Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU)
About
Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies in Jelgava is a public, EU-accredited university offering agriculture and engineering degrees from €2,500/year (IELTS 6) — among the lowest tuition for English-taught EU programmes. Bachelor's students can work up to 20 hours/week, with no limit for master's and PhD students, on the path to the EU labour market.
Jelgava is a quiet regional city south of Riga, built around agriculture and engineering culture. It's slower-paced than the capital, with low living costs (around €600/month) and a genuine student community rather than a tourist bubble.
Application deadlines
- Spring intake 2027 — non-EUNov 15
Nov 15 deadline for visa-required applicants; Dec 15 for non-visa-required. Start February. Only Information Technologies, Business Management, and Sociology of Organizations/Public Administration offer spring intake. 8-field doctoral admission is rolling/year-round, not itemized above.
- Autumn intake 2026 — non-EU15 June
Page states a standing annual rule: visa-required applicants by 15 June, non-visa applicants by 15 July, for autumn-semester (September) bachelor's and master's programmes. Source: https://www.lbtu.lv/en/how-to-apply
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study at Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) as a non-EU student?
Tuition for non-EU students at Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) is €2500 per year. Living costs in Jelgava are separate.
What IELTS score do you need for Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU)?
English-taught programmes at Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) typically require IELTS 6 or equivalent. Confirm the exact requirement per programme on the official admissions page.
How much money do you need to show for a student visa to Latvia?
For a student residence permit in Latvia you must prove €9,360 per year (2026, PMLP — necessary subsistence: https://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/necessary-subsistence-0).
Does Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) offer scholarships?
Latvian State Scholarship available for UA/KZ/UZ (cycle 2026/27 currently closed; check studyinlatvia.lv). RU/BY not eligible for state scholarship.
Where is Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) located?
Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) is in Jelgava, Latvia. Lielā iela 2, LV-3001 Jelgava, Latvia
What can you study at Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU)?
Fields offered include: Agriculture, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Computer Science, Business.
Accommodation
Jelgava city — much cheaper housing than Riga. Dorms approx €80-150/month. Private rentals €200-400/month.
SourceScholarships
- 🏛Latvian State Scholarship: €500–700/month (UA/KZ/UZ only)
Latvian State Scholarship available for UA/KZ/UZ (cycle 2026/27 currently closed; check studyinlatvia.lv). RU/BY not eligible for state scholarship.
National funding for this destination
Honestly
Why this works
- Public university with EU-accredited degrees recognised across Europe and the Schengen area.
- Tuition of €2,500 per year is among the lowest for English-taught programmes in the EU.
- IELTS 6.0 entry threshold is accessible without top-band preparation.
- Agriculture and engineering degrees open direct pathways to EU labour markets after graduation.
- Bachelor students may work up to 20 hours per week; Master and PhD students face no hour limit.
- Dormitory costs as low as €100–250 per month make Jelgava significantly cheaper than Riga.
What to check
- Jelgava is a small city of ~55,000; nightlife, internship, and networking opportunities are limited.
- Daily life outside campus requires Latvian; English suffices academically but not in shops or offices.
- Specific program names, deadlines, and scholarship details are not yet published for 2026-27 — verify before applying.
- Agriculture and life-sciences specialisations have a narrow employer base outside rural or EU agri-sector.
- Winter temperatures regularly reach −15 °C; students from Central Asia or the Caucasus face a harsh climate adjustment.
Need help with your application?
Two ways to move forward — pick what suits you.
AI consultant
Step-by-step guidance on your route: documents, deadlines, visa questions — available any time.
€19/mo · or €29 once — until the balance runs out
Open AI consultantHuman application support
A real advisor reviews your case and helps you apply.
We handle the application with you — from documents to submission.
Eligibility check is free; application support is a paid service — terms are agreed before we start.
Request human supportFind your route to this institution
Answer a few questions about your profile — we'll check if this institution fits and show realistic alternatives.
These fields in the country
Tuition and deadlines change with each academic year — the date beside the figures says when we last confirmed them on the official source. Visa rules are set by governments and can change between our checks.
We break down figures like these in the channel — each one with a source and a date. Open the channel