Study in Latvia for Indian Students: Fees, Courses, Visa and Scholarships (2026-27)
Latvia is a naturally beautiful country with architectural buildings. And if you want to study here, we will guide you through it. Its education is affordable and costs around €1,600-€6,000 a year (Rs. 1.8-6.6 lakh) for most programs. MBBS at Riga Stradins University costs €13,500 a year. Living costs run €500 to €800 a month. You need a university offer, an AIC check, a Hello Verify slip and a Type D visa.
Indian students form the largest national group among Latvia's international students, at 27.9%. The Embassy of India in Riga reports this, citing Latvian official statistics.
Tuition: about €1,600 to €6,000 a year for most programs
MBBS: €11,850 to €13,500 a year
Living: €500 to €800 a month, rent included
Work: Bachelor's students get 20 hours a week in term. Master's and PhD students face no hour limit.
After graduation: 4 months to stay, plus 9 more on request for Master's and PhD graduates
Latvia suits Master's, PhD, medicine and hospitality applicants who watch their budget. It suits you less if you want a big job market. The country has 1.9 million people.
Studying in Latvia at a glance: key facts for Indian students
Latvia belongs to the EU and the Schengen area. Its degrees use ECTS credits inside the EHEA, so employers and universities across Europe can read them. More than 200 programs run in English.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Country | EU and Schengen member, about 1.9 million people |
| Credit system | ECTS, EHEA |
| Language | 200+ English-taught programs |
| Typical tuition | €1,600 to €6,000 a year (Rs.1.8 to Rs.6.6 lakh) |
| MBBS tuition | €11,850 to €13,500 a year |
| Living cost | €500 to €800 a month |
| Intakes | Autumn (September) and spring (February) |
| Visa | Type D visa, then a residence permit from OCMA |
| Academic year | September to June |
| Work rights | Bachelor's 20 hours in term; Master's and PhD no limit |
Latvia has 19 higher education institutions and 14 are in Riga. Your first visa covers 90 days. After you land, you apply for a residence permit that runs through your studies. Health insurance is required for the whole stay. The climate is mild and humid, with no extreme swings.
Is studying in Latvia worth it? Cost and return
Latvia costs less than Western Europe. An Embassy of India commentary puts average tuition about 30% lower. Master's and PhD students gain most, because they can work with no hour limit.
| Factor | What the data shows |
|---|---|
| Tuition | About 30% below Western Europe on average |
| Recognition | EU degree recognition through the EHEA and ECTS |
| Pay | Average graduate salary €1,549 a month, €2,512 in IT (VIAA) |
| Staying on | About 40% of international graduates stay to work (VIAA) |
| Language | Latvian helps, but employers do not always require it |
| Trade-off | A small domestic market, so research local demand in your field |
Judge each course on its own numbers. First-year budgets appear in the cost section below.
Latvia colleges for international students: courses by level
Latvia offers Bachelor's degrees (3 to 4 years), Master's degrees (1.5 to 2 years), a 6-year MD, PhDs (3 to 4 years) and 2-year diplomas. This guide centers on three institutions: Riga Stradins University, Riga Technical University and the University of Latvia.
| Level | Duration | Tuition per year | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | 3 to 4 years | €1,600 to €6,000 | RTU, University of Latvia |
| Master's | 1.5 to 2 years | €3,500 to €5,300 at RTU | RTU, University of Latvia |
| MD (MBBS) | 6 years | €11,850 to €13,500 | University of Latvia, RSU |
| PhD | 3 to 4 years | €1,550 to €6,000 | Public universities |
| Diploma | 2 years | About €3,200 | Hotel School Riga |
RSU
Teaches medicine and dentistry in English. About 26% of its students are international.
RTU
Calls itself the oldest technical university in the Baltics.
University of Latvia
University of Latvia is a research university in Riga. It dates to 1919 and offers 35 fee-paying English MD places for 2026/27.
TSI and Turiba University
Focus on IT, transport and business.
Most programs sit in Riga, so housing and part-time jobs cluster there. Universities in Liepaja and Daugavpils also take international students.
MBBS in Latvia for Indian students: NEET, fees and NMC rules
Is an MBBS from Latvia valid in India?
Latvia's six-year MD meets the NMC FMGL 2021 rules on length, English teaching and internship place. You need a qualifying NEET score before you enroll. You must also pass India's licensing exam, currently the FMGE, to practice in India.
The NMC plans to replace the FMGE with NExT. As of mid-2026 the FMGE still applies. Ask which exam your batch will face. Check your university in the WHO World Directory of Medical Schools before you pay anything.
NMC FMGL 2021 checklist
| Requirement | Latvia MD |
|---|---|
| Course length | 6 years (72 months) |
| Academic study | 54+ months |
| Internship | 12 months, at the degree-granting university |
| Language | English |
| NEET | Qualify before admission; a qualifying score is enough; valid 3 years for foreign admission |
checklist
- 6-Year MD Program
- 54 Months Academic Training
- 12 Months Internship
- NEET Mandatory
Study MBBS in Latvia: fees compared
| University | Tuition per year | Six-year tuition | One-time fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSU | €13,500 (Rs.14.9 lakh) | €81,000 (Rs.89.1 lakh) | €100 application, €1,800 registration, non-refundable |
| University of Latvia | €11,850 (Rs.13.0 lakh) | €71,100 (Rs.78.2 lakh) | Ask the university |
Totals assume today's rates hold. Fees can rise.
Study medicine in Latvia: what six years look like
The first two years cover basic sciences. Patient work starts in year 3. Year 6 is clinical placements in internal medicine, invasive medicine and a subject you choose. The 6-year MD also opens the door to doctoral study.
RSU or University of Latvia?
RSU costs more each year and adds the €1,800 registration fee. The University of Latvia charges less but offers only 35 fee-paying English places in 2026/27, so seats may be tight. RSU sets a 1 July deadline for non-EEA applicants.
Ask before you pay
Is the university listed in the WHO World Directory of Medical Schools?
Does the 12-month internship happen at the university?
Which licensing exam will apply when you graduate?
What is refundable and what is not?
RSU asks you to pay within two weeks of your study place offer. It uses two separate bank accounts, one for tuition and one for the registration fee. Pay only to accounts listed on RSU's official site.
Parents often ask whether the degree is "valid." The degree is real and recognized in the EU and your child must still clear India's exam. Plan exam preparation for the later years. Add living costs and flights to the totals above.
Study masters in Latvia
Master's programs run 1.5 to 2 years (90 to 120 ECTS). At RTU, English-taught programs cost about €3,500 to €5,300 a year.
| Program (RTU) | Tuition per year | In rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Sciences | €3,500 | Rs.3.9 lakh |
| Entrepreneurship and Management | €3,700 | Rs.4.1 lakh |
| Mechanical Engineering | €5,310 | Rs.5.8 lakh |
Two years of Entrepreneurship and Management cost €7,400 in tuition (Rs.8.1 lakh). A 1.5-year program saves a semester of tuition and rent. A 2-year program leaves more room for a thesis and part-time work. Study in Latvia says student salaries typically cover living costs and sometimes tuition. Plan your budget without it.
Apply through the university's online portal. RTU uses apply.rtu.lv and lists autumn and spring entry. Compare three things on every program page: tuition for each year, the English requirement and accreditation status.
What most universities ask for:
- A relevant Bachelor's degree
- Original marksheets and degrees
- Proof of English. RTU lists a B2-level certificate.
- A statement of purpose
RTU's Entrepreneurship and Management listing also shows a €165 application fee and a €250 deposit. One RTU listing shows a July 1 deadline for September entry.
PhD in Latvia for international students
A PhD in Latvia takes 3 to 4 years (180 to 240 ECTS) and costs about €1,550 to €6,000 a year at most universities. PhD students pay no visa fee, since VFS exempts them. Fields include biomedicine, smart materials, environmental engineering, computer science and economics.
PhD students may work with no hour limit and can request 9 extra months after graduation.
PhD applicants usually need a Master's degree and a research proposal. Contact a supervisor before you apply.
MD graduates from Latvia can move into doctoral study.
Ask the supervisor whether tuition applies, whether paid research work exists and how long your permit will run. Written answers protect your visa file.
Diploma courses in Latvia for international students
Diploma courses in Latvia: what is available
Short diploma courses in Latvia sit at EQF level 5. They take 2 years and aim at jobs, with little research. Hotel School Riga is the best-known provider for international students.
PG diploma courses in Latvia: check before you pay
Latvia's main postgraduate route is the Master's degree. If someone sells you a "PG diploma", confirm that an accredited Latvian institution delivers it. The embassy accepts student visa applications only from students enrolled at institutions accredited in Latvia.
Hotel management course in Latvia
Hotel School Riga awards a BTEC diploma that is accredited in the UK. Entry needs a high school certificate.
| Program | Provider | Length | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitality Management, BTEC Level 5 HND | Hotel School Riga | 2 years | €3,200 a year, plus €500 application fee |
- Classes mix English and Russian. Ask how much of your program runs in English.
- Students intern in hotels in Latvia and abroad.
- Erasmus+ can pay up to €1,000 a month for placements abroad.
Hotel School Riga also lists Culinary Arts (BTEC 5) and Business (BTEC 5). Ask for current fees. A diploma suits students who want to start work in two years. Ask the school which universities accept its credits before you count on a Bachelor's top-up.
Cost of studying in Latvia: tuition, living and first-year budget
Most students spend €500 to €800 a month, rent included. These line items are estimates.
| Monthly cost | Euros | Rupees |
|---|---|---|
| University dorm | €100 to €250 | Rs.11,000 to Rs.27,500 |
| Shared flat | €200 to €400 | Rs.22,000 to Rs.44,000 |
| Food | €150 to €250 | Rs.16,500 to Rs.27,500 |
| Transit pass | €15 to €50 | Rs.1,650 to Rs.5,500 |
| Insurance | €20 to €50 | Rs.2,200 to Rs.5,500 |
| Books | €25 to €50 | Rs.2,750 to Rs.5,500 |
| Personal | €80 to €120 | Rs.8,800 to Rs.13,200 |
First-year totals, with living at €500 to €800 a month and flights excluded. The Master's row leaves out RTU's €165 application fee.
| Profile | Tuition and one-time fees | First-year total | In rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master's at RTU | €3,500 to €5,300 | €9,500 to €14,900 | Rs.10.5 to Rs.16.4 lakh |
| MBBS at RSU | €15,400 | €21,400 to €25,000 | Rs.23.5 to Rs.27.5 lakh |
| MBBS at University of Latvia | €11,850 | €17,850 to €21,450 | Rs.19.6 to Rs.23.6 lakh |
| Hotel diploma | €3,700 | €9,700 to €13,300 | Rs.10.7 to Rs.14.6 lakh |
A quick meal in the city center costs €5 to €9 and a sit-down meal runs €15 to €40. Supermarkets cost far less. Student cards bring transit discounts and dorms cost less than flats. Apply for dorm rooms early. A 5% swing in the euro moves the RSU first-year total by about Rs.1.2 to Rs.1.4 lakh, so keep a cushion.
Visa costs add about Rs.15,500: the €90 fee (Rs.9,900), the VFS charge of Rs.2,434 and Rs.3,200 for the video interview. Insurance comes extra.
Scholarships for Indian students in Latvia
The Latvian state scholarship pays €500 to €700 a month from Bachelor's to PhD level. VIAA lists 39 eligible countries for 2026/27 and India is not one of them. The call opened on February 1 and closed on April 1 in 2026, so check the list each February.
- Ask each university about tuition discounts.
- Indian funders such as the K.C. Mahindra Scholarships, the J.N. Tata Endowment and the Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation support study abroad. Check each one's rules.
- Erasmus+ funds placements abroad at some colleges.
- Never pay anyone a fee to "unlock" a scholarship. Get any award in writing.
How to apply: admission and Latvia student visa steps
- 1
Apply to the university. Send marksheets, a passport copy, a statement of purpose and English proof.
- 2
The university sends your papers to the AIC (Academic Information Centre). This usually takes a few weeks.
- 3
Sign the study agreement and pay the first-year fee.
- 4
The university secures an invitation approved by OCMA.
- 5
Upload your papers to Hello Verify ( visa.helloverify.com ) and save the confirmation slip. VFS Global gives no appointment without it.
- 6
Submit documents and biometrics at VFS.
- 7
Attend the mandatory embassy interview, by video or in person.
- 8
Collect your 90-day Type D visa. After you land, apply for your residence permit at OCMA.
Keep originals and copies of your marksheets and diplomas together. The embassy asks to see both.
Documents the Embassy of Latvia lists for Indian applicants:
- Passport valid 3 months past departure, with 2 blank pages
- OCMA invitation dated within 6 months
- Signed study agreement and AIC certificate
- Original marksheets and degrees
- Three months of bank statements with a signed bank letter, plus a euro-enabled card
- For parent sponsors: a notarized declaration and income proof
- Travel medical insurance of at least €42,600 for 90 days
- Housing proof, such as a dorm confirmation
- Hello Verify slip and the €90 visa fee
Work rights and staying back after graduation
| Level | Work in term | Work in holidays | Stay after graduation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | 20 hours a week | 40 hours a week | 4 months |
| Master's | No limit | No limit | 4 months, plus 9 on request |
| PhD | No limit | No limit | 4 months, plus 9 on request |
Employers in IT, professional services, hospitality, transport and health hire international students. Internships count too. Breaking work rules can cost you your permit: Latvian law allows revocation if you exceed your hours or fall behind in your studies.
Request the 9-month extension before your current permit expires. With a job offer, you can switch to an employment permit. Keep your timetable and pay slips. If OCMA checks your hours, records settle the question. Permanent residence becomes possible after five years of continuous legal residence, subject to language and income rules.
Your next step
Pick your level and shortlist two universities. Ask each for a written fee list, English requirement and intake date. Then match your file against the visa steps above before you pay any deposit. Set calendar reminders early, because the AIC and Hello Verify steps can add weeks. A September start means paperwork by spring.