Riga Technical University
About
Riga Technical University (RTU) is Latvia's largest technical public university, founded in 1862, with degrees recognised by the EU and the diploma recognition centre (ENIC) across engineering, IT, and business — over 35 English-taught programmes with two intakes a year. Entry-level tuition starts at €2,990/year for Computer Systems, and IELTS 5.5 at master's level is among the lowest bars at EU public universities, opening direct access to European job markets.
Riga's tech district thrums with engineering offices, maker spaces, and lab buildings where real projects happen. Student living averages €900–1,100/month, and the city's startup ecosystem makes study feel connected to actual work.
Application deadlines
- SeptemberJul 15
Non-EU / visa-required countries. Exact date TBC — based on 2025 pattern; 2026 deadline not yet published as of Jun 2026.
- September EU/EEAAug 01
EU/EEA applicants.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study at Riga Technical University as a non-EU student?
Tuition for non-EU students at Riga Technical University is €3500 per year. Living costs in Riga are separate.
What IELTS score do you need for Riga Technical University?
English-taught programmes at Riga Technical University typically require IELTS 5.5 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 Riga Technical University offer scholarships?
Institution-specific options: Merit-based scholarships; Erasmus+ scholarships. State scholarship for UA/KZ/UZ. Merit-based for all.
Where is Riga Technical University located?
Riga Technical University is in Riga, Latvia. Kaļķu iela 1, LV-1658 Riga, Latvia
What can you study at Riga Technical University?
Fields offered include: STEM, Computer Science, Business, Engineering.
Accommodation
On-campus dorms, €211-477/month incl. utilities. Fridge €8/mo, Wi-Fi included.
SourceScholarships
- 🎓Merit-based scholarships
- 🎓Erasmus+ scholarships
- 🏛Latvian State Scholarship: €500–700/month (UA/KZ/UZ only)
State scholarship for UA/KZ/UZ. Merit-based for all.
National funding for this destination
Citizenship restrictions
- For citizens of Russia, Belarus admission and visa rules have changed — confirm your current status before applying.
Honestly
Why this works
- Latvia is an EU member — a degree from RTU gives access to European job markets and Schengen travel.
- Entry-level tuition starts at €2,990/year for Computer Systems, well below Western European peers.
- IELTS 5.5 minimum at master's level is one of the lowest English bars among EU public universities.
- RTU is Latvia's largest technical public university, founded 1862, with degrees recognised by the EU and the diploma recognition centre (ENIC).
- Over 35 English-taught programmes span engineering, IT, and business — two intakes per year (September and February).
- University hostel costs roughly €70–75/month, making total living costs among the lowest in the EU.
What to check
- Russian and Belarusian citizens face Latvia admission restrictions since 2022/23 — status for 2026-27 must be confirmed before applying.
- IELTS requirement varies by programme: some bachelor programmes require 6.0, not 5.5 — verify per specific course.
- Riga is a mid-size Baltic capital with a limited local tech job market compared to Western European cities.
- Scholarships and discounts for international students have not been researched — financial aid options are unknown.
- Spring (February) intake is not available for all programmes — confirm the open list with RTU before planning a February start.
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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