Latvian higher education for foreign students

Why Latvia is an attractive higher education hub in the EU

Latvia has firmly established itself as an affordable and strategically located higher education hub within the European Union. As a member of both the EU and NATO, Latvian higher education for foreign students means EU-recognised degrees at significantly lower tuition fees compared to Western European countries.

Riga is the country’s main academic centre, hosting nearly 80% of all students and leading universities. Latvia is particularly attractive to students from CIS countries, Central Asia, the Middle East and Asia, thanks to a combination of reasonable tuition costs, English-taught programs, a safe living environment and transparent immigration procedures. Studying in Latvia often becomes the first step toward long-term residence and a professional career in the EU.

Overview of 12 Leading Universities in Latvia

Latvia offers more than 12 universities and higher education institutions with English-taught programs for international students. The most notable institutions include:

University of Latvia (LU)

• Largest public university

• Specialisations: IT, Business, Social Sciences

• Location: Riga

Riga Technical University (RTU)

• Specialisations: Engineering, IT, Transport, Business

• Location: Riga

Riga Stradins University (RSU)

• Specialisations: Medicine, Dentistry, Healthcare, Social Sciences

• Location: Riga

Stockholm School of Economics in Riga (SSE Riga)

• Specialisation: Economics and Business (premium segment)

• Location: Riga

Riga Graduate School of Law (RGSL)

• Specialisation: European and International Law

• Location: Riga

RISEBA University

• Specialisations: Architecture, Business, Creative Industries

• Location: Riga

Turība University

• Specialisations: Business, Law, Tourism

• Location: Riga

Transport and Telecommunication Institute (TSI)

• Specialisations: IT, Artificial Intelligence, Aviation, Logistics, Robotics

• Location: Riga

Baltic International Academy (BSA)

• Specialisations: Business, Finance, Tourism (affordable tuition)

• Location: Riga

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU)

• Specialisations: Life Sciences, IT, Agrotechnologies

• Location: Jelgava

Liepaja University (LiepU)

• Specialisations: IT, Environmental Technologies

• Location: Liepāja

Daugavpils University (DU)

• Specialisations: Economics, Innovation (mainly Master’s programs)

• Location: Daugavpils

Bachelor’s Degree Programs: Tuition Overview

Tuition fees for non-EU Bachelor’s programs in Latvia vary by institution and specialisation:

• Budget segment (€2,500–3,500): LU, LBTU, LiepU, Turība

• Mid-range (€3,600–5,500): RTU, TSI, BSA, RGSL

• Premium (€6,000–15,500): SSE Riga, RISEBA (Architecture), RSU (Medicine, Dentistry)

The most affordable options are offered by public and regional universities, while medical and architecture programs remain the most expensive.

Master’s Degree Programs: Tuition Overview

Master’s programs in Latvia are often even more cost-efficient:

• €2,990–4,000: Turība, BSA, DU, RSU (Social Sciences)

• €4,500–6,500: RTU, TSI, RGSL (including one-year programs)

• €9,600–16,500: Executive MBA (RTU Business School)

One-year Master’s programs at RGSL deserve special attention, as they significantly reduce both study duration and overall costs while delivering an EU-recognised degree.

Tuition Analysis by Specialisation Sector

• Medicine (RSU): Most expensive but highly prestigious sector (€13,500–15,500)

• Business & Law (SSE Riga, RGSL): Strong brands with international recognition (€4,000–10,000)

• Engineering & IT (RTU, TSI): Optimal balance of tuition, quality, and employability (€3,500–7,000)

• Affordable Education (BSA, Turība, LBTU, LiepU): Best choices for budget-conscious students (€2,500–3,500)

  
  

Conclusion about Latvian higher education for foreign students

Latvia offers a unique combination of European-quality education, affordable tuition fees, and clear immigration rules. For international students, Latvia remains one of the most practical and cost-effective pathways to obtaining an EU degree and integrating into the European labour market.