Latvia : Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

There is a dual system of higher education in Latvia: academic programmes and professional study programmes. There is also a distinction between university and non-university higher education institutions. Whilst non-university institutions concentrate on professional, vocational programmes lasting at least four years, university institutions can offer both academic and professional courses.

See the Fact Sheet on Higher Education  from the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia  for more information.

What courses are available?

University-level studies in Latvia consist of three stages: undergraduate, postgraduate and Doctorate.

Undergraduate study leads to the award of a Bakalaurs (Bachelors) degree, which in most cases includes the preparation of a thesis. The duration of study varies from three to four years, after which holders are eligible for further studies towards a Magistrs (Masters) degree or higher professional education qualifications.

The second stage leads to the award of the Magistrs, awarded one to two years after the Bakalaurs. This degree also includes the presentation of a thesis.

Doctoral studies are available at both higher education and research institutions. They are awarded three to four years after completion of the Magistrs and include the public presentation of a thesis.

Where can I study?

Universities cover one or several fields of study and are entitled to confer Doctoral degrees. For a full list of universities and courses in Latvia, contact the Higher Education Quality Evaluation Centre (HEQEC).

What are the entry requirements for postgraduate study?

According to the law on education, students from European Union (EU) member states are admitted according to the same rules as Latvian students. Latvian diplomatic missions overseas provide all the necessary information, make an initial evaluation of students and process documentation for sending to the respective authorities in Latvia. They will also issue the necessary entry visas to candidates who have been accepted.

When do I apply?

Application dates vary depending on institution, course and your country of residence (some have no application deadlines) and it is necessary to contact the institution you wish to apply to for more details. The academic year runs from September to June.

How do I apply?

Applications are made directly to the university you wish to attend. Forms are available from the universities and polytechnics. Some institutions use online application forms. Details may be found on the admission section of individual university and polytechnic websites.

You can apply as a visiting student (non-exchange student, non-graduate student, tuition-paying student). You can be considered as an exchange student if there is a valid student exchange programme between your home university and your chosen university in Latvia.

How much will it cost?

EU residents are treated like Latvian citizens; the state covers fees for a certain number of places. All non-EU residents pay the institutions’ fees. Exchange students are exempt from tuition fees and are, in some cases, entitled to a small scholarship.

Are any scholarships available?

Exchange students from outside the Erasmus programme may be eligible for some funding from the university. For longer-term study, there are some scholarships available at the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia for students from certain European countries, but this does not include UK citizens.

The European Youth Portal links to useful sites, including a guide to studying in Latvia.

Fees vary but an average is 1,500 Euros per academic year for Masters and Doctoral study for students from the EU.

Are there any exchange programmes?

UK students on undergraduate degree programmes or postgraduate Masters and some PhD programmes may be interested in spending time studying in Latvia through Erasmus. This programme is open to all subject areas, but check with your institution’s Erasmus coordinator first (usually based in the international office) to see which countries they have links with and in what subject areas. Erasmus runs a short intensive language programme (EILCS) for students who have a placement in Latvia.

Find out more about studying abroad.

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?

Latvia is a member of ENIC-NARIC, a network of national centres that aims to improve academic recognition of diplomas and periods of study in European Union (EU) member states, EEA countries and associated countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The website includes information on current issues in international academic and professional mobility, and on procedures for the recognition of UK (and other European) qualifications.