Latvia regained de facto independence in 1991 after decades of Soviet occupation. Since then, the country has experienced major economic and social changes. In the Human Development Report 2025, which uses 2023 data, Latvia is tied for 41st place in the Human Development Index. Latvia also has a rich cultural heritage. Riga, its capital, was a European Capital of Culture in 2014.
Latvian is the official language of Latvia. The country’s cultural traditions have endured through its language, folk songs, and dances.
Latvia may appeal to students who enjoy seasonal weather and access to nature. Its landscapes provide opportunities to explore forests, parks, coastlines, and other outdoor areas.
This makes Latvia an appealing destination for students who want to experience university life close to nature and within a fascinating culture.
Affordable Schools in Latvia for International Students
1. Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technology (LLU)
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: selected English-taught examples include €2,750/year (undergraduate) and €3,300/year (graduate)
Formerly known as Latvia University of Agriculture, the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) traces its history to the Department of Agriculture established at Riga Polytechnicum in 1863. It became Latvia University of Agriculture in 1991 and adopted its current name in 2022.
LBTU focuses on areas such as life sciences, engineering, and sustainable development. Since 2023, it has five faculties: Agriculture and Food Technology; Economics and Social Development; Engineering and Information Technologies; Forest and Environmental Sciences; and Veterinary Medicine.
The admission process is explained in eight steps on the university’s How to Apply page. Applicants should review the current application fee, document requirements, entrance examination rules, and accommodation charges before applying. LBTU states that the first dormitory payment is €138, plus a refundable €100 deposit. The university notes that this amount may change.
For English-taught programs, the published tuition fee for the bachelor’s program in Information Technologies for Sustainable Development is €2,750 per year. Several English-taught master’s programs, including Business Management and Information Technologies, list tuition of €3,300 per year. Applicants should check the applicable program page before applying.
2. Daugavpils University
Daugavpils University was founded in 1921 and is the largest regional state university in Latvia. It is a member of organizations including the European University Association. Its current website lists two faculties: the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Healthcare.
Applicants for degree studies must submit an online application form and the required supporting documents. Daugavpils University lists relevant diplomas and transcripts, a copy of the passport, proof of English-language proficiency, a photo, and confirmation of the registration fee payment. Doctoral applicants must also submit a CV and a research project. Applicants should check the admissions page for the requirements that apply to their study level.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, tuition is €3,000 per year for the listed bachelor’s programs and €3,300 per year for the listed master’s programs. Doctoral fees vary by program. The published doctoral tuition fees start at €2,990 per year for Management Science.
3. Ventspils University of Applied Sciences
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: from €2,850/year (undergraduate) | from €4,270/year (graduate); the applicant category affects the fee
Ventspils University of Applied Sciences is located in Ventspils and has three faculties: Information Technologies, Economics and Management, and Translation Studies.
Its current English-taught study options include bachelor’s programs in Computer Science, Start-up Management, and Business Administration; a master’s program in Computer Science; and doctoral programs in Economics and Business and Language and Literature Studies.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, tuition for the bachelor’s program in Computer Science is €2,850 per year for eligible EU, EEA, and Swiss applicants and €3,000 per year for other applicants. The master’s program in Computer Science costs €4,270 per year for eligible EU, EEA, and Swiss applicants and €4,400 per year for other applicants. Other programs have different fees. The university states that tuition increases by 3% in each subsequent academic year relative to the preceding academic year.
International applicants should follow the application procedure for degree-seeking students and review the document requirements that apply to their program. Applicants can also check the university’s practical information for students and immigration information.
4. University of Latvia (UL)
The University of Latvia is a public university in Riga. It was founded in 1919. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, the University of Latvia is ranked in the 801–850 band overall.
The university’s website provides information about degree-study applications, supporting documents, and applicable procedures. Visit the degree-studies admissions page for current information.
Tuition fees vary by program and applicant category. For the 2026/2027 academic year, the English-taught bachelor’s program in Industrial Engineering and Management lists tuition of €2,900 per year for eligible EU, EEA, and Swiss applicants and €3,100 per year for citizens of other countries. The English-taught master’s program in Cultural and Social Anthropology lists tuition of €2,800 and €3,200 per year, respectively. Applicants should check each program description before applying.
5. Riga Stradins University (RSU)
Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) traces its history to the Rīga Medical Institute, which opened in 1950. Today, RSU offers English-taught study options in health-related and social-science fields.
Applicants should use the university’s current admissions guide. For the 2026/2027 academic year, RSU lists an application fee of €100, or €30 for Latvian citizens who obtained their secondary education in Latvia. Students beginning Medicine or Dentistry must also pay a €1,800 registration administration fee.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, annual undergraduate tuition ranges from €3,300 for International Business and Start-up Entrepreneurship to €15,500 for Dentistry. Master’s tuition ranges from €3,400 for International Relations and Diplomacy to €5,000 for Digital Strategy and Artificial Intelligence Management or Biostatistics. Doctoral tuition ranges from €6,000 for Social Sciences to €20,000 for Health Care.
FAQS About Studying in Latvia
What Degrees Can I Take at Universities in Latvia?
Latvia’s higher education system is part of the Bologna Process and follows a three-cycle structure.
The system includes short-cycle professional higher education programs, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. Academic and professional study routes are available.
How Is the Application Process at Latvian Universities?
Admissions are managed by individual higher education institutions, so the exact procedure varies by university and program.
General steps include choosing a program, submitting an application, waiting for the recognition of education documents, preparing for any required examinations or interviews, receiving a study agreement, paying tuition, and managing the visa or residence-permit process where applicable. Applicants should always check the chosen university’s current requirements and deadlines.
What Is the Language of Instruction at Latvian Universities?
Latvian is the official language of Latvia. However, international students can find programs taught in English and other languages.
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the language of instruction. The accepted evidence and required score depend on the university and study level.
Are Universities in Latvia Expensive for International Students?
Tuition fees vary by institution, study level, program, and applicant category. Applicants should check the university’s current fee page before applying.
Medical and dental programs are generally among the higher-cost options. For example, Rīga Stradiņš University lists Dentistry tuition of €15,500 per year for the 2026/2027 academic year.
Is Living in Latvia Expensive?
Living costs depend on accommodation choices and lifestyle. The official Study in Latvia portal estimates that average monthly living expenses range from €450 to €700.
This estimate is intended to cover food, accommodation, utilities, transportation, and other expenses.
We hope that this article on affordable universities in Latvia was helpful. To learn more about studying abroad, make sure to check out the Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
