Education in Latvia
Latvia is a country in Baltic Region of Northern Region. The country is bordered by Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, and Belarus. It also shares the Maritime Border with Sweden. It is a member of the World Trade Organization, and since the year 2000 AD, it is one of the fastest growing economies in Europe. Three biggest cities of Latvia are Riga, Ventspils and Liepaja. Latvia sets its long term goals on Science and technology, to make its economy more knowledge-based instead of labour-consuming economy.
Student Life in Latvia:
A number of cities in Latvia are fondly called University Towns, which means when you go out, you will find many international students like you enjoying leisure activities that city offers. There are many activities for students to take part in. Theaters, Concertalls, Operas, Museums and Galleries to visit. In winters, there are many winter sports like Ice Skating and skiing, which can prove to be a first time thing for many. The Country has many parks, and international reserves, and it is naturally rich. for the ones who love adventures and tracking, Latvia has endless opportunities. Like any country, there are number of festivals and events to take part in.
Top Student Cities in Latvia:
Riga is known for its blend of new and old architectural brilliance, and Vecriga (City's historic centre) has been declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Approximately third of the population lives in Riga, and so does most of the international students coming to Latvia. Daugavpils is the second-largest city of Latvia, which can be called cultural centre of the country. There are number of music and cultural festival held here, and Riga Technical University has an affiliate centre in Dugavplis. Liepaja is the third largest, located on the West Coast, and faces the Baltic Sea. The City is home to Summer Festivals and Quality Education.
Universities in Latvia
The universities in Latvia are some of the top ranked universities of the world, and not only in Europe. Universities like University of Latvia (Ranking 800-1000 in the world), Riga Technical Universities and Riga Stradins University are ranked among the best in the world by various ranking entities of the world. The tertiary institutions have a large number of courses in English, and most of the international students coming to Latvia prefer that, there are also colleges in Latvia without IELTS. The Latvian Universities are also known for their research and innovation and they prompt their students to do the same, the quality of education in Latvia is on par with its European counterparts.
Benefits of Studying in Latvia
One of the benefits of studying in Latvia is the affordable tuition fee. The cost of studying in Latvia is one of the most affordable study abroad destinations in Europe for international students. The cost of living is also some of the lowest in the continent. There are 36 public institutions for higher education in Latvia. The Universities in Latvia also offer internship programs for the ever-valuable international experience. There is a predicted large inflow of international students to Latvia, which make the country a place to be.
Student Accommodation in Latvia:
Student Accommodation in Latvia is provided by the University dormitories and the hostels. There are almost all the required facilities available in these student dorms and hostels. Students are advised to stay in these accommodations provided by the institutions themselves, as the real estate in Latvia outside of the campus can be a little costly, and hard to negotiate. However, the costs of living are again affordable than other European Countries and English Speaking Destinations for international students.
Masters in Latvia for International Students
Latvian Universities offer both academic and professional courses. The courses, as we mentioned are offered both in local languages and in English. The Academic programs for the Master’s degree would take 2 years (4 semesters), and collectively, the total length of the bachelor and Master’s degree should be 5 years. The professional courses for the Master’s degree can be of one or two years in duration. More than 200 of the programs in Latvia are taught in English.
Study and Work in Latvia
There is no specific work permit required for international students who have a student visa in Latvia. Students are allowed to work at part-time jobs, which are restricted to 20 hours a week for international students. Students can earn while learning at local jobs. Part-time jobs can help them with tuition fees of day to day expenses, which are already largely affordable in Latvia.
Stay Back After Study in Latvia
There is a provision for international students to stay back in Latvia, once they finish their program at a higher education institute. International students can stay back and work in Latvia for up to six months after their study in Latvia. They can look for internships of permanent jobs in the country to extend your stay if you want to. More on staying back in Latvia here:
Study in Latvia Scholarships
Study abroad scholarships are a great way to fund the expenses for international students. There are some countries who have mutual agreements with Latvia, which benefit from the science scholarships to study in Latvia. For other students, there are government offered scholarships, university offered scholarships, and scholarships offered from private entities, too. The Scholarships can be in the form of either waiver in the tuition fees, or financial aid.
Latvia Study Visa
Non-EU Students are required to have a visa to study in Latvia. And since most of the courses in Latvia would be longer than 90 days, the students should apply for the residence permit in Lavia. The universities that you are accepted into, will help you with the application process for student visa in Latvia, and help you if you are stuck somewhere. The visa takes a little time to process, so it is important to apply at the right time, and that way you can avoid the last minute hassles. The University you are applied to will send your documents for the verification.
