Tuition Fees for Medicine (MBBS / MD), Dentistry, and Veterinary programs in Latvia
Thousands of international students look to study medical programs in Europe each year. Among the many reasons, the one that stands out is the low cost of studying. The same extends to Latvia. The cost of medical studies in Latvia is considered highly affordable. The cost of living in the country is far less than in countries such as the US, the UK, and Canada.
To give you an idea, the average cost of general medicine in Latvia is EUR 10,238-12,000. The other popular medical program in Latvia is Dentistry. Annual tuition fees for Dentistry programs are EUR 14,000-15,000.
There are only two medical universities in Latvia offering these programs. The University of Latvia and Riga Stradins University are among the top in Latvia. They are also ranked exceptionally well in global rankings.
This article will cover the cost of medical programs in Latvia. You can also get a rough estimate of the living costs in Latvia as an international student.
Tuition fees for medicine (MBBS / MD) in Latvia
Latvian general medicine programs are offered as long-cycle masters. Students who have completed high school are eligible to apply. You can apply to Latvian universities easily through Gyanberry. The duration of medicine programs in Latvia is six years.
The following table presents the annual tuition fees for international students.
| University | Annual Tuition Fee in EUR | Annual Tuition Fee in USD* |
| University of Latvia | 10,238 | 10,397 |
| Riga Stradins University | 12,000 | 12,186 |
The total cost of studying medicine for all six years will be EUR 61,428-72,000.
Cost of studying dentistry in Latvia
Dentistry in Latvia is a five-year program. It is considered a long-cycle master’s program. International students can apply for dentistry after their high school graduation.
The University of Latvia and Riga Stradins University both offer Dentistry in English. Dentistry degrees are available as Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine.
The annual tuition fee for the program is presented below.
| University | Annual Tuition Fee in EUR | Annual Tuition Fee in USD* |
| University of Latvia | 15,000 | 15,232 |
| Riga Stradins University | 14,000 | 14,216 |
For all five years, the total program will cost EUR 70,000-75,000.
Cost of studying veterinary in Latvia
There is only one university in Latvia that offers a Veterinary program. Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technology offers a Veterinary program in English. It is offered as a long-cycle program and is open to international applicants. The duration is six years.
The Veterinary program costs EUR 8,000 for one academic year. This roughly converts to USD 8,124.
Cost of living in Latvia
From the perspective of international students, Latvia is very affordable. The average cost of living for international students is EUR 4,800-8,400 per year. The actual cost of living may be higher. Every student’s expense habits determine their actual cost of living.
The below table presents an estimate of typical monthly living expenses in Latvia.
| Particulars | Monthly expenses in EUR | Monthly Expenses in USD* |
| Accommodation | 70-350 | 71-355 |
| Utilities | 100-170 | 101-173 |
| Internet connection | 12-15 | 12-15 |
| Food | 300-540 | 305-548 |
| Public transport | 5-15 | 5-15 |
| Total Monthly Expense | 487-1,090 | 494-1,106 |
* Tuition costs and living expenses are converted to USD at 1 EUR – 1.02 USD. Please note that currency exchange rates change from time to time.
Scholarships for international students
Some countries share an agreement with Latvia. This agreement allows the Latvian government to offer scholarships to citizens of those countries. The scholarship award is provided as
- EUR 500 per month for undergraduate and graduate students
- EUR 700 per month for doctoral students
Riga Stradins University students can receive tuition discounts. RSU offers discounts to its students in the English-taught General Medicine and Dentistry programs. The discounts are given to encourage academic merit in the university.
The eligibility for tuition fee discounts is determined in the following manner.
| Category | Discount | No. of Recipients | Eligibility Criteria | Year of Study |
| Academic Excellence | 25% of semester fee | 36 (bachelor’s and master’s) and 4 (Ph.D.) | Weighted average grade in the previous semester: 8.5 | For students in 3rd to 6th years |
| Social Support | 10% of semester fee | Decided by the Faculty Council | Supporting documents to prove the need for financial support | For students in 2nd to 6th years |
Scholarships can further reduce the cost of medical studies in Latvia. Besides the scholarships mentioned above, students can also apply for Gscholar.
Gscholar is Gyanberry’s scholarship initiative. Students applying to Latvian universities via Gyanberry can enjoy the benefit of tuition discounts for their first year.
