Universities in Latvia ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 26 Universities in Latvia

The Republic of Latvia is divided into 110 municipalities (Latvian: novadi) and 9 independent republican cities (Latvian: republikas pilsētas). The majority of higher education institutions that meet the uniRank selection criteria are located in Riga, the capital and largest independent city. The following uniRank sub-rankings and league tables take into account all municipalities and republican cities that include at least one Latvian higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Kurzeme (2)  
Latgale (2)  
Riga (20)  
Vidzeme (1)  
Zemgale (1)  

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Overview of Latvia Universities

Latvia's higher education system comprises 26 accredited institutions offering diverse academic programs. The sector includes public (state-funded) and private universities, with 14 public and 12 private institutions. Universities provide bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees across comprehensive and specialized fields like technology, medicine, economics and arts. Most institutions teach in Latvian, but over 500 English-taught programs attract international students. Quality assurance is overseen by the Academic Information Centre, with degrees recognized across the EU.

Top 10 Latvia Universities

1. University of Latvia (Latvijas Universitāte) - LU | Riga | Est. 1919 | Public
   Country Rank: #1 | World Rank: #886
2. Riga Technical University (Rīgas Tehniskā universitāte) - RTU | Riga | Est. 1862 | Public
   Country Rank: #2 | World Rank: #1,544
3. Riga Stradiņš University (Rīgas Stradiņa Universitāte) - RSU | Riga | Est. 1950 | Public
   Country Rank: #3 | World Rank: #2,531
4. Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies (Latvijas Biozinātņu un tehnoloģiju universitāte) - LBTU | Jelgava | Est. 1939 | Public
   Country Rank: #4 | World Rank: #2,694
5. Stockholm School of Economics in Riga (Rigas Ekonomikas augstskola) - SSE Riga | Riga | Est. 1994 | Private
   Country Rank: #5 | World Rank: #4,578
6. Rezekne Academy of Technologies (Rēzeknes Tehnoloģiju Akadēmija) - RTA | Rēzekne | Est. 1993 | Public
   Country Rank: #6 | World Rank: #4,836
7. Daugavpils University (Daugavpils Universitāte) - DU | Daugavpils | Est. 1921 | Public
   Country Rank: #7 | World Rank: #4,995
8. Turība University (Biznesa augstskola Turiba) | Riga | Est. 1993 | Private
   Country Rank: #8 | World Rank: #5,369
9. Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (Vidzemes Augstskola) - ViA | Valmiera | Est. 1996 | Public
   Country Rank: #9 | World Rank: #5,478
10. Art Academy of Latvia (Latvijas Mākslas akadēmija) - LMA | Riga | Est. 1919 | Public
    Country Rank: #10 | World Rank: #5,553

Analysis of University Types

Latvia's 26 universities comprise 14 public (53.8%) and 12 private institutions (46.2%). Public universities dominate the top rankings, holding 8 of the top 10 positions. Riga hosts the majority of institutions (7 in the top 10), with regional centers like Jelgava, Rēzekne, Daugavpils and Valmiera also featuring leading universities. The distribution reflects Latvia's focus on accessible higher education across its regions.

Global Ranking and Standing

While no Latvian universities currently rank in the global top 200, one institution (University of Latvia) appears in the top 1,000 worldwide – representing 3.8% of Latvia's universities. This demonstrates the competitive nature of global rankings for smaller European higher education systems. Latvian universities maintain strong regional recognition through specialized programs and EU academic networks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the most prestigious university in Latvia?
The University of Latvia consistently ranks as Latvia's top institution (Country Rank #1), known for research output and comprehensive programs.

Are Latvian degrees recognized internationally?
Yes, Latvia follows the Bologna Process framework, ensuring degrees are recognized across the European Higher Education Area and beyond.

What are popular fields of study in Latvia?
Leading specialties include engineering/technology (RTU), medicine (RSU), business (SSE Riga), agriculture (LBTU) and arts (LMA).

Do universities offer programs in English?
Most top universities provide English-taught degrees, particularly at master's level, attracting over 5,000 international students annually.

How affordable is Latvian higher education?
Public university tuition averages €2,000-€5,000/year for international students, with lower costs for EU citizens. Private institutions charge €3,000-€8,000/year.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Latvian universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in Latvia
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Latvian post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in Latvia
  Search for Latvian higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Latvian Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Latvian town or city.
• Top Public Universities in Latvia
  Discover Latvian public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in Latvia
  Find out about Latvian private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in Latvia
  Explore Latvian not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in Latvia
  Look for Latvian for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Latvian Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in Latvia have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Latvian Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in Latvia that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Latvian Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in Latvia are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Latvian Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in Latvia with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.