Intakes in Latvia at a glance
Quick read
- Latvia's main intake is September. A February intake exists at a few institutions, but places for non-EU students are very limited.
- Indian applicants often have an earlier deadline than others: at Riga Technical University, applications for autumn 2026 opened on 1 January and closed on 15 June 2026 for applicants from India.
- Expect a similar window for autumn 2027, opening around the start of the year.
- The residence permit for studies takes 30 days as standard and can be extended to four months, so apply soon after admission.
- Since 15 September 2026, most non-EU bachelor's and master's students cannot bring family members.
Latvian universities admit most international students for the autumn semester, which starts in September. Applications usually open at the start of the calendar year, and many universities set an earlier deadline for applicants from countries such as India to allow time for document checks and the residence permit.
Latvia has been reviewing its rules for foreign students, so check the latest conditions on the university and immigration office websites before you apply.
Types of intakes in Latvia
September intake
Main intakeAlso called: Autumn intake
- Classes start
- September
- Applications open
- From about 1 January
- Typical deadlines
- Often mid-June for applicants from India (RTU: 15 June 2026); others later in the summer
- Courses available
- Almost all English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes
Good for: Nearly all students.
February intake
Limited coursesAlso called: Spring intake
- Classes start
- February
- Applications open
- From about the previous autumn
- Typical deadlines
- Set by each institution, usually in November
- Courses available
- Very few programmes for non-EU students
Good for: Only students whose programme confirms a spring start for non-EU applicants.
Upcoming intakes in Latvia from 23 Oct 2026
February 2027
Closing soonFebruary 2027, very limited
Apply by: Check with the university now
Few programmes admit non-EU students in spring. Ask us before you plan for it.
September 2027
Opening soonSeptember 2027
Apply by: Windows usually open around 1 January 2027; Indian applicants' deadlines often fall in mid-June
Apply early in the window so there is time for document checks and the residence permit.
September 2028
Plan aheadSeptember 2028
Apply by: January to June 2028
Good if you need more time for your English test or savings.
Status is worked out from the date this page was updated. Courses can close early once they are full, so treat each date as the latest safe point, not a target.
Not sure which intake you can still make?Tell us your course and marks and our counsellor will check which Latvia intakes are realistic for you.
Month-by-month plan for the September 2027 intake
November to December 2026
Shortlist programmes and check accreditation, fees and the deadline for applicants from India.
December 2026 to January 2027
Take your English test and prepare apostilled or legalised documents if the university asks for them.
January to March 2027
Apply as soon as the window opens; some universities interview applicants.
March to May 2027
Receive your admission, pay the deposit or first tuition instalment as required.
May to June 2027
Apply for the national D visa or residence permit with proof of funds (at least €780 a month in 2026) and insurance of at least €42,600.
August to September 2027
Travel, register your address, complete the chest X-ray and start classes.
How to choose the right intake
- 01
Programme start
September is the only realistic intake for most non-EU students.
- 02
Country-specific deadlines
Deadlines for applicants from India can be months earlier than for others.
- 03
Permit time
Leave up to four months for the residence permit in busy periods.
- 04
Family plans
Since September 2026, most non-EU bachelor's and master's students cannot bring family members.
Application deadlines at universities in Latvia
| University | Intake | Deadline | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riga Technical University (applicants from India) | Autumn 2026 (latest published) | 15 June 2026 (window opened 1 January 2026) | Check date |
| Riga Technical University (application portal) | Autumn 2027 | Check the portal when the 2027 window opens | Check date |
| Rīga Stradiņš University (tuition and study in English) | Autumn 2027 | Check the admissions pages for 2027 dates | Check date |
| University of Latvia (visas for degree students) | Autumn 2027 | Visa and residence steps for admitted students | Check date |
Latvian universities publish deadlines for each autumn intake early in the year, often with separate dates by country of citizenship.
Eligibility and documents to keep ready
What you usually need to apply
- Class 12 for bachelor's; a recognised bachelor's degree for master's.
- IELTS or another accepted English test (often B2 level).
- Document recognition through the university or the Academic Information Centre.
- Proof of funds of at least €780 a month (2026) and health insurance of at least €42,600.
Documents checklist
- Passport
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
- Bachelor's transcripts and degree certificate (for master's)
- English test score report
- Motivation letter
- Proof of tuition payment
- Proof of funds and health insurance
Want us to check your documents?Our counsellor will go through your file before you apply, so a missing paper doesn't cost you an intake.
Intakes in Latvia: FAQs
What is the main intake in Latvia?
September. February starts are rare for non-EU students.
When should Indian students apply for September 2027?
Early in the window, which usually opens around 1 January. At RTU, the 2026 deadline for applicants from India was 15 June.
How long does the residence permit take?
30 days as standard, extendable to a maximum of four months.
Can I bring my family?
Since 15 September 2026, most bachelor's and master's students from non-NATO countries cannot bring family members.
Sources
- Riga Technical University: application deadlines for autumn 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- Riga Technical University: application portal (opens in a new tab)
- Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs: studies (opens in a new tab)
- EU Immigration Portal: student in Latvia (opens in a new tab)
- University of Latvia: visas (opens in a new tab)
Researched on 23 Oct 2026. Universities change dates every year, so confirm each deadline on the official page before you apply.