Studying in Latvia for Ukrainians
Admission to Latvian universities is mainly done online: applicants submit their applications through university websites, upload documents and their translations, and the university checks their compliance with the requirements. After admission, the university sends an official letter of acceptance, which is required to obtain a student visa or residence permit in Latvia.
Required documents
Depending on the level of study, applicants will need the following documents to apply to Latvian universities:
- Certificate of complete secondary education or diploma with supplement (depending on the level of study);
- Transcript of Records — a statement of grades, often required along with the diploma;
- Translation of documents (in Latvian or English) certified by a notary;
- Passport for identification;
- CV (resume) and motivation letter — usually for master's and PhD programs;
- Language proficiency certificate or university assessment (B2).
❗ Some documents also require an apostille, which can be ordered at the same time as a notarized translation on the Visit Ukraine website.
Additionally, you may need:
- Letters of recommendation — usually required for master's and PhD programs; they are written by teachers or employers to confirm your abilities.
- Legalization of documents (Apostille) — some universities require this in addition to a notarized translation.
- Internal test or interview — may be part of specific program requirements.
- Portfolio — for creative majors (design, art, architecture).
👉 In many cases, universities check documents through the Academic Information Centre (AIC) to confirm their equivalence to Latvian standards.
Exams and preparatory year
Entrance exams are usually not required. Some universities conduct:
- online interviews;
- profile tests (IT, medicine).
A preparatory year is available for those who do not have a sufficient level of language proficiency.
How to submit documents
You can submit documents to a Latvian university directly through the website of the selected educational institution or using the official platform for applicants — Study in Latvia. Submission of documents through the consulate is not provided for.
Deadlines for applicants
Deadlines for submitting documents to Latvian universities usually depend on the semester.
- For the fall semester, they run from March to July;
- For the spring semester (not available in all programs) — from October to November.
Nostrification: when is it needed?
Nostrification is not always necessary, but it is often required for admission to state universities in Latvia. This is a procedure during which the Academic Information Centre (AIC) checks and confirms that your Ukrainian diploma or certificate meets Latvian educational standards.
To study in Latvia, Ukrainian citizens need a long-term D visa or a temporary residence permit.
The main stages of the application process are as follows:
- The university sends an official letter of admission confirming that you have been accepted for a full course of study.
- Based on this letter, you submit documents for a D visa at the embassy or, if you are already in Latvia, for a temporary residence permit at the OCMA.
- You must confirm that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses during your studies (bank statements, scholarship, or sponsor's guarantee).
- Medical insurance is mandatory — it must cover treatment and emergencies and be valid for the entire period of stay.
Upon arrival, the student applies for a temporary residence permit for study, usually for 1 year with the possibility of extension. This allows you to legally live and study in Latvia.
💡 If you are unsure what type of residence permit you need or how to complete the paperwork correctly, Visit Ukraine specialists can provide consultation on education issues and help you navigate all the formalities.
Most Latvian universities offer student dormitories, which makes moving and the first year of study easier. Unlike in Ukraine, dormitory accommodation is not provided automatically — you need to apply after being admitted to the university.
Living conditions in dormitories:
- Rooms for 1–2 people, shared kitchen and bathroom;
- Some dormitories have fully equipped rooms, others have basic amenities;
- Additionally, there are often laundries, Wi-Fi, bicycle parking, and common rooms;
- Cost of accommodation: from €70 to €300 per month, depending on the city and type of room;
- A deposit may be required, usually equivalent to 1–2 months' rent.
If a dormitory is not suitable or there are no vacancies, you can rent accommodation:
- Room: €250-400/month;
- 1-room apartment: €400-700/month;
- Utilities (electricity, water, heating, internet): €100–150/month;
Popular websites for finding accommodation in Latvia
The cost of studying in Latvia depends on the university, faculty, and program. The specific cost should always be checked on the university's website, as it depends on the specialty and educational institution. Approximate annual fees:
- Bachelor's degree: ~ €1,600 – €6,000 per year;
- Master's degree: ~€2,000–€6,000 per year;
- Medical and dental programs: ~€8,000–€15,000 per year;
- Executive MBA and specialized programs: can reach €25,000.
Studying in English is always paid — even at state universities.
Additional expenses for students in Latvia
In addition to tuition and housing, students need to consider living expenses and everyday needs.
- Food and household expenses: ~€150–250/month.
- Textbooks and learning materials: ~€50–150 per year.
- Internet, transportation, and other small expenses: ~€50–150/month.
In total, a student can spend approximately €450–800 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle.
Is health insurance mandatory?
Yes, health insurance is a mandatory requirement for living and studying in Latvia. Even if a student has other grounds for legal residence, a valid insurance policy covering the following is required to obtain or extend a temporary residence permit:
- visits to doctors;
- diagnosis and treatment of diseases;
- hospitalization;
- emergency medical care.
👉 For convenience, students can take out international insurance that meets the requirements of the Latvian Migration Service and is suitable for studying.
Education in Latvia is always paid for foreigners, but Ukrainian students can count on additional financial support in the form of state and university scholarships, grants, or partial benefits. Some of the programs are general, and some are created specifically for students from Ukraine after 2022 in connection with the war.
Special scholarships for Ukrainians
Latvian State Scholarships
- Available for bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs.
- Approximate amounts: €500–700/month depending on the level of education.
- Duration of payments: 10–11 months of the academic year.
These scholarships partially cover living and tuition costs, but do not make education completely free.
University grants and internal scholarships
- Many universities provide support on a competitive basis:
- partial coverage of tuition fees;
- monthly financial assistance for living and food expenses;
- vouchers or assistance for textbooks and learning materials.
Check the “Scholarships” section on the website of the specific university.
European mobility programs
Erasmus
- Allows you to study for 1–2 semesters or a full course in Latvia through an exchange program.
- Partially covers living, transportation, and tuition costs.
- Suitable for bachelor's and master's degrees.
Nordplus and Bilateral Agreements
- Exchange programs or short-term internships with financial support.
- May be available to Ukrainian students through partner universities.
Is free education possible?
State scholarships and university grants can partially reduce costs, but completely free education for Ukrainians is only available in exceptional cases (e.g., participation in exchange programs).
In most cases, students only pay mandatory administrative fees, such as a student union fee (~€10-20/semester).
How to search for and apply for scholarships?
- Check the “Scholarships / Funding” section on the website of your chosen university.
- Use government portals for students and international grants.
- Consult with the international department of the university after enrollment to clarify the conditions for receiving support.