Life in Latvia
Latvia, a European gem, offers stunning beaches, charming cities, and peaceful forests. This Baltic country is bordered by Lithuania, Estonia, Russia, and Belarus. Explore the vibrant capital, Riga, or relax on the beautiful coastline. Latvia is known for its affordability and high quality of life, making it a great place to visit or live.
Climate of Latvia
Due to its location surrounding the coastal region, Latvia's climate is influenced by oceanic winds. Thus, we can say that the climate here is temperate, with warm, dry summers and snowy winters. February is the coldest month, and July is the hottest month. The average temperature throughout the year ranges from -4 °C to 18 °C.
Affordable European Education
Latvia, a beautiful country in the heart of Europe, offers international students a unique opportunity to pursue higher education in a vibrant and welcoming environment. With 15 universities, including 11 prestigious state institutions and 4 recognised private options, Latvia caters to diverse academic interests. Renowned universities like Riga Technical University (RTU) and RISEBA University attract students from all over the world.
Why Choose Latvia for Your Studies?
• Wide Range of Programs: Latvia boasts an extensive selection of study programs, including popular fields like international law, business, and relations.
• Affordable Costs: Compared to other European countries, Latvia offers significantly lower tuition fees and living expenses, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious students.
• EU Recognition: A degree earned in Latvia is recognised throughout the European Union, opening doors for future career opportunities across Europe.
• Strong Engineering Focus: Engineering programs in Latvia are particularly renowned for producing highly qualified graduates, making it an excellent choice for aspiring engineers and IT professionals.
Top-Ranked Universities in Latvia
While QS World Rankings (2023) place RTU within the 751-800 range, it holds the impressive distinction of being the #2 university in Latvia. The University of Latvia and Riga Stradins University are also highly respected institutions. RISEBA University enjoys a strong national ranking at #17.
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Advantages of studying in Latvia
Latvia provides a compelling blend of affordability, academic excellence, and a rich cultural experience. Explore the exciting possibilities of studying in Latvia and take the first step towards a rewarding future. Here are a few advantages:
- In Latvia, its Universities offer relatively affordable study programs than to those accessible in Canada, UK, and US universities.
- Besides, Latvian Universities offer researchers and teaching staff from several countries for studies and research work.
- Also, the far-above-ground quality of educational programs enables the students to unlock their potential to the fullest.
- The cost of completion of higher education in Latvia will be almost the same budget as in India.
- The Latvian Universities follow the Bologna Education System, which aligns with the American Credit system.
- Access to Latvia’s Schengen Visa equals the right to enter and to travel freely within the 26+ participating Schengen countries or the Schengen Area.
- The European Union’s Law permits students to carry out a part-time job for 20 hours per week, allowing them to gain work experience along with their studies.
- In addition, some Universities in Latvia grant scholarships to their students based on their grades and other criteria.
Medium of Instruction in Latvia
Nonetheless, Latvian is the first language. However, the country offers plenty of programs and courses in other foreign languages. Additionally, over 200+ English taught courses are offered to national and international exchange students.
Popular Programs in Latvia
- Management Programs in Latvia—Latvia houses some of the top-ranking universities, namely, Riga Technical University (RTU) and RISEBA University, which offer several study programs in Business Management and Economics. Some of the preferred Management programs in Latvia include International Communication Management, Business Administration, Business Logistics Management, Law and Finance, Entrepreneurship and Management, etc.
- Engineering Programs in Latvia –The Riga Technical University provides top-quality engineering programs to students. Not only do these universities rank nationally but also globally reputed. RIGA Technical University offers study programs like Industrial Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Energy and Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering & Management, etc. are quite presented to the students.
- Media and Arts Programs in Latvia –The Media and Arts Programs study programs in Latvia are designed to help students acquire an understanding of the subject of instruments and obtain skills in creating artworks in various new media (interactive, sound, network, multimedia, etc.). Certainly, precision level master’s and bachelor’s level programs are available in Latvian Universities.
Popular Universities in Latvia
S. No | University | Program | Level |
---|---|---|---|
1 | RIGA Technical University | Business, Economics, Engineering, Media & Arts | Bachelor, Master |
2 | RISEBA University | Architecture & Design, Business, Economics, Engineering, Media & Arts | Bachelor, Master |
Program Intake
The Latvian Universities offer two main intakes each year. The international and national students can choose either of the two intake periods. The deadline for the autumn intake might end in July-August. While the deadlines for the winter intake will end in December-January. However, the admission deadlines for enrolling in different programs may vary on the University.
Intake | Month | Last Date to Apply |
---|---|---|
Autumn | September 2023 | 1st June 2023 |
Spring | February 2024 | 15th Nov 2023 |
Eligibility Criteria for Admission
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A minimum score is 55% and above in the 10+2 Standard.
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The student should have attained 18 years of age or above.
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Any English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL are not mandatory.
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Some Universities may ask for higher academics or additional qualifications depending on their program.
Documents Required
For admission to Latvian Universities, the students are required to submit the following documents-
- 10th / 12th school mark sheet’s transcripts
- School Leaving Certificate
- Passport or ID card (with validity to the duration of your stay)
- Passport-sized photographs.
- An essay or a letter of motivation (if asked by the university)
- Proof of language proficiency (in the English language).
- Registration fee.
Study in Latvia at the cost of India
The total budget to study in Latvia, for instance, would range between from 3.50 to 20 Lacs for the entire study. Moreover, the cost of studying in top management colleges in India would be approx. Rs. 7.5 to 25 Lacs a year. Besides, the total cost of studying a Management Program in India would range from 20 to 40 Lacs (22,000 EUR to 45,000 EUR) for entire course. Hence, we can say that the overall cost of study in Latvia is comparatively lesser than that of India. Besides this, Indian students get the added benefit of comprehensive work experience and realistic organizational skills.
Scholarship in Latvia
Latvia runs different state scholarship programs for international and national students as well.Meritorious students can even avail the benefit of a student exchange program at partnered universities. The universities do waive the tuition fees and also living expenses are provided. Besides, other liberties such as Erasmus Student Network (ESN) card, Latvian Student Identity Card (LSP), International Student Identity Card (ISIC), etc are also obtainable.
However, the call for application for these scholarship programs has to be made by the students beforehand. Any student willing to Study in Latvia must keep track of the deadline dates for scholarship application.
Hostel or Accommodation in Latvia
An international student can avail of accommodation at a cost as low as 200 – 300 EUR per month. On the whole, when considering other add-on expenses such as food, books, and leisure activities, one can easily obtain with approx 500 EUR a month or maybe less than that. However, staying in university accommodation would preferably save extra bucks.
Cost of Living in Latvia
Any international student planning to achieve higher studies would get the benefit of low-cost living in Latvia. Likewise, any student/ individual will enjoy expending a life 34.78% less expensive than that of the US nation.
The living cost would be as low as 250 – 300 EUR /month, approximately. Basic utilities would cost EUR 150 - EUR 200 monthly. The overall living cost, however, depends on an individual's lifestyle.
Indian Students in Latvia
Latvia offers low-cost study programs, excellent academic institutions, high-quality life, and so on. International students mainly prefer to study in Latvia due to its inexpensive livelihood. In addition, Latvian Universities offer qualitative education at affordable cost making it the best location for students willing to study abroad. And currently, about 3500 Indian students are enrolled in different study programs at various universities.
Part-Time Jobs for Indian Students
As per the European Union Law, an International student holds the right to work Part-time jobs in Latvia is mostly centered in Riga, the economic center of the country however, students can find jobs in smaller towns and cities.
In addition, depending on the job role, one can earn up to €400 to €600 for 20-40 hours of work per week. Working part-time jobs while you’re studying can also help to recompense for your education, monthly expenses, and travel expenses.
Moreover, this will not only help students earn money but also enable them to gain working experience in European Companies. Working alongside their studies will also help students plan their expenses.
Visa Processing in Latvia
In Latvia, the processing time for the study visa may take up to 15 working days or could take up to two months in extreme cases. As a result, students are suggested to begin the visa application process as soon as possible. Hence, students should for the visa six months before traveling to the country.
Post Study or Temporary Residence Permit
Any International student who wishes to stay in Latvia after graduating from his can apply for a temporary residence permit. Students in (Bachelor's/Master's programs) receive a residence permit for the study period. Moreover, with access to this permit, the student can stay in Latvia for an additional 4 months after the end of studies (graduation). These additional 4 months enable students to apply for master’s studies or get a job, which can be extended for an additional 9 months (upon request). Thus, to look for a job and start working without holdup students have a term of one year in total.
In Latvia, the registration process for the residence permit takes up to 5 business days. Note that, the application for the Temporary Residence Permit has to be submitted along with the supporting documents.
Job Opportunities
Latvia follows a strongly based study curriculum that is worldwide recognized. Also, world-class education benefits the students to gain experience that meets international standards. Many students prefer taking a job in the country of their studies. In Latvia, all the students enjoy the right to work which helps them work on building their careers while studying abroad. Moreover, the internship drive helps the students to get placement in reputed firms and trending companies.
You can refer to the table given below for the most preferred job titles in Latvia and the average salaries offered – (1 Euro = 80.6 INR)
Preferred Job Roles in Latvia | Average Salaries (Per Year) |
---|---|
Allied Healthcare Professional | 21600 EUR |
Business Manager | 26000 EUR |
Engineer | 18000 EUR |
Finance / Investment / Accounting Manager | 15600 EUR |
Financial Analyst | 24000 EUR |
Hospitality / Tourism | 30000 EUR |
Marketing Manager | 22000 EUR |