When it comes to study abroad, Latvia remains an admirable country as it has great Education System. Students can find jobs relevant to their graduation on the basis of their expertise and knowledge so they should keep enhancing their skills which can be proved as a ladder to their success. Students can legally do 20 hours per week part time job along with their studies. The cost of living is very low in Latvia comparative to the standard of living. More than 5,500 International Students enroll in Latvian Universities every year.

Further are more reasons why studying in Latvia is a good option for International Students:-

• Many wonderful programs are offered to the International Students.
• Latvian degrees are globally acknowledged.
• Latvia have reasonable cost of living.
• It’s economically a rich country so students have many future opportunities.
• An amazing atmosphere for academic life which motivates students.
• The tuition fee is less comparative to other countries.
• It provides scholarships to the brilliant students.
• Availability of different fields of study. So Latvia offers choices in programs. Students can select course as per their engrossment.
• Wide job market for the International Students.

Bachelor Branches of Study

Higher education institutions may independently determine the timetable for students. The capacity of studies is measured in credit points (credits). The amount of full-time and part-time Bachelor study programmes is from 120 to 160 credit points including at least 10 credit points for Bachelor thesis. Full-time studies last from six to eight semesters.

Latvia’s credit point is defined as a full-time weekly study load. The credit point system is compatible with European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and is used for both accumulation and transfer since its implementation. The number of ECTS credits is found by multiplying the number of Latvian credit points by a factor of 1.5. In Latvia, one credit corresponds to 40 academic hours (one study week) of which up to 50% are expected to be contact hours.

Full-time studies correspond to 40 credit points in an academic year and at least 40 academic hours a week. Part-time studies correspond to less than 40 credit points in an academic year and less than 40 academic hours a week.

An academic hour is a unit of study time lasting 45 minutes. A contact hour is a direct interface between students and academic staff lasting one academic hour.

Professional higher education Bachelor study programmes (second-level professional higher education programmes) last at least 160 credit points. The structure of study programmes consists of study courses, internship outside educational institution and state examinations including development and defence of Bachelor or Diploma thesis. At least 30% of study courses should be practically taught. During studies the student develops and defends at least three study works.

According to thematic groups of education determined in the Regulations on Classification of Education in Latvia and the Law on Institutions of Higher Education, education programmes are available in the following study fields:

• Education,

• Humanities and Arts,

• Social Sciences, Business and Law

• Natural Sciences, Mathematics and IT,

• Engineering, Production and Construction,

• Agriculture,

• Health and Welfare,

• Services (for example, personal services, such as hotel, restaurant, beauty treatment etc., transport services, environmental protection and civil and military defence).

In accordance with the completed study programme, academic Bachelor degree is awarded in the following groups of sciences:

• Education;

• Humanities and Arts;

• Social Sciences;

• Natural Sciences;

• Engineering Sciences;

• Agricultural Sciences;

• Health Sciences;

• Environmental Sciences.

Academic Bachelor degree allows continuing studies in the same or a related branch of science in Master programme.

A transfer to another branch of studies during studies is possible; the conditions depend on the study programme and the institution.

If study period is longer than 90 days, then students require Study Visa which is granted to the students who have already received the acceptance letter also known as offer letter from the University. The European countries itself convince the International graduates to continue their stay after University which means they have lot of job opportunities. Latvian Education System is well-respected all over the world.

A set of documents which student needs to prepare before applying for Latvia Study Visa. Student must be very careful because a single mistake can be a reason for Visa rejection from the Embassy. There can be additional requirements depending upon the University or College, so confirm the requirements before applying.

Following are the required documents for study visa:-

• Students must have original valid Passport.
• They must carry Passport sized photograph with white background and 35X45 cm size.
• They need Academic Documents including 10th and 12th DMC’s, Graduation Certificate and Graduation DMC’s.
• Students must clear any of the below English Proficiency Certificate.
  • PTE
  • TOEFL
  • IELTS
• Curriculum Vitae is also required.
• Student must have police clearance certificate.
• Students must get their original bank certificate with at least Rs 4 lacs as a financial proof.
  • Bank certificate must show student’s name, date of birth and passport number.
  • Students must issue International debit card from same bank.
• Other required documents are :-
  • Application form
  • Invitation letter
  • Guarantee letter
  • Admission letter

Programs & Tuition

Fall Year: $13,495
Fall Year Art: $14,995
Fall Year Music: $14,995
Fall Year Ballet: $14,995

Applications for tuition based programs must be submitted by October 1 for winter/spring departure programs and March 15 for summer and fall. Applications submitted after this date will be considered on a case by case basis depending upon availability.

Scholarships Available

YFU USA is proud to send over 200 American students on cultural exchange with a full or partial scholarship each year. Financial assistance may be in the form of a merit-based scholarship, needs-based financial aid, or Legacy Grant for students who are previously involved in the YFU Community. Scholarships may vary in deadline, requirements, and eligibility. To learn more, please visit our Scholarships Page to find details on the following scholarships eligible for Latvia:

Holcomb &Farnell Foreign Study Fund
YFU Legacy Grant
YFU Financial Aid Fund
Norbert Hardner Foundation International Exchange Scholarship