Studying medicine in Latvia

Latvia is increasingly establishing itself as an attractive university location for international students who Study medicine would like to study. The degree programme meets European standards and offers flexible admission options.

Advantages of studying medicine in Latvia

The advantages of studying medicine in Latvia (Baltic States) and information about what it can offer you can be found here:

Admission without numerus clausus

A Numerus Clausus (NC) as in Germany is not required in Latvia. Instead, good grades in science subjects and a good command of English count.

Application also possible with a vocational baccalaureate

At some universities, a vocational baccalaureate is sufficient - provided that your performance in biology, chemistry and physics is solid. This offers a valuable alternative for prospective students without a general Abitur.

If you're wondering now, there are even more countries where a Medizinstudium mit Fachabitur is possible.

Medical studies in Latvia: Easy recognition and transfer to Germany possible

After graduation, the university awards the title of Medical Doctor (MD), which is recognised throughout the European Union. It is possible to transfer to a German university after the pre-clinical part of the programme, as are clinical traineeships, Auslandssemester or exchange programmes within Europe.

Living in exciting cities

Riga, the capital, combines a historic city centre with a lively cultural and nightlife scene. Its proximity to the Baltic Sea and numerous parks characterise the cityscape. Student organisations offer a wide range of networking opportunities and leisure activities for medical students.

At which universities can you study medicine in Latvia?

In Latvia, two state universities offer an English-language medical degree programme, which is particularly relevant for prospective international students.

Riga Stradiņš University (RSU)

• Study programmes: Human medicine and dentistry in English at the RSU

• Starting possibilities: Summer and winter semester

• Duration of study: 6 years

• Capacity: Over 600 study places, many of which are for international students - therefore good access opportunities

• Teaching format: Teaching in small groups of approx. 14 students

• International networking: Partnerships with more than 150 universities worldwide - ideal for exchange programmes

Note on the naming: Riga Stradiņš University is named after the Stradiņš family - among the most outstanding personalities are Pauls Stradiņš, born in 1896, who made a name for himself as a surgeon, oncologist, medical historian and professor, and his son Jānis Stradiņš, born in 1933, a chemist, historian of science, professor and academic.

University of Latvia

• Status: Universität von Latvia is the largest and one of the oldest universities in Latvia - ranks among the top 2.5 % worldwide

• Study programmes: Human medicine and dentistry (English-speaking)

• Authorisation: Around 60 new study places for human medicine every year in the winter semester, also selected according to performance-based criteria

• Equipment and reputation: Modern medical facilities and high academic recognition, top national position in the 2021/22 ranking

The universities are ideal for international exchange and for gaining valuable experience. Both universities fulfil EU standards in medical studies and provide graduates with good opportunities for starting a career in the European Union, including Germany. It is important that you obtain specific information about the application deadlines, requirements and tuition fees - for example, directly from the respective university websites or counselling portals.

What requirements do you need to study medicine in Latvia?

Academic qualification

• Abitur or an equivalent university entrance qualification is required. In some universities, a Fachabitur is also sufficient.

• A numerus clausus as in Germany is not required, but the universities do emphasise good grades in science subjects, especially biology and chemistry. Good grades in maths and physics are also helpful.

Language skills

• Lessons are taught entirely in English.

• You need at least a grade 2 in English at school and a language certificate at level B2 or higher.

Application procedure

• In contrast to many other European countries, no entrance test is required. This fact is particularly appreciated by prospective German students.

• The prerequisite for admission is the timely submission of the relevant documents, including school reports and proof of language proficiency.

Structure and content of the medical degree programme in Latvia

Study duration and structure

• The Dauer des Medizinstudiums takes a total of 6 years and is divided into two semesters per academic year.

• The division corresponds to the German study structure and comprises a preclinical and a clinical section.

1st preclinical phase (years 1 and 2)

• Subjects: biology, chemistry, physics, physiology, anatomy

• Teaching mostly in small groups, which enables more intensive support and practical integration

2nd clinical phase (from year 3)

• Contents: Medical subjects such as internal medicine and surgery, Gynaecology, Paediatrics

• Practical training: clinical training and clinical placements take students directly into medical practice fields

• Language requirements: Basic knowledge of Latvian is recommended to ensure effective communication with patients

Specialisation options in medical studies

Riga Stradiņš University (RSU)

• Study programmes: Human medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine as an option

• Possibility of later specialisation in areas such as ChirurgieInternal medicine or paediatrics

University of Latvia

• Offers: in addition to human medicine and dentistry, a Pharmazie-Studiengang

• Further specialisations: Clinical medicine, preventive medicine, health sciences

This diversity allows students to personalise their medical training and plan their professional development in the healthcare sector in a targeted manner.

How much does it cost to study medicine in Latvia?

The total costs are made up of tuition fees and monthly living costs - important for creating a realistic financial plan.

Tuition fees

Riga Stradins University (RSU)

• Human medicine: €6,250 per semester

• Dental studies: on average €7,300 per semester

University of Latvia

• Human medicine: starts at €4,875 per semester in the first year of study and rises to €6,000 per semester in the sixth year

• Dentistry: €7,500 per semester

Cost of living in Latvia

Compared to Germany, the cost of living in Latvia is significantly lower:

• You should budget around €400 to €600 per month - including rent, food, transport and personal expenses

• In Riga in particular, both accommodation and catering are comparatively inexpensive

• For thrifty students, a budget of around €600 per month is realistic

Financing options

The Finanzierung eines Medizinstudiums im Ausland requires careful planning, but there are several reliable options available for students to successfully navigate the financial challenges.

• Scholarships (state or private) can cover both tuition fees and living expenses in full or in part.

• BAföG abroad or special educational loans for students in other EU countries are available.

• Student loans are usually granted at favourable interest rates and do not have to be repaid until after graduation, when the student starts working.

We will be happy to help you analyse and select suitable financing options.

3 exciting facts about Latvia

• Small country - great people! The median height of the total population in Latvia is 175.6 centimetres, putting Latvia in second place worldwide behind the Netherlands.

• Oldest Christmas tree in the world! For a long time, Riga was home to the oldest Christmas tree in the world. A monument to it can currently be seen there.

• Europe's widest waterfall can be admired in Latvia. The Ventas Rumba has an impressive length of 250 metres - although the drop height of around two metres is much more modest than the total length would suggest.

How do I apply to study medicine in Latvia?

Those who opt for a Medizinstudienplatz in Latvia must fulfil a number of formal requirements and submit a complete application by the deadline. The most important documents for the application are

• Certificate of higher education entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur or Fachabitur)

• Letter of motivation with reference to the chosen university

• Proof of English language skills (at least B2 level)

• Medical certificate of medical fitness

• Two letters of recommendation, ideally from teachers or internship supervisors

In the letter of motivation, the applicant should explain clearly and convincingly why he or she wishes to study medicine in Latvia, what the reasons are for choosing the university and why the location seems particularly suitable for his or her own medical training. Good preparation is crucial here - not least because this letter plays a central role in the selection process.

It is possible to start studying at Riga Stradins University (RSU) in both the winter and summer semesters. The University of Latvia, on the other hand, only starts its medical degree programme in the winter semester. It is therefore important to find out about the Bewerbungsfristen of the respective university and to submit all documents in full and on time.