Latvia is located in Northern Europe and is one of the three Baltic states, alongside Estonia and Lithuania. It is known for its forests, local culture, and dishes that represent centuries of culinary tradition. According to Latvia’s Central Statistical Bureau, the country had a population of about 1.857 million at the beginning of 2025. Latvia can be an affordable study destination, with official study information listing tuition from less than €1,600 per year in some bachelor’s programs and average monthly living expenses of about €450–€700. While studying completely free in Latvia is not guaranteed, scholarships, state-funded study places, and careful budgeting can help international students significantly reduce their costs.
How to Study in Latvia for Free
1. Check the Requirements
If you are considering studying at a Latvian university, the first factor to pay close attention to is the admission and immigration requirements of your selected institution. These requirements depend on your citizenship, previous education, study level, and program, so you should check your eligibility before submitting your documents.
Important points include admission requirements, recognition of previous qualifications, language requirements, health insurance, proof of sufficient funds, and whether you need a visa or residence permit. EU and EEA citizens generally need a valid passport or identity card, while many non-EU students must follow visa or residence permit procedures. Always confirm the latest requirements through the university and official Latvian immigration or Study in Latvia guidance before applying.
2. Prepare Your Application in Time
If nothing is holding you back, you can start working on the paperwork. Collect all the required documents, check them carefully, and make sure everything is complete. Applicants sometimes make small mistakes or forget to include a required document. Even a minor error can delay the application process or lead to refusal of admission.
Do not forget that not only the organization of the paperwork matters, but also the quality of the information provided. Strong grades, examination results, language skills, and a well-prepared application can improve your chances of admission and scholarship consideration, which may help you lower the cost of studying in Latvia.
3. Research Available Scholarships from Universities in Latvia and Governments
Many Latvian institutions and public agencies list scholarship opportunities. For example, the University of Latvia lists patron scholarships and state-funded scholarship information, while the State Education Development Agency administers Latvian State Scholarships for eligible foreign students, researchers, and teaching staff.
Some scholarships are limited to citizens of specific countries or to students at certain study levels, so it is up to each applicant to check eligibility before applying. Latvia also participates in the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, which can provide exchange, training, and funding opportunities. If you want to reduce your study costs in Latvia as much as possible, researching these scholarships early is essential.
4. Apply for a Stipend
Financial support is not limited to tuition discounts. Eligible international students may apply for Latvian State Scholarships, which currently provide monthly support of €500 for eligible bachelor’s students, €600 for eligible master’s students, and €700 for eligible PhD students. These scholarships are usually granted for up to 10 months for bachelor’s and master’s students and up to 11 months for PhD students. You can check other scholarships in Latvia here.
However, applicants should not assume that a scholarship will make studying in Latvia completely free. The official Study in Latvia scholarship guidance notes that Latvian State Scholarships do not fully cover all study-related expenses, and scholarship holders must make their own arrangements for insurance, travel, living costs, and any remaining tuition fees. Check the current call for applications, required documents, and deadlines before applying.
5. Seek out Financial Help Elsewhere
The financial support available to those seeking higher education in Latvia is not limited to local opportunities. As a prospective student, you may also apply for external funding, private scholarships, exchange funding, or scholarships offered in your home country.
There are numerous organizations that provide financial help to students worldwide. Some limit their scope to graduate students, specific countries, or particular fields of study. It may take time to find a scholarship that works for you, but applicants should explore all realistic options. Before applying, always check whether a scholarship is currently open, who is eligible, what expenses it covers, and whether it can be combined with other funding.
6. Consider a Part-Time Job
You should also think about the possibility of taking on a part-time job. There are many expenses a student may face while studying abroad, including accommodation, food, transport, social activities, and travel. A scholarship or stipend can help, but it may not be enough in every case.
International students in Latvia can work while studying, but the rules depend on the study level and the type of residence status. According to the EU Immigration Portal, students may work up to 20 hours per week during studies and up to 40 hours per week during study holidays, while graduate and postgraduate students may work up to 40 hours per week. If you plan to work while studying, confirm the latest rules with official immigration guidance and your university.
7. Apply When Ready
When you have gathered all the required documentation, researched the essential information, and made up your mind, it is time to send your application to your chosen university. If you have not decided on one specific school, you may apply to more than one institution, as long as you follow each university’s application rules and deadlines.
Admission procedures, closing dates, and requirements vary by institution and program. If you do not receive updates within the expected period, contact the admissions office directly and politely ask about the status of your application.
8. Get Ready for the Trip
While the initial application may be daunting, the final step of getting on the plane and studying abroad can be just as stressful for first-time international students. Take your time and prepare gradually for your departure. Have your luggage ready in advance, plan how you will get to the airport, and check how you will travel from Riga to the city where your university is located.
You should also create a to-do list for your first days in Latvia. The list may include registering your residence, finalizing university enrollment, arranging health insurance documents if required, opening a bank account if needed, buying a local SIM card, and exploring sightseeing spots, restaurants, and student services.
9. Keep Track of Your Expenses in Latvia
Official Study in Latvia information lists average monthly living expenses at about €450–€700. Dormitories or student hostels are commonly listed at about €70–€120 per month, while shared flat rent may cost around €100–€200, and a solo flat may cost around €250–€350. Internet connections are listed at about €12–€15 per month. Costs are generally higher in Riga than in smaller cities, so your budget will depend on your lifestyle and location.
It is still a good idea to avoid unnecessary spending in the city center if you want to save money. Try to use student discounts, compare housing options, cook at home when possible, and ask local students for advice about affordable shops, cafes, and transport options.
I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Europe Scholarships Page and Available Courses for International Students!
