English-taught degrees in Latvia
Quick answer: In Latvia, students from outside the EU pay for English-taught study at both bachelor’s and master’s level. An official example from Rīga Stradiņš University for 2026/27: €3,300 a year for its international business bachelor’s, €4,500 for the Health Management master’s and €13,500 for Medicine. Applying costs €100, and medical students also pay a one-off €1,800 registration fee.
Riga is the largest city in the Baltics and home to most Latvian universities: the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University (RTU), Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) and RISEBA. Their English-language offer is broad in business, engineering, IT and medicine.
RSU fees for 2026/27
| Programme (in English) | Per year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| International Business and Start-up Entrepreneurship (bachelor’s) | €3,300 | paid by semester |
| Master’s: Health Management | €4,500 | paid by semester |
| Medicine | €13,500 | plus a one-off €1,800 registration fee |
| Application fee | €100 | paid once |
Source: rsu.lv — checked 11/2026.
Our automated check could not confirm unambiguous 2026/27 non-EU fees for the University of Latvia, RTU or RISEBA, so verify those on each university’s own website. We also have a page on Riga Technical University.
Choosing by subject
- Medicine and health: RSU is known for English-taught medicine and health management; medicine costs €13,500 a year. Admission usually tests biology and chemistry, so study the entry rules and exam format early.
- Engineering and IT: RTU is the country’s leading technical university.
- Business and management: RISEBA and RSU both run business degrees; the RSU bachelor’s is €3,300 a year.
Applying, step by step
- Pick a programme and read its entry rules: language level and, for some courses, an entrance test or interview.
- Apply online and pay the application fee (€100 at RSU).
- Send your school certificate or diploma, transcript, English certificate and passport; foreign documents go through recognition.
- Once you hold an offer, pay the first semester.
- Students arrive on a temporary residence permit; check the financial conditions on the website of PMLP, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.
Deadlines for non-EU applicants can close earlier than for EU citizens because the permit takes time, so look up the “admission deadlines” page as soon as you choose and start on documents several months ahead.
Latvia or Lithuania?
| Item | Latvia (Rīga Stradiņš) | Lithuania (VILNIUS TECH) |
|---|---|---|
| Business bachelor’s | €3,300 / year (2026/27) | €3,950 / year (2027/28) |
| Master’s | €4,500 / year, Health Management (2026/27) | €5,450–6,450 / year (2027/28) |
| Application fee | €100 | €100 |
Source: rsu.lv, vilniustech.lt — checked 11/2026.
With prices this close, subject and university matter more than country. See also studying in Lithuania.
Life in Riga and afterwards
Riga is compact, with campuses, dorms and the centre within easy reach by public transport. English gets you through daily life thanks to the many international students, though basic Latvian helps with official matters and part-time jobs. International offices assist with permits, housing and registration. Latvia offers an EU degree, Schengen access and lower prices than Western Europe; on the downside, medicine is far costlier, and the permit process is slow. Whether graduates can stay to work depends on migration rules, so check PMLP and talk to the careers centre early. For the wider country picture, read studying in Latvia in 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How are fees paid in Latvia?
At Rīga Stradiņš University you pay semester by semester; other universities publish their own payment rules.
Which English certificate do I need?
IELTS or TOEFL in most cases; each course sets its own minimum, so read its requirements.
Are there extra costs for medicine?
Yes: RSU adds a one-off €1,800 registration fee to the €100 application fee.
Is it hard to find a dorm in Riga?
International offices help with dorms and flats, but places can be limited, so apply right after you are admitted.
Is a Latvian degree recognised?
Latvia is an EU member in the Bologna system; for recognition in Azerbaijan, check the nostrification rules.
Plan it with us
EDDE Global helps you pick a Latvian programme and handles the documents and residence permit steps with you. Book a free consultation.