Latvia is one of Europe’s most affordable, English-friendly EU destinations for Indian students
A small Baltic country in northern Europe, Latvia is an EU and Schengen member with around 71,000 students in higher education, of whom close to 10,000 are international (source: latvia.eu). Indian nationals are among the most represented international groups. English is the language of instruction across most degree programmes for international students, 42% of locals aged 15โ34 speak English fluently, and the cost of living is materially lower than in Western Europe.
Latvia is a full member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. A Latvian residence permit allows visa-free short-stay travel across most European countries โ useful for Indian students attending conferences, internships and family visits within the EU.
Bachelor’s fees typically run โฌ2,000โโฌ6,000/year and Master’s โฌ2,500โโฌ7,500/year, with specialist Medicine programmes up to โฌ15,000/year (source: rsu.lv, lu.lv, rtu.lv). Comparable EU degrees in Germany, Netherlands or Ireland often cost two to four times more.
Over 200 Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programmes are taught entirely in English (source: study.eu). Riga Technical University alone offers 35+ English-taught programmes across three campuses (source: rtu.lv). No Latvian language requirement to study or work part-time.
Riga Stradiลลก University (RSU) is recognised globally for its medical and dental degrees. RSU is the largest health-sciences university in the Baltics, hosting 2,600+ international students from 70 countries (source: rsu.lv). MD and DDS are 6-year and 5-year programmes respectively, taught entirely in English.
International students holding a Latvian residence permit may work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during holidays (source: pmlp.gov.lv). After graduation, Master’s and PhD students can extend their permit by up to 4 + 9 months to search for employment.
After 5 years of continuous lawful residence in Latvia and passing a Latvian language test at A2 level, foreign nationals may apply for permanent residence (source: pmlp.gov.lv). Long-term EU residence status โ valid for movement to other EU states โ is available after the same period.
Top universities in Latvia for Indian students
Latvia has three major state-accredited universities and several specialist institutions. Below are the universities Indian students most commonly apply to, with fees and details verified directly from the institutions’ official websites for the 2026/27 intake.
Three-year BSc in Economics and Business. Founded 1994 by SSE Stockholm + Latvian Government. Leading business school in the Baltic region with 3,200+ alumni (source: sseriga.edu).
Globally recognised MBA programme delivered in English, with 2,000+ MBA alumni in leadership roles across Latvia and worldwide (source: rbs.lv).
Largest private university in the Baltics. Business, tourism, communication, logistics and IT. 99.61% graduate employment rate per university self-reported data (source: turiba.lv).
Established 1998 by the governments of Sweden and Latvia. Bachelor, Master and Doctoral programmes in Law. Multicultural student body and Europe-wide research projects (source: rgsl.edu.lv).
Specialist institution in agriculture, forestry, veterinary medicine, food science and environmental sciences. Main campus in Jelgava (source: lbtu.lv).
Specialist institution in logistics, aviation management, computer science and transport/communication technologies (source: tsi.lv).
Programmes Indian students most commonly choose
Indian student demand in Latvia centres on three areas: engineering and IT at RTU, business or management at LU, Turiba and RBS, and medical degrees at RSU. Below are the most common pathways for Indian applicants, with verified entry levels.
RTU and UL run Bachelor’s (3โ4 years) and Master’s (1.5โ2 years) programmes in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering and Data Science. RTU Bachelor’s fees from โฌ2,600/year.
RTU offers programmes in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Telecommunication, Transport, Architecture and Industrial Engineering. Three campuses across Latvia. EUt+ membership opens exchange opportunities to seven other top European technical universities.
BSc Economics and Business at SSE Riga (3 years). MBA at Riga Business School. International Business and Start-up Entrepreneurship Bachelor’s at RSU. Bachelor’s of Business at UL. Turiba runs Tourism, Communication and Logistics tracks.
RSU runs Master’s in International Governance (Diplomacy) and Russia & Eurasia Studies โ taught in English. UL offers IR Bachelor’s. RSU has strong Public Health and Health Management Master’s tracks (source: rsu.lv).
Primary destination: Riga Graduate School of Law (RGSL) โ Bachelor, Master and Doctoral degrees in law, taught in English (source: rgsl.edu.lv). UL also runs an English-taught LL.M.
Primary destination: Riga Stradiลลก University. Entry: Class 12 with Physics + Chemistry + Biology, 60%+ aggregate, NEET qualification recommended. Tuition approximately โฌ11,000โโฌ15,000/year. RSU’s MD is taught entirely in English.
Primary destination: RSU. Entry: Class 12 PCB 60%+ aggregate. Tuition approximately โฌ11,000โโฌ15,000/year. Practical clinical training from year 3 onwards in the RSU Dentistry & Oral Health Centre.
RSU offers an integrated 5-year Pharmacy programme in English. Curriculum aligned with EU pharmacy practice standards.
Tuition and living costs for studying in Latvia 2026/27
Indicative tuition and living costs from university websites and the official Study in Latvia portal. Actual costs vary by programme and intake โ always confirm directly with the institution before applying.
| University | Level | Tuition / yr (Non-EU) | Approx INR | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Latvia (UL) | Bachelor’s (most fields) | โฌ3,000โโฌ5,000 | ~โน2.8โ4.6 Lakhs | lu.lv |
| University of Latvia (UL) | Master’s (most fields) | ~โฌ5,000 | ~โน4.6 Lakhs | lu.lv |
| Riga Technical University (RTU) | Bachelor’s (Engineering / IT) | โฌ2,600โโฌ3,500 | ~โน2.4โ3.2 Lakhs | rtu.lv 2026/27 |
| Riga Technical University (RTU) | Master’s (Engineering / IT) | โฌ2,670โโฌ4,190 | ~โน2.5โ3.9 Lakhs | rtu.lv 2026/27 |
| Turiba / SETU / Liepฤja | Business / IT (Bachelor’s) | โฌ2,500โโฌ5,000 | ~โน2.3โ4.6 Lakhs | University websites |
| Riga Stradiลลก University (RSU) | MD (Medicine) | โฌ11,000โโฌ15,000 | ~โน10.1โ13.8 Lakhs | rsu.lv 2026/27 |
| Riga Stradiลลก University (RSU) | DDS (Dentistry) | โฌ12,000โโฌ15,000 | ~โน11.0โ13.8 Lakhs | rsu.lv 2026/27 |
INR conversion at โฌ1 โ โน92 (2026 indicative). Always verify current fees on each university’s official ‘Tuition Fees’ page before budgeting. RSU additionally charges a โฌ100 application fee and โฌ1,800 one-time registration administration fee (source: rsu.lv).
Average for Riga. Smaller cities (Daugavpils, Liepฤja) come in lower. Source: latvia.eu, studyinlatvia.lv
Shared room from ~โฌ70/month, private from โฌ250โโฌ450/month. Source: latvia.eu
Modern shared apartment in Riga. Splitting between two students works well. Source: latvia.eu
Indicative subsistence threshold for long-stay visa applicants. Source: pmlp.gov.lv (subject to annual update)
Scholarships for Indian students in Latvia
India is on the eligible-countries list for the Latvian State Scholarship administered by the State Education Development Agency (VIAA / viaa.gov.lv). Application windows are short and competitive โ usually February to April each year. Below are the funding routes most relevant to Indian applicants.
Awarded for studies, research stays or summer schools. Bachelor’s applicants must have completed at least one academic year. 2026/27 application window: 1 February โ 1 April 2026 via the VIAA online application system. India is among the 39 eligible countries.
RSU offers tuition fee discounts including: alumni discount for students returning for further degrees, outstanding athlete discount up to 100%, and academic-merit discounts. Application via MyRSU portal by 15 August.
Erasmus+ funds international student exchanges and joint Master’s programmes involving Latvian universities. Most relevant for Indian applicants already enrolled at a Latvian institution. The EUt+ alliance at RTU opens additional Erasmus mobility routes.
UL, RTU and Turiba each maintain merit-based scholarship pools. Awards are awarded only to applicants with excellent academic records and applied for separately after admission. Apply via the international office at your chosen institution.
The Latvian State Scholarship is competitive โ applications are evaluated by VIAA’s committee and awards cannot exceed 10% of total funds for any one country. The โฌ500โโฌ700/month stipend does not fully cover tuition + living. Most successful Indian applicants combine the state scholarship with personal funds or university-level discounts. Sarem will be honest about what’s realistically achievable for your profile.
How Indian students apply to Latvian universities
Latvia does not have a centralised admissions system like UCAS or Uni-assist. Each university runs its own application process online. Below are the common entry requirements verified from the universities’ official admissions pages.
- Completed Class 12 with 60%+ aggregate
- Required subjects for science / medical streams (PCB or PCM)
- Secondary school diploma (Atestฤts equivalent)
- Academic transcripts with subject-wise marks
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.0โ6.5 / TOEFL 80โ90 / equivalent
- Motivation letter (programme-specific)
- Passport copy with 12+ months validity
- Completed Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject
- Minimum aggregate 60% (typical; varies by programme)
- Academic transcripts
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90 / equivalent
- Letter of motivation (max 2 pages)
- Curriculum vitae
- 2 academic reference letters (some programmes)
- Passport copy with 12+ months validity
- Class 12 with Physics + Chemistry + Biology (60%+)
- NEET qualification recommended (for Indian regulatory practice)
- RSU may require online entrance interview
- IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL 90+
- RSU application fee โฌ100
- RSU registration administration fee โฌ1,800 on offer acceptance
- Passport copy + photograph
Indian applicants must have their academic credentials evaluated by the Academic Information Centre (AIC) of Latvia. The university notifies AIC during the application process; the certificate is a prerequisite for the long-stay visa. Source: aic.lv
Application opens JanuaryโFebruary; deadlines typically 31 July (varies by university). All programmes available. Recommended for first-time applicants.
Smaller intake. Application closes by January for selected programmes. Most common at RTU, Turiba and private colleges. Useful if you missed Autumn.
Source: mastersportal.com (verified against individual university websites). Each university can adjust its timeline โ confirm before applying.
Latvia student visa for Indian nationals (Type D)
Indian students study in Latvia under a Long-Stay (Type D) National Visa with a ‘studies’ purpose. The process runs through VFS Global on behalf of the Embassy of Latvia in New Delhi and requires a mandatory Hello Verify document verification step that’s specific to Indian, Sri Lankan and Nepalese applicants.
From an accredited Latvian university. Pay first-semester fees and registration administration fee where applicable.
Academic Information Centre evaluates your prior qualifications. Most universities handle this on your behalf.
Your university applies for an OCMA-approved invitation letter dated not later than 6 months before your visa application.
Mandatory for Indian applicants. Upload supporting documents at visa.helloverify.com BEFORE submitting at VFS.
VFS Global Latvia: +91 22 67866025. VFS service charge โน2,434 (incl. GST). Long-stay visa fee โฌ60.
Standard processing: 15 days. May extend to 60 days due to safety verification. Type D visa valid for entry within 90 days.
Within 90 days of arrival, apply at the OCMA. TRP covers the full study programme duration.
- Passport valid 3+ months beyond intended departure, with 2 blank pages
- Long-stay visa e-application form (signed)
- Photograph 35ร45mm (taken during submission)
- University invitation approved by OCMA
- Signed study agreement
- AIC academic recognition certificate
- Proof of paid tuition fee + first-semester payment receipt
- Proof of sufficient financial means (~โฌ6,000/year minimum)
- Medical/travel insurance โ minimum coverage โฌ42,600 for Schengen area
- Proof of accommodation in Latvia
- Previous educational diplomas + transcripts
- Hello Verify confirmation slip (Indian applicants only)
- Visa fee โฌ60 + VFS service charge โน2,434
Source: mfa.gov.lv/en/newdelhi/consular-section/applying-for-a-long-stay-visa/students/indian-nationals
Work rights during studies and PR pathway after graduation
A Latvian Temporary Residence Permit lets students work alongside their studies, and a structured post-study extension lets graduates search for jobs. From there, employment-based residence is renewable for up to 5 years before permanent residence eligibility kicks in.
Students with a valid Latvian residence permit can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during official holidays.
Bachelor’s graduates can extend their residence permit by 4 months after graduation to seek employment in Latvia.
Master’s and PhD graduates receive a 4-month extension plus the option to request an additional 9 months โ both for job search purposes. Granted at OCMA discretion based on profile.
Once you have a qualifying job offer at the minimum threshold of ~โฌ1,685 gross/month (2026), you can transition to an employment-based Temporary Residence Permit. Renewable for up to 5 years cumulatively.
Highly-skilled graduates can target the EU Blue Card route: minimum gross salary ~โฌ2,528/month (1.5ร average wage). Latvian Blue Card is valid up to 3 years, with EU intra-mobility rights after 18 months of lawful work.
After 5 years of continuous lawful residence + passing the Latvian language test at A2 level, third-country nationals can apply for permanent residence. Long-term EU Resident status grants mobility rights across the EU.
Bachelor / Master / MD. Up to 20 hrs/week.
4 + 9 months for Master’s / PhD. 4 months for Bachelor’s.
โฌ1,685+/mo job (or Blue Card at โฌ2,528+).
A2 Latvian language test + 5 years residence.
This is the standard route per current Latvian Immigration Law (pmlp.gov.lv). Individual case outcomes depend on OCMA assessment. Sarem is not a law firm โ verify your case with OCMA before relying on this for major decisions.
Why choose Sarem as your Study in Latvia consultants
Sarem Education is a Chennai- and Dublin-based EU specialist consultancy. Our co-founder Premkumar Kanmani arrived in Ireland in 2014, navigated a college closure, completed two postgrads and is now an Irish citizen working at Aer Lingus. Our co-founder Sarah Ingrid leads operations. We don’t overpromise โ we tell you what’s possible.
We assess your CGPA, budget and career goal, and tell you honestly which Latvian universities you qualify for โ and where Latvia is the right call versus Ireland, Germany, Hungary or elsewhere in the EU.
We help complete each university’s online application, prepare a focused motivation letter, and ensure your documents pass AIC verification on the first submission.
We walk you through Hello Verify document upload, VFS appointment booking, and the long-stay visa checklist for Indian nationals. We do NOT guarantee visa outcomes โ but we minimise procedural rejections.
Latvia applications carry a processing fee that we discuss upfront in your first consultation โ no hidden charges, no surprise add-ons later. The fee covers AIC verification handling, Hello Verify guidance, document attestation and end-to-end visa support.
We focus exclusively on European destinations โ Ireland, Germany, Hungary, France, UK, Latvia, Italy, Austria and adjacent Schengen markets. You won’t get a generic “consider America” pitch from us.
From bank statements to insurance to accommodation in Riga to OCMA appointment booking after arrival โ we stay with you through landing.
Frequently asked questions โ Study in Latvia
Questions Indian students most often ask Sarem before applying to a Latvian university.