Riga Stradins University

Table of Content

• About University & Quick Facts
• Faculty & Recognition
• Ranking & Life in Riga
• Why Choose Riga Stradins University, Latvia
• Cost of Studying & Affiliations
• Hostel & Indian Food
• Part-time job & Admission Deadline
• Eligibility & How to apply

About the University

Riga Stradins University (RSU) is a public university located in Riga, Latvia. It is the largest and oldest medical university in the Baltic states, with over 9,000 students enrolled in a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. RSU was founded in 1950 as the Riga Institute of Medicine. It was renamed in 1998 to honor the Stradinš family, who have had a significant influence on the course of community and academic life in Latvia for over a century.

It aims to be the leading medical education center in the Baltic region. The university not only provides training for health care professionals but also offers wide scope of study programs. The RSU offers a six-years degree course Undergraduate Program in Medicine. The study of medicine program at the university is completely indulged in patient-centered problems.

Quick Facts

Faculty of RSU

The Riga Stradins University Faculty of Medicine is in demand among international students due to exceptional quality education in the EU. The Riga Stradins University has nine faculties engaged in providing undergraduate and post graduate level study programs. The Medical sciences department of the university has faculty in

• Faculty of Medicine
• Faculty of Dentistry
• Faculty of Pharmacy
• Faculty of Public Health
• Faculty of Social Work
• Faculty of Health Care Management

Recognition of Riga Stradins Medical University, Latvia

RSU is a member of the European University Association and the Baltic Sea Region Universities Network. It is also an accredited member of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Collaborating Centres Network. The medicine programs hold accreditation by the Study Accreditation Committee of the Academic Information (AIC). The AIC closely monitors the quality and stability of academics.

Ranking of RSU

RSU is ranked among the top universities in the Baltic region and in Emerging Europe and Central Asia. It is also ranked in the top 1,000 universities in the world.

Life in Riga, Latvia

Life in Riga is vibrant and surrounded by the scenic beauty of the city. The capital city of Latvia is home to more than 6 lakh people. Life in Riga, Latvia for an international student can be very rewarding. The city is a vibrant and exciting place to live, with a rich history and culture. There are also many opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities and make new friends. The summers are mildly warm while, on the coldest days, the city observes temperatures as low as -7.8 ºC. Moreover, the snow covers in the city may last for two months or so.

Why choose Riga Stradins University

The Riga Stradins University is a publicly owned academic institution. When looking for a good quality Medical University in latvia students should carefully take steps after learning about the pros and cons of studying at the University. To explore more about studying at the RSU read the points below-

1. Riga Stradins University holds 72 years of teaching experience. Additionally, students get to practice at the nearby affiliated hospitals that help them foster the learning of medical knowledge.
2. The Medicine Program offered at RSU is English taught.
3. The General Medicine Program offered at the Medical School of Riga Stradins University is equivalent to the degree of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
4. The medicine program from RSU has wide acceptance in foreign nations including India, Israel, Australia, the US, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Jordan, etc.
5. The overall ranking of RSU is 801-1000 in the QS World Ranking University Rankings 2022.
6. MBBS fees in rupees would cost around 10 Lacs (INR) for each academic year.

Affiliations and Medical Programs at Riga Stradins University

As far as international affiliations are concerned, the Riga Stradins University, for example, has bilateral agreements with Belarus, China, Germany, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine, etc. Also, the university shares partnerships with international universities from the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Poland, Turkey, and so on.

Cost of studying at Riga Stradins University

The Riga Stradins University MBBS Fee is above mid-ranged. Likewise, any student with a budget of 50-55 Lacs can decide on pursuing the medical program at the university. The details for Riga Stradins University Fees Structure for 2023 for Indian Students are as follows:

Hostel/ Accommodation at RSU

The RSU has two student hostel facilities available in Riga. One hostel is situated right next to the main building and the other hostel is 10 min drive away from the campus. However, students can pick and choose from a variety of accommodation options. The Riga Stradins University hostels provide facilities like a Rehearsal room for dance, exercise, and other activities, study and recreation facilities, and laundry facilities as well.

However, renting private accommodation seems to be the most popular option among the majority of international students. In Latvia, the cost of the stay for a single person would be EUR 400 on a monthly basis. And, of course, the rest of the expenses entirely depend on the preferences and the lifestyle of an individual.

The Riga Stradins University dormitories are packed with facilities to meet every requirement of students. Moreover, the hostel rooms are well furnished, with proper bed supplies, washrooms, and free internet access. The accommodation is provided on a sharing basis and the cost would be around 150 USD/month.

Indian Food in Latvia

The meal provided at the Riga Stradins University University canteen specifically does not include Indian food in the main course. Students can choose from options available that offer Indian food like private Indian restaurants or Indian Mess. You can find a wide variety of food outlets around the city corner which may help curb your cravings for Indian food.

Certainly, food available nearby might be high-priced. And hence, most international students prefer preparing food on their own as it is healthier and hygienic and cost-saving as well. Nonetheless, the university also provides a kitchen or cooking top on every floor for the students.

Can I work/ get a Part-time Job in Latvia?

Usually, students have doubts pertaining that, “If they will be able to work while studying in foreign countries?” And, the answer is - Yes you can! As per the Laws of European Union, Students in Latvia can work without requiring any permit based on a student visa. However, there might be some restrictions depending on the study level, but still, the students who pursue full-time bachelor’s can work part-time (20 hours per week).

Any international student can find suitable jobs and work 20 hours a week time while they study in Latvia. As long as, the student is enrolled in a study program at the University in latvia he/she can do part-time jobs. The minimum wage acquired by International students for 20 to 40 hours of work per week can generate earnings up to €400 to €500 for a month. Eventually, this amount is fair enough for any international student to manage their monthly expenditure.

Admission Deadline for Riga Stradins University

Students need to keep up with the application dates so that they do not miss out on applying at RSU. After, acquiring information about the choice of university and the field of interest offered. You need to start the application process and submission of documents before the deadline.

As of Riga Stradins University Official Website, non-EU/EEA citizens are suggested to apply starting 10th Feb till the 1st of May. The right time to apply for Riga Stradins University admission 2022 - 2023 is before September 2023. This year, in 2023, the RSU is planning to admit 300+ Medical seats for international students.

Eligibility Criteria for Admission in Riga Stradins University

The Riga Stradins University admission requirement does not require the student to take an entrance exam. For admission to medicine programs students need to have a score of 70% and above in biology and chemistry for Medicine Mathematics at 12th Level is compulsory for the Medicine program.

PG Option after MBBS in Riga Stradins University

Students after completing MD Program in Latvia may explore multiple options for their Medical PG like India after clearing NEXT, USA after Clearing USMLE, UK after clearing PLAB Exam, or Medical PG in Germany. Those who are looking for Medical PG from Latvia need to do one year of Internship in Latvia after their 6 years of the MD Program. Before that, they have to clear Latvia n Medical PG Licensing Exam. Very few international students opt for it in the program in Latvia, and no acceptance in their native country.

Medical PG in India or NExT

During MBBS study, a student realizes the importance of being a specialist. They also understand the competitiveness to secure MD/MS Seat in Govt College. If we look at the success ratio to get PG in Govt Medical College which is 11% Broadly we can say that only 1 out of 10 will get PG Seat whereas the chances of getting Clinical specialty is 1 out of 20 applicants. It is obvious that the PG journey is going to be very difficult or else students should have enough money to get the paid seat in Pvt Medical College which may be in Crores!

Do you feel early preparation and the right mentorship will pave your dream of becoming a specialist? NMC already notified the introduction of the NEXT Exam in India from 2023. This exam will replace all Medical PG exams in India. The exam will be conducted in two parts NEXT-1 and NEXT-2.

The Objective of the NEXT-1 is to assess the Student’s Knowledge of Pre, Para, and Clinical Subjects on the National Level. Only post-qualifying of NEXT-1 any Medical student will be eligible for an Internship. Post completion of internship Students needs to go thru NEXT-2 which will assess their Clinical skills, Patient Management, and Keeping of Medical history. Those who will Clear NEXT-2 awarded a license to practice and Rankers of NEXT-1 will get PG seats of their choice. You may refer to Page for detailed information on the NExT Exam

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Medical PG in USA (USMLE)

We are well aware of the difficulty of getting PG in India. With the introduction of NEXT, maximum students in India are getting attracted to USMLE prep from 1st year of MBBS since it simulates the new NMC Competency-based curriculum much easily. US Healthcare system is considered as one of the best health care systems because of numerous reasons like High rewards, excellent infrastructure, Merit-based assessment, Open opportunities for Super specialties. Most of the countries trying to replicate the US health care assessment system for their Medical Graduates USMLE exam are divided into 3 Parts. One can appear in USMLE Step 1 after 2nd Year, USMLE Step 2 CK during internship and Step-3 during your residency (Medical PG). The USMLE is an online exam and can be taken at the PROMETRIC centers present across India.

MOKSH Coaching focuses on a patient-centered learning approach which helps students score high on both USMLE & NEXT. MOKSH is the leading name in USMLE Coaching. Currently, 1000+ Students from Indian and Abroad medical colleges are preparing for USMLE steps via the MOKSH Platform.

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Medical PG IN UK (PLAB)

Due to the close proximity of Georgia to UK, many of the students plan to do their Medical PG from UK. Till 2024, the Professional & Linguistic Assessments Board Test (PLAB test) is the instrument to assess the skills and knowledge of an International Medical Graduate. It also judges whether they are fit to be trained to practice medicine in the UK.

In short, an IMG's performance in PLAB determines her eligibility to practice in the UK. The PLAB test has two stages. PLAB 1 is an exam that has 180 MCQs that tests your recall. On the other hand, PLAB 2 is a practical OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam) that tests your clinical skills.

The GMC ascertains your linguistic skills by assessing your score in specific tests. It may be the IELTS (Band Score 7.0 or higher) or OET (Grade B in reading, writing, listening & speaking).

After you pass PLAB 1 & 2, you apply for the GP registration. There is one constraint. You have a window of 2 years after clearing PLAB 2 during which you may apply no later.

By 2024, the UK Medical Licensing Assessment will replace the PLAB. Consequently, the GMC UK is going to change certain things in PLAB and create the UKMLA exam.

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Medical PG in Germany

PG in Germany after MBBS in India is another great option, though it requires you to learn the German language. Of the 6 levels starting from A1 to C2, you need to clear A1 and A2 that would qualify you to apply for the visa.

Once the Language formalities are done, you get into the phase where you do Observer-ship from a German hospital approved by the German Medical Council. This is followed by Residency.

This may sound simple here but the process is quite complicated. To know more about PG in Germany after your MBBS in India,

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Your Chance to get an MBBS Seat in India

The most difficult time for any of the students is to wait after NEET till the counseling process to know whether he/she is getting a college of his/her choice or not? Sometimes this dilemma continues for a couple of months due to multiple rounds of counseling. It has become more difficult due to parallel counseling of All India Quota and various States due to COVID-19. The counseling process is very complex where 550+ Govt. and Private colleges offer 83000+ Seats and fee variation is also huge that ranges from less than 1 Lac to 2.5 Cr for the course.

Dreams shatter when any silly mistake in choice filling or wrong selection of college leads to getting a poorly ranked college. Imagine getting paid seats or no seats at all due to a lack of genuine guidance!