Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences at the University of Latvia (LU)

- Riga, Latvia
Abroad

General Information

The Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences at the University of Latvia (LU) is a premier institution for medical studies in the Baltics. Known for its research-driven approach and state-of-the-art facilities, it offers English-taught programs that are fully recognized across the European Union and globally.

General Info

  • Established: 1919 (Faculty of Medicine), reorganized in 2024 to include Life Sciences.

  • Location: Academic Center in Torņakalns (House of Nature and House of Science), Riga, Latvia.

  • Primary Program: Medicine (MD).

    • Duration: 6 years (360 ECTS).

    • Degree: Medical Doctor (MD).

  • Language of Instruction: English.

    • Note: Students learn Latvian in the first three years to ensure they can interact with patients during clinical rotations starting in year 4.

  • Accreditation: Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and recognized by the NMC (India), ECFMG (USA), and GMC (UK).

Campus Facilities

  • Academic Center: Most classes take place at the House of Nature and the House of Science in Torņakalns. These are among the most modern academic buildings in Northern Europe, equipped with high-tech laboratories and simulation rooms.

  • Modern Pedagogy: The faculty emphasizes "Integrated Learning," merging basic sciences with clinical practice early in the curriculum.

  • Research Opportunities: LU is a major research hub; students can participate in projects involving medical pharmacy, histology, and immunology.

Hospital & Medical Facilities

Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution

The University of Latvia is affiliated with the top healthcare institutions in the country:

  • Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital: One of the main teaching hospitals, focusing on cardiology and transplantation.

  • Riga East Clinical University Hospital (RAKUS): The largest hospital complex in Latvia, providing exposure to oncology, trauma, and infectious diseases.

  • Children’s Clinical University Hospital (BKUS): Dedicated to pediatric training.

  • Clinical Immersion: Small group sizes (usually 10–12 students) ensure personalized attention during hospital shifts.

Fee Structure

State University Affordability

Tuition fees at LU are fixed and generally lower than those at Riga Stradiņš University (RSU).

  • Medicine (English): €13,500 per year.

  • Dentistry (English): €15,500 per year.

  • Application Fee: €141.

  • Security Deposit: Often required upon admission (varies by country of origin).

City Details

  • Atmosphere: Riga is a blend of medieval history and modern innovation. It is safe, walkable, and widely known for its Art Nouveau architecture and UNESCO-protected Old Town.

  • Transport: Public transit is excellent. Students receive a massive discount: a monthly unlimited pass costs only €16 (down from €50).

  • Visa/Residence Permit: From January 2026, non-EU students must show proof of funds totaling €9,400 to secure a residence permit.

    • Hostel & Mess

    • University Student Hotels: "Prima" and "Reznas" are the two main options.

      • Cost: €100 – €270 per month (depending on room occupancy).

    • Private Housing: Many students choose to live in the city center or closer to the Torņakalns campus.

      • Shared Apartment: €250 – €400 per month.

      • Private Studio: €450 – €650 per month.

    • Utilities: Budget €100 – €200 per month (costs increase during the heating season).

    Miscellaneous

    • Application Window: Opens January 1, 2026.

    • Deadlines:

      • Non-EU (Visa required): June 21, 2026.

      • EU/EEA Citizens: July 31, 2026.

    • Academic Requirements:

      • High school diploma with grades in Biology and Chemistry (no lower than 6 on a 10-point scale).

      • Selection Weighting: 40% Chemistry, 40% Biology, 20% English.

    • English Proficiency: IELTS (6.0+) or TOEFL (80+). Students from English-speaking countries are exempt.

    • NEET (For Indians): Mandatory for those intending to return to India for the NExT/FMGE exam.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Students must typically have a minimum of 50% marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in the 12th standard (40% for reserved categories) and must have qualified NEET in the current or previous two years, as per NMC guidelines.

    The duration is generally 6 years in total, which includes 5 years of academic study (54 months) and 1 year of compulsory internship (12 months), fully complying with the latest National Medical Commission (NMC) rules.

    The process is simple: 1. Submit scanned documents (10th, 11th, and 12th mark sheets, NEET result, Passport scan, and a recent passport-size photograph with a white background). 2. Receive the Admission Letter from the University. 3. Process the Invitation Letter for Visa. 4. Complete the Visa application with our assistance.

    Yes, all our partner universities are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Medical Commission (NMC). Graduate doctors can also write major global licensing exams such as USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), AMC (Australia), and the FMGE/NExT exam for India.

    While most universities admit based on your 12th marks and NEET qualification, some may require a simple online entrance test or interview. We will guide you through any such requirement.

    Fees typically cover the Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Medical Insurance, Visa Extension, and administrative charges. A detailed, transparent fee structure showing Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Mess Charges, Visa/Invitation Fee, and Medical Assurance Fee for each country and university will be provided upfront.

    Payment schedules are determined by the individual university. Some universities allow semester-wise payments, while others require annual payments. We will provide clear guidance on the university's official payment schedule.

    We are committed to transparency. All costs, including consultation charges and university expenses, are detailed in your offer letter. We strongly advise against any form of donation.

    Yes, we coordinate group departures for students and assist with flight ticket booking. Our representative will meet the students at the destination airport and provide transport to the university hostel.

    Hostels offer secure accommodation with separate facilities for boys and girls. Indian meals are generally cooked and served by Indian caterers within the hostel premises or mess hall to ensure a suitable diet for students.

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