The education system in Latvia is also heavily involved in multi-national cooperation in the field of education and research, with the aim of further developing student competitiveness in both local and international job markets. The Latvian higher education system adheres to the Bologna process, in which there are three cycles of study, namely Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees. Bachelor’s programs could be completed in 3-4 years, Master’s in 1-2 years, and Doctorates in 3-4 years.

The Latvian higher education system adheres to the Bologna process, in which there are three cycles of study, namely Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees. Bachelor’s programs could be completed in 3-4 years, Master’s in 1-2 years, and Doctorates in 3-4 years.
Why Study in Latvia?
Softamo Education Group offers a broad-based curriculum and global perspective to equip students with the relevant qualification and skill that will serve as a springboard to a brighter future. Studying in Latvia provides an opportunity for cross-cultural exposure and personal development. Latvia remains a wonderful country for studies abroad in Europe due to:

• Bachelor / Master/ Doctorate level Programs taught in English
• Prestigious Globally Recognized Degrees
• Government approved Universities
• Exchange semester or internship abroad
• Attractive Tuition Fee
• On-campus accommodation provided
• Moderate living costs (400 $/month)
• Numerous opportunities for leisure activities and sports

Latvia is a multi-ethnic country and rich in different cultural and education traditions. The higher education institutions in Latvia are members of international cooperation within many different fields of study. Latvia offers researchers and teaching staff from several countries for studies as well as research work. Universities also offer both English taught academic and professional bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Tuition fees and living costs are generally lower than the costs in most "Western Countries". Universities are well known for producing high quality IT and engineering graduates. EU membership means that a degree from Latvia is equivalent to other EU countries, making it easier to get credentials recognized.

You will have all the benefits of living in a European country with lower costs than many westernized EU Countries.

Types of higher education programs in Latvia

Higher education in Latvia sets a contrast between academic and professional higher education. Majority of the Latvian academic institutions offer both degrees.
Academic – programmes under this category focus on enhancing one’s research skills, while providing a theoretical background for their career. These are built upon a fundamental and/or applied science and generally requires a thesis at the end of each stage, leading to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Professional – these programs tend to be more vocational, with a focus on providing in-depth knowledge to prepare students in areas such as the improvement of systems and technologies, as well as creative, research and teaching pursuits in their field.
Latvian higher education institutions offer a diverse collection of courses, with the most popular ones being in the fields of Health Care-MBBS in Latvia , Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Business and Administration.
The Latvian Academic Year
In most higher educational institutions, the Latvian academic year consists of 40 weeks, divided into two semesters, with the first semester starting on September.

AUTUMN SEMESTER
• Lectures: September - December
• Exams: December or January
• Holiday break: Christmas time

SPRING SEMESTER
• Lectures: February until the end of May
• Exams: May or June
• Holiday break: July until August
Study Visas for International Students in Latvia
The requirements for a student visa in Latvia will differ based on whether the prospective student is a EU/EEA citizen or not.

Students from the EU/EEA do not need a visa to enter Latvia. Additionally, there are also countries outside of the EU/EEA whose citizens can take advantage of the same privilege.

However, do take note that said individuals can only stay up to 90 days in Latvia within a six-month period. As such, students planning to stay for a longer time are advised to apply for a registration certificate/residence permit before arriving or within their first 90 days of stay in the country.
Citizenship and Migration Affairs in Riga

Living Costs in Latvia

While living costs in Latvia will depend on the city, type of accommodation and one’s lifestyle, everyday expenses in this Baltic state are still generally cheaper compared to many European countries.

It is estimated that around €450 – 700 (USD$ 553 – USD$ 861) is enough to cover necessities such as food, transportation, utilities and accommodation for a month. The following list provides further details on the average monthly expenses per Latvian city.
Need help finding scholarships?

This comprehensive Scholarship Guide, brought to you by educations.com, outlines the top scholarships currently available in countries around the world.
Browse the lists and start your applications now!
Students from a select group of countries can opt for scholarships should they need financial help with their Latvian-based studies.
Citizens from countries which have a signed agreement on co-operation in education and science with Latvia (such as Belgium, France and Spain among others) and who offer scholarships for Latvian students and researchers (such as USA, Greece and Germany) are eligible for scholarships.
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