graduation certificate
• Academic transcript
• Proof of English proficiency
• Motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Letters of recommendation
• Certified English translations
• Additional programme-specific documents

Some programmes may require particular subject grades, an entrance examination, a portfolio, or an online interview. Academic and documentary requirements must therefore be checked for the individual programme.

Is an ÖSYM Result Required?

There is no single rule concerning ÖSYM examination results that applies to every university in Latvia.

Some institutions may ask bachelor’s applicants from Türkiye to demonstrate that they are eligible to enter higher education in their home country. This may include an examination result issued by ÖSYM.

The requirement must therefore be checked against the university’s country-specific admission rules. It would be inaccurate to state either that all Latvian universities require an ÖSYM result or that none of them do.

Recognition of Diplomas and Transcripts

The Academic Information Centre is responsible for evaluating the academic standing of foreign education credentials in Latvia.

Following its assessment, the Centre issues a statement indicating the Latvian qualification or academic degree to which the foreign credential may correspond. This assessment does not itself constitute university admission; the final decision remains with the university.

The standard evaluation period is approximately one month, although it may be extended to four months if additional information or further assessment is required. The published fee for academic recognition and credential evaluation is €54.60.

English Language Requirements

Applicants to English-taught programmes are generally expected to demonstrate English proficiency at a minimum level of CEFR B2.

The official Latvian study guide lists the following commonly accepted approximate ranges:

• IELTS: 5.5–6.5
• TOEFL iBT: 70–90
• TOEFL PBT: 500–550

The exact score depends on the university, programme, and level of study. Some institutions offer their own online English assessment or interview instead of requiring an international test result.

Evidence that the applicant’s previous education was delivered entirely in English may also be accepted by certain universities. However, the institution may still require an additional language assessment. Applicants who need a formal result should allow sufficient time for an IELTS preparation course or TOEFL exam preparation course before the application deadline.

Latvia University Application Process

The application process generally involves:

1. Identifying suitable universities and programmes
2. Checking academic and English-language requirements
3. Preparing and translating the required documents
4. Completing the online application
5. Obtaining an assessment of academic credentials
6. Attending an examination or interview if required
7. Receiving an admission offer and study agreement
8. Paying the required tuition fee or deposit
9. Beginning the visa and residence permit process
10. Arranging accommodation and preparing for arrival

Some universities conduct real-time online interviews during the evaluation process. These may assess the applicant’s English proficiency, motivation, and academic preparation for the chosen programme.

Professional study abroad consultancy can help students identify appropriate programmes and complete each stage of the application accurately and on time.

Application Periods

Latvian universities generally offer autumn and spring intakes:

• Autumn intake: Applications commonly open in March and may continue until July or August. Studies usually begin in September.
• Spring intake: Applications commonly take place in November and December, with studies usually beginning in February.

Not every programme accepts students for the spring intake. Earlier deadlines may also apply to applicants from outside the European Union because additional time is required for visa and residence procedures.

Tuition Fees in Latvia

Tuition fees vary according to the institution, programme, and level of study.

Some bachelor’s programmes may cost less than €1,600 per year, while fees for programmes such as an Executive MBA may reach €25,600. These figures provide a general indication only. Exact fees must be confirmed on the university’s official programme page for the relevant academic year.

Universities may also charge a non-refundable application fee. Official guidance refers to fees of approximately €150 or $200, although some institutions do not charge an application fee.

Living and Accommodation Costs in Latvia

Official estimates suggest that an international student’s monthly living costs may be approximately €450–€700.

These figures should be treated as general budgeting estimates. Private rental costs in Riga may exceed the published ranges depending on the location, condition of the property, rental period, and energy costs.

Latvia Student Visa and Residence Permit

Turkish citizens intending to undertake full-time university studies in Latvia are required to hold a valid residence permit.

Turkish citizens residing in Türkiye may apply through VFS Global for a 90-day multiple-entry long-stay D visa in order to travel to Latvia and complete the residence permit process. The applicable procedure may vary according to the applicant’s citizenship, residence status, and individual circumstances.

A residence permit application may generally require a valid passport, application form, photograph, signed study agreement, evidence of sufficient financial resources, proof of payment of the relevant state fee, and a criminal record certificate where applicable. Health insurance and accommodation documents may also be required at the relevant stages.

Before the documents are submitted, the university or inviting institution may need to approve the invitation through Latvia’s Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.

Financial requirements, visa fees, and documentary conditions may change. Applications must therefore be prepared according to the official rules in effect at the time of submission.

Working While Studying in Latvia

International students holding a long-stay visa or temporary residence permit for full-time studies at an accredited Latvian institution may work:

• Up to 20 hours per week during the academic term
• Up to 40 hours per week during official study holidays

The right to work must be consistent with the details recorded in the student’s visa or residence documentation and their current student status.

Permission to work does not guarantee employment or mean that tuition fees and living expenses can be fully covered through part-time work. Students should prepare a financial plan that does not depend on uncertain employment income.

Latvian State Scholarships

Latvia offers state scholarships for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies to citizens of eligible countries. Türkiye appears on the published list of eligible countries, although the country list and all other conditions must be checked for each academic year.

The scholarship selection process for the 2026/2027 academic year has been completed. The next application period is expected to run from 1 February to 1 April 2027. University admission and scholarship selection are separate processes, and admission to a programme does not guarantee a scholarship.

Staying in Latvia After Graduation

Under the current official rules, graduates who have completed a state-recognised, full-time master’s or doctoral programme in Latvia may apply for a post-graduation residence permit under specific conditions.

The application must be submitted within three months of receiving the diploma. The permit may be issued for a period of up to six months.

This residence permit does not automatically include the right to employment. It would therefore be inaccurate to state that every international graduate automatically receives permission to work in Latvia.

Recognition of Latvian Degrees in Türkiye

Latvia’s participation in the Bologna Process and the European Higher Education Area does not mean that every Latvian degree is automatically recognised or granted equivalence in Türkiye.

Institutional recognition and diploma equivalence are separate matters. An equivalence assessment may take into account the university, programme, level and mode of study, as well as the graduate’s individual academic record.

Detailed programme-level verification is particularly important for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, teaching, and other regulated professions. Students should check the current recognition status of their chosen university with the Turkish Council of Higher Education before registering or making any payment.

Candelas Latvia University Application Consultancy

Applying to a Latvian university involves more than submitting a set of documents. The chosen programme should be compatible with the student’s academic background, English proficiency, budget, and long-term career plans.

Candelas International Education assists students with:

• Identifying appropriate universities and programmes
• Evaluating admission requirements individually
• Reviewing application documents
• Assessing English-language options
• Preparing and monitoring university applications
• Providing guidance on post-admission visa and residence procedures
• Offering information about accommodation and pre-departure preparations

Our objective is to help students approach their university application in Latvia through a carefully planned, accurate, and reliable process.

FAQ (EN)

Can international students study in English in Latvia?

Yes. A range of Latvian universities offer programmes taught entirely in English at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The official language of instruction should be confirmed for the individual programme.

Is IELTS compulsory for Latvian universities?

Not at every university. Applicants are generally expected to demonstrate English proficiency at CEFR B2 level or above. Some institutions accept IELTS or TOEFL, while others offer their own online assessment or interview.

Do Latvian universities require an ÖSYM result from Turkish applicants?

The requirement varies by institution. Some universities may ask bachelor’s applicants from Türkiye to provide an ÖSYM examination result. Country-specific admission requirements should be checked before applying.

How much does it cost to study in Latvia?

Tuition fees depend on the programme. Official general estimates indicate approximately €2,000–€6,000 per year for business, €1,800–€3,800 for computer science, €2,700–€3,500 for engineering, and €8,000–€15,000 for health care and medicine.

How much does it cost to live in Latvia as a student?

Official estimates indicate monthly living costs of approximately €450–€700. Private accommodation in Riga, energy costs, and individual lifestyle choices may increase the total budget.

Can international students work while studying in Latvia?

Eligible full-time international students may work for up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and up to 40 hours per week during official study holidays.

Are Latvian university degrees recognised in Türkiye?

Recognition and equivalence depend on the university, programme, mode of study, and individual circumstances. Latvia’s participation in the Bologna Process does not provide automatic degree equivalence in Türkiye.

Can international students stay in Latvia after graduation?

Graduates of state-recognised, full-time master’s or doctoral programmes may be eligible to apply for a residence permit of up to six months. This permit does not automatically provide the right to work.

Let Us Plan Your University Application in Latvia

Contact Candelas International Education to learn more about universities and English-taught programmes in Latvia. Let us evaluate your academic background, English proficiency, budget, and career goals and create an application plan suited to your profile.

Contact Us for Information and Application Support

Telephone: +90 312 431 78 96

Mobile & WhatsApp: + 90 505 287 30 20

E-mail: info@candelasegitim.com

Official Sources

• Study in Latvia – Admission Requirements
• Study in Latvia – Application Guide
• Study in Latvia – Tuition Fees
• Study in Latvia – Application Fees
• Study in Latvia – Living Costs
• Study in Latvia – Scholarships
• Academic Information Centre – Recognition of Foreign Credentials
• Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs – Higher Education Students
• Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs – After Graduation
• Latvian Immigration Law
• Embassy of Latvia in Türkiye – Studying in Latvia
• Embassy of Latvia in Türkiye – Full-Time Academic Studies