Study in Latvia for Indian Students

Why Study in Latvia?

• Affordable tuition and living: Many English-taught Master's programmes cost around €3,000–7,000 a year, and living costs are lower than in Western Europe.
• Work while you study: Full-time Master's students may work without hour restrictions, unlike bachelor's students.
• Riga's international universities: Riga hosts technical, medical, business and aviation-focused universities with established international programmes.
• Job-search time after graduation: Master's graduates keep their permit for four months after studies and can request up to nine further months to look for work.
• EU and Schengen country: Latvia is an EU and Schengen member on the Baltic Sea, with good connections to the Nordic countries.

Masters in Latvia for Indian Students

A Master's degree in Latvia usually takes one to two years (60–120 ECTS credits), depending on the programme and your previous degree, and finishes with a thesis. Professional Master's programmes often include an internship.

Universities check that your bachelor's degree matches the programme and commonly hold an online interview or entrance test. Latvian universities have been asked to strengthen their checks of third-country applicants' motivation and language skills, so expect a careful admissions process.

English-taught programmes typically require B2-level English, shown through IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or a similar certificate. The GRE is not usually required.

• Typical duration: 1–2 years (60–120 ECTS)
• Main intake: September; some February starts
• English tests: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT (usually B2)
• Selection: Document review plus interview or entrance test at many universities
• Student visa: Long-stay (D) visa, then residence permit
• Work after study: 4 months after studies + up to 9 months job search

Popular Master's programmes in Latvia

• MSc Computer Science / IT
• MSc Data Science
• MSc Electrical / Electronic Engineering
• MSc Mechanical Engineering
• MSc Aviation / Transport Management
• MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• MBA / Master's in Business Administration
• MSc Finance
• MSc Public Health
• MA International Relations

Best Universities in Latvia for International Students

Most English-taught Master's programmes in Latvia are offered by universities in Riga. The institutions below are among those Indian students commonly consider; check each programme page for fees, deadlines and admission tests.

Fees, entrance tests and deadlines vary by programme. Medicine and dentistry are long-cycle degrees with separate admission rules.

• University of Latvia (Riga): Computer science, business, sciences, social sciences
• Riga Technical University (RTU) (Riga): Engineering, IT, aviation, materials
• Riga Stradiņš University (RSU) (Riga): Medicine, dentistry, public health, social sciences
• Stockholm School of Economics in Riga (Riga): Business, economics, finance
• Transport and Telecommunication Institute (TSI) (Riga): Computer science, aviation, logistics
• Turība University (Riga): Business, tourism, law
• RISEBA University of Applied Sciences (Riga): Business, management, media
• Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (Jelgava): Agriculture, food science, engineering

Popular Courses to Study in Latvia

• Computer Science & IT: English-taught programmes in software, data science and information systems.
• Engineering: Electrical, mechanical, civil and materials engineering at Riga Technical University and others.
• Aviation, Transport & Logistics: Specialist programmes linked to Riga's port, airport and logistics sector.
• Business & Finance: Master's and MBA programmes in management, finance and international business.
• Health Sciences: Public health and health-management Master's programmes at medical universities.
• Social Sciences & International Relations: Programmes in European studies, communication and international relations.

Cost of Studying in Latvia

Latvia is one of the more affordable EU study destinations, with Riga the most expensive city. Figures below are approximate for non-EU students.

Application fees, residence permit fees and the first year's tuition are usually paid before you apply for the visa. Check each university's fee page for the current year.

Tuition fees in Latvia

• Master's at public universities: approx. €3,000 – 7,000 per year
• Business schools, MBAs and specialist programmes: approx. €5,000 – 12,000+ per year

Living expenses in Latvia

• Funds required for the residence permit: €780 per month (linked to the minimum monthly wage)
• Accommodation: approx. €200 – 450 per month (dormitory to shared flat)
• Food, transport and personal: approx. €250 – 400 per month
• Insurance: travel insurance of at least €42,600 for the visa, then health insurance valid in Latvia

Eligibility to Study in Latvia

Latvian universities set their own entry requirements. Indian applicants for a Master's in Latvia usually need:

• Academic qualification: A bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Grades: Universities review transcripts and may set minimum averages for international applicants.
• English proficiency: Usually B2 level, shown with IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or an equivalent certificate.
• Interview or entrance test: Many programmes hold an online motivation interview or subject test.
• Motivation letter and CV: A statement of purpose explaining your goals.
• Work experience: Usually required for MBAs and some professional Master's programmes.

Documents usually required

• Passport
• Bachelor's degree certificate and transcripts
• English test score report
• Motivation letter and CV
• University invitation approved by OCMA
• Proof of funds (bank statements or university financial certification)
• Travel insurance (minimum €42,600)

Intakes in Latvia

Latvian universities admit most Master's students in September:

Document verification, the visa interview and the residence permit all take time, so start your application well before the deadline.

• September intake: classes start September; apply Many international deadlines fall between spring and early summer; apply early to leave time for the visa
• February intake: classes start February; apply Selected programmes; deadlines usually in the preceding autumn

Scholarships in Latvia for Indian Students

Funding for Indian students in Latvia comes mainly from universities and EU programmes:

• University scholarships and fee discounts: Some universities offer merit-based tuition reductions or awards for international Master's students.
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's: Fully funded joint programmes open to students worldwide; check whether a Latvian university is a consortium partner.
• Erasmus+ exchange: Enrolled students can apply for mobility grants for a semester at a partner university in Europe.

How to Apply to Universities in Latvia

• 1. Choose your course: Compare English-taught Master's programmes and specialisations.
• 2. Shortlist universities: Consider fees, programme content and admission tests.
• 3. Check eligibility: Confirm the subject match, grades and English requirement.
• 4. Take an English test: Book IELTS or TOEFL in good time.
• 5. Submit applications: Apply through each university's online portal.
• 6. Complete the interview or test: Many universities assess applicants online.
• 7. Accept your offer: Pay the required fees so the university can send an OCMA-approved invitation.
• 8. Verify documents: Upload your supporting documents to HelloVerify before booking the visa appointment.
• 9. Apply for the long-stay (D) visa: Submit at VFS Global and attend the mandatory interview.
• 10. Travel and get your residence permit: Apply for your residence permit at OCMA after arriving in Latvia.

Latvia Student Visa for Indian Students

Indian students need a long-stay (D) visa to travel to Latvia for a degree. Your university's invitation must first be approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA). You then upload your supporting documents to HelloVerify for verification, book an appointment at a VFS Global Latvia visa centre in India and attend a mandatory interview.

You must show sufficient funds — currently €780 per month, linked to Latvia's minimum monthly wage — through bank statements, a euro card or a university financial certification, plus travel insurance of at least €42,600. The Embassy usually decides within 15 days, extendable to 60.

The D visa is valid for 90 days. After arriving, you apply for a residence permit for studies at OCMA, which covers your study period.

Latvia is reviewing rules for third-country students. Check pmlp.gov.lv and the Embassy of Latvia in India before you apply.

Visa document checklist

• Valid passport and visa application form
• University invitation approved by OCMA
• HelloVerify transaction number
• Proof of funds (€780 per month)
• Travel insurance with at least €42,600 cover
• Academic certificates and English test results
• Photographs and fee payment

Working while studying in Latvia

Full-time Master's and PhD students may work without hour restrictions. Full-time bachelor's students are limited to 20 hours a week during studies and 40 hours a week in holidays.

Working after your studies

Your study residence permit stays valid for four months after graduation. Master's and PhD graduates can then request up to nine more months to look for a job — this must be requested before the permit expires and is not guaranteed. Once you find a job, you need an employment-based permit.

Living in Latvia as an Indian Student

• Accommodation: University dormitories and shared flats are the main options; Riga city-centre rents are highest.
• Food: Groceries are reasonably priced, and Riga has Indian restaurants and stores.
• Transport: Riga has trams, buses and trolleybuses, with discounted student fares.
• Language: English is widely spoken at universities, while Latvian helps with part-time jobs and daily life.
• Student support: International offices help with invitations, residence permits and orientation.

Latvia vs Lithuania for a Master's Degree

This comparison is useful if you are considering English-taught programmes and a smaller European study market in Latvia alongside English-taught programmes and a comparatively compact study market in Lithuania. Programme titles, teaching language and entry rules differ by university, so compare the exact courses before weighing headline costs.

For Latvia, start with English-taught programmes and a smaller European study market; for Lithuania, compare English-taught programmes and a comparatively compact study market. Then weigh the exact course content, total budget and the post-study route relevant to your career plans.

Indicative tuition (tuition only): Master's at public universities: approx. €3,000 – 7,000 per year; Business schools, MBAs and specialist programmes: approx. €5,000 – 12,000+ per year

Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. €200 – 450 per month (dormitory to shared flat); Food, transport and personal: approx. €250 – 400 per month; Insurance: travel insurance of at least €42,600 for the visa, then health insurance valid in Latvia

Typical Master's duration: 1–2 years (60–120 ECTS)

English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT (usually B2) English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Funding routes (not guaranteed): University scholarships and fee discounts; Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Academic admission: Academic qualification: A bachelor's degree in a related field.; Grades: Universities review transcripts and may set minimum averages for international applicants.

Intakes and planning: September intake: starts September; apply Many international deadlines fall between spring and early summer; apply early to leave time for the visa; February intake: starts February; apply Selected programmes; deadlines usually in the preceding autumn

Student visa: Latvia Student Visa for Indian Students. Valid passport and visa application form; University invitation approved by OCMA

Post-study graduate route: Your study residence permit stays valid for four months after graduation. Master's and PhD graduates can then request up to nine more months to look for a job — this must be requested before the permit expires and is not guaranteed. Once you find a job, you need an employment-based permit.

Lithuania — Indicative tuition (tuition only): Master's — business and management: approx. €4,000 – 6,000 per year; Master's — engineering, IT and sciences: approx. €5,000 – 8,000 per year (e.g. VILNIUS TECH €5,450 – 7,950)

Lithuania — Living-cost indications: Accommodation: approx. €200 – 500 per month (dormitory to shared flat); Food, transport and personal: approx. €250 – 400 per month; Health insurance: required for the TRP; arrange cover before travelling

Lithuania — Typical Master's duration: 1.5–2 years (90–120 ECTS)

Lithuania — English-taught study and language: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT (B2 level) English-taught availability and any local-language requirements vary by course; confirm with the university.

Lithuania — Funding routes (not guaranteed): Vilnius University tuition fee waiver; VILNIUS TECH scholarships Awards are competitive and subject to each scheme's eligibility, deadlines and available funding.

Lithuania — Academic admission: Academic qualification: A bachelor's degree in a related field.; Grades: Universities publish minimum averages or use competitive scores for ranking applicants.

Lithuania — Intakes and planning: September intake: starts September; apply Non-EU deadlines often fall between May and June (e.g. Vilnius University 1 May, KTU 1 June for 2026); February intake: starts February; apply Limited programmes; deadlines in the preceding autumn

Lithuania — Student visa: Lithuania Student Visa for Indian Students. Valid passport; University admission and proof of tuition payment

Lithuania — Post-study graduate route: After graduating, you can apply within a year of receiving your degree for a 12-month TRP to look for work or become self-employed. Holders of this permit may start working without a separate labour-market check.

Last verified 21 September 2026. Tuition is not the total cost of study; visa proof-of-funds is not necessarily the same as actual living expenses. Scholarship names are competitive funding routes to investigate, not guaranteed awards. Confirm fees, admissions, visa rules and graduate permissions with the university and the relevant authority before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in Latvia

Is Latvia good for Indian students?

Yes, for students who want an affordable EU Master's degree, unrestricted work rights as a full-time Master's student and time after graduation to look for work.

How much does it cost to study in Latvia?

Master's tuition at public universities is roughly €3,000–7,000 a year. For the visa and residence permit you must show funds of €780 a month.

What are the fees for a Master's in Latvia?

Most English-taught Master's programmes cost about €3,000–7,000 a year; business schools and MBAs cost more.

What is the eligibility for a Master's in Latvia?

A relevant bachelor's degree, B2-level English (usually IELTS or TOEFL), a motivation letter and, at many universities, an interview or entrance test.

How do Indian students get a Latvia student visa?

After your university's invitation is approved by OCMA, you verify documents with HelloVerify, apply at VFS Global and attend a mandatory interview. You then get a residence permit in Latvia.

How much bank balance is needed for a Latvia student visa?

You must show €780 per month, which is linked to Latvia's minimum monthly wage, plus travel insurance of at least €42,600.

What are the intakes in Latvia?

The main intake is September. Some programmes also start in February.

Can I work while studying in Latvia?

Yes. Full-time Master's students may work without hour restrictions; bachelor's students are limited to 20 hours a week during studies.

Can I stay in Latvia after my Master's?

Your permit stays valid for four months after graduation, and Master's graduates can request up to nine more months to look for work. The extension is not guaranteed.

Are Latvian government scholarships open to Indian students?

Latvian state scholarships are offered under bilateral agreements, and India is not on the current list. Indian students can look at university awards and Erasmus Mundus programmes instead.