Latvia

Study in Latvia

Latvia offers accredited EU degrees at some of the most affordable tuition rates in Europe. Riga, the capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage city with a thriving student community.

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Cost overview

Tuition range
€2,500 – €6,000 / year
Living costs
€600 – €900 / month

Application roadmap

Step-by-step process for Latvia

1

Apply to a Latvian university

4–6 months before start

Top institutions include the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, and RSU. Many bachelor and master programs are available in English. Apply directly through the university website. Riga is the main student city.

Academic transcripts English proficiency proof Motivation letter Application fee (€30–€50)
2

Receive your acceptance letter

2–6 weeks after applying

After admission, request an official invitation letter from the university's international office — this is needed for your visa and residence permit application. Keep both the acceptance letter and the invitation letter.

Official invitation letter Acceptance letter
3

Enter Latvia on a Schengen visa

6–8 weeks before departure

Non-EU students enter Latvia on a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C). Apply at the Latvian Embassy or the Embassy of a Schengen country that issues on behalf of Latvia. Provide your university invitation letter as the purpose of visit.

Passport University invitation letter Financial proof Return ticket Health insurance
4

Apply for Temporary Residence Permit on arrival

Within 30 days of arrival

Within 30 days of arrival, apply for a Temporary Residence Permit at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA). This will be valid for your full study duration. Fee is €100.

Passport University enrollment certificate Proof of accommodation Financial means proof (€430/month) Health insurance Application form Photos
5

Register accommodation and open bank account

First 2 weeks

Register your residential address with the municipality. Open a Latvian bank account (SEB, Swedbank, or Citadele) — required for receiving any stipends or part-time wages. Apply for a student public transport card in Riga.

Residence permit Passport Proof of address
6

Enrol and begin studies

Start of semester

Complete enrollment at the university, get your student ID, and register for courses. Attend the mandatory international student orientation. The university international office will guide you on health insurance, library access, and student support services.

Student ID Enrollment confirmation

Visa information

Visa type

Student Residence Permit

Processing time

30 days

Visa fee

€100

Required documents

  • Valid passport
  • University acceptance letter
  • Proof of sufficient funds (€430/month)
  • Health insurance
  • Accommodation confirmation
  • Completed application form
  • Recent passport photos

Apply at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) after arriving in Latvia on a short-stay Schengen visa. Latvia offers a temporary residence permit valid for the duration of your studies.

Last verified: 28 April 2026

Official immigration portal

Frequently asked questions

Visa requirements and tuition fees are subject to change. Kuro Education Consultancy provides guidance based on current regulations, but final decisions rest with the embassy and university.

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