Studying in abroad has multi dimensional benefits that involve personality grooming, mind broadening, global exposure, recognized degrees, study of broad based curriculum and studying in international and modern teaching system. When it comes to choosing a country for studying in abroad, most of the students incline towards European States, mainly because of availability of opportunities, globally acclaimed institutions, cultural diversity and favorable living standards. Latvia, a small Baltic State, is European Union member, Schengen signatory, economically developed and well established country of Europe. The higher education of institutes of Latvia have esteemed reputation for best quality of education and advanced teaching methodologies. The Latvian Universities are renowned for mastery in IT, Business Management and Medicine courses. The foreign students have permission to work part time and Latvian universities specifically include internship programmes in curriculum structure to give professional exposure to students. Latvia has affordable living expenses and tuition fee is reasonably structured. The general requirements to study abroad in Latvia for foreign students are briefly explained in this section:

The two most spoken languages in Latvia are Latvian and Russian language. But English is commonly spoken and almost all universities in Latvia offer English taught courses. For admission purpose the first step is to find an English taught course of your interest in a right Latvian University. After selecting the study programme and university you want to study in Latvia, check its admission requirements. Latvian universities do not have rigid and complex merit for admission but students are required to have academic capability and eligibility to meet Latvian education standards. A few of study programmes such medicine, engineering and IT have more specific and high merit for admission. In general, the admission requirements in Latvian universities for higher education courses are as follow:

Under Graduate Study Programmes in Latvia for Pakistani Students 2024:

The students must have completed Higher Secondary School Diploma with passing grades of at least 60% in each subject. Entrance examination; it can be taken in form of motivation letter or online examination. Skype Interview: the faculty member of your chosen study field will ask curriculum related questions to assess your academic readiness and previous set of skills.

Post Graduate (Masters) Study Programmes:

The students should have a Bachelors Degree (4 years duration course) which must have been attained from a recognized institute of your country. The overall grades attained in Bachelors degree must be minimum 60%. The B.A (Bachelors of Arts) and Bachelors of General Science Degrees (2 years duration course) is not welcomed for Masters level admissions in Latvia. Entrance Examinations; motivation letter or online examination can be taken. Skype interview: The students will have to convince the faculty member of their chose studies field about their academic capabilities and eligibility for admission. The admission will only be granted after entrance exam and Skype interview satisfactory results.

Post Graduate (PhD) Study Programmes:

Passed Bachelors Degree (4 Years Duration Course), Masters Degree (2 Years Duration Course) from recognized institutes of your country with good grades are required for admission. The students will submit research proposal, previous research experience and work experience documents. Skype Interview will be conducted for admission as well.

Language Requirements to study in Latvia for Pakistani Students:

For admission in English taught courses, the students have to prove their proficiency in English language that can be either through IELTS or TOEFL test. The minimum grades is required in IELTS are 6.5 bands.

The documents for admission such as transcripts of academic certificates, degrees and diplomas will be verified by Academic Information Centre (AIC) of Latvia for approval. If the documents meet academic standards set by Academic Information Centre (AIC) it will be marked as approved and finally you chosen Latvian university will issue acceptance letter to you.

After receiving acceptance letter from Latvian University the Process for student visa shall begin. The Latvian Embassy or Consulate in your country will process the visa documents. The students are required to visit the Latvian Embassy in person and acquire visa details. The requirements for visa documents are country specific and are different for each country but generally the following documents are required by all nationalities for Latvian Students Visa:

• Valid Passport

• Original Acceptance Letter

• Proof of Security Fee Deposit (Latvian Universities take 500 to 750 USD as security fee that shall be returned to students at the end of their study programme)

• Proof of Paid Tuition Fee

• Visa Application (Completed and signed)

• Proof of finances (Bank statement or credit card statement demonstrating the student can spend 450 Euros per month in Latvia during studies)

• Proof of Accommodation Arranged in Latvia (Rental contract with residential address)

• Health Insurance Coverage

• Medical Examination Certificate

• Clearance letter from police stating the applicant has no criminal record or case registered against them

• Visa application Fee Receipt (Can be around 120 USD)

• English Language Proficiency Test Certificate

The Non-EU or Third Country Nationals can attain the permanent residency of Latvia after staying in the country for 5 years. During the duration of 5 years, the individuals must have held temporary resident permit. The pathway to permanent residency for foreign students is through work permit. After completing degree from Latvian University successfully the students have to return to their native lands. For employment in Latvia, the fresh graduates can do job searching during last semesters of their study programme or through online means. After getting an adequate employment contract from Latvian Company or firm the employer intending to hire a third country national at his company will seek permission from Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs by submitting application. Upon getting permission, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs will issue an invitation letter from employer to third country national for employment. The hired employee will submit invitation letter and employment contract along with other documents to Latvian Embassy at their home country and attain work permit of Latvia. The Latvian work permit is granted for one year duration initially which is extendable for more 5 years. After 5 years PR Visa can be applied. (Read Pathway to Permanent Residency of Latvia Article Here for Complete Details)

Latvia has radiant and charming city life and serene calm country areas. The living standards and accommodation design are according to modern day life style. Large numbers of international students are getting enrolled in Latvian Universities because of top quality of education and cheap cost living. An average amount of 430 to 500 Euros is required by a student to bear his/her living expenses in Latvia per month. Foreign students also have permission for part time working hours during studies which makes it rather easier for students to earn money and manage their budget on their own without requiring finances from back home.

Study Expenses in Latvia:

Under Graduate Study Programme Tuition Fee in Latvian Universities: 2200 to 3000 Euros per year. Medicine and dentistry related courses are most expensive with tuition fee ranging from 5000 to 13,000 Euros per year.

Post Graduate (Masters) Study Programme Tuition Fee in Latvian Universities: 2000 to 3000 Euros per year. Business Administration and Medicine related courses are most expensive at Masters Level with tuition fee around 6,000 Euros per year.

Post Graduate (PhD) Study Programme Tuition fee in Latvian Universities: 34,00 to 4000 Euros per year.

Living Expenses in Latvia:

Accommodation:

• A Single Room or Shared Room in University Dormitory: 70 to 120 Euros per month

• Studio Type Apartment or One Bed Room Flat: 250 to 300 Euros per month

• Shared Flats: 120 to 250 Euros per month for per person

Food:

• Half Liter Water Bottle:  0.70 Euros

• 1 Liter Fresh Milk Bottle: 0.89 Euros

• A Loaf of Fresh White Bread: 0.81 Euros

• 1 Kg White Rice: 1.26 Euros

• Dozen Eggs: 1.61 Euros

• 1 Kg Local Cheese: 6.17 Euros

• 1 Kg Chicken Breast Meat: 5.00 Euros

• 1 Kg Beef Meat: 6.91 Euros

• 1 Kg Apples: 1.05 Euros

• 1 Kg Bananas: 1.31 Euros

During Studies:

Foreign students studying a full time study programme in Latvia are allowed to work 20 hours a week during semesters and 40 hours a week during semester breaks. The students do not require any additional work permit for part time work during studies however there are certain areas where they can work that include: Petrol Kiosks, Restaurants, Managerial Work, Shop Keeping and Selling products and Internships related to their study field.

After Studies:

After studies the students have to find a short term or long term employment contract to stay in Latvia. After graduation they must exit the country and re return on work permit to work and stay in Latvia. For work permit, the employer hiring the fresh graduates will send invitation letter and employment contract to them at their home country. The employer hiring foreign nationals as its employees is responsible for their health insurance and accommodation. (Read Latvian Short Term and Long Term Work Permit Requirements Here).

Latvia Health Insurance for Students

Latvia offer two types of health insurance Public and Private. If you are national you can have public health insurance but if you are not then you have the option to buy the private health insurance if you want a study visa of Lativia and admission in Latvia university. Get the affordable health insurance here