Latvia, one of the three Baltic States, is situated at the crossroads of Northern and Eastern Europe. It shares borders with Estonia, Russia, Belarus, Lithuania, and the Baltic Sea. Though small in size, Latvia boasts a wealth of attractions. The country is characterized by its expansive woodlands, meandering rivers, and serene lakes, making it a haven of natural beauty.
Riga, the capital of Latvia, is often referred to as the "Paris of the East." It is the main destination for many international students. The city has three distinct facets: its charming old town, remnants of its Soviet past, and modern developments. Across Latvia, and especially in Riga, English is commonly spoken and understood by people from diverse backgrounds.
Latvia’s education system, originally influenced by the Soviet Union, has undergone significant modernization since the country joined the European Union in 2004. As a participant in the Bologna Process, Latvia offers a globally recognized, high-quality education system. Its higher education framework is organized into three distinct cycles:
Despite being a small nation, Latvian universities are well-equipped to cater to international students, offering more than 200 English-taught programs, including many at the Bachelor’s level.
Latvia’s academic year is divided into two semesters: autumn and spring. The academic year typically begins in September and concludes in June, with each semester lasting 20 weeks, including final exams.
Application procedures and requirements vary by institution, as many have unique processes for international students. Deadlines and application periods also differ, so early submission is highly recommended, particularly for students seeking tuition assistance or funding opportunities.
For Master’s applicants, the following are typically required:
Under bilateral agreements on education and science cooperation, the Latvian government provides scholarships for foreign students, researchers, and teaching staff to pursue studies and participate in summer schools at Latvian higher education institutions. The administration of these scholarships has been entrusted to the State Education Development Agency by the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia.
Students wishing to extend their studies in Latvia for an additional year must reapply for the scholarship. The Latvian scholarship can be granted to an individual for a maximum of two consecutive terms.
Students planning to study in Latvia must obtain a student visa. It is essential to carefully prepare all required documents and be well-prepared for the student visa interview, as even a minor error can lead to visa rejection. Below is a list of important documents that students need to prepare before applying for a Latvia student visa:
Proper preparation of these documents is crucial for a successful visa application.
