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Study in Latvia

Affordable EU study in Riga, with English-taught degrees

A guide for Indian students and parents · Updated 22 Oct 2026

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Capital

Riga

Currency

Euro (€, EUR)

Student work hours

20 hrs/week in term (UG)

Dialing code

+371

Introduction

At a glance

Typical figures from this guide, checked 22 Oct 2026. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ. Tap any box for the details and official sources.

Quick read

  • India is the largest source of international students in Latvia, with about 28% of the roughly 11,000 mobile students in 2024/25.
  • English-taught bachelor's and master's degrees at public universities in Riga often cost about €3,200 to €6,500 a year for non-EU students.
  • For the residence permit you must show at least €780 a month for living costs, and many universities ask you to pay the first year's tuition before you apply.
  • Bachelor's students can work up to 20 hours a week in term and 40 in holidays; full-time master's and doctoral students have no fixed weekly cap.
  • Since 15 September 2026, bachelor's and master's students from non-NATO countries, including India, cannot bring family members on their student permit.
  • Master's and doctoral graduates can apply for a nine-month permit to look for work; bachelor's graduates need a job and work permit to stay.

Latvia is a small Baltic country in the European Union and the Schengen area. Almost all of its universities that teach in English are in the capital, Riga, a compact city with a medieval old town, good public transport and bus and rail links to Estonia and Lithuania. Tuition is lower than in most of Western Europe, and many programmes in business, IT and engineering are taught fully in English.

Latvia has become popular with Indian students over the last decade, but the rules have tightened. A new Immigration Law came into force on 15 September 2026. It stops most bachelor's and master's students from bringing family members, requires renewal documents in Latvian and gives the migration office clear decision deadlines. The government has also backed further plans, including caps on the share of international students and stricter admission checks, which are not yet law.

This guide uses figures from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP), the Central Statistical Bureau, Eurostat, university pages and Latvian news reports, checked in October 2026. Rules are changing quickly in Latvia, so always confirm the current position with your university and PMLP before you pay fees or book travel.

Why Indian students choose Latvia

India sends more students to Latvia than any other country. In the 2024/25 academic year, about 27.9% of all mobile students in Latvia had their previous education in India, far ahead of Uzbekistan, Sweden, Ukraine and Germany. Many Indian students take business, IT and engineering degrees in Riga; at Riga Technical University, 97% of mobile students were educated outside the EU.

Families choose Latvia for fees that are lower than in Western Europe, English-taught programmes, an EU degree and the chance to travel around the Schengen area. Master's students also have more generous work rights than in many EU countries.

The flip side is that Latvian politicians and ministries are now looking closely at third-country students. A parliamentary inquiry, a new Immigration Law and a government plan from September 2026 all aim to cut sham study and visa misuse. Genuine students at accredited universities can still study here, but checks on English, attendance and finances are getting stricter.

Key figures for Indian students in Latvia
WhatFigureSource
Mobile (mostly international) students in Latvia, 2024/25About 11,000 (up 6.1%)Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia, Feb 2025
Share of mobile students whose previous education was in India27.9% (largest group)Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia, Feb 2025
Next largest source country, Uzbekistan9.6%Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia, Feb 2025
Share of mobile students studying at master's level55.7%Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia, Feb 2025
Mobile students at Riga Technical University (97% educated outside the EU)2,751Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia, Feb 2025
Students in Latvia with previous education abroad, 2026 reportAbout 11,900Jauns.lv (citing Central Statistical Bureau), Mar 2026

Top universities in Latvia

Universities Indian students often ask us about. Being listed here doesn't mean Admission Mantra represents the university; we'll tell you plainly how we can help with each application.

See all 45 universities and colleges in Latvia

Benefits of studying in Latvia

  1. 01

    Lower fees than Western Europe

    Many English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes at public universities cost about €3,200 to €6,500 a year for non-EU students. This is often well below fees for similar courses in the UK, Ireland or the Netherlands.

  2. 02

    Strong work rights for master's students

    Full-time master's and doctoral students have no fixed weekly limit on work, as long as study remains their main activity. Bachelor's students can work 20 hours a week in term and 40 in holidays without a separate work permit.

  3. 03

    EU degree and Schengen travel

    Degrees from accredited Latvian universities follow the European credit (ECTS) system. A Latvian residence permit also lets you travel to other Schengen countries for short visits.

  4. 04

    English-taught programmes in business, IT and engineering

    Riga Technical University alone lists about 50 English-taught programmes, from computer systems and cybersecurity to logistics and civil engineering.

  5. 05

    Compact, walkable capital

    Most universities are in Riga, so you can live close to campus and get around by tram, bus or on foot. Estonia and Lithuania are a few hours away by bus or train.

  6. 06

    Established Indian student community

    As the largest group of international students, Indians will find classmates, student groups and Indian groceries in Riga, which can make settling in easier.

Eligibility and English tests

Typical entry requirements
RequirementBachelor'sMaster's
Academic backgroundClass 12 (CBSE, ISC or state board). Some institutions ask for an average of at least 60% of the maximum grade, with maths for engineering and IT.A relevant bachelor's degree. Many universities look for a good average (often around 60% or more) and a subject match with the master's.
Recognition of Indian documentsYour Class 12 certificate is checked by the Academic Information Centre (AIC) or the university. Documents usually need to be legalised (apostilled).Your bachelor's degree and transcripts are checked for equivalence by the AIC or the university, and usually need an apostille.
English languageA recognised test such as IELTS Academic (often around 5.5–6.0) or TOEFL iBT. Some universities also run an English interview.IELTS Academic around 6.0–6.5 or an equivalent test is common. Riga Technical University now requires a recognised English certificate.
Entrance tests and interviewsRiga Technical University runs its own maths entrance exam and programme interviews. Other universities may hold online interviews.Programme-specific interviews are common. Business schools may ask for work experience, a CV and a motivation letter.
Application feeUsually about €100–€300, not refundable (for example €165 at RTU, €170 at the University of Latvia and €200 at RISEBA).Similar to bachelor's, about €100–€300 depending on the university.
Tuition before the visaMany universities ask you to pay the first year's tuition (or a large part) before they issue documents for the residence permit.Same as bachelor's. Ask in writing what is refunded if your permit is refused.
Study modeOnly full-time study at an accredited institution qualifies for a student residence permit.Full-time study is needed for the permit. Part-time programmes are open only to people who already have EU residence.

English tests commonly accepted

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL iBT
  • PTE Academic (accepted by some universities)
  • Entry rules vary by university and programme. Check the exact grades, tests and deadlines on each university's own admissions page.
  • Latvian visa officers have refused students who could not answer simple questions in English, even with an offer letter. Prepare for an interview in English.
  • The Ministry of Education and Science has proposed a minimum average of 60% in profile subjects for all foreign students and a Latvian language requirement at A2 level. These are proposals, not yet law.
  • If you plan to work or study further in India, check how the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) treats your chosen degree before you enrol.

Prepare with our IELTS and PTE classes

Intakes and application timeline

Main intakes: September, February (very limited for non-EU students).

  1. Shortlist programmes and universities

    9–12 months before intake

  2. Take an English test

    7–9 months before intake

  3. Submit applications

    5–8 months before intake

  4. Accept an offer and pay fees as required

    3–4 months before intake

  5. Apply for the visa or residence permit

    2–3 months before intake

Upcoming intakes and deadlines

Cost of studying in Latvia

Tuition in Latvia is set by each university and depends on the programme. English-taught degrees at public universities in Riga commonly cost about €3,200 to €6,500 a year for non-EU students, with architecture and business-school programmes costing more. On top of tuition, plan for application fees, the residence permit fee, health insurance and the funds you must show for the permit.

Tuition fees
TuitionIn EURApprox. in rupees
Bachelor's at a public university (business, IT, engineering)Examples for 2026/27: Business Administration at the University of Latvia about €3,300; Computer Systems at RTU about €5,030.€3,300–5,700per year≈ ₹3.5 lakh – ₹6 lakh
Master's at a public universityExamples for 2026/27: RSU International Relations €3,400; RTU Logistics and Supply Chain Management about €4,990; RTU Computer Systems about €6,150.€3,200–6,500per year≈ ₹3.4 lakh – ₹6.9 lakh
Specialist master's (for example architecture)RTU's Architecture master's is listed at about €9,300 a year for 2026/27.€6,500–9,500per year≈ ₹6.9 lakh – ₹10.1 lakh
Business school bachelor's (RTU Riga Business School BBA)Listed at about €7,550 a year for non-EU students in 2026/27.€7,000–8,000per year≈ ₹7.4 lakh – ₹8.5 lakh

Other costs before you fly

Upfront costs
ItemIn EURApprox. in rupees
Application or registration feeNon-refundable. Examples: RSU €100, RTU €165, University of Latvia €170, RISEBA €200, TSI €300 (TSI also asks Indian applicants for a deposit that counts towards fees).€100–300one-off≈ ₹10,600 – ₹31,800
Residence permit state fee€160 for a decision within 30 days, €280 within 10 working days, €560 within 5 working days.€160–560one-off≈ ₹16,960 – ₹59,360
Proof of living funds for the permitAt least €780 a month. RTU asks for a statement showing about €9,400 for the year. This is your own money, not a fee.€9,360–9,400per year≈ ₹9.9 lakh – ₹10 lakh
Health insuranceRough estimate; prices vary by insurer. The policy must cover at least €42,600, including repatriation.€150–400per year≈ ₹15,900 – ₹42,400
First year's tuition paid before the permitMany universities, including the University of Latvia, ask for the first year's tuition before you apply for the residence permit.€3,200–6,500one-off≈ ₹3.4 lakh – ₹6.9 lakh

Fees shown are for 2026/27 and come from university pages or are reported from them. Fees can rise each year and differ between programmes, so check the exact figure on your offer letter. Also budget for flights, document apostilles and translations, and the chest X-ray needed after arrival. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.

Plan my monthly living costs

Cost of living in Latvia

The legal minimum you must show for the residence permit is €780 a month. In practice, Rīga Stradiņš University suggests budgeting at least €1,200 a month in Riga, including rent, and estimates about €1,050 a month with shared housing or €1,500 with a private flat. Smaller cities are usually cheaper.

Monthly living costs
Per monthIn EURApprox. in rupees
Rent (shared flat or room to private flat)University dormitories, where available, can cost less.€300–500per month≈ ₹31,800 – ₹53,000
Food and groceries€300–400per month≈ ₹31,800 – ₹42,400
Utilities and services (heating, electricity, internet, phone)Heating bills are higher in winter.€200–300per month≈ ₹21,200 – ₹31,800
Public transport€50per month≈ ₹5,300
Entertainment and social life€100–150per month≈ ₹10,600 – ₹15,900
Other costs (clothing, personal items)Budget extra in the first year for a good winter coat and boots.€100per month≈ ₹10,600
Rough monthly total€1,050–1,500≈ ₹1.1 lakh – ₹1.6 lakh

Figures are Rīga Stradiņš University's estimates for international students in Riga. The university notes that prices often rise several times a year, so treat them as a guide only.

Not sure what your budget covers?A counsellor can match universities and cities to your budget.

Talk to our counsellorCall us

Scholarships

Some Latvian universities offer partial scholarships or fee reductions for international students, and some Erasmus Mundus joint master's programmes include Latvian universities. Check the Study in Latvia website and university pages for current options.

  • Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's scholarships

    European Union (EACEA)

    Value: Full scholarships covering participation costs, with contributions to travel and a monthly living allowance

    Who it's for: Master's applicants from any country who join a joint programme run by a group of European universities, some of which include Latvian institutions such as Rīga Stradiņš University.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)

  • Erasmus+ study exchange grant

    European Union, through your Latvian university

    Value: A monthly grant towards travel and living costs for 2–12 months at a partner university, with no tuition charged by the host

    Who it's for: Students already enrolled in a degree at a Latvian university that takes part in Erasmus+, who want to spend a semester or year in another European country.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)

  • RISEBA tuition fee discounts

    RISEBA University of Applied Sciences

    Value: Discounts for excellent studies, good grades, student achievements and other categories (20% for doctoral programmes); amounts set in the yearly discount annex

    Who it's for: Applicants and students at RISEBA; ask admissions which categories are open to non-EU students before you apply.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)

  • TSI scholarships and discounts

    Transport and Telecommunication Institute (TSI), Riga

    Value: Merit scholarships and tuition discounts, including a master's scholarship; values are confirmed by the university

    Who it's for: Bachelor's and master's applicants at TSI. Note that applicants from India must pay a deposit (€500 or one year's tuition) that counts towards later fees.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
All scholarships for Latvia

Student visa: Temporary residence permit for studies (with a national D visa for entry)

Indian students on full-time degrees need a temporary residence permit from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP). Your university first gets an invitation approved by PMLP. You then apply, usually at the Latvian Embassy in New Delhi, and after a positive decision you receive a visa to travel and collect your permit card in Riga.

Student visa key facts
Key factDetails
State fee€160 (30 days), €280 (10 working days) or €560 (5 working days)
Funds requiredAt least €780 a month of stay (equal to the 2026 minimum wage)
Health insuranceCover of at least €42,600, including repatriation
Processing time30 days as standard; can be extended to a maximum of four months
Family membersNot allowed for bachelor's and master's students from non-NATO countries since 15 September 2026
After arrivalAddress registration and a chest X-ray done in Latvia

How to apply

  1. Get an offer from an accredited Latvian university, sign the study agreement and pay the tuition or deposit the university asks for.
  2. Your university submits an invitation to PMLP for approval and gives you the invitation number.
  3. Collect your documents, including a bank statement showing at least €780 a month, a police clearance certificate and apostilled education documents.
  4. Submit your residence permit application at the Latvian Embassy in New Delhi (or another Latvian mission your university advises) and pay the state fee.
  5. Wait for the decision. The legal standard is 30 days from a complete application, but it can be extended up to four months, and universities warn it often takes more than 45 days.
  6. After approval, receive your entry visa and travel to Latvia. Master's students may also enter on any valid Schengen visa and apply at PMLP in Riga.
  7. In Latvia, declare your address, take the chest X-ray at a Latvian clinic, show your health insurance and collect your residence permit card.
  8. Renew your permit before it expires. Repeat applications must now be submitted in Latvian, so your university's support is useful.

Documents checklist

  • Passport valid for at least three months beyond the permit period
  • Residence permit application form and one passport photo
  • PMLP-approved invitation from your university
  • Signed study agreement and proof of tuition payment
  • Bank statement showing at least €780 a month (valid for three months) and a copy of the bank card
  • Proof of accommodation, such as a dormitory confirmation or rental contract
  • Apostilled police clearance certificate from India, if you lived there for more than 12 months
  • Apostilled Class 12 or degree certificates and the university's or AIC's recognition decision
  • Health insurance valid in Latvia with cover of at least €42,600, including repatriation
  • Receipt for the state fee

Working while you study

International students with a study residence permit can work for any employer without a separate work permit. Limits depend on your level of study. Most part-time jobs in Riga are in hospitality, delivery, retail and warehouses, and many need some Latvian or Russian, so do not count on work to cover tuition.

Work rules for students
RuleWhat it means
Bachelor's students in termUp to 20 hours a week
Bachelor's students in study holidaysUp to 40 hours a week
Full-time master's and doctoral studentsNo fixed weekly limit, but study must remain your main activity; if you work more than you study, you need a work-based permit
Minimum wage (2026)€780 a month gross for full-time work
Rules to watchThe government's September 2026 plan would make platform companies report foreign workers' real hours, so keep within your limit and keep payslips

Post-study work visa: Temporary residence permit for job seeking after graduation

Latvia does not have an open post-study work visa like the UK's Graduate Route. Graduates of full-time master's or doctoral programmes can apply for a short permit to look for work or start a business. Everyone else needs a job offer and an employment-based permit before their study permit ends.

Post-study work options
Details
Who qualifiesGraduates of a full-time master's or doctoral programme with a state-recognised Latvian diploma
DurationUp to nine months, not renewable
When to applyWithin three months of graduating; you can apply from inside Latvia
Work on this permitPMLP states the job-search permit itself does not include the right to work; once you have an offer, you apply for a permit for employment
Bachelor's graduatesNo job-search permit; you need an employer and a work-based permit (or EU Blue Card for higher-paid roles)
Long-term residenceEU long-term resident status after five years of residence, with A2 Latvian; only half of your study years count

Announced changes

Proposed, not yet law (October 2026): the government endorsed an Interior Ministry plan on 22 September 2026 that includes caps on the share of international students at each university, quotas for third-country nationals from early 2027 and stricter admission standards. The Ministry of Education has also proposed a 60% minimum grade, Latvian at A2 level for foreign students, stricter attendance rules and a ban on new admissions for institutions where more than 30% of invited students were refused visas. A new online migration portal is planned from 1 November 2026, and an early integration programme with basic Latvian applies from the end of 2027, though full-time students are reported to be exempt.

Jobs and career opportunities

Latvia's job market is small, and many employers expect Latvian, so finding a graduate job takes planning. The best chances are in IT and software, logistics and transport, finance and shared service centres, and engineering. English-speaking roles are most common at international companies in Riga.

Graduate jobs and salaries
SectorTypical rolesTypical salary
IT and softwareJunior developer, QA tester, data analyst, IT support specialistAround €1,500–€2,500 a month gross (starting, indicative)
Logistics and supply chainLogistics coordinator, freight forwarder, supply chain analystAround €1,200–€1,800 a month gross (starting, indicative)
Finance and shared service centresAccounts payable or receivable specialist, financial analyst, KYC or compliance analystAround €1,300–€2,000 a month gross (starting, indicative)
Engineering and manufacturingJunior mechanical, electrical or civil engineer, production plannerAround €1,400–€2,200 a month gross (starting, indicative)
Customer support and sales (English-speaking)Customer support agent, inside sales, account coordinator at international firmsAround €1,100–€1,600 a month gross (starting, indicative)
Hospitality and tourismHotel front office, restaurant supervisor, travel agency assistantAround €900–€1,300 a month gross (starting, indicative)

Salary ranges are rough estimates for new graduates in Riga, not official figures. For context, Eurostat puts the average gross wage in Latvia at about €26,200 a year (around €2,180 a month) in 2025, and the minimum wage is €780 a month in 2026. Employers hiring a non-EU graduate on a work permit generally have to offer a salary in line with the average wage for their sector.

Planning to study in Latvia?Get a free shortlist of universities and courses that fit your marks, budget and timeline.

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Best student cities in Latvia

  • Riga

    The capital is home to nearly all English-taught programmes, including the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, Rīga Stradiņš University and most private universities. It also has most part-time and graduate jobs.

    About €300 a month for a shared room to €500 for a private flat, based on RSU estimates.

  • Jelgava

    About 40 km from Riga and home to Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, with programmes in agriculture, food technology, engineering and IT.

    Usually cheaper than Riga, and close enough to commute by train.

  • Liepāja

    A port city on the Baltic coast with Liepāja University and a branch of Riga Technical University. It has a smaller, quieter student life.

    Rents are generally lower than in Riga.

  • Ventspils

    A coastal city whose University of Applied Sciences is known for IT, engineering and translation programmes, with a small international intake.

    Rents are generally lower than in Riga; fewer part-time jobs.

  • Daugavpils

    Latvia's second-largest city, in the south-east, with Daugavpils University. Russian is widely spoken here.

    Among the cheapest places to live, but with limited English-speaking work.

Latvia vs other study destinations

Latvia compared with other destinations
LatviaLithuaniaGermanyCyprus
Master's tuition (per year)About €3,200–€6,500 at public universitiesAbout €3,000–€12,000Usually none at public universities; a semester fee appliesAbout €6,000–€18,000
Living cost€780/month minimum for the permit; about €1,050–€1,500 in RigaAbout €500–€850/monthAbout €850–€1,150/monthAbout €600–€1,000/month
Master's length1.5–2 years1.5–2 yearsUsually 2 years1–2 years
Part-time work20 hrs/week (bachelor's); no fixed cap for master's20 hrs/week in term140 full or 280 half days a year20 hrs/week in listed sectors only
Post-study stay9-month job-search permit (master's and PhD only)12-month job-search permitUp to 18 months to look for workNo general post-study route
Family on a student permitNot for non-NATO bachelor's and master's studentsCheck current rulesPossible in some cases, with extra fundsCheck current rules
Typical English testIELTS or TOEFL; PTE at someIELTS or TOEFL; PTE or Duolingo at someIELTS or TOEFL (German for German-taught courses)IELTS or TOEFL; PTE at some
Main intakesSeptember; limited FebruarySeptember; some FebruaryOctober and AprilSeptember and January–February

Figures for other countries are broad, indicative ranges for comparison only. See each country's guide for sourced details, and check official sources before deciding.

Challenges to plan for

  • Rules are tightening fastLatvia passed a new Immigration Law in 2026 and the government has backed caps, quotas and stricter admission checks for third-country students. Rules could change during your course, so choose an established, accredited university and keep your attendance and grades strong.
  • No family on most student permitsSince 15 September 2026, Indian bachelor's and master's students cannot bring a spouse or children on their student permit. This rules Latvia out for many married applicants.
  • Small job market and language barrierMany part-time and graduate jobs ask for Latvian, and often Russian too. English-only jobs exist, mainly in IT and international firms, but competition is real.
  • Limited post-study options for bachelor's graduatesOnly master's and doctoral graduates get the nine-month job-search permit. Bachelor's graduates must find an employer before their study permit ends.
  • Long, dark wintersWinters are cold, often below freezing, with only about seven hours of daylight in December. Budget for warm clothing and plan ways to stay active and social.

Is Latvia right for you?

A good fit if you…

  • You want an English-taught EU master's in business, IT, engineering or logistics on a moderate budget.
  • You are applying alone and do not need to bring a spouse or children.
  • You are comfortable in a small city with a cold climate and are willing to pick up some Latvian.
  • You plan a master's and want the option of a nine-month job search after graduating.
  • You can show the required funds and pay the first year's tuition up front.

Think twice if you…

  • You are married and want your family to join you during a bachelor's or master's.
  • You are counting on part-time work to pay tuition or send money home.
  • You want a long, open post-study work visa after a bachelor's degree.
  • You are being offered an unusually easy admission at a little-known institution with no interview or English check.
  • You need a large job market with many English-only roles.

About Latvia

Latvia is a small Baltic country on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, bordered by Estonia, Lithuania, Russia and Belarus. It is a member of the European Union, the eurozone and the Schengen area. Riga, the capital, is the largest city in the Baltic states and is known for its medieval old town and Art Nouveau buildings, both on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Most universities are in Riga and offer English-taught degrees in business, IT, engineering and medicine at fees that are low by Western European standards. Non-EU students need a residence permit for study and must usually pay the first year's fees before applying. Living costs are moderate, and a Schengen residence permit makes travel around Europe easy.

Latvia at a glance
LatviaAt a glance
Official language(s)Latvian; English widely used at universities, Russian also spoken
Populationabout 1.85 million (beginning of 2026, Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia)
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
ClimateCold, snowy winters (often below 0°C from December to February) and mild summers of about 18–23°C
Time difference with IndiaIST is 3 hrs 30 min ahead (2 hrs 30 min in summer)
Flight time from Delhino direct flights; about 10–14 hours with one stop
Largest citiesRiga (about 589,000 people), Daugavpils, Liepāja, Jelgava
Indian communityabout 3,000 (MEA estimate), mostly students and IT professionals

Studying in Latvia: FAQs

Can Indian students work while studying in Latvia?

Yes. Bachelor's students can work up to 20 hours a week in term and 40 hours a week in study holidays. Full-time master's and doctoral students have no fixed weekly limit, but study must remain their main activity. You do not need a separate work permit for this.

Can I take my husband, wife or children to Latvia on a student permit?

Not if you are on a bachelor's or master's programme. Since the new Immigration Law took effect on 15 September 2026, students from non-NATO countries, including India, at these levels cannot get residence permits for family members. Doctoral students are not covered by this restriction.

How much money do I need to show for the Latvian residence permit?

At least €780 for each month of your stay, shown in a bank statement no older than three months. Riga Technical University, for example, asks for about €9,400 for a year. This is in addition to tuition, which many universities ask you to pay before you apply.

Can I stay in Latvia after my studies?

If you finish a full-time master's or doctoral degree, you can apply within three months for a permit of up to nine months to look for work or start a business. Bachelor's graduates do not get this permit and need a job offer and an employment-based permit before their study permit ends.

Is IELTS compulsory for Latvia?

Most universities want a recognised English test such as IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT, and some now require one. Even with an offer, embassy staff may test your spoken English at interview, and some students have been refused for weak English.

Do I need to learn Latvian?

Not for an English-taught degree, but basic Latvian helps a lot with part-time jobs and daily life. Renewal applications must now be in Latvian, and the government has proposed requiring foreign students to reach A2 level, though this is not yet law.

How long does the Latvian student residence permit take?

The legal standard is 30 days from a complete application, with extensions up to four months. Universities advise allowing more than 45 days in practice, so apply as soon as your invitation is approved.

Is a Latvian degree recognised in India?

Degrees from accredited Latvian institutions follow the European higher education framework. If you plan to work in government jobs or study further in India, check how the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) treats your degree before you enrol.

Sources

  1. PMLP (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs): Residence permit for studies (opens in a new tab)
  2. PMLP: Residence permit after graduation (opens in a new tab)
  3. European Commission EU Immigration Portal: Student in Latvia (opens in a new tab)
  4. Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia: Topicalities in higher education (2024/25) (opens in a new tab)
  5. Eurostat: Monthly minimum wages (earn_mw_cur) (opens in a new tab)
  6. Eurostat: Annual earnings, average wage (earn_nt_net) (opens in a new tab)
  7. Eurydice: Latvia, national reforms in higher education (opens in a new tab)
  8. University of Latvia: Visas and residence permits (opens in a new tab)
  9. Rīga Stradiņš University: Tuition fees for studies in English (opens in a new tab)
  10. Rīga Stradiņš University: Life in Riga (cost of living) (opens in a new tab)
  11. Riga Technical University: International admissions (opens in a new tab)
  12. Afortis (Latvian law firm): Latvia's new Immigration Law 2026, key changes (opens in a new tab)
  13. LSM English: Foreign students could be subjected to stricter admission rules (Jul 2026) (opens in a new tab)
  14. LSM English: Latvia approves plan for curbing immigration (Sep 2026) (opens in a new tab)
  15. Jauns.lv: Foreign student control in Lithuania and Latvia (Mar 2026) (opens in a new tab)

Rules and fees change

We researched this guide on 22 Oct 2026 using the sources above. Visa decisions, work rights and fees are set by the government of Latvia and each university, so check the official pages before you pay or apply. Rupee amounts use approximate exchange rates.

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