Latvia is a small country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe and is attracting international students with English-taught programs, relatively affordable tuition and living costs, and a multicultural study environment. The nation has a rich cultural heritage and a diverse community, creating an interesting learning environment for students looking for a more adventurous academic experience. In this article, we will be looking at the top universities in Latvia for international students.
Top Universities in Latvia for International Students
1. University of Latvia (LU)
The University of Latvia is a public university in Riga and one of the leading higher education institutions in Latvia. It was founded in 1919. Today, LU has six faculties, the BA School of Business and Finance, six regional branches, and 28 research institutes. It offers more than 100 study programs, including more than 30 taught in English, across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
LU is also the largest university in Latvia by total number of students. Recent university information lists more than 15,600 students from over 70 countries. The university combines teaching, research, and international cooperation, with opportunities for double degrees and study abroad.
2. Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LLU)
Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, now commonly abbreviated as LBTU and formerly known as LLU, is a public higher education and science institution in Jelgava. The university specializes broadly in the sustainable use of natural resources, with research and study areas in life sciences, engineering sciences, and social sciences. Its history dates back to 1863, when the Department of Agriculture was established at the Riga Polytechnicum. The university’s English name, “Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies,” was approved in 2018, and the university was rebranded as LBTU in 2022.
As of September 1, 2023, LBTU transitioned from eight faculties to five: the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Technology, Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and Faculty of Economics and Social Development. This top university in Latvia also maintains student traditions, supports international mobility, and has strengthened its international profile through cooperation projects, including membership in the European Universities alliance CHALLENGEEU.
3. Riga Technical University (RTU)
Riga Technical University is a public technical university in Riga, the oldest technical university in the Baltic region, and the only polytechnic university in Latvia. RTU offers more than 50 STEM and humanities programs in English and has more than 13,000 students, including about 5,000 international students. Its education and research cover fields such as civil, mechanical, and medical engineering; computer science; telecommunications and electrical engineering; life sciences; business; and real estate. After a 2024 structural reform, RTU’s academic structure was merged into four academic faculties and one institute, alongside academic units such as RTU Latvian Maritime Academy and RTU Liepāja.
RTU also includes Riga Business School, which was the first higher education institution in the Baltic states to offer Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs in English. Riga Technical University is one of Latvia’s strongest internationally ranked universities: in the QS World University Rankings 2027, RTU is ranked 751-760, and in the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026, RTU is ranked 277th in Europe.
FAQs about Studying in Latvia
Is Latvia Good for International Students to Study In?
Latvia can be a good option for international students who want to study in Europe in an English-taught program while keeping costs comparatively manageable. The country offers more than 200 English-taught programs, and tuition and living costs vary by institution, program, and city. Students can find programs in fields such as IT, medicine, aviation, literature, engineering, and business management. Moreover, tuition fees remain modest compared with many Western European study destinations.
Latvia is known for safe cities, a Baltic coastline, rich cultural heritage, and a multicultural environment. Several languages are spoken in the country, including Latvian, Russian, German, and English. The cost of living is also relatively affordable compared with many other European study destinations.
Can International Students Work in Latvia While Studying?
International students in Latvia are allowed to work, but the rules depend on study level and residence status. Full-time bachelor’s students may work up to 20 hours per week during studies and up to 40 hours per week during study holidays. Full-time master’s and doctoral students may work without restrictions. Students should also check the conditions of their visa or residence permit and ask their university’s international office for guidance.
Internship and traineeship programs are encouraged by Latvian universities, and foreign nationals can ask for assistance from the international office of their particular institution. Some internship opportunities are part of certain curricula, but international students may also apply directly to Latvian companies when they meet the employer’s requirements.
Can International Students Stay in Latvia After Graduation?
Whether international students can stay in Latvia after graduation depends on their nationality, study level, and residence status. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens generally do not need a visa to study or stay in Latvia, while non-EU graduates must follow residence permit rules. Bachelor’s graduates receive a residence permit for the study period and an additional four months after graduation so they can apply for master’s studies or look for a job. Master’s and doctoral graduates also receive the study period plus four months and may request an additional nine-month extension to look for work, but they must apply before the previous permit expires, and the extension is not guaranteed.
Graduates who find employment can apply for the relevant employment-based residence permit. Because immigration rules can change and individual cases vary, students should confirm the latest requirements with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs or their university’s international office before their current permit expires.
We hope that this article on the best universities in Latvia for international students was helpful. To learn more information like this, check out the Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
