The application is continuing at 9 Latvian higher education institutions (HEIs)*, and the deadlines vary from university to university and are related to the citizenship of the applicant. For the most part of the HEIs, the application deadline is December 1 or mid-December. 

University entry requirements

There are some general entry requirements binding to all higher education institutions in Latvia and some institution-specific requirements, for instance, previous marks in academic transcripts, entrance exams or tests, and online interviews. The general requirements are:

• Completed previous education: secondary or high school diploma and academic transcript for the Bachelor level (undergraduate) study programmes or higher education diploma and academic transcript for the Master level (postgraduate) study programmes or Doctoral studies.  
• Recognition of diploma: students should be aware that the admission office of the chosen university will send their education documents to the Latvian Academic Centre for the academic recognition and authenticity verification.
• Proof of the study language proficiency: all students applying for studies in Latvia need to demonstrate sufficient study language proficiency which is mostly English. The level of knowledge must be equal or higher than B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). The proof of language proficiency can be provided in different ways depending on the country, where the previous education has been obtained, or the language of instruction in the previous educational institution, for example, if the previous language of instruction is the same as the prospective study language. Please find detailed information about the entry requirements here.

Admission procedure

In order to apply for the studies in Latvia, students can follow simple steps summarized by Study in Latvia that will help to manage the application process to the universities of Latvia. As Study in Latvia does not administer the application process - it is managed by universities, it is always advisable to check the admission procedure and contact the chosen university before the application to get detailed information on the application. Links to the application procedures and forms provided by universities can be found in the table below.  

Issuing of visas and residence permits 

Latvian embassies abroad currently accept applications for visas and residence permits from students who present a confirmation from the HEI about the student's need to come to Latvia for full-time studies. 

It should be noted that if there are strict restrictions in the country where embassy is located and the acceptance of visa applications is not feasible as a result of the restrictions, then embassies do not accept visa applications. 

In order to find out the necessary information about the required documents, as well as information on whether it is possible to submit visa applications, students need to contact the Latvian Embassy, where they plan to submit a visa application.

Arrival to Latvia

HEIs in Latvia, similarly to other countries, offer students alternative ways to start their studies if the Covid-19 situation will restrict their arrival in Latvia in February 2021 when most of the study programmes begin. Students are advised to contact the Admissions Office of the chosen Latvian university for more detailed information on the available options for starting studies online or postponing the start of the studies.

The list of HEI and study programmes for Winter admission

For detailed information contact the chosen university. 

*HEI which have signed a Good Practice Agreement on attracting foreign students and delivering studies with the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia.