Studying in Latvia can be a great option for international students seeking a unique and affordable study-abroad experience. Here in this article, we are focusing on some steps that you might consider for studying in Latvia.
Step 1. Find Your Study Program and Choose a University
- Visit, studyinlatvia.lv and find a study program and choose a university or vice versa.
- Check if you qualify, Read general entrance requirements and check specific entrance requirements set by the chosen university.
- Choose the intake, spring intake usually starts in November and runs until December with studies starting in February. Autumn intake usually starts in March and is open until July or August with studies starting in September. Be aware that intake deadlines may be set earlier depending on your citizenship.
Step 2. Admission Entry Requirements
Undergraduate
The students must have completed a Higher Secondary School Diploma with passing grades of at least 60% in each subject.
Entrance examination
It can be taken in the form of a motivation letter or online examination.
Skype Interview
The faculty member of your chosen study field will ask curriculum-related questions to assess your academic readiness and previous set of skills.
Post Graduate (Masters) Study Programs
- The students should have a bachelor’s degree (4 years’ duration course) which must have been attained from a recognized institute of your country.
- The overall grades attained in a bachelor’s degree must be a minimum of 60%.
- The B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) and Bachelor of General Science Degrees (2 years duration course) are not welcomed for master’s level admissions in Latvia.
Entrance Examinations
A motivation letter or online examination can be taken.
Skype interview
The students will have to convince the faculty member of their choice of study field about their academic capabilities and eligibility for admission. Admission will only be available after the entrance exam and Skype interview satisfactory results.
Post Graduate (PhD) Study Programs
- Passed bachelor’s degree (4 Years Duration Course), and master’s degree (2 Years Duration Course) from reputable institutes in your country with good grades are the requirements for admission.
- The students will submit research proposals, previous research experience, and work experience documents.
- They will conduct a Skype Interview for admission as well.
Step 3. Submit Your Application
- Collect all documents. Prepare a full package of necessary documents (usually a copy of passport or ID, copies of education documents, English proficiency certificate, etc. But the package may vary in different universities).
- Provide translations and digital copies. If documents are not in English, provide certified translations. Additional rules may apply depending on the country where educational documents are issued. Ensure that all the documents are scanned or photographed fully in good quality.
- Process your application. Fill in the application form and send application documents to the university’s international admissions office or upload them online according to the admission procedure in the chosen university.
- Prepare for payment. The application fee may be charged by the university, and it is not refundable. There are also universities which do not require any registration fee.
Application Fee: 150 – 200 Euros
Step 4. Wait for the Recognition of Your Documents
- Documents are sent for verification
The University initiates the process of recognition of your education documents which are sent to an independent institution for academic verification. During academic recognition, your qualification is compared to the education system of Latvia, and it is clarified whether you are capable of continuing studies in the chosen program and study level.
 - Wait for recognition of certificates
The time necessary for a recognition conclusion is approximately 1 month, but sometimes it may take longer because the process depends on the country where educational documents are issued.
Language Requirements to study in Latvia for Pakistani Students
For admission in English-taught courses, the students have to prove their proficiency in the English language which can be either through IELTS or TOEFL test. The minimum grade requirement in IELTS is 6.5 bands.
The documents for admission such as transcripts of academic certificates, degrees, and diplomas will be verified by the Academic Information Centre (AIC) of Latvia for approval. If the documents meet academic standards set by the Academic Information Centre (AIC) they will be marked as approved and finally, your chosen Latvian university will issue an acceptance letter to you.
Step 5. Prepare for the Exams and Interview
- Prepare for the exams. The university sets exams or other entry regulations according to the chosen study program. There are no entrance exams for some universities, and your secondary school marks in compulsory subjects will determine your option to get a study place.
- Get ready for an online interview. Prepare for a real-time online interview organized by the university in which you present your motivation and language skills. Be aware that some universities may organize face-to-face interviews or schedule interviews only with prospective students in Master’s study programs.
- Receive the official letter of study place offer. Suppose the recognition conclusion of your educational documents allows you to start your studies in Latvia. In that case, the university decides the offer of study place considering other entry regulations or results of exams. The decision will be in the form of an official letter offering you the study place or rejecting it.
Step 6. Receive your Study Agreement and Pay the Tuition Fee
- Receive a study agreement. The university sends a study agreement, and you sign the agreement before the arrival if the document is necessary for the immigration procedures or during the first week in Latvia. It may vary in each university.
- Pay 1st semester or year tuition fee. Some universities may ask for a security deposit and other applicable payments.
Public universities’ Fees around 3500 – 4500 Euros
Private Universities fees: 5000 Euro-9000 Euros
Intakes in Latvia
International students can apply to universities in Latvia in two intakes:Â
winter/January and autumn/October.
You can select the course, check its availability in these two intakes, and proceed with the application process to study in Latvia. The deadline for the autumn intake is around July or August.
Step 7. Manage Your Visa or Residence Permit
- Get an invitation number for a visa or residence permit. The university informs you about the visa and residence permit application process, prepares an invitation, and sends you the invitation number to apply for a visa or a residence permit.
- Get ready all documents for the application. Collect all the necessary documents for a visa or residence permit. Regulations may vary depending on your country of residence. It may also differ for Master’s and PhD students.
- Apply for a visa or residence permit. Documents should be submitted only at the Embassy of Latvia in your country of residence. If the Embassy of Latvia is not in your country, contact the University for Further Information on the embassy handling your application.
- Prepare for an interview at the embassy. Attend an interview at the embassy and wait for the decision and document to enter Latvia.
Step 8. Latvian Students Visa Requirements
After receiving an acceptance letter from Latvian University, the Process for a student visa shall begin. The Latvian Embassy or Consulate in your country will process the visa documents. The requirement for the students is to visit the Latvian Embassy in person and acquire visa details.
The requirements for visa documents are country-specific and are different for each country but generally, the following documents are required by all nationalities for Latvian student visas:
- Valid Passport
- Original Acceptance Letter
- Proof of Security Fee Deposit (Latvian Universities take 500 to 750 USD as security fee that shall be returned to students at the end of their study program)
- Proof of Paid Tuition Fee
- Visa Application (Completed and signed)
- Proof of finances (Bank statement or credit card statement demonstrating the student can spend 450 Euros per month in Latvia during studies)
- Proof of Accommodation Arranged in Latvia (Rental contract with residential address)
- Health Insurance Coverage
- Medical Examination Certificate
- Clearance letter from police stating the applicant has no criminal record or case registered against them.
- Visa application Fee Receipt (Can be around 120 USD)
- English Language Proficiency Test Certificate
Step 9. List of Public & Private Universities
- ISMA University (Public University) Riga
- University of Latvia (Public University) Riga
- University of Liepaja (Public University) Liepaga
- Ventspils University College (Public University) Ventspils
- Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (Public University) Valmieras Rajons
- Latvia University of Agriculture (Public University) Riga
- Riga Stradins University ( Public University) Riga
- Riga Technical University (Public University) Riga
- Institute of Transport and Communications (Private University) Riga
- Riga Graduate School of Law (Private University) Riga
- Latvian Maritime Academy (Private University) Riga
- Riga International School of Economics and Business Administration (Private University) Riga.
- Transport and Telecommunication Institute (Private University) Riga
- Turiba University (Private University) RigaÂ
