University of University of Latvia Latvia Study abroad
Information:
University of Latvia - www lu lv/en
Faculty of Science and Technology - eztf lu lv/en
Campus of the University of Latvia
Riga, LV-1004, Latvia
international.fst@lu.lv
Welcome to Latvia,
a member of the eu
Located in Northern Europe on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea, Latvia is one of the three Baltic states, alongside Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south Latvia’s geographical position makes it a natural link between Northern and Eastern Europe
The country’s capital, Riga, serves as the political, economic and cultural centre of the nation
1.850.000
64.589 22 inhabitants km² of total area years in the EU
Safe, friendly, welcoming, and student-centered environment
Good quality of life with affordable living costs compared to many EU countries
Compact cities with easy transportation and balanced lifestyle
High-quality study programmes in English, ensuring global opportunities
Access to internships and jobs across the European Union
Strong IT and tech ecosystem with growing career opportunities
Rich culture, vibrant festivals, and an active international student community
Beautiful nature, from seaside beaches to forests and stunning landscapes
Discover your future in Latvia!
University of Latvia
Scientiae et Patriae
Now the largest university in Latvia with more than 16,000 students, the University of Latvia (UL) was founded in 1919 The UL is the top-ranked university in Latvia, ranked 25th in Europe for student employability, and placed among the top 5% of universities worldwide. It is also recognized for high-quality programmes across a broad academic spectrum In addition, the UL is a major national research institution, conducting internationally recognized research across the natural sciences, life sciences, and the humanities
16,000+ 1919
7 students founded faculties
30+ #1
4% programmes in English university in Latvia globally
The UL campus is the main driving force in building the knowledge mile in Riga. Torņakalns campus already has the most modern study and research environment in the Baltics, where almost 90% of the university's students and employees will be concentrated after the opening of the House of Letters
FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Be a Student
at the Faculty of Science and technology
As a student at the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), you’ll have the opportunity to join research projects during your studies, gaining valuable hands-on experience alongside leading academics You won’t just graduate with strong career prospects and competitive earning potential you’ll build a profession that truly matters, contributing to innovations and solutions that make a positive impact on society
2,000+ 5:1 25+ students student to teacher ratio Erasmus exchange countries
5 24/7 7% study programmes in English available study places international students
With modern laboratories, strong industry connections, and a welcoming study environment in one of Europe’s greenest and livable regions, FST offers the perfect balance between academic excellence and quality of life
Campus of the University of Latvia
in torņakalns, Riga
HOUSE OF NATURE
HOUSE OF LETTERS
HOUSE OF SCIENCE
Bachelor's
STUDY PROGRAMMES at the fst
At the bachelor’s level, the faculty offers two comprehensive study programmes designed to provide students with strong academic foundations and practical skills in their chosen fields
The Computer Science
and modern information technologies It prepares graduates for careers in the rapidly evolving IT sector, as well as for further studies at the master’s level
The Optometry
programme equips students with essential knowledge in programming, software development, data analysis, focuses on vision care, eye health, and clinical practice. Students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on
experience, enabling them to pursue professional careers in healthcare or continue their studies in specialized fields
Welcome to the Community!
This clickable handbook will be your reliable ally to navigate the university world and the everyday life of a student. University is not just lectures and examinations – here, people meet, friendships flourish, ideas take shape and dreams are born It is a space where knowledge grows, and, moreover, confidence in one ’ s abilities raises
Computer Science
bachelor s study programme
Computer Science is a dynamic, hands-on study programme designed for the modern world It builds powerful programming skills, offers real-world experience in IT companies, and lays a rocksolid foundation for an international career If you ’ re excited by technology, innovation, and the idea of building things that actually matter, this is where it starts
Breakdown of the Programme (in ECTS)
CORE FOUNDATIONS (40):
Mathematics and quantitative methods (21)
Business and management (12)
Communication, law and society (7)
COMPUTER SCIENCE FUNDAMENTALS (69):
Programming and software development (25)
Systems and architecture (11)
Data and web technologies (12)
Theoretical computer science (6)
Integrated project (12)
INTERNSHIP (26)
FINAL THESIS (18)
ELECTIVE COURSES (87)
Computer Science
Optometry
bachelor s study programme
Optometry is the beginning of your journey toward making a real impact in society – because seeing better means living better The Bachelor’s study programme provides a strong foundation, combining healthcare and natural sciences knowledge with problem-solving skills. Throughout your studies, you will learn how the human visual system works, including its anatomy, underlying processes, and optical principles The programme blends theoretical knowledge and practical learning and provides a strong basis for studying clinical optometry on Master's that is necessary to become a qualified optometrist.
Optometry
Master's
STUDY PROGRAMMES at the fst
At the master’s level, the faculty offers study programmes in Physics, Mathematics and Data Science, and Clinical Optometry, providing students with strong academic foundations, analytical skills, and practical experience in their respective fields.
The Physics
master’s programme allows to deepen knowledge in a chosen branch of physics or in an interdisciplinary field
The skills and expertise gained during the programme prepare graduates for both academic careers and professional roles beyond research institutions
The The Mathematics and Data Science
Mathematics, and Pure Mathematics, each providing in-depth and distinctive expertise.
Clinical Optometry
is the leading advanced programme in mathematical sciences among universities in Latvia. The programme offers three specialisations: Data Science, Technology programme is designed to ensure the growth of the young optometrist as a specialist, acquiring knowledge, skills and competences that meet both the standard
requirements of the optometrist profession, and those of the optometrist profession defined in Europe, and Category 3 requirements of the World Council of Optometry
Welcome to the Community!
This clickable handbook will be your reliable ally to navigate the university world and the everyday life of a student. University is not just lectures and examinations – here, people meet, friendships flourish, ideas take shape and dreams are born It is a space where knowledge grows, and, moreover, confidence in one ’ s abilities raises.
Physics
master's study programme
2 YEARS
At the Physics Master’s programme, you will work alongside researchers, gain hands-on experience with modern laboratory equipment, and contribute to real scientific projects across a range of fields – from quantum physics to astrophysics Studies take place in small groups, allowing for close interaction with professors and individual supervision throughout the programme For EU citizens University provides 20 state funded study places for the best students.
Breakdown of the Programme (in ECTS)
COMPULSORY STUDIES (30):
Advanced physics foundations (15)
Computational and numerical methods (6)
Research laboratory work (9)
ELECTIVE COURSES (51):
Wide range of courses within the programme, allowing you to specialise in areas such as quantum, atomic and molecular physics, solid-state and materials physics, continuous matter physics, modelling and computational physics, or astrophysics It is also possible to combine physics courses with other study programmes to specialise, for example, in quantum technologies or applied nuclear physics and chemistry
INTERNSHIP (9)
MASTER'S THESIS (30)
Mathematics and Data science
master's study programme
2 YEARS
The Master’s programme is a flexible, research-driven study path designed for those who wish to delve into the depths of modern mathematics and data science. It offers the opportunity to specialize in areas such as probability theory and mathematical statistics, statistical and deep machine learning, numerical methods, and theoreticalmathematics The programme prepares you for careers in data science, advanced analytics, and technology-driven industries, as well as forfurther doctoral study. If you ’ re passionate about problem-solving, criticalthinking, and shaping the future with mathematics and data science, this is where it begins
Breakdown of the Programme (in ECTS)
CORE STUDIES (51)
Statistical Inference and Data Science (15)
Applied Mathematics for Optimization and Computation (24)
Hands-on Machine Learning (12)
SPECIALISATION IN DATA SCIENCE (33)
PRACTICAL COMPONENT AND THESIS (33)
ADDITIONAL ELECTIVE COURSES (3)
Mathematics and Data Science
Clinical Optometry
professional master's study programme (2 years)
2 YEARS
The Professional Master’s degree in Clinical Optometry trains highly skilled primary vision care professionals who are in demand in the modern healthcare system. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge of the visual system and diagnostics, latest vision correction techniques, along with extensive clinical training in various areas, including pediatric optometry, low vision, and vision therapy Students with a Bachelor’s degree in Optometry complete the programme in two years, while others follow a three-year path. Graduates earn the professional qualification of Optometrist, fully prepared to provide top level vision care or pursue doctoral studies and advance the field through research
Breakdown of the 2-year Programme (in ECTS)
CORE FOUNDATIONS (30) General optometry and medical basics
CLINICAL OPTOMETRY (39): Visual system, eye diseases, and diagnostics
CLINICAL PRACTICE (39): Supervised internships in clinical settings
FINAL THESIS AND QUALIFICATION EXAM (33)
Master’s thesis (30)
Professional qualification exam (3)
16 STUDY
LIMITED CHOICE ELECTIVE COURSES (15): Specialised optometry topics, academic courses, language and optional electives
Clinical Optometry
Clinical Optometry
professional master's study programme (3 years)
Breakdown of the 3-year Programme (in ECTS)
CORE FOUNDATIONS (63)
Introductory courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and cell pathology (21)
General optometry and medical basics (42)
CLINICAL OPTOMETRY (39): Advanced diagnostics, contact lenses, visual perception, and special topics
CLINICAL PRACTICE (39): Supervised internships in clinical settings
FINAL THESIS AND QUALIFICATION EXAM (33):
Master’s thesis (30)
Professional qualification exam (3)
LIMITED CHOICE ELECTIVE COURSES (54):
Pre-professional courses (microbiology, neurophysiology, vision and aging, optics) (39)
Professional and academic electives, language, and optional courses (15)
Science Without Borders
At the Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Latvia, international collaboration is part of everyday academic life. Our students, researchers and partners work within a broad European network of universities, laboratories and research initiatives.
From study exchanges and collaborative research to international innovation labs, we create opportunities to learn, discover and innovate together across borders
A European University Network
FORTHEM Alliance, a partnership of nine universities working together to shape the future of European higher education and research
Through this alliance, students and researchers gain access to a shared European campus with international learning paths, collaborative research initiatives and crossborder innovation.
Study Across Europe
Through the Erasmus+ programme, students and staff can study, teach and collaborate at partner universities across Europe.
Mobility opportunities include:
Semester or year-long study exchanges
Short-term blended mobility programmes
International internships and research placements
Teaching and staff training exchanges
Scholarships
The Latvian state scholarship offers international students the opportunity to study at the University of Latvia with financial support provided by the Latvian government through the State Education Development Agency
Latvian State Scholarships
International students from 30+ partner countries can apply for Latvian State Scholarships to study at universities in Latvia Available for Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD students studying in English or Latvian
Monthly Support:
€500 – Bachelor’s students
€600 – Master’s students
€700 – PhD students
Funding duration Up to 10–11 months
Applications: 1 February – 1 April
Applications are submitted online after receiving confirmation from the university.
Cl ck the link or scan the QR code for full eligibility requirements, partner countries and appl cation details
Life in Riga
Located in Northern Europe at the crossroads between Scandinavia and Central Europe, Riga is the capital of the Republic of Latvia The city lies on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea, at the mouth of the River Daugava. Riga is approximately 300 km south of Tallinn, 300 km north of Vilnius and about 600 km northeast of Berlin, forming a strategic gateway between the European Union and Northern Europe
Riga is internationally recognised for its outstanding architectural and cultural heritage. The historic centre of the city – Riga Old Town– is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its medieval street pattern and one of the worlds richest collections of Art Nouveau architecture
Riga also features a dynamic contemporary and alternative cultural scene, creative quarters and annual international festivals that attract visitors from across Europe.
Average monthly living expenses in Riga:
Total living expenses: €740 Culture
Accommodation in UL dormitories: from €187
Public transport: €15
Groceries: €300–350
Mobile & internet: €20
How to Apply
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Check eligibility & programme requirements on programme pages
Gather diploma(s), transcripts, CV, motivation letter, language certificate
Notarised English translations required for non-English documents
Step 2: Submit Online Application
Create an account and fill out the application form
Upload all required documents in PDF
Pay the €170 registration fee
Step 3: Diploma Recognition & Approval
UL coordinator sends documents for diploma recognition (4–6 weeks)
Programme director evaluates for admission
Step 4: Legalisation of Documents (if from non-EU/EEA country)
Legalise diploma & transcripts according to Hague Convention
Required before applying for visa or residence permit
Step 5: Accommodation & Visa
Apply for UL residence hall if needed
EU citizens: register at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs
Non-EU citizens: apply for visa/residence permit at Latvian embassy
Step 6: Arrival & Registration
Collect student card & login credentials at International Students Unit
Meet faculty, attend orientation, register for courses
Complete residence permit/health insurance/bank account setup