Study in Latvia for Indian Students: Fees, Living Costs, Universities, Part-Time Jobs and Settlement Options

Looking for an affordable European destination for higher education? Latvia is becoming an option worth exploring for international students, including students from India.

Located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, Latvia is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. It offers internationally oriented higher education programmes, English-taught courses and comparatively moderate tuition and living expenses.

For Indian students planning to study in Europe, Latvia may offer an opportunity to earn a European qualification without the high education costs associated with some popular destinations in Western Europe.

But is Latvia really affordable? Which universities should you consider? Can students work part-time? And what are the possibilities of staying in Europe after graduation?

Let’s explore the important details before making a decision.

1. Why Should Indian Students Consider Latvia?

Latvia offers a combination of European higher education, English-taught programmes and relatively affordable living costs.

Some reasons students consider Latvia include:

• Affordable education: Tuition fees at several universities are lower than those in many popular Western European destinations.
• European qualification: Latvia participates in the European Higher Education Area and follows the ECTS credit system.
• English-taught programmes: International students can find programmes taught in English across several academic fields.
• Part-time work opportunities: Eligible international students can work while studying, subject to applicable restrictions.
• International exposure: Students experience a European academic and cultural environment.
• Post-study possibilities: Graduates may have an opportunity to seek employment and qualify for a different residence status.

However, students should remember that studying in Latvia does not automatically guarantee employment or permanent residence in Europe.

2. Tuition Fees in Latvia: How Much Does It Cost?

One of Latvia’s attractions is its comparatively affordable tuition fees. The cost depends on the university, course, qualification level and specialisation.

The following are indicative annual tuition ranges published for international students:

These are indicative figures. The actual tuition fee must be checked against the specific university and intake.

3. Living Expenses in Latvia

Compared with several other European destinations, Latvia can be relatively affordable for international students. The official Study in Latvia portal gives an indicative monthly living-cost range of approximately €450–€700.

Typical expenses may include:

• Student accommodation: Around €70–€120 per month for some dormitory options.
• Shared accommodation: Around €100–€200 per month, depending on the property and location.
• Private apartment: Around €250–€350 or more per month.
• Utilities: Approximately €100–€170, depending on the property and season.
• Internet: Approximately €12–€15 per month.
• Transportation: Student concessions may be available, depending on the city and eligibility.
• Food: Depends on whether students cook at home or regularly eat outside.

Accommodation prices vary considerably. Some rents exclude electricity, heating and other utilities. Riga, the capital, may also be more expensive than smaller university towns.

4. What Is the Total Cost of Studying in Latvia?

Let’s estimate the overall cost for an Indian student considering a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree

• Tuition: Approximately €5,400–€11,400 for three years, using the published Computer Science fee range.
• Living expenses: Approximately €16,200–€25,200 for three years.
• Combined estimate: €21,600–€36,600.

Two-Year Master’s Degree

• Illustrative tuition: €3,600–€12,000 for two years.
• Living expenses: Approximately €10,800–€16,800 for two years.
• Combined estimate: €14,400–€28,800.

These estimates exclude flights, visa and residence-permit expenses, insurance, accommodation deposits, document verification and personal setup costs. Medicine, dentistry and other specialised courses may cost considerably more.

For financial planning, students should also keep an emergency buffer of approximately ₹1.5–₹3 lakh.

INR estimates use an indicative exchange rate of €1 = ₹104.92, dated 6 November 2026. Actual conversion and payment amounts may vary.

5. Best Universities in Latvia for International Students

Latvia has several established universities offering English-taught programmes. The right institution depends on the student’s academic background, preferred course and career objectives.

1. Riga Technical University (RTU)

Popular fields: Engineering, Computer Science, IT and Technology.

RTU is worth considering for students interested in technical and engineering disciplines. It offers a range of technology-oriented study programmes.

Visit official website →

The list is a starting point, not a ranking of every Latvian institution. Before enrolling, check the exact programme’s accreditation, curriculum, tuition, teaching language, internship opportunities and graduate outcomes.

6. Which Courses Should Indian Students Consider?

Students should select courses based on their previous academic qualifications and future career plans.

• Computer Science and IT: Software development, programming, cybersecurity and data-related fields.
• Engineering: Mechanical, electrical, electronics and other technical specialisations.
• Business and Management: International business, management, marketing and entrepreneurship.
• Business Analytics: Data-driven decision-making and business intelligence.
• Logistics and Supply Chain: Transport, warehousing, procurement and international trade.
• Medicine and Health Sciences: Specialist education requiring careful checks of professional recognition and licensing.
• Tourism and Hospitality: Tourism management, hospitality operations and related service industries.

A course should not be selected simply because its tuition fee is low. Students should understand the employment opportunities, professional requirements and recognition of the qualification.

7. Can Indian Students Work Part-Time in Latvia?

Yes. Eligible international students can work while studying in Latvia, subject to the applicable rules.

The general student work arrangements include:

• Bachelor’s students: Generally up to 20 hours per week during the academic period.
• Study holidays: Generally up to 40 hours per week.
• Master’s and PhD students: Official guidance provides for work without the same hourly restriction, subject to applicable conditions.

Students should confirm the rules applicable to their exact programme and residence status before accepting employment.

What Part-Time Jobs Are Available?

Possible job categories include:

• Restaurants, cafés and hotels.
• Kitchen assistant and food service roles.
• Warehouse and logistics work.
• Delivery and courier services.
• Cleaning and housekeeping.
• Customer support.
• IT support and technical internships.
• University assistant or research positions, where available.

How Much Can Students Earn?

Latvia’s statutory minimum monthly wage for full-time work from January 2026 is €780 gross.

For illustration, a student working 20 hours per week at an equivalent minimum hourly rate could earn approximately €390 gross per month. Actual earnings depend on the employment contract, hours worked, tax treatment and job.

Important: Latvian is the official language and is widely used in local workplaces. English may be sufficient for some international companies, IT roles and tourism-related positions, but not knowing Latvian can limit employment opportunities.

Students should not depend on part-time income to pay their entire tuition or living expenses. It is advisable to arrange sufficient funds before travelling.

8. What Happens After Graduation? Can You Stay in Latvia?

Latvia offers post-study possibilities for eligible international graduates who want to look for employment after completing their studies.

The official Study in Latvia guidance describes the following arrangements:

Bachelor’s Graduates

Eligible bachelor’s graduates may receive an additional four-month period after graduation to look for employment or pursue further studies, subject to the applicable residence rules.

Master’s and PhD Graduates

Master’s and doctoral graduates may have the four-month post-study period and may request a further nine-month extension to search for employment. The additional extension is subject to the authorities’ assessment and is not automatic.

Graduates who secure suitable employment must apply for the appropriate employment-based residence status and meet the applicable requirements.

9. Can You Settle in Other European Countries After Studying in Latvia?

Latvia is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. However, having a Latvian student residence permit does not automatically give an Indian graduate the right to work or settle in Germany, France, the Netherlands or another EU country.

If a graduate secures a job in another European country, they generally need to meet that country’s immigration requirements and obtain the relevant work and residence authorisation.

A possible long-term pathway may look like this:

Permanent settlement is not guaranteed by studying in Latvia. It depends on the graduate’s employment, legal residence history and fulfilment of immigration requirements.

10. Scholarships for International Students

Latvia offers state scholarship opportunities for eligible international students. Published monthly scholarship amounts include:

• Bachelor’s students: €500 per month, generally from the second year onwards.
• Master’s students: €600 per month.
• PhD students: €700 per month.

Scholarships have academic and eligibility requirements. Indian applicants should check whether they are eligible for the particular scholarship call and whether their chosen programme qualifies.

Scholarship availability should not be assumed when calculating the initial study budget.

11. Student Visa and Residence Permit for Indian Students

Indian students are non-EU nationals and must obtain the appropriate immigration permission to study in Latvia.

The Latvian Embassy in New Delhi provides specific guidance for Indian student visa applicants. Its published guidance includes a supporting-document verification process through Hello Verify India before submitting the visa application through VFS Global.

Students should check the latest requirements relating to:

• University admission and enrolment documents.
• Financial proof and supporting bank documents.
• Accommodation arrangements.
• Health insurance.
• Document verification and visa fees.
• Residence permit requirements and timelines.

Immigration rules and document requirements can change. Always check the latest official instructions before making travel arrangements.

12. Is Studying in Latvia Worth It?

Latvia can be a worthwhile option for Indian students seeking a European education at a relatively moderate cost. However, the outcome depends heavily on the institution, programme, student’s skills and future career plans.

13. Our Recommendation for Indian Students

If you are considering Latvia, focus on choosing a course with a clear career pathway rather than simply selecting the cheapest available programme.

Some areas worth exploring include:

• Computer Science and Information Technology.
• Engineering and technical specialisations.
• Business Analytics and Management.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
• Medicine and Health Sciences, after checking professional recognition requirements.
• Tourism and Hospitality Management.

Compare universities, course modules, accreditation, internship opportunities, tuition fees and graduate employment prospects before making a decision.

Latvia should be considered an education destination first and an immigration opportunity second. A recognised qualification, relevant work experience and a realistic employment plan are essential.

Useful Official Resources

• Study in Latvia – Official Education Portal
• Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs
• Latvian State Employment Agency
• Academic Information Centre
• State Education Development Agency
• Embassy of Latvia in India

Disclaimer

The tuition fees, living costs, exchange rates and earnings mentioned in this article are indicative estimates and may vary by university, programme, city, employer and individual circumstances. Part-time employment is not guaranteed. Work permissions, post-study residence options, visa approvals and long-term settlement are subject to the current laws and decisions of the relevant Latvian and European authorities. Students should verify course accreditation, professional recognition and immigration requirements through official sources before making financial or academic commitments. This article is for general information and does not guarantee admission, employment, visa approval or permanent residence.