The University of Latvia (Latvijas Universitāte, LU) is a public research university in Riga, founded in 1919.[1] It reports more than 15,600 students from over 70 countries and more than 30 programmes taught in English.[2] In the QS World University Rankings 2027 it is placed in the 781–790 range, behind Riga Technical University (751–760).[3]
Tuition for English-taught programmes depends on citizenship and programme. On the programme pages for 2026/2027 admission, Business Administration (bachelor’s) costs €3,100 for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and €3,300 for citizens of other countries per year, International Business (master’s) €2,700 and €3,200, and Medicine €13,000 and €13,600.[4][5][6] Applicants must prove English at about B2 level (for example IELTS 6.0).[7]
Key facts
| Official name | Latvijas Universitāte (University of Latvia, LU)[1] |
| Location | Riga, Latvia (main address Raiņa bulvāris 19, LV-1586)[8] |
| Type | Public research university[1] |
| Founded | 28 September 1919, on the basis of the former Riga Polytechnic (founded 1862); named University of Latvia since 1923[1] |
| Students | More than 15,600 from over 70 countries[2] |
| International students | 1,202 foreign students (fact sheet of 20 Dec 2024); the admissions page says more than 1,000 from 80 countries[9] |
| Faculties | Six faculties, plus the BA School of Business and Finance[2] |
| Study programmes | 126 (fact sheet of 20 Dec 2024); more than 30 taught in English[9] |
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | 781–790[3] |
| Tuition 2026/27, Business Administration (bachelor’s, English) | €3,100 EU/EEA/Swiss · €3,300 other countries, per year[4] |
| Tuition, International Business (master’s, English) | €2,700 EU/EEA/Swiss · €3,200 other countries, per year[5] |
| Tuition 2026/27, Medicine (English) | €13,000 EU/EEA/Swiss · €13,600 other countries, per year[6] |
| Application fee | €170, non-refundable[10] |
| Official website | lu.lv |
Checked against the sources listed at the bottom of this page on 9 November 2026.
About the University of Latvia
The University of Latvia was founded on 28 September 1919 on the basis of the former Riga Polytechnic, first as the Higher School of Latvia; it has carried its present name since 1923.[1] The university describes itself as the leading research university in Latvia.[2]
It reports more than 15,600 students, six faculties, 17 scientific institutes and 3,169 employees.[9] Wikipedia lists the faculties as Medicine and Life Sciences; Science and Technology; Economics and Social Sciences; Education Sciences and Psychology; Law; and Humanities. The article notes that the structure is being reorganised, so check the faculty names on the university site.[1] The main building at Raiņa bulvāris 19 is the former Riga Polytechnic building; a newer campus is in Torņakalns.[1]
How is the University of Latvia ranked?
In the QS World University Rankings 2027, published on 18 June 2026, the University of Latvia is placed in the 781–790 range. Riga Technical University is in the 751–760 range and Rīga Stradiņš University in the 1001–1200 band; these are the three Latvian universities in the ranking, which includes 1,504 universities in total.[3] The Latvian business portal LV portāls reports the same positions.[11]
Rankings differ by publisher and year, so treat one position as one view. How we compile rankings. Our Latvia page lists all Latvian universities.
What can you study at the University of Latvia?
The university lists 126 study programmes, more than 30 of them taught in English.[9][2] For international degree students its admissions page lists 12 bachelor’s programmes, 14 master’s programmes, two professional programmes (Medicine and Dentistry) and nine doctoral areas across six faculties.[12] Examples from the English-taught range:
- Business Administration (bachelor’s): full-time, 6 semesters, 180 ECTS.[4]
- International Business (master’s): full-time, 4 semesters, 120 ECTS; requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in economics, business administration or other social sciences (or mathematics, computer science, IT or engineering) and at least two years of professional experience.[5]
- Medicine (bachelor’s): full-time, 12 semesters, 360 ECTS; the page lists 35 tuition-fee places for 2026/2027.[6]
How much does the University of Latvia cost?
| Programme (English) | EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, EU long-term residents and family members, per year | Citizens of other countries, per year |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration (bachelor’s) | €3,100 | €3,300 |
| International Business (master’s) | €2,700 | €3,200 |
| Medicine (bachelor’s, 12 semesters) | €13,000 | €13,600 |
These amounts are taken from the programme pages, which show the fees together with admission for 2026/2027. Only the Medicine page names the year next to the fee; the Business Administration and International Business pages do not state a separate fee year.[4][5][6] Fees differ by programme, so check the page of your own programme.
Other payments
The application fee is €170, non-refundable, and does not guarantee admission. Before applying for a visa or residence permit you must pay the tuition fee for the entire first year; if the residence permit is approved but the visa is refused, the university refunds it.[10] For living costs, see our Latvia page.
How do you apply to the University of Latvia?
International degree applicants use the online form at apply.lu.lv. You create an account, can save the form and finish it over several sessions, and upload PDF files before submitting.[10]
- Check that your documents meet the general admission criteria; some programmes differ slightly.
- Submit the online application and pay the €170 application fee.
- The university forwards your documents for diploma recognition and to the programme director.
- Accepted applicants receive the study agreement and, where needed, support letters for a visa or residence permit.
Documents include the secondary school diploma (bachelor’s) or bachelor’s diploma (master’s) and a transcript, each in the original language with a notarised English copy, a passport copy and one photograph; a motivation letter and CV where required. The page advises legalising foreign documents under the Hague Convention before applying.[10] Several programmes add their own steps, for example an online interview, an online entrance exam (International Business) or SAT, GMAT or GRE scores for applicants educated outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland.[4][5] We give no deadlines because they change every year; see the programme page on apply.lu.lv.
Which English level do you need?
All degree applicants must prove English proficiency. The accepted proof is an internationally recognised test taken within the last five years, or earlier studies in English in Australia, The Bahamas, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, St Vincent and the Grenadines, the UK or the USA. For bachelor’s admission, EU/EEA/Swiss secondary certificates that assess a foreign language at CEFR B2 or above can also serve.[7]
| Test | Minimum (most programmes) |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 80 (tests up to 21 Jan 2026) or 4 (tests after that date) |
| TOEFL Essential | 9 |
| PTE Academic | 55 |
| Cambridge FCE / B2 First | Grade B |
| LanguageCert B2 Communicator | B2 |
The master’s programme English Studies sets higher minimums (for example IELTS 7).[7] If a programme counts an English grade in its admission competition, that grade is still required even for applicants educated in English.[7] The pages list English only; they give no Latvian-language requirement for these programmes.[10]
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the University of Latvia cost for international students?
What is the QS ranking of the University of Latvia?
It is in the 781–790 range in the QS World University Rankings 2027. Riga Technical University is higher (751–760).[3]
Do I need Latvian to study at the University of Latvia?
How do I apply as an international student?
Apply online at apply.lu.lv, upload your documents, and pay the €170 application fee. The university then checks diploma recognition and sends the study agreement to accepted applicants.[10]
Is the University of Latvia the same as Riga Technical University?
No. They are separate universities with separate admissions and separate QS positions (781–790 and 751–760).[3]
More about studying in Latvia
- Latvia: best universities
- Cost of Studying Abroad
- International Student Scholarships
- University Ranking Methodology
More university profiles in Latvia
- Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies
- Rīga Stradiņš University
- Riga Technical University
Sources
[1] Wikipedia: University of Latvia (history, faculties and campus; secondary source)
[2] University of Latvia: About the University of Latvia (news item) (news item of 26 Sep 2025)
[3] University of Latvia: news on Latvian universities in QS World University Rankings 2027 (QS publishes at topuniversities.com, which blocks automated access) (news dated 18 Jun 2026)
[4] University of Latvia: Business Administration (EN), bachelor’s (page without a date; shows 2026/2027 admission)
[5] University of Latvia: International Business (EN), master’s (page without a date; shows 2026/2027 places)
[6] University of Latvia: Medicine (EN), bachelor’s (page without a date; 2026/2027 admission)
[7] University of Latvia: Language proficiency (page without a date; footer 2026)
[8] University of Latvia: Contacts (page without a date)
[9] University of Latvia (apply.lu.lv): About University of Latvia, facts (page dated 20 Dec 2024)
[10] University of Latvia: Degree studies (application procedure) (page without a date; footer 2026)
[11] LV portāls: RTU and the QS World University Rankings 2027 (article dated 18 Jun 2026, in Latvian)
[12] University of Latvia: For prospective students (page without a date)
Figures may change; check official sources before you decide. How we compile our data · Found an error? Tell us.