For a full Medical Doctor (MD) degree, the key programs listed here are in Riga, the capital city. With its rich history and notable architecture, Riga is a strong setting for medical education. It is also close to the other Baltic states, Scandinavia, and Northern Europe, opening up travel opportunities. In this article, we will be looking at medical schools and medicine-related programs in Latvia.
How much does medical school cost in Latvia?
For English-taught MD programs in Latvia, published tuition for 2026/2027 is currently €11,850 per year at the University of Latvia and €13,500 per year at Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU). RSU also lists a €100 application fee for most international applicants and a €1,800 registration administration fee for new Medicine and Dentistry students. Fees can change by academic year, so applicants should always check the latest university fee pages before applying.
How long will it take to study medicine in Latvia?
A full MD program in Latvia takes six years. The University of Latvia Medicine (EN) program is full-time for 12 semesters and 360 ECTS, and RSU’s Medicine program is also a six-year, 360 ECTS MD program. Riga Medical College’s first-level professional higher education program in Medicine is different: it leads to physician-assistant qualifications and takes three years for applicants with secondary education, or two years for applicants who already hold vocational secondary education and the physician assistant (paramedic) qualification.
Best Medical Schools in Latvia
1. University of Latvia Riga Medical College
Founded in 1980, Riga Medical College of the University of Latvia is a state-accredited professional higher education institution. Its Medicine program is a first-level professional higher education program, not a full MD degree. The college prepares physician assistants, including physician assistants in ambulatory care and emergency care. The standard route takes three years, while applicants who already have vocational secondary education and a physician assistant (paramedic) qualification may complete the program in two years.
Students who want a full English-taught MD degree should look at the University of Latvia Medicine (EN) program, which is a six-year, 360 ECTS program in Riga leading to a Medical Doctor’s Degree. International students who want to study at Riga Medical College itself should note that the college’s English-language opportunity is primarily through Erasmus+ traineeships, not a full English-taught degree completed end-to-end at the college. Erasmus+ applicants are expected to have English at B2 level.
2. Riga Stradins University (RSU) Faculty of Medicine
The RSU Faculty of Medicine is based in Riga. Its Medicine program is a six-year, 360 ECTS English-taught program that leads to an MD degree. The program is designed to combine medical knowledge with practical clinical skills; students work with patients from the third year onward and complete clinical placements and rotations in later years. This practical focus helps set RSU apart from programs that are more classroom-based.
I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Europe Scholarships Page and Available Courses in Europe for International Students.
