Latvia keeps tuition and living costs low, and at many universities charges non-EU students the same fees as EU citizens — an unusual and welcome exception in European higher education.
Guidance only, not legal advice. Not an immigration lawyer or agent. Learn more →
Latvia rarely makes the shortlist families draw up on their own — which is exactly why it is worth including here. It offers genuinely affordable business, IT, and engineering programmes, largely taught in English, and unlike many countries, several universities do not charge non-EU students significantly more than EU students. Visa processing is also comparatively fast, at 30 to 60 days.
Riga is home to the country's main technical and medical universities — including Riga Technical University and Riga Stradiņš University — and offers the widest range of English-taught programmes. Living costs are noticeably lower than in most EU capitals.
Latvia's international recognition is not as globally established as Germany's or France's, so students prioritising maximum brand prestige may look elsewhere. For families prioritising cost and a straightforward process, it is one of the strongest options in this entire guide.
Tuition: €2,000–7,500/year for most programmes
Tuition (medicine): up to €15,000/year
Living costs: €400–700/month, lower outside Riga
Visa fee: approximately €60
Processing time: 30–60 days
Book your €25 Country-Fit Assessment Call to see if Latvia's equal fees and fast processing suit your family. Credited in full toward any guidance package.