University of Latvia

Overview

Founded in 1919, the University of Latvia (Latvijas Universitāte) is Latvia’s largest and most established public research university. Based mainly in Riga’s Torņakalns neighborhood, it is widely respected for research-led teaching across the humanities, life sciences, and an expanding portfolio of STEM degrees. If you’re comparing universities in the Baltic region, you’ll likely want to review how the University of Latvia fits alongside other options such as Riga Technical University (engineering and technology) and Rīga Stradiņš University (medicine and health sciences).

2. General Information

Name	University of Latvia (Latvijas Universitāte)
Established	September 28, 1919
Type	Public research university
Location	Riga, Latvia (multiple campuses)
Website	https://www.lu.lv
Accreditation	Ministry of Education and Science
Students	~15,000 (including international students)
Academic Staff	Approximately 1,300

3. Fee Structure

Tuition varies by program, study level, and language of instruction. Below is an indicative range for planning purposes; you should confirm the exact fee for your chosen degree on the university’s official program page.

Program	Tuition Fee (Annual, EUR)
Bachelor’s (Humanities/Social Sciences)	2,000–3,500
Bachelor’s (Natural Sciences/IT)	3,000–4,500
Master’s Programs	2,500–5,000
Medicine (English)	12,000
PhD Programs	3,000–7,000 (often subsidized)

4. Academic Programs

Faculty of Humanities (History, Philosophy, Theology)
Faculty of Social Sciences (Economics, Political Science)
Faculty of Computing (Computer Science, IT)
Faculty of Medicine
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Physics and Mathematics
Faculty of Chemistry
Faculty of Education and Psychology
Business Administration (MBA available)

For applicants comparing program focus across the region, it can also help to check how specialist universities position themselves. For example, the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies is a stronger fit if your interests lean toward agriculture, environment, and related applied sciences.

5. Facilities

National Library of Latvia (cooperative access)
Modern science laboratories (including nanotechnology center)
University Botanical Garden (research and study resource)
Student House with cafeteria and event spaces
Sports Center with swimming pool and fitness facilities
Career Center providing internship opportunities
Startup incubator for student entrepreneurs

Beyond labs and libraries, the university’s study support is designed to connect academic work with professional outcomes. If you want to broaden your options, you may also find it useful to compare campus resources with another technical-focused school like Riga Technical University.

6. Accommodation

The university offers several dormitory options for students, primarily located in the Ķīpsala and Torņakalns districts. While spaces can be limited, international students are typically given priority during the allocation process. Most dormitories feature shared kitchens and common areas, and some rooms with more privacy may be available at higher rates.

Dormitory fees: 90–180 EUR/month
Private housing in Riga: 300–600 EUR/month
All dormitories include internet access
24/7 security in university housing

If you are considering moving beyond Riga for a different campus experience, the University of Daugavpils is another option worth reviewing for students who prefer life in a smaller city.

7. Contact Information

Phone: +371 67034301
Address: Raiņa bulvāris 19, Riga, LV-1586, Latvia

More Universities in Latvia

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