STUDY MEDICINE IN LATVIA

---

Latvia is fastly growing to be one of the most preferred destinations for students who wish to study medicine abroad. This Baltic country has much to offer in terms of educational quality, cultural attractiveness, and environmental beauty. Students should pay attention to the University of Latvia and Riga Stradins University. Both of them teach medicine in English in the Latvian capital Riga. 

More and more international medical students choose Latvian medical universities to graduate with M.D. and D.M.D. every year. With its well-developed higher education system and infrastructure, it’s not surprising that this country is one of the best places to study medicine in Europe. Joining the European Union in 2004 and the Schengen area in 2007 gave unlimited horizons to the applicants wishing to study medicine in English in Europe. 

• Latvia is a fast-developing and modern country, a member of the European Union.
• It takes 39th place in the world’s most developed economies, where education is much more than just lectures.
• Latvian medical universities use the ECTS credit system, which makes international credit transfer easier.
• After graduating, you will receive a diploma recognised worldwide.
• Years of experience have developed a high-quality educational system.
• You receive access to clinics, hospitals, laboratories and libraries and get the chance to learn from the best.
• Medical graduates are allowed to apply for residency and postgraduate training programmes at university teaching hospitals worldwide.
• The country offers you high-level living and educational standards.
• Latvia is a safe country where your student’s years will be memorable.

The admission requirements in Latvia’s English-speaking medical programmes are very straightforward. The University of Latvia needs good high school grades in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Riga Stradins University also requires good grades in Biology and Chemistry, but the third module is in Mathematics. Both universities require a certificate for English proficiency for students who are not native speakers. 

Latvia is quite a diverse place in a cultural sense. Latvians were among the last people to convert to Christianity in Europe, and they have kept many of their “pagan” customs and practices in their folk songs, legends and festivals. Speaking of songs and festivals, international students should prepare themselves to live among a nation of singers. Most Latvians have been a part of a singing choir at some point in their life. 

While keeping their authenticity, the Baltic people have also borrowed much in language and customs from their neighbours and former rulers (namely Russia, Prussia, Sweden, and Poland). Thus, while living in Latvia, one can see the log houses characteristic of Russia just a few miles away from a Gothic castle left from Medieval times. Expect to be surprised in Latvia, or better yet, leave most expectations behind.

As far as geography is concerned, the country is a hotspot for avid nature lovers. More than half of the country is covered in forests, and over 12,500 rivers are carving the countryside before emptying into the Baltic Sea. These great outdoors have been environmentally protected since the 17th century. Thus visitors can enjoy nature in its authentic form in the many parks and reserves throughout the country.

International students can enjoy forest hikes, river kayaking, and beach walks. In addition, adventurers can participate in husky dog sledding in the Winter. There would be no shortage of recreational activities for those thirsty to experience them.

There is one final unmentioned reason why you might consider studying medicine in Latvia. It’s fishing. With 12,500 rivers and the Baltic shore, you better believe there is a lot of fishing to do there. Float angling, spin-fishing, fly-fishing, ice fishing, boat fishing, and shore fishing are distinct possibilities in Latvia. You can catch salmon, sea trout, pike, vimba, and elusive Baltic monsters that dwell in the depths of your imagination.

At RSU, you can study medicine and dentistry in English. The tuition fees are:

• Medicine – €13,500 per year for 6 years
• Dentistry – €15,500 for all years of study

Riga Stradiņš University offers 2 student hostels. The first one, called Hostel Āgenskalns, has over 200 rooms which can accommodate around 600 people. It’s located within 5 minutes of walking distance from the University Hospital. 

The monthly rent here can cost you anywhere between €100-400 per month, depending on whether you’d like to live alone or with roommates and the room quality (total area, amenities, furniture, etc.). 

The second hostel, Dzirciems, which was recently built, is located right next to the main RSU building. It comprises 135 rooms, 4 of which are adjusted to the needs of people with disabilities. It includes single and double bedrooms and suites for more than 2 people, with a total capacity of around 400 people. Prices here range from €250 to €400 per person.

Both hostels’ rooms are well furnished and offer study and recreational facilities, laundries, and everything else, which will ensure your enjoyable stay. Prices are fixed, which means they include utility bills.

If you rent an apartment in Riga, you are looking at around €300 per month. When you include food, entertainment, services, and bills, you will spend about €800 per month while living here.

As for what to do in Riga, there’s plenty for everybody. Being the capital of Latvia, Riga offers many leisure activities. Those interested in museums and art galleries will be pretty happy to know that the city has around 10 of those, with one being a historical medicine museum.

Several theatres, cinemas, and operas are also available for your entertainment. Let’s not forget that Riga offers a wide variety of places to go shopping as well.