Academic higher education in Latvia follows Bologna system and is divided into three levels:

 GBachelor's studies

 Master's studies

 Doctoral studies

A Bachelor degree is obtained after three or four years of study, while a master's degree is obtained on successful completion of the second phase of academic higher education, lasting one or two years.

Only graduates holding a master's degree or equivalent graduate diploma may take up doctoral studies. These last three to four years, involving advanced studies, examinations and the preparation and defence of a doctoral thesis.

Universities in Latvia

Latvia has around 60 state and private colleges, university colleges and universities. More than 50 of which are established since Latvia became an independent nation from the Soviet Union in 1990.

Tuition fees for master’s degree program at public schools is nearly about €1,700/year for EU/EEA and about €3,700 for all other international students. Most master’s degree programs require two years of study.

Academic Year

The academic session is divided into semesters (autumn and spring) that usually starts in September and ends in June. Each semester is a program of 20 weeks long which includes final examination too.

After obtaining the master’s degree, students are welcome to seek a job in Latvia and other surrounding countries. Most students are expected to show an invitation for a job before applying for a visa and work permit, but students with some technoscientific skills may get a work permit without a firm job offer, the skills such as information technology specialists and scientists to be employed by state institutions.