Study in Latvia from Pakistan: Costs, Universities and Student Visa (2026)

Why consider Latvia?

Latvia sits on the Baltic coast between Estonia and Lithuania, and it shares many of the same advantages as its neighbours: moderate tuition, low living costs, and a good number of programs taught in English. Riga, the capital, is a handsome old city with a large student population and prices that feel reasonable next to western European capitals.

For Pakistani students, the appeal is a recognised EU degree without the heavy price tag of countries like the UK or the Netherlands. Latvia has built specific strengths in business, IT, engineering, and medicine, and several universities market their programs directly to international students with clear English application portals. The Schengen visa is another plus, since it lets you travel across most of Europe during breaks.

Latvia is also a calmer, less crowded choice. Application volumes from Pakistan are lower than for the big destinations, which can mean smoother admissions and easier consulate scheduling. If you want Europe on a budget and value a quieter setting, Latvia deserves a place on your list.

How much does it cost to study in Latvia?

Tuition for most English-taught bachelor and masters programs lands between 2,000 and 6,000 euros a year. Some fields, such as medicine and certain specialised programs, cost more, while business and IT often sit in the middle of that range. Always confirm the exact fee on the program page, because amounts differ between universities and even between programs at the same university.

What do living costs look like?

Living in Latvia is gentle on a student budget. A monthly figure of 400 to 670 euros is realistic for most students, which adds up to roughly 4,800 to 8,000 euros across a year. Rent is the main cost, and sharing a flat or taking a dormitory place keeps it down. Food, transport, and everyday extras are all cheaper than in western Europe, and a student transport pass in Riga costs very little.

Which universities accept Pakistani students?

The University of Latvia is the largest and oldest, with a broad range of programs and a strong research base. Riga Technical University is the main choice for engineering, IT, and architecture. RISEBA and the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga focus on business and management, while Riga Stradins University is well known for medicine and health sciences, including English-taught medical programs that attract international students.

Each university runs its own international admissions through an online portal, with requirements that vary by program. A medical degree will demand far more than a business bachelor, so read the specific entry rules rather than assuming they are the same everywhere.

A note on medical programs

Latvia is a popular destination for students chasing an affordable English-taught medical degree in the EU. If that is your plan, confirm how the degree is recognised back home and what licensing steps you would face. Our guide on MBBS abroad for Pakistani students covers the costs and the risks you should weigh before committing.

Can you study in English?

Yes. Latvian universities offer many full degree programs taught entirely in English at bachelor and masters level, and in medicine at the longer program level. You will normally need IELTS, TOEFL, or an accepted equivalent, with a band of about 6.0 to 6.5 covering most courses and competitive ones asking for higher.

If you are still choosing a test, see our comparison of IELTS versus PTE. Certain programs admit students without a separate English test under specific conditions, which we explain in our guide to studying abroad without IELTS.

How do you apply for admission?

Treat the application as a clear sequence. Choose two or three programs that fit your background and check each one’s entry rules and deadline. Gather your documents: transcripts, degree or interim certificate, passport, English test result, statement of purpose, and recommendation letters. Submit through the university portal, pay any fee, and respond quickly to follow up requests.

Latvian intakes usually centre on the September start, with application windows opening months earlier and popular programs closing first. Plan backward from the deadline, and use our month by month timeline as a template. Your academic documents will likely need HEC attestation and legalisation, so begin that step early because it is slow.

How does the Latvian student visa work?

After a Latvian university accepts you, you apply for a long stay (type D) visa, or a temporary residence permit for study, through the Latvian representation that serves Pakistan. The exact route depends on your program length, so confirm which one applies to you. You submit your file and attend an appointment in person.

What does the visa file include?

Plan to provide your admission letter, a valid passport, the application form, photos, proof of paid tuition or the first instalment, proof of sufficient funds for living costs, accommodation evidence, health insurance valid in Latvia, and a clean police character certificate. Some documents may need translation and legalisation. Confirm the current checklist with the Latvian mission before booking, since requirements change from time to time.

Because Latvia is in the Schengen area, the process follows the broader pattern we set out in our Schengen student visa guide. Apply as soon as you have your admission letter, because processing can take several weeks and you do not want to miss the start of term.

How much money do you need to show?

The mission wants proof that you can support yourself for the year without working illegally. You will need to show living funds in line with the official minimum for a full year, plus your tuition. The cleanest evidence is a bank statement with a consistent history over several months, and where accepted, a sponsorship affidavit from a parent with their own bank records attached.

A large deposit that lands days before the appointment tends to raise doubts, so build the balance gradually. For the full picture, read our guides on how much bank balance you need and showing financial proof.

Can you work while studying?

International students in Latvia are generally allowed to work part time alongside their studies, commonly up to 20 hours a week, provided it does not interfere with the course. Riga has the most opportunities, and English speakers can find roles in services and some startups, though many jobs still expect Latvian or Russian. Treat part time work as a way to cover extras rather than your full budget. For how Latvia compares with other countries, see our part time work rules guide.

What happens after you graduate?

Latvia allows graduates to stay for a period to look for work after finishing their degree, and an EU qualification opens doors across the bloc. With a qualifying job offer you can move onto a work residence permit, and skilled roles in IT, engineering, business, and health are in demand. If you later decide to move within Europe, a Latvian degree is recognised across member states.

To see how Latvia stacks up against other destinations on staying and working, read our roundup of countries with post study work visas, and compare it with bigger names in our piece on Europe versus the UK versus Canada. You can browse all our country guides on the destinations page.