Studying medicine in Latvia

Advantages of studying medicine in Latvia

With so many European universities offering medical studies, it's easy to lose track. The advantages of studying medicine in Latvia (Baltic States) and information about what it can offer you can be found here:

Numerus Clausus is not a problem here

An NC is not everything. In contrast to universities in Germany, you do not need a 1.0 NC in Latvia to be admitted to a medical degree programme. Universities in Latvia prioritise good grades in science subjects and a good command of English.

Studying with a vocational baccalaureate possible

If you do not have an Abitur, you can also apply to a few universities in Latvia with a specialised Abitur. Good grades in science subjects are also important here. If you are now wondering: there are even other countries where a Studying medicine with a specialised baccalaureate is possible.

Medical studies in Latvia: Easy recognition and transfer to Germany possible

After successfully completing your medical studies in Latvia, you will be awarded the title "Medical Doctor" (MD). This is recognised throughout the European Union. You therefore have the opportunity to work as a doctor in Germany or another EU country after completing your studies.

As studying medicine in Latvia is very similar to studying in Germany, you could transfer to a German university after the pre-clinical phase. In addition, numerous exchange programmes allow you to do clinical traineeships or Semester abroad at universities in Germany or other EU countries.

Exciting student city and culturally rich country

In your free time, you can discover a lot and enjoy your student life alongside your medical studies in Latvia. Beautiful beaches on the Baltic Sea invite you to enjoy a beach holiday, and you can admire Latvia's green nature in the numerous national parks.

Life for medical students in the capital Riga is always exciting. The city offers a diverse cultural programme and an active nightlife with numerous nightlife options. On sunny days, you can enjoy the city's picturesque Baltic Sea beaches or relax in one of the many parks. Riga also has a large number of student organisations with cultural, social and sporting activities. A great way to make friends quickly.

At which universities can you study medicine in Latvia?

It is possible to study medicine in Latvia at six state universities, of which these two universities in Riga are particularly suitable for foreign medical students.

Riga Stradiņš University (Stradins University), Latvia

Studying medicine at the Riga Stradins University (RSU) starts in both the summer and winter semesters and lasts six years. The language of instruction is English. As the university offers over 600 places and a large proportion of these to international students, the chances of gaining a place are good.

The degree programmes offered in the field of medicine are human medicine and dentistry. Accordingly, these options are open to you to complete your medical studies abroad.

Teaching at Stradins University is of a high quality and largely takes place in small groups of around 14 students. RSU also has partnerships with over 150 other universities and colleges, which ensures an international exchange to gain further experience.

Background to the name of Stradins University

The university was named after the Stradiņš family, which has its roots in Viesīte. Members of the Stradiņš family have achieved professional recognition and success both in Latvia and internationally. Among the most outstanding personalities are Pauls Stradiņš, born in 1896, who made a name for himself as a surgeon, oncologist, medical historian and professor, and his son Jānis Stradiņš, born in 1933, a chemist, historian of science, professor and academic.

University of Latvia, Latvia

The University of Latvia is not only one of the oldest and largest universities in Latvia, it is also among the top 2.5% of the world's best higher education institutions and achieved first place in the national ranking in 2021/22. Both human medicine and dentistry can be studied here in English. 60 new medical study places are available in the winter semester of each year.

What requirements do you need to study medicine in Latvia?

The basic requirement for studying medicine in Latvia is a high school diploma or a comparable qualification. This means that it is also possible to study with a vocational baccalaureate. The numerus clausus is not particularly important here, but the universities attach great importance to good grades in the natural sciences. Biology and chemistry are particularly important. However, an interest in maths and physics is also appreciated by professors.

As the lessons are held in English, sufficient language skills are required. You need at least a grade 2 in English and a language certificate at language level B2 or better.

The application process for studying medicine at Stradins University Riga and other faculties in Latvia, for example, is somewhat different. Unlike in most European countries, no entrance test is required here. This is particularly popular with German students.

Structure and content of the medical degree programme in Latvia

How long does it take to study medicine in Latvia? The structure, content and duration of medical studies in Latvia roughly correspond to the German framework conditions for this degree programme.

If you are able to obtain one of the coveted places to study medicine, the programme lasts 6 years. One academic year is divided into two semesters. The beginning of the programme is referred to as the pre-clinical phase, the first two years of the course. During this time, the subjects of biology, chemistry, physics, physiology and anatomy are taught. The difference to the German degree programme is that teaching takes place mainly in small groups of students.

The clinical part of the programme then begins in the third year and you will gain knowledge from all specialist areas of medicine, such as internal medicine, Surgerygynaecology or paediatrics. You will also start practical work and familiarise yourself with everyday medical work during your clinical traineeship. To ensure that you can communicate with patients, it is important that you have acquired a basic knowledge of the Latvian language by then.

How much does it cost to study medicine in Latvia?

To give you your Financing medical studies abroad To be able to make the right decision, you need to think carefully about the costs involved. The costs of studying medicine abroad are usually made up of tuition fees and living costs.

University of Riga Stradins

Stradins University (RSU) charges its students 6,250 euros per semester to study human medicine and an average of 7,300 euros per semester to study dentistry.

Latvia University

At Latvia University, the cost of studying medicine is 4,875 euros per semester in the first year and rises to 6,000 euros per semester in the sixth year. Tuition fees of 7,500 euros per semester are charged for studying dentistry.

That may sound like a lot, but a Scholarship will be able to help you with funding. For further information, you can contact the respective universities - we will be happy to help you.

The cost of living in Latvia is significantly lower than in Germany. Frugal students can even get by here on just 600 euros a month, which already includes the rent.

3 exciting facts about Latvia

• Small country - great people! The median height of the total population in Latvia is 175.6 centimetres, putting Latvia in second place worldwide behind the Netherlands.

• Oldest Christmas tree in the world! For a long time, Riga was home to the oldest Christmas tree in the world. A monument to it can currently be seen there.

• Europe's widest waterfall can be admired in Latvia. The Ventas Rumba has an impressive length of 250 metres - although the drop height of around two metres is much more modest than the total length would suggest.

How do I apply to study medicine in Latvia?

For the application for a Medical study place At a university in Latvia, in addition to your university certificate, you will need other documents such as a letter of motivation, proof of English language proficiency at a minimum B2 level, a medical certificate and two letters of recommendation.

In your letter of motivation, you as an applicant explain why you have decided to study medicine in Latvia. It is crucial to explain why this university is the right choice for you and why you want to leave Germany. Take this letter very seriously as it plays a big role in the success of the application. If you have a friend who has already successfully completed this application process, you have an advantage because you can ask them for advice on how your letter of motivation should look. There are also commercial service providers who can help you with this.

The medical degree programme at RSU (Riga Stradins University) starts twice a year in the winter and summer semesters, while Latvia University only starts in the winter semester. Here, it is very important that you have the respective Application deadlines into account.

Are you interested and ready to realise your dream of studying medicine in Latvia? Contact us today and start your journey with futuredoctor. We look forward to accompanying you on your journey and working with you to realise your dream of a career in medicine.

Would you like to complete your studies in another northern country? Then take a look at the following countries: Medical studies Denmark, Medical studies Finland, Medical studies Estonia, Medical studies Sweden, Medical studies Lithuania, Medical studies Norway.