Things To Know Before Studying in Latvia
Things To Know
BEFORE STUDYING IN LATVIA
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Mini Guide About Latvia
Latvia is a member of the European Union and offers world-class education in areas like Engineering, Medicine, Business, Tourism, Public Relations, Banking, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. Latvia provides a secure and modern study environment, globally recognized teaching staff, affordable tuition fees, and low living expenses. The qualifications obtained in Latvia are recognized in all European Union member states. The emphasis of Latvian tertiary education is on active learning and practice.
1. Learning in Latvia is Affordable
Most of the programs provided by Latvian higher education institutions are fee-paying, but the undergraduate tuition fees in Latvia are relatively low compared to the rest of Europe. Latvia study tuition fees vary significantly depending on the institution and the course of study. The foreign courses of study are charged between €1,500 and €15,000 annually. The minimum study tuition fees in Latvia are offered at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, which is between €2, 000 and €3,000 per annum. The cost of living varies in towns. To live in the capital city, Riga, is expensive compared to elsewhere. Accommodation in Valmiera, for example, starts from €150 (student hostel), while in Riga, it starts from €200 and upwards. Transport prices start from €30, while food is €300 per month.
2. Scholarships Available for International Students
Latvia offers various schemes of scholarships to assist foreign students who wish to pursue studies in Latvia. Scholarships are offered for: University-level education in Latvian higher education institutions Research activities in Latvian higher education institutions Participation in summer schools organized by Latvian higher education institutions There are a total of five EU/EEA and non-EU scholarships per programme for Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences. Bachelor's degree: Information Technology, Tourism and organization management Master's level: Business Environment Administration, Media and Information Literacy, Strategic Communication and Governance, Virtual Reality and Smart Technologies, Tourism Competitiveness Management, Gamified Reality Applications For Real-World Challenges And Experiences (Grace) Doctoral level: Business and Economics, Sociotechnical Systems Modelling For additional information, go to https://va.lv/en. Scholarships are administered by the State Education Development Agency (Valsts izglītības attīstības aģentūra – VIAA). Find out more about scholarships here 3. How to Choose Your University There are several universities, colleges, and institutions to choose from in Latvia, not only in the capital city of Riga, but also in the regional capitals. Most of the colleges and universities in Latvia are state-funded and accredited, offering good quality education to prepare you to find a job upon graduation. The Latvian system of higher education separates academic and professional degree courses. Academic courses have a more theoretical nature, while professional courses prepare students for certain professions. Both courses confer Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Diplomas received in Latvia are greatly accepted not only in Europe but around the world. To find the most suitable study program for you, browse the Latvian universities' websites, on which you will find all about their study programs.
3. How to Choose Your University
There are numerous universities, colleges, and institutions to select from in Latvia, not just in the capital city of Riga, but also in regional locations. The majority of the colleges and universities in Latvia are state-funded and accredited, guaranteeing quality education to enable you to find employment after graduation. The Latvian system of higher education differentiates between academic and professional degree studies. Academic studies are more theoretical, while professional studies prepare students for a particular profession. Both categories provide Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Diplomas received in Latvia are widely recognized not just in Europe but all over the world. In order to find your perfect study program, go to the Latvian university websites, where you can receive detailed information about their programs.
4. The Weather
If you are going to study in Latvia, you have to be ready for colder temperatures during a few months in a year. Latvia is situated in the temperate climate zone and has four seasons. You can expect a real winter with subzero temperatures and snow, spring floods, hot summers, and vibrant autumns. Winter in Latvia usually lasts from mid-December to the beginning of March. The temperature can range from +5°C to -30°C, though winters are now generally milder. You’ll need a good winter jacket, hat, scarf, gloves, and waterproof winter boots. Spring may begin as early as late February or as late as late April, lasting until early June. The average temperature in spring is between 0°C and +15°C. Summer begins in June and continues until September, with the average temperature being approximately +19°C, though occasionally it reaches +30°C. The second half of summer can be followed by sharp thunderstorms. Autumn continues from September to December. The temperature usually goes down from +10°C in September to approximately 0°C in November. Sometimes there is an "Indian summer" in the beginning of autumn, when the temperature rises to +20°C, while the first snow may come as early as October or November. In the golden autumn time, leaves become warm reddish-orange and golden colors throughout Latvia.
5. Visa to Study in Latvia
The visa requirement when studying in Latvia varies on the basis of your being an EU/EEA citizen or not. EU/EEA citizens do not require a visa when entering Latvia, but Russia, Belarus, Georgia, China, and other similar countries' citizens will require a visa when they enter Latvia. These students will be provided a Schengen visa that helps them reside within Latvia as well as the Schengen territories. There are some non-EU/EEA nations enjoying this benefit. Keep in mind that international students from the countries mentioned above can reside in Latvia for a period not exceeding 90 days within a half-year duration. If you want to stay longer, you are supposed to apply for a residence permit during or before the first 90 days of your residence. Keep in mind that certain requirements may also differ based on the selected university, so it is very advisable to consult with your university's international coordinator.
Documents required for a visa or residence permit
The whole residence permit procedure lasts longer than 40 days. When the permit is granted, students must submit a health insurance policy (covering all Schengen nations) and fluorography or an X-ray result from a well-known organization in Latvia.
6. Working While Studying
Foreign/international students in Latvia are permitted to work on or off-campus provided that they possess valid residence permit. All full-time students with an existing permit have the right to work part-time for a period not exceeding 20 hours of work per week during study periods and full-time during semester recesses.
7. Travel to Latvia
A number of airline operators, including low-cost carriers, operate to Riga International Airport, and it is therefore possible to get affordable tickets. You can see the list of airlines operating to Riga here: Riga Airport Airlines. Latvia is also accessible by ferry. Riga is linked by ferry with Stockholm (Sweden), and Ventspils is linked with Ninneshamn (Sweden) and Travemunde (Germany). Liepāja city has a ferry connection to Travemunde, Germany. As for now, foreign train routes have only direct connections to Moscow and St. Petersburg in Russia, and Minsk in Belarus. Riga is adequately covered by extensive bus routes. Bus services connect Latvia with Austria, Belgium, Belarus, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Moldova, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, Russia, Switzerland, the UK, and Ukraine. Inquire with your travel agent or transport company for further details.
8. Courses for Learning Language
Universities in Latvia might have an assortment of language support available. Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences offers every international student to attend the course "Latvian Language and Culture" for the learning of elementary expressions and acquaintance with Latvian.
How Thambis Consultancy Helps To Reach Latvia
Thambis Study Abroad Consultancy, a best study abroad consultancy in Kochi, Kerala, offers professional assistance to students who wish to study in Latvia. Equipped with a group of skilled professionals, Thambis Consultancy offers university selection, application processing, visa documentation, and booking of travel. They provide individual counseling for identifying the best institutions in Latvia for students, facilitating a hassle-free admission process. Their extensive knowledge of Latvian universities, courses, and scholarships enables students to make informed choices. Right from the first consultation to pre-departure assistance, Thambis study abroad Consultancy makes it a smooth ride for students wanting to fulfill their dreams in Latvia.
