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How to Apply to Universities in Latvia

Q: Why is RSU popular for medicine internationally?

Rīga Stradiņš University is one of the oldest and most respected medical schools in Northern Europe. Its English-taught medicine program is EU-accredited, allowing graduates to practice across the EU. Tuition is significantly lower than in Western Europe (approximately €12,000/year).

Q: Is Riga a good city for students?

Riga is a beautiful, compact Baltic capital with a vibrant old town, excellent public transport, and very affordable living costs — among the lowest in the EU. It has a significant international student community, particularly in medicine and engineering.

Direct applications to RSU, RTU, and the University of Latvia.

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Application Route Direct to each university

Language Latvian & English

Processing Time 2–4 weeks

Visa Required Non-EU: Yes

Latvia's universities accept direct applications from international students. The process is largely online and straightforward. Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) has a particularly well-developed international admissions system for its medicine and health sciences programs.

Select your university and program

Key institutions: University of Latvia (humanities, social sciences, natural sciences), RTU/Riga Technical University (engineering, IT), RSU (medicine, healthcare, social sciences), and BA School of Business and Finance (business programs in English).

Apply through the university's online portal

Each university has its own admissions portal. RSU uses apply.rsu.lv; University of Latvia uses incoming.lu.lv; RTU has rtu.lv/en/study. Complete the online form and upload documents.

Submit required documents

Upload: degree certificate (with Apostille and English translation), transcripts, English language test (IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent), passport, personal statement, and CV. Medicine at RSU also requires proof of biology and chemistry background.

Pay the application fee

Application fees range from €30–€100 depending on the institution.

Entrance exam or interview (medicine)

RSU medicine applicants take an online admissions test covering biology and chemistry. This is typically scheduled in May–June after your application is reviewed.

Receive acceptance and pay reservation fee

After a positive decision, pay a reservation fee (typically €200–€500) to secure your place. This is usually deducted from first-year tuition.

Apply for Latvian student visa (non-EU)

Apply for a Latvian Long-Stay Visa (type D) or directly for a Temporary Residence Permit for studies at the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA). Processing takes 30 days.

Complete enrollment on arrival

Bring original documents to the university for verification. Non-EU students must register their address and apply for a residence permit within 90 days of arrival.