Study Engineering in Latvia: Low Tuition, English Programs, and Affordable Student Life in Riga

Tuition Fees for Engineering in Latvia

Engineering bachelor's degrees in Latvia cost EUR 1,500 to 3,000 per year at most public universities, while master's degrees range from EUR 2,000 to 5,000 per year. Specialised fields such as medicine or dentistry reach up to EUR 15,000 per year.

Riga Technical University (RTU), Latvia's top engineering institution, ranks 761 to 770 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. RTU charges EUR 2,800 to 4,000 per year for English-taught engineering programs, with the higher end applied to specialised tracks that exceed the general bachelor's range. The University of Latvia charges EUR 2,000 to 3,800 per year but offers fewer engineering-specific programs.

Application fees range from EUR 30 to EUR 300 depending on your nationality and are non-refundable.

Study Programs Available in English

Most engineering courses in Latvia are taught in English. RTU offers programs including Smart Electronic Systems, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Computer Systems, and advanced technology fields. Bachelor's degrees take 4 years and master's degrees take 2 years.

English language proficiency is required before enrollment. You must demonstrate basic English knowledge and pass mathematics or physics entrance exams in English, depending on the program.

Cost of Living in Riga

Riga, Latvia's capital, is one of Europe's most affordable major cities for students. Monthly living costs average EUR 500 to 700, significantly lower than Western European capitals.

Break down your budget as follows.

• Accommodation (student dorm or shared apartment): EUR 200 to 400
• Food and groceries: EUR 100 to 200
• Public transport student pass: EUR 15 to 25
• Books, social activities, and miscellaneous: EUR 100 to 200

Student dormitories cost as low as EUR 75 to 120 per month. Private rented apartments typically fall within the EUR 250 to 400 accommodation range above, varying by location and whether the unit is shared. Riga is more expensive than smaller Latvian cities (EUR 400 to 600 per month total) but remains affordable compared to London, Paris, or Berlin.

Student Visa and Residence Permit

To study in Latvia, you need a residence permit from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA). If you plan to study for less than 90 days, no permit is required.

Required documents include admission from a recognised Latvian university, proof of sufficient financial means to cover tuition and living costs, a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity, proof of accommodation in Latvia, and health insurance covering your entire stay.

The long-stay (D) visa fee is EUR 90. The OCMA residence permit review fee depends on the processing tier you choose: EUR 160 for 30-day processing, EUR 280 for 10 working days, or EUR 560 for 5 working days. The residence card production fee is separate (EUR 45 or EUR 80). The University of Latvia states that the residence permit procedure takes over 40 days from submission of a complete application, and applicants requiring a visa should plan for around 45 days.

You must apply for your residence permit within 90 days of arriving in Latvia. Universities typically assist by submitting applications on your behalf.

Work Opportunities During Studies

International students work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during vacation periods. There are no restrictions on the type of work, so students take roles in retail, hospitality, tech companies, or other sectors. This flexibility helps cover living costs.

Post-Study Work and Employment

After graduation, you are permitted to remain in Latvia to search for employment.

• Bachelor's degree graduates: 4-month extension to your study permit
• Master's and doctoral degree graduates: up to 9 months, granted as an extension by OCMA on application

There is no separate application required for the initial bachelor's extension because it is granted automatically when your studies end. The master's extension requires individual review and approval from OCMA and must be requested in advance.

During your post-study period, you are permitted to work full-time. If you find employment related to your field of study, apply for a Temporary Residence Permit for employment purposes to remain in Latvia beyond the post-study window.

As of 1 January 2025, employers must obtain an opinion from the State Employment Agency (Nodarbinātības valsts aģentūra, NVA) before hiring third-country nationals. This process is standard and does not prevent hiring.

Scholarships and Funding

The Latvian State Scholarship provides monthly support.

• Bachelor's and professional students: EUR 500 per month
• Master's students: EUR 600 per month
• PhD students: up to 11 months annually

Scholarships fund up to 10 months per academic year for bachelor's and master's students. The application window for 2026 to 2027 runs from 1 February to 1 April 2026. Decisions are announced in June.

You must first receive admission (or conditional admission) from a Latvian university before applying. Scholarships are available to citizens of 39 designated countries (28 in Group I, which have signed cooperation agreements in education and science with Latvia, and 11 in Group II, which offer reciprocal scholarships to Latvian citizens). Check the State Education Development Agency (VIAA) website for your country's eligibility.

Individual universities also offer scholarships, though competition is significant. Research specific institution portals for current programs.

Why Latvia for Engineering Students

Latvia offers exceptional value: low tuition, entirely English-taught engineering programs, affordable living costs, and strong labor market connections in technology and logistics sectors. Riga combines historic charm with modern culture, offering museums, music festivals, ballet, and sports events. The Baltic region has growing tech hubs in fintech, software development, and renewable energy, creating employment pathways for engineering graduates.

Universities in Latvia are modern and well-equipped. International student communities are established, with support services tailored to non-Latvian students.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not rely on Latvian language skills. English proficiency alone is sufficient for studies and daily life in Riga.

Apply for your residence permit early. While universities assist, the 90-day window following your arrival is firm. Processing delays affect your enrollment.

Budget conservatively for living costs. While Latvia is affordable, housing in popular student areas increases monthly expenses. Dorms offer the best value.

Do not assume that post-study work is automatic. The master's 9-month extension requires an advance application. Plan this several weeks before graduation.

Sources

• QS World University Rankings 2026 - RTU
• State fee for issuing the residence permit - OCMA (PMLP)
• Visa application fees - Latvia MFA
• Visas and Residence Permits - University of Latvia
• How to apply for a residence permit in to study in Latvia - MFA
• Tuition Fees for Studies in English - RSU
• Fees and Grants - University of Latvia
• Tuition fees - Study in Latvia
• Cost of Living in Latvia - Numbeo
• Student in Latvia - Migration and Home Affairs (EC)
• Latvian state scholarships - VIAA
• Scholarships - Study in Latvia
• Employment of Third-Country Nationals in Latvia - NVA
• A Guide to Latvia Post-Study Work Visa
• The top 4 best universities in Latvia: 2026 rankings