This is a comprehensive guide on
studying in Latvia as an international student. This detailed post will give
you all the necessary information you will need about studying in Latvia as an
international student. It will answer most frequently asked questions such as
How to study in Latvia
Why study in Latvia
Cost of studying in Latvia
Universities in Latvia for
international students
Cost of living in Latvia for
international students
How to get a visa to study in
Latvia
How to apply and study in Latvia
Tuition fees to study in Latvia
Applying to study in Latvia
To apply to Latvian universities
as an international student,you need to have all your academic records
ready,your documents and certificates from your previous school must also be
made ready. Note that all universities in Latvia have different admissions
requirements so you will need to contact the university of choice to know the
necessary requirements needed by them.
If you want to study in English
you have to show a proof of your proficiency in English language by showing
your TOEFL results. But this might not be needed by all universities in Latvia.
After all documents are provided
the school you apply to might tell you what to do and the necessary steps to
take in order to fully secure your admission.
Applying to universities in
Latvia
Selecting Universities:
Selecting universities is a very
time consuming and important process not only from the admission point of view
but also because applying to universities is very expensive. Hence it has to be
restricted to around 6 or 8 universities which are best matched for your
requirements.
The best university for you may
not be the famous ones, but those that offer you your field of study as well as
meet the other criteria important to you.
Requesting Application Forms:
There are two ways to get
application forms:
1. Requesting Application Forms
via email : You can request application forms from the universities website.
Most universities have a form on their website which can be completed online to
request application material.
2. Downloading from the
university website : Many universities have a downloadable and ready to print
versions of their application forms on the net. These can be used for applying
just as regular forms.
Application Requirements:
Once you start receiving
application forms and material, go through the material in detail and check the
application deadline, minimum scores required in the standardized tests,
recommendation letters needed and other such information.
Tabulate all these requirements
and compare them with your objectives and group the universities under three
categories :
1. Schools that seem to match
your requirements
2. Schools that are not suited to
your needs
3. Schools that do not completely
fit in any of the above two categories
Recommendation letters:
Many universities have their own
format and questions that have to be answered by the person who is giving the
letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters, which do not give enough
information, can jeopardize a candidate’s chances of selection.
School records/Academic
transcript:
The transcripts of your academic
record are absolutely essential to the evaluation of your academic abilities. Your
official transcript or academic record is the objective part of your
application. Academic records greatly vary from one education system to the
other. Systems of evaluation or grading and the formats used to present this
information also differ widely.
Undergraduate : Students who are
applying for a Bachelor program or any other undergraduate course would be
required to submit a secondary school report and transcripts (report cards) of
the final exams. The report form should be filled out by a school official like
the principal, counselor or headmaster. This form should introduce you in the
context of your whole school experience in relationship to the other students
in your class. Admission committees will be interested in learning how you have
performed in your own educational system. The school report should talk about
your accomplishments and provide a statement of your chances for success in
university-level studies.
Graduate : Students applying for
Graduate courses (MBA, MS etc) are required to submit an official transcript
from each college or university that they have attended after secondary school
with complete details of the subjects, credits involved and other details like
correspondence courses, diplomas etc. Most universities ask for the transcript
to be sealed in an envelope and signed and attested across the seal by the
registrar. This procedure is to be done for each and every college that you
have attended. Some universities may ask for more than one transcripts but most
require only one.
Tuition fees and cost of studying
in Latvia as an international student.
The cost of studying in Latvia
actually depends on the specific school you attend. All the universities and
colleges in Latvia have different tuition fees.
Tuition fees for studying in
Latvia is average compared to other European countries. Latvia is also among
the best study abroad destinations.The tuition fees vary among universities and
also depends on the course you are studying as an international student.
The average tuition fees to study in Latvia
for international students starts at about US$3,300 per year for an
undergraduate degrees but courses such as medicine and surgery is about
~US$16,600 a year for international students.
Tuition fees for postgraduate
studies is about US$1,900 per year for EU and Swiss citizens and about US$4,100
per year for all other overseas students and it also depends on the course you
intend to study.
Cost of living in Latvia for
international students.
The cost of living in Latvia is
cheap compared to European countries such as UK and France. You will need
about US6,000-9,300 per year to cover
all your expenses which includes, accommodation, travel. feeding,books etc. The
cost of living in Latvia also depends on the lifestyle of the student and
spending habit of the students.
Cost of living in Latvia
according to expatistan
Latvia
Housing [Edit]
Monthly
rent for 85 m2 (900 Sqft) furnished accommodation in EXPENSIVE area
€740
Monthly
rent for 85 m2 (900 Sqft) furnished accommodation in NORMAL area
€507
Utilities
1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat
€184
Monthly
rent for a 45 m2 (480 Sqft) furnished studio in EXPENSIVE area
€498
Monthly
rent for a 45 m2 (480 Sqft) furnished studio in NORMAL area
€302
Utilities
1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 Sqft) studio
€136
Internet
8 Mbps (1 month)
€11
40”
flat screen TV
€360
Microwave
800/900 Watt (Bosch, Panasonic, LG, Sharp, or equivalent brands)
€87
Laundry
detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.)
€10
Hourly
rate for cleaning help
€8
Clothes [Edit]
1
pair of jeans (Levis 501 or similar)
€61
1
summer dress in a High Street Store (Zara, H&M or similar retailers)
€35
1
pair of sport shoes (Nike, Adidas, or equivalent brands)
€73
1
pair of men’s leather business shoes
€101
Transportation [Edit]
Volkswagen
Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (or equivalent), with no extras, new
€19,305
1
liter (1/4 gallon) of gas
€1.13
Monthly
ticket public transport
€46
Taxi
trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles)
€5.55
Personal Care [Edit]
Cold
medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Frenadol, Coldrex, or equivalent brands)
€7
1
box of antibiotics (12 doses)
€14
Short
visit to private Doctor (15 minutes)
€29
1
box of 32 tampons (Tampax, OB, ...)
€3.63
Deodorant,
roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.)
€3.28
Hair
shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.)
€3.13
4
rolls of toilet paper
€1.44
Tube
of toothpaste
€2.19
Standard
men's haircut in expat area of the city
€12
Entertainment [Edit]
Basic
dinner out for two in neighborhood pub
€20
2
tickets to the movies
€13
2
tickets to the theater (best available seats)
€69
Dinner
for two at an Italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main
course, wine and dessert
€54
1
cocktail drink in downtown club
€5.66
Cappuccino
in expat area of the city
€3.35
1
beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.)
€3.03
iPad
Air 2, 64GB
€505
1
min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans)
€0.11
1
month of gym membership in business district
€44
Visa to study in Latvia
To study in Latvia as an
international student, you will need a student visa. Below are the requirements
and process of getting of a Latvia visa.
What documents will be required?
If a foreign national applies for
a visa to enter Latvia or for transit through Latvia, he has to submit the
following:
Passport
or other travel document with a period of validity extending at least three
months past that of the visa, containing at least two blank pages for affixing
visas, and issued within the previous ten years
Visa
application form completed and signed by the applicant
1
colour photo (35mm x 45mm)
travel
medical insurance policy valid for the whole Schengen area and covering the entire
period of the foreigner's intended visit in the Schengen area
payment
or confirmation of the payment of visa
application fee.
When applying for a Schengen
visa, the applicant also submits:
documents
indicating the purpose of the journey
documents
in relation to accommodation, or proof of sufficient means to cover his
accommodation
documents
indicating that the applicant possesses sufficient means of subsistence both
for the duration of the intended stay and for the return to his country of
origin or residence
information
enabling an assessment of the applicant's intention to leave the territory of
the member state before the expiry of the visa applied for
If a foreigner applies for a
transit visa, he has to hold a valid visa of the state that he intends to enter
after leaving the Schengen area, except when a foreigner is not required a visa
to enter the country of his destination after exiting the Schengen area.
When applying for an airport
transit visa, the applicant also submits:
documents
in relation to the onward journey to the final destination after the intended
airport transit
information
enabling the assessment of the applicant's intention not to enter the territory
of the member states.
Consular officers of the
representations decide upon the kind of supporting documents that have to be
submitted by foreign nationals. This depends on the purpose of the visit,
travelling experience, ties to the state of residence or situation of the state
of residence. For more detailed information about supporting documents to be
annexed to a visa application, please contact the respective representation
where the foreigner intends to apply for a visa, and/or check the information
on the homepage of the respective representation.
Applications are accepted
A visa application will be
accepted no more than three month before the start of the intended visit. If
the applicant holds a multiple-entry visa issued previously, an application for
a new visa may be lodged before the expiry of the visa valid for at least 6
months, i.e., a holder of a multiple-entry visa has the right to apply for a
new visa also in case the previous visa has not expired.
A visa application is admissible
when the following have been submitted:
an
application form
a
travel document
a
photograph
the
visa fee has been paid (in cases when that is required)
Where the representation has
verified that the above listed conditions have been fulfilled, the visa
application is admissible and is further examined. Where the said conditions
have not been fulfilled, the application is inadmissible, the application form
is returned to the applicant, the visa fee is reimbursed and the application is
not examined.
How long is the visa valid for?
The validity term of short-term
visas issued at the border-crossing point shall not exceed 15 days.
In accordance with the
Immigration Law, a foreign national, on presenting a valid visa, may enter and
stay in the Republic of Latvia for up to 90 days in a six-month period. A
foreign national who has received a long-term visa or a residence permit can
stay for a period longer than 90 days in a six-month period.
Appeal against refusal of visa
• within
30 days following the decision on the refusal, annulment or revocation of a
visa, the foreign national files a written complaint in Latvian, Russian or
English:
• with
the diplomatic or consular mission of Latvia which has refused, annulled or
revoked the visa. The mission charges EUR 45 for sending the complaint to the
Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in accordance with the
Cabinet Regulation No.1032 “Regulations Regarding the Price List of Payable
Consular Services Provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs”
• with
the Consular Department
• address:
Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Elizabetes iela 57,
Rīga, LV-1050The Republic of Latvia
• within
30 days of receipt of the complaint, the Director of the Consular Department of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs makes a decision on whether the refusal, annulment
or revocation of the visa has been justified. The foreign national is issued
with the decision in Latvian, supplemented by clarifying information in English
or Russian.
List and ranking of all the
universities in Latvia
This is the list and ranking of all
the universities in Latvia. The ranking is based on the quality of education
each of the university provides and also the available academic and social
facilities in the university. So below is the list of the of all the
universities in Latvia and their ranking
Rank University Location
1 Latvijas
Universitate
Riga
2 Rigas
Tehniska universitate
Riga ...
3 Latvijas
Lauksaimniecibas universitate
Jelgava ...
4 Biznesa
augstskola Turiba
Riga ...
5 Rigas
Stradina universitate
Riga ...
6 Vidzemes
Augstskola
Valmiera
7 Rezeknes
Augstskola
Rezekne ...
8 Rigas
Juridiska augstskola
Riga
9 Transporta
un sakaru instituts
Riga ...
10 Daugavpils Universitate
Daugavpils ...
11 Latvijas Makslas akademija
Riga ...
12 Rigas Ekonomikas augstskola
Riga
13 Rigas Pedagogijas un izglitibas vadibas akademija
Riga
14 Informacijas sistemu menedžmenta augstskola
Riga ...
15 Baltijas Starptautiska akademija
Riga ...
16 Liepajas Universitate
Liepaja
17 Rigas Starptautiska ekonomikas un biznesa administracijas
augstskola
Riga ...
18 Latvijas Kulturas akademija
Riga
19 Banku augstskola
Riga
20 Ventspils Augstskola
Ventspils
21 Jazepa Vitola Latvijas Muzikas akademija
Riga
22 Latvijas Sporta pedagogijas akademija
Riga
23 Latvijas Kristiga akademija
Jurmala
24 Ekonomikas un kulturas augstskola
Riga ...
25 Rigas Aeronavigacijas instituts
Riga
26 Latvijas Juras akademija
Riga
Un Sociala darba un socialas pedagogijas augstskola Attistiba
Riga
Un Socialo tehnologiju augstskola
Riga
Un Starptautiska praktiskas psihologijas augstskola
Riga
Courses you can study at
universities in Latvia
Accounting and Finance
Aeronautical engineering
Manufacturing engineering
Agriculture
Anatomy
Physiology
Anthropology
Architecture
Art and Design
Oral science
Biochemistry
Biological sciences
Building
Business management
Chemical engineering
Chemistry
Civil engineering
Ancient history
Mass communication
Computer science
Counselling
Creative writing
Criminology
Dentistry
Cinematics
Economics
Education
Electrical engineering
Fashion
Film making
Food science
Geography
General engineering
German
History
Law
Linguistics
Marketing
Material technology
Mathematics
Mechanical engineering
Medical technology
Medicine
Microbiology
Music
Nursing
Optometry
Pharmacy
Philosophy
Psychology
Robotics
Sociology
Theology
Veterinary medicine
Items to pack while going to
study in Latvia
In your carry-on bag
• Cell
phone and charger
• Boarding
pass(es)
• Cash
(bring American dollars and the currency of your host location or money you can
exchange for it—enough to use in case of an emergency, but not more money than
you can afford to lose)
• Copy
of birth certificate
• Copy
of Social Security card
• Credit
card (notify your bank that you’ll be abroad before you leave to avoid your
account being frozen)
• Debit
card
• Deodorant
• E-reader
or book
• Emergency
contact list
• Face
wipes
• Gum
• Hand
sanitizer
• Headphones
• Health
insurance card
• Passport
• Prescription
medication(s) you usually take (make sure you bring enough refills to last your
entire trip—but future prescriptions can go in your checked luggage)
• School
ID
• Spare
outfit (in case your luggage gets lost or delayed)
• State
ID
• Student
visa
• Travel
itinerary
• Travel
pillow
• Travel
tickets (if you’re taking a train or other transport after your plane lands)
• Wallet
Toiletries
• Acne
medication/cream
• Face
lotion/moisturizer
• Makeup
• Mini
shampoo & conditioner (until you get the chance to get full-sized bottles
in your new country)
• Mouthwash
(small)
• Soap
(mini bottle if you're using body wash)
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
Supplies
• Bobby
pins
• Comb
• Contacts,
solution and case (again, make sure you have all the contacts you'll need for
your time abroad)
• Glasses
and glasses case
• Hair
ties
• Hairbrush
• Headbands
• Nail
clipper
• Razor(s)
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Tampons
and pads
• Tweezers
Laundry
You will likely have the
opportunity to do laundry on your trip, and you'll be able to purchase
detergent in your host country.
• Downy
Wrinkle Release spray
• Linens/towels
(if your housing doesn’t have them)
• Portable
stain remover pen
• Travel
sheet (for hostels)
Clothing
• Athletic
sneakers (1)
• Bathing
suits (1-2)
• Boots
(1-2)
• Bras
(2 sports bras, 2 regular bras, 1 strapless/convertible bras)
• Casual
dresses (2)
• Everyday
comfortable shoes (1-2)
• Flats
(1)
• Flip-flops
(1)
• Formal
outfit (1-2)
• Gloves
(1, if weather appropriate)
• Going-out
outfit (3-5)
• Hat
(1)
• Heavier
coat for colder climates (1)
• Heels
(1-2)
• Jacket
(2; a light one and one for colder weather, if applicable)
• Jeans
(2, one black & one blue)
• Jewelry
(remember that bringing jewelry to another country is always a risk; don’t
bring anything too valuable!)
• Leggings
(1-3)
• Long-sleeve
shirts (3-5)
• Pajamas
(2-3)
• Pants
(1-2 nice pairs)
• Purse
(1-2)
• Raincoat
(1)
• Scarf
(1)
• Short-sleeve
shirts (5-7)
• Shorts
(2-4, if weather appropriate)
• Skirts
(1-2)
• Socks
(14)
• Sweaters
(3-5)
• Sweatshirt
(2)
• T-shirts
(3-5)
• Tank
tops (3-5)
• Underwear
(14)
• Watch
(1)
• Workout
clothes (2-5)
Electronics
Remember that most of your electronic
items will need an outlet converter in order to work!
• Camera
(remember your case and USB cords)
• Cell
phone (keep in mind that you’ll be able to buy an international phone when you
arrive at your destination)
• Chargers
(laptop, phone, camera, e-reader, etc.)
• Flash
drive
• iPod
• Laptop
• Laptop
case
• Outlet
adapters (2-3)
• USB
cable
Medical
• Adhesive
bandages
• Allergy
medicine
• Birth
control
• Cold
and flu medicine
• Eye
drops
• Motion
sickness medicine
• Over-the-counter
pain medicine
• Vitamins
Miscellaneous
• Backpack
(small)
• Gift
for your host family (bring something that they couldn’t get in their own
country, like memorabilia from your hometown)
• Journal
• Language
dictionary
• Map
• Playing
cards
• Travel
guide
• Umbrella
(small)
Benefits of studying abroad in
Latvia or any other study abroad destination
1. See the World
The biggest reason you should
consider a study abroad program is the opportunity to see the world . By
studying abroad, you will experience a brand-new country with incredible new
outlooks, customs and activities. The benefits of studying abroad include the
opportunity to see new terrains, natural wonders, museums and landmarks of your
host nation.
2. Education
Another reason you might consider
studying abroad is for the chance to experience different styles of education.
By enrolling in a study abroad program, you’ll have the chance to see a side of
your major that you may not have been exposed to at home.
You’ll find that completely
immersing yourself in the education system of your host country is a great way
to really experience and understand the people, its traditions, and its
culture. Education is the centerpiece of any study abroad trip—it is, after
all, a study abroad program—and choosing the right school is a very important
factor.
3. Take in a New Culture
Many students who choose to study
abroad are leaving their home for the first time. When they arrive in their new
host country, they are fascinated by the distinct cultural perspectives. When
you study abroad you will find incredible new foods, customs, traditions, and
social atmospheres.
You will find that you have a
better understanding and appreciation for the nation’s people and history. You
will have the opportunity to witness a completely new way of life.
4. Hone Your Language Skills
Chances are if you’re planning on
studying abroad, one of the major draws is the opportunity to study a foreign
language. Studying abroad grants you the opportunity to completely immerse
yourself in a new language, and there is no better way to learn than to dive
right in.
In addition to the considerable
language practice you will get just in day to day life, your host university
will likely offer language courses to provide you with a more formal education.
Immerse yourself in a new culture and go beyond a purely academic experience
5. Career Opportunities
When you finish your study abroad
program and return home, you will return with a new perspective on culture,
language skills, a great education, and a willingness to learn. Needless to
say, all of these are very attractive to future employers.
Many students find that they love
their host country so much that they decide to seek work there. If you can
relate, you will find that a local education will be very valuable when
searching for a potential job in that country
6. Find New Interests
If you are still questioning why
to study abroad, you should know that studying in a different country offers
many new activities and interests that you may never have discovered if you’d
stayed at home. You might find that you have an as-yet undiscovered talent for
hiking, water sports, snow skiing, golf, or various other new sports you may
never have tried back home.
You’ll also have the chance to
discover other new and exciting forms of entertainment. Plays, movies, dancing,
nightclubs, and concerts are just a few activities that you can enjoy.
7. Make Lifelong Friends
One of the biggest benefits of
studying abroad is the opportunity to meet new lifelong friends from different
backgrounds. While studying abroad, you will attend school and live with
students from your host country. This gives you the opportunity to really get
to know and create lasting relationships with your fellow students.
After the study abroad program
ends, make an effort stay in contact with your international friends. In
addition to rewarding personal relationships, these friends can also be
important networking tools later down the road.
8. Personal Development
There is nothing quite like being
on your own in a foreign country. You might find that studying abroad really
brings out your independent nature. Students who study abroad become explorers
of their new nation and really discover the curiosity and excitement that they
harbor.
A benefit to studying abroad is
the opportunity to discover yourself while gaining an understanding of a
different culture. Being in a new place by yourself can be overwhelming at
times, and it tests your ability to adapt to diverse situations while being
able to problem solve.
9. Graduate School Admissions
Like future employers, graduate
school admissions boards look very highly on study abroad experiences. Students
that study abroad display diversity and show that they aren’t afraid to seek
out new challenges or put themselves in difficult situations.
Most importantly, students who
have studied abroad show just how committed they are to their education.
Graduate schools regularly look for candidates who will bring a unique aspect
to their university. Students who have studied abroad have shown that they have
the curiosity and educational acumen to be a leader in graduate school.
10. Life Experience
Why study abroad? For most
students, this time may be the only opportunity they ever get to travel abroad
for a long period of time. Eventually you will find a job and career, and the
opportunity to study abroad may turn out to be a once in a life time
opportunity.
Hope this post was helpful
Question tags
How to study in Latvia
Why study in Latvia
Cost of studying in Latvia
Universities in Latvia for
international students
Cost of living in Latvia for
international students
How to get a visa to study in
Latvia
How to apply and study in Latvia
Tuition fees to study in Latvia
Applying to study in Latvia
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